Chapter 58 Choosing a Caretaker

"Good morning, my love!" Lucas wrapped his arms around his wife pulling her close. "How do you feel today?"

"I feel a little nauseous." She answered laying her head on his shoulder.

"I think it is time to find a replacement until after the babies are born." Lucas suggested with a heavy heart. "I know you love teaching sweetheart, but I don't think it is in your best interest right now."

"You are probably right." Elizabeth murmured. "I hate it when you're right."

"I'm sorry, what was that?" He teased. "I will never tire of you telling me I am right. We will talk to Lee today and have him request a replacement. I have crews getting ready to start construction so I will be too busy at the moment to be the replacement. Do you think you can make it through this week?"

"I think I can. Maybe I can get Julie to help me. Jack will be fine with Laura." She thought.

"I think that is a fine idea Mrs. Bouchard." He smirked then giving her a sweet kiss he slowly made his way out of their bed and began his morning routine.

Lucas made his way down the stairs and Julie was sitting in the kitchen. "Julie, can you help Elizabeth at school for the next few days until I either get more availability or the town can get a replacement? Laura will be fine with Jack."

"I would be happy too! Let me go get ready." Julie said anxiously happy for a change of pace and a day out of the house.

"Thank you Julie. Words can not express how much we appreciate you being here." Lucas said with a grateful nod.

"It's my pleasure, Lucas." Julie responded as she went to her room to get ready.

The three of them waited on Laura and then headed to town to begin their day. Lucas walked them to school and proceeded to stoke the fire and clean the walk like he did every morning. He kissed his wife goodbye and told her he would be by at lunch. He walked back to the Queen of Hearts hoping to find Mr. Parkes ready to work.

Lucas was quite pleased when he walked in and saw Mr. Parkes standing there waiting on him. Lucas gave him his uniform and had him train with the bartender. Once Lucas was sure everything was in order, he made his way to the construction sites to confirm official plans and make sure everything was good to go. They could not begin renovations on the saloon until the new hotel was finished. Even though he seemed busy for the moment, he had a plan and had to make sure he followed through so he could be home for his wife and children as time was quickly approaching and would be here before he knew it. Lucas stopped by the Mayor's office and talked to Lee about a replacement teacher. Lee had confirmed he would request one.

The rest of the day went according to plan. Lucas took lunch to Elizabeth and Julie and made sure everything was going okay. When school was over they were happy to be getting home at a decent hour, and thankful there were no dramatic occurrences.

Lucas pulled out the list of private care providers and started looking through the list that Faith had given him. "Elizabeth, would you prefer a male or female to care for you?" He asked not exactly sure how he would feel about her having a male caretaker.

"It does not matter sweetie." She responded sensing there might have been a little discomfort in his voice, having a male provider.

"Wouldn't that be a little awkward to have a male caretaker?" He asked more for his own concern than hers.

"Darling, that is adorable. If it would ease your mind to have a woman caretaker than that is fine by me." She said trying to reassure him.

Lucas crossed off all of the male names and said he would set up interviews with the rest. He went into his office and spent the evening setting up appointments to meet with the female caretakers. There were five names on the list and he had set one interview per day beginning tomorrow evening.

The next evening they had gathered around the family room with Jack waiting for the first appointment to arrive for her interview. Lucas went to get the door when he heard the knock. The woman was not at all what he had expected. She was very young, beautiful blonde hair, and stunning green eyes. He invited her in and ushered her to the family room and offered her a seat and some tea. It was evident in Elizabeth's face this woman was not going to work. After all the introductions were over, Lucas began with a series of questions about her experience and her knowledge. Her credentials were very impressive. Elizabeth's mind was suddenly plaguing her with thoughts that her husband might be attracted to this woman. When the interview was over, they shook her hand and walked her to the door. Lucas informed her they would be in touch soon with their decision.

"Well Mr. Bouchard, that woman is a no for sure." Elizabeth said adamantly.

"I thought she had impressive credentials." He responded.

"Lucas Bouchard I think you found that woman attractive and it wasn't her credentials you were admiring." She said now getting herself worked up as she was starting to pace.

"Elizabeth, you are the only woman for me. There is no woman in this world that could ever be more beautiful than you. If it will make you calm down I will call her tomorrow and let her know we have decided to go a different direction." He said reassuring her while rubbing her back and holding her.

"Yes, that would be wise." She said with tears in her eyes.

Julie was more than amused by her sister's dramatic response to that interview. She could see how emotional she had become since becoming pregnant.

The next woman had very little experience, but seemed very knowledgeable. They had decided to pass on her as well.

The third interview went very well. The woman's name was Gladys Harper. She had experience and knowledge and was a very pleasant person. The Bouchard's were very pleased with her. They had decided after she left that she was the one. Lucas called the next day to inform her of their decision.

Lucas made sure to call all the other's to let them know that they had found a caretaker and would not be in need of their services.