Chapter 50 Farewell to the Bouchard's

Lucas turned to look at his wife, just gazing upon her beautiful face as the rays from the sun landed on it. He took his hand and brushed back her hair behind her ear, gently cupping her face. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Darling, what is it?" Elizabeth asked groggily, still trying to wake up.

"I still can't believe we are here and this is happening. If I am being honest love, that day I drove by your home and saw Newton outside. I thought all hope was lost for the future I always dreamed of. Here I am today married to the most beautiful woman in the world, with the most precious son whom I love and adore, and we are about to have three more children. I could not be any happier in this moment." Lucas spoke with such adoration in his voice.

"Darling, I can't say I am sorry enough for what I put you through. I couldn't see myself what I was doing, until the thought of losing you crept into my mind. Then everything became clear as day. I love you so much and couldn't even begin to picture my life without you in it." She gave him a gentle kiss.

"I should get up and go make breakfast. Why don't you lay here and rest for a little while longer. You need all the rest you can get." He gently placed a kiss on her abdomen and got dressed to go make breakfast. Today his parents were leaving and they would set into motion several of their plans.

Lucas was in the kitchen making pancakes and everyone began to gather. The Bouchard's were getting all their things packed up and loaded into the car with the help of Tom and Alex so they could head back to Montreal where Lucas's father had delayed several important meetings.

Jack came running down the stairs, "Daddy, pancakes."

Lucas put Jack in his seat and gave him his pancakes playing the smiley face game Jack always loved. Lucas received so much joy out of watching Jack laugh. His heart was definitely full. Lucas placed a plate on a tray and prepared Elizabeth's pancakes just the way she liked them. He fixed her a cup of Ginger tea as well and placed it on the tray. "Jack I will be right back, I'm going to take this to your momma."

"Okay daddy."

Lucas took the tray upstairs and opened the door. "Here love you told me earlier you were hungry." He gently placed the tray on the table beside the bed. "Why don't you eat and then join us. My parents will be leaving soon."

"Thank you, darling. You are so thoughtful. I love everything about you." She sat up and took his hand, gently rubbing it.

He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss then slowly pulled back and whispered. "I'll see you downstairs in a bit."

Elizabeth ate her pancakes and drunk her tea lost in thought. She could not believe how lucky she was to have found the perfect husband. She got dressed for the day. She made sure to dress appropriately since they would be going into town later and it was still cold out. She could not wait for spring.

When Elizabeth made her appearance downstairs everyone had finished eating and Lucas had already cleaned Jack up. He had even dressed him for their outing into town. Jonathan and Helen were waiting to say goodbye.

"Elizabeth, make sure you find time to work on that novel and I will take care of the book tour." Helen told her. "We will miss you guys so much and look forward to returning in the fall. She gave each of them a hug. "Son, I love you. Make sure you take care of your family and remember we are here if you need us."

Lucas responded returning her hug. "I will mother, and I will make sure Elizabeth has plenty of time to write."

"Father, thank you for everything you have done. It has meant so much to have you both here. Be safe traveling back to Montreal." Lucas said in a most appreciative tone.

"I love you, son. Take care of your perfect family. We will see you in the fall and hopefully talk on the phone." He gave Lucas the fatherly embrace which was gladly returned.

They gave hugs all around and said their goodbyes, making sure to pay extra long attention to Jack before they got on the road. Everyone stood outside on the porch and waved as the car pulled away.

Lucas threw Jack over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and Jack giggled. They all went back inside and sat down in the family room in front of the fire place. Lucas put Jack on the rug and gave him his tinker toys. "Would anyone like some tea? We have some things we need to discuss with you?" Lucas asked.

"I would love some!" Grace responded in a grateful tone.

"I will have some as well Lucas." Julie replied.

Lucas brought tea back for all the ladies and then joined his wife on the settee.

"William, Grace we would be more than honored if you could free your schedules and return with my parents in the fall." Lucas asked.

"The honor would be all ours Lucas. Thank you for allowing us into your beautiful home and being such a wonderful host. We would be more than happy to return. Your mother and I go way back and it was great to see you two come together and our families spend time together. We have had a wonderful time." Grace said gracefully.

"We are so excited to be on this journey with the both of you and if there is anything you two need, please don't hesitate to ask." William offered.

"Thank you William!" Lucas responded with a gentleman's handshake.

"Julie, Lucas and I were wondering if you would consider putting down roots here in Hope Valley with us. You could come and go as you please and we even talked about adding on an art studio for you so you could give private lessons if you like?" Elizabeth asked.

"I don't know what to say Beth. That is a very generous offer. Can you give me a week to think about it? That sounds like such a permanent situation. I am not sure I'm there yet." Julie told them thoughtfully.

"Take all the time you need Julie. We are not going anywhere. Why don't we all have lunch in town today at Abigail's? We have some things we need to take care of in town and it could take us awhile." Lucas asked knowing he had a checklist of things to accomplish before the babies arrived.

"We would love to Lucas!" Grace responded.

Lucas told them to meet them at Abigail's at noon and bring Jack. Lucas and Elizabeth headed into town to begin their preparations for the babies to arrive. There was so much to get done. It would take the full seven months.