The telephone in Hamilton rang around seven-thirty at night, about a half hour after Lucas left Elizabeth's home. He left before dark in order to return their horses to the stables and make his way toward his own home and she hated to see him go. The two had spent a lovely afternoon talking and kissing and discussing plans for their wedding and kissing some more and at one point, when things began to get a little heated, he gently moved away from her explaining that he wanted to be patient. Little did he know that his patience was the last thing that she wanted after the romantic euphoria of their day together. She was thankful to have him there though, to keep her honest, knowing that it would make things so much sweeter on that day when they had to be patient no more.

As she waited for her parents to pick up the line, she recalled the sweet kiss that they had ended their night with and the look of utter joy on Lucas's face as he left. To see him so happy again, after all they had been through, was a greater joy than she'd ever thought possible – and to think – she would get to make him smile and laugh for the rest of their lives. She closed her eyes and hugged herself just thinking about it.

"Thatcher residence." A female voice on the line broke her out of her daydreaming.

"Oh…Aunt Agatha?" Elizabeth said, uncertainly. "Did I dial the wrong number?"

"Elizabeth? Is that you?" Agatha asked.

"It's me." She smiled.

"How good it is to hear your voice. And no, you didn't dial the wrong number. Your parents invited me for dinner. Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine, Aunt Agatha." She responded. "I was calling to speak with mother and father. I have news. Are they there?"

"Yes. They are in the parlor with Sir Hugh de Lacy and his family. Their son-in-law Geoffrey Beaumont from the House of Lords is here with them from London. They're all on the verge of signing an important business contract. Isn't it exciting? The de Lacys will be here with us through next week. Should I interrupt them?"

"Oh, please don't." Elizabeth said. "Father has been trying to get Hugh de Lacy to join forces with Northwest Shipping for years."

"I know he has been. Sir Lionel helped arrange the meeting."

"That's wonderful! Let them enjoy their conversation and please, let them know that I called and that I'll call them back in the morning."

"I will, dear. I hope the news is good?" she said.

"Yes, Aunt Agatha. The news is very good. I believe they will be pleased."

"Excellent! We will await your call in the morning."

Once he had reached home, Lucas couldn't wait to speak with his parents, particularly his father, about Elizabeth agreeing to be his wife. For his entire adult life, he had lived like a vagabond, never being able to call any place home and dealing with nagging doubts that perhaps fanciful dreams of finding one's soulmate were but a product a mind starved for affection and fed by the romantic literature of the day. But he never lost faith. And now, faith was sight. He could truly say that he had never felt happier.

The Bouchards shared in his joy and even Helen applauded his choice, though she wouldn't always have done so. She desired a high society match for her son. Still, she knew that Lucas was happy and that Elizabeth Thornton was going to make a wonderful wife for her son and she loved her already.

"So, have you discussed when the wedding is going to be and where?" Peter asked with Helen's ear placed next to his against the telephone receiver.

"Not yet." Lucas said. "She is calling her parents tonight. When and where may depend somewhat on her mother's ability to travel. I know that she missed Elizabeth's wedding to Jack, and I am sure it will be important that she attends."

"Of course." Peter said. "Just tell us when and where and even if it means cancelling a meeting with the king himself, we will be there."

"I will do that." Lucas smiled. "Thank you both for everything. Knowing that you approve means a lot."

"She's quite lovely, Lucas." Helen replied. "And, I'm happy that you have found the love for which you've always sought."

"And didn't settle for less." Peter added.

"It was the best decision I have ever made." Lucas replied. "And you were right, father. All I needed to do was be patient."

Morning arrived and Lucas was up early, full of energy and happiness and eager to begin his day. After the run-in with Charlie Hill, he felt much more comfortable driving his car around town, though he still didn't want to take it on longer trips to places like Union City. But he knew it that would soon come.

Entering his restaurant, he tried to appear as nonchalant as possible given that he and Elizabeth had agreed to keep their engagement a secret for a few days, until they could tell their families. They then planned on having Joseph make the announcement at church. But the moment that Gustave saw him, the secret began to unravel.

"Monsieur Bouchard! Tu as un air d'amour aujourd'hui!" he said the moment he saw Lucas's luminescent expression. "Did you finally ask Mademoiselle Thornton to marry you?"

Lucas stood there with a frozen smile for several seconds as those eating breakfast in his restaurant stopped and looked at him. "Always the inquisitive one, aren't you, Gustave! Can't a man just be happy?" he chuckled.

"I've seen happy and I've seen extase." Gustave raised an eyebrow. "Your face…it has ze glow!"

Lucas smiled and began to walk to his office. "Must be the lighting. Do I smell something burning?"

Gustave stopped to smell for a moment. "Mon quiche!" He ran off and for the time being Lucas was relieved of any pressure to disclose his good news.

"Oh, Mother! You and father will love him!" Elizabeth said, ecstatically as she shared her news with Hamilton. "He's well-bred and handsome and so very kind and thoughtful. And…he's just so…so sweet in how he deals with others. Even those with whom he disagrees."

"He sounds lovely, dear. And you sound absolutely enchanted." Grace Thatcher said after hearing her daughter's news. "We look forward to meeting him. When will you be coming?"

Elizabeth bit her lip. "Well, actually, it may be a little while."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Lucas suffered a terrible tragedy late last year from which he is slowly recovering. I will write and tell you all about it later, but it involved the loss of a limb."

"Oh, my!" Grace said. "How sad!"

"Yes…though he's doing wonderfully well. But, he also lost his primary business in a fire at the time and the townspeople cared so much for him and the establishment that they have all chipped in and rebuilt it. He's spent months away in Baltimore recovering from his injury and I know being here to help rebuild the business is important…"

"More important that meeting your family?" Grace asked. "Elizabeth, it's unusual enough that this 'well-bred' young man did not ask for your father's permission before asking you to marry him…You don't expect us to meet him for the first time at your wedding, do you?"

"Elizabeth's getting married?!' Julie Thatcher said as she passed by just outside in the hallway. Immediately she entered and upon her mother's silence took the phone from out of her hand.

"You're getting married?!" she said.

"Yes, sweet sister. I am. To Lucas Bouchard." Elizabeth smiled.

"Wait…isn't he the saloon owner?" Julie asked.

"A saloon owner?!" William Thatcher stated as he entered the room. "Who is a saloon owner?"

"Elizabeth's new fiancé!" Julie replied.

"Elizabeth's fiancé?" William asked. "Our daughter is marrying a saloon owner?"

"Julie…tell father…" Elizabeth said, exasperated. "…just put him on the phone."

"Okay." Julie smiled, sheepishly. "Elizabeth wishes to speak with you."

William took a seat next to his wife and held her hand as he listened to her latest news.

"Is it true? Are you marrying a saloon owner?"

"Not any more. The saloon burned down and the town replaced it with a new restaurant and hotel."

"That town of yours, again. They are very generous."

"Yes. They are." She replied.

"So, tell me about this young man – who like your first husband, proposed to my daughter without asking my blessing."

Elizabeth smiled. "You will love him. Lucas is a well-bred gentleman who comes from a background similar to my own. His father and mother travel in the highest of social circles."

"Really?" he asked. "What are their names?"

"Peter and Helen Bouchard." Elizabeth replied.

"Bouchard…Bouchard." he said, thinking out loud. "I believe I met Peter Bouchard once on a trip to London. He seemed a good man."

"He is." she replied. "And Lucas's mother is an editor who helped me to publish my book.

William relaxed. "Well, at least I won't have to worry about your future well-being."

"You didn't have to worry about it with Jack." She replied.

"Except for the tragedy that took his life." He replied. "I am glad that this young man is not involved in something quite so dangerous. When do I get to meet him?"

Late that afternoon, after Elizabeth had gone to school and returned home again, she and Lucas sat side by side on her sofa holding hands and talking while she made him a roast for dinner.

"So, where would you like to have our wedding?" she asked, caressing his long, soft fingers. Prior to everything that happened, he had prided himself on taking great care of his outward appearance, including his hands and despite it all, still showed the same attention to personal grooming as he did before. His raven hair was trimmed within a day of returning to Hope Valley as was his beard and his hands which were made a little rougher from the work he had done in Baltimore were now finely manicured and smooth as they had been before – and yet, without a manicurist in town. She wondered if he did this himself.

"Wherever you wish." He replied, breaking her out of her daydream. "If my bride wishes for me to rent the Taj Mahal for her for our wedding then just say the word, I'll find a way."

Elizabeth giggled. "Your bride doesn't want or need the Taj Mahal and it's not only about her. Surely you have dreamed sometime of what your wedding day would be like? I mean, even though the first one was far too short, this is my second marriage. It will be your first."

Lucas got an inscrutable look upon his face and then softly smiled. "While it's true I've never experienced the joy of married life and it will be a first for a lot of things..." He replied. "… if I'm being completely honest, you've already fulfilled my long-denied dreams of being allowed to marry my soulmate with the fact that you accepted my proposal – it is my greatest dream come true. So, in terms of where we marry or how many people are there or whether it is formal or informal – whatever makes you happy. As long as I am your husband at the end of the day, I'll be the happiest man in the world."

Elizabeth melted inside over his sweetness then leaned up and kissed him – tenderly at first but then with increasing passion. Lucas responded in like fashion and soon, she found herself pulled over onto his lap where they could kiss at a more natural angle. His strong arms embraced her, pulling her toward him as lips touched and fingers ran through one another's hair and oxygen began to run scarce. For one blissful moment, they were the only two people in the world – until they weren't.

"Oh, gosh!" – the first indication that Robert and Jack had entered the home. "I'm um…I'm so…so…s-s-sorry! I didn't mean to…"

"Oh, my goodness!" Elizabeth scampered to her feet and quickly ran her hands down her blouse and skirt as the unflappable Mr. Bouchard stood, dimples on full display, and nonchalantly straightened his rumpled suit coat, smoothing back his disheveled locks before retrieving little Jack for his mother.

Elizabeth's cheeks were berry red as she tried to come up with an explanation as to what the traumatized teen had walked into. "We were just…were just…just…Lucas?!" Her hands motioned in circles as she bid Lucas to help her.

"Yes. We were just…" Lucas said with a smile. Taking out a fresh five-dollar bill from his wallet, he handed it to Robert. "Thank you for taking care of Jack, Robert."

Robert looked at the bank note with wide eyes. "Mr. Bouchard, I don't have change for…"

"No change is needed." Lucas said, then he looked Robert with all seriousness in the eyes. "Not a word?"

Robert looked at the five and then at Lucas and Elizabeth and understood immediately what was being asked of him.

"A word about what?" he said, smiling.

Lucas grinned and stepped away.

"See you tomorrow, Mrs. Thornton?" Robert asked. "Oh, and I'll knock next time." Robert winked and shut the door.

Elizabeth plopped back down on the couch with an embarrassed pout on her face and Lucas joined her, fairly amused. He put Jack down on the floor, allowing the little boy to run and play with his toys and took Elizabeth's hand, kissing it. He then gave her 'the look' that he knew always had an effect on her. She was not unaware of what he was doing.

"I fail to find this amusing." She said, trying her best to keep a straight face.

"Not even a little?" he asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

She rolled her eyes and laughed. "Oh, you are so dangerous!"

"Dangerous? Moi?" he asked.

"Yeah. Those dimples will get you anything." She replied.

Lucas sat up straight. "Oh. Do tell?"

She began to giggle and pushed him playfully with her palm.

"Lucas Bouchard! Behave yourself!"

He smiled softly then sat back in his seat like a perfect gentleman, keeping both hands at his side and appearing as stiff and formal as he could.

She twisted her mouth to one side and looked him over. "Not that much!" she said, taking his hand. "But…within reason. I'm not Mrs. Bouchard yet and our patience still has a little way to go."

"So, you're asking me to stop trying it." He said.

"Within reason." She replied.

"I can be reasonable."

She chuckled and shook her head. "Back to the wedding. What do you want?"

He shrugged. "Truly, whatever you want. I am happy if you are happy."

"Then I would like a small and intimate affair with just our closest friends and family." she said.

"That's fine. I take it you have spoken with your parents?" he asked.

"Yes. And, father wants to meet you." she said.

"And, I would like to meet him – but you explained our situation with the new restaurant?"

"Yes. And he said that your restaurant will be there when you get back. He's even offered to send a driver to pick us up so that we don't have to spend so many days on a train." She replied.

Lucas paused for a moment, battling with his pride over having travel arrangements made by her father rather than paid for out of his own limited wallet, but knowing her family's approval and participation were something that was important to Elizabeth.

"What do you want to do?" he asked, finally.

"I would like them to see you." she said. "Plus, I would like little Jack to see his grandparents."

Lucas nodded. "Then we will go. But only because I know it's so important to you and because your family will become my family."

"Oh, Lucas!" she smiled, bringing him in for a tender kiss. "I can't wait until they meet you. They're going to love you."

He nodded then smiled.

"We leave Saturday." She added.

Lucas raised his eyebrows. "Saturday? So soon?"

"Yes. Father knows of your father and was most anxious to meet his son. After he got over the shock of you not asking for my hand…"

"Yes…well, I did break protocol with that, didn't I?"

"That's okay. Jack did too. My father forgave him."

"Then it sounds like he is a most reasonable man." He replied. "…who knew love when he saw it. I will ask him for his belated blessing, if that is okay with you."

She smiled. "I love you, Lucas Bouchard." They kissed again and again and then again until little Jack squeezed in between them.

Lucas looked down. "Well, hello Jack."

Jack held up "Dog" for Lucas to see. "Where Amma-belle?"

Lucas nodded, "Well, Annabelle is probably in my library right now cozied up on a pillow, asleep. Would you like me to bring her to see you tomorrow?"

"Uh-huh." Jack replied, giving Lucas a hug around the midsection. He patted the child on the head and then wrapped one arm around Elizabeth and hugged her tightly.

Emily Reardon had just settled back into her apartment in Baltimore and tried to call Nathan to let him know that she had arrived safely but there was no answer at his office and so, she left a message with Florence to let him know she would call him later that night. From there, she freshened up and made her way into the office where Carson Shepherd was waiting to speak with her.

"Emily. I'm glad to see you made it back safely. Any troubles?" he asked.

"None, whatsoever. Service on the train was fine and I made excellent time."

"And everything went well with Lucas, I hear?"

"Yes. But, I'm curious. Who told you?" she asked.

Carson smiled. "Faith did. She told me during our weekly call that you really did wonders with him once he arrived home. He's even driving?"

"That wasn't me. Lucas did all the work. I was just there to supervise." She replied.

"Be that as it may, thank you. Lucas is a friend and I'm glad to see him get his second start after everything he's been through."

"So am I. How have things been here while I've been gone?" she asked.
"Very busy." He replied. "Bachy and I have been working with the administrators on a big new project that I would like to bring you in on. I think you'll be very interested in it. It has to do with the legacy left by Dr. Osler."

Emily knew the Canadian physician, Dr. William Osler, as an esteemed doctor at Hopkins and always enjoyed his sense of humor, which could sometimes be controversial. She was saddened by his death during the Spanish influenza the previous December and had hoped that something would be done to honor his legacy; still, given the rivalry between American and Canadian physicians, it surprised her to hear something was in the works.

"Hopkins is funding something to honor Dr. Osler?"

"Not Hopkins." Carson replied. "Dr. Reed Samuels from Montreal. They are interested in opening up a new hospital after the model of Johns Hopkins up in Quebec. I would be helping to head it up and we would like for you to be a key player in setting it up."

Emily smiled, but it didn't go to her eyes. "Thank you for the opportunity, Carson."

"You don't seem happy." He replied. "Would you prefer to stay in Baltimore?"

She thought quietly to herself. In truth, she didn't wish to be in Montreal or Baltimore but back in Hope Valley, where her heart was. But Nathan had let her leave and it remained to be seen what would become of their relationship so she couldn't turn it down. "No. The venture sounds exciting. Count me in."

Monday afternoon arrived and so did Elizabeth and Lucas at her parent's palatial estate in Hamilton, Ontario. Lucas had been in homes like this throughout most of his youth and he knew that Elizabeth descended from wealth but somehow hadn't imagined her growing up in such an austere environment. How could the vibrant woman who had written the engaging and inspiring, A Single Mother on the Frontier, and had captured his heart, have been raised in a place such as this?

The couple was met at the door of the home by servants of the Thatchers and Elizabeth's sister Julie who immediately began chattering at Elizabeth while Lucas helped the servants to know which piece of luggage went to which room.

"What about this one?" one of the servants asked, somewhat perplexed.

Lucas smiled. "That would be my dog, Annabelle. You can take her up to my room. I will be up in a little while with Jack and we'll take her for a walk."

"A doog?" the servant asked, looking toward Julie and Elizabeth.

"Yes, Barstow. You may take the 'doog' to Mr. Bouchard's room. It'll be fine." Julie said.

Elizabeth smirked and winked toward Lucas who kept as straight of a face he could manage at the servant's appalled reaction.

"Mr. Bouchard! It's lovely to see you again." Julie said with a smile.

Lucas nodded toward her. "Likewise, and please, it's Lucas.",

"Thank you, Lucas! I am so excited to hear all about how you two got engaged and about really everything that's happened since I saw you last. I heard the saloon burned?"

"Yes. I'm afraid it did." He stated as he picked up little Jack in his arms and Elizabeth took his other arm as they made their way inside.

Just then they were greeted by Elizabeth's aunt Agatha.

"Elizabeth!" she said with arms stretched out. "You've made it."

"Yes, we just got in. Aunt Agatha, I would like for you to meet my fiancé, Lucas Bouchard."

Lucas smiled and took her hand, bowing his head toward her. "I'm very pleased to meet you."

"As I am you." Agatha said with a raise of the brow. "Julie wasn't exaggerating when she said you were handsome." She then turned to Elizabeth. "Well done, Elizabeth. Well done."

Elizabeth laughed and hugged his arm as Lucas lowered his chin with a bashful grin.

"I did good. That's for sure."

"And, this young man?" Agatha asked, reaching out to touch little Jack's sleeve.

"This is Jack." Elizabeth replied.

"Good morning, Jack! I'm your Auntie Agatha. I'm so happy to finally meet you."

"Aga-puh." Jack replied. Agatha smiled.

"Such a charming child. Now, why don't the two of you come in. I'm sure that you would like to clean up and rest a little before dinner. Your father's guests are here so the dress is formal."

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, we'd like to get cleaned up a bit. Meet me on that landing at five-thirty, Lucas?"

"Absolutely." Lucas said, kissing her hand and turning to follow the servant, his nerves being greatly set at ease. If the rest of the Thatchers were as warm and welcoming as Julie and Agatha had been, he would have no problem. He was confident things would go well.

Back in Hope Valley, Nathan Grant was busy doing his rounds trying to keep his mind off of Emily's upcoming move to Montreal. On the one hand, it meant she was one day closer by train than she was before, but on the other, she was taking on a position which would very much enhance her career and potentially take her other places – places away from him – as that career advanced. He wanted to be supportive but couldn't help but feel sad. For a moment, he considered calling the mounted police and seeing if he could get a transfer to be near her. He was still in the middle of his thoughts when he almost literally ran into Henry Gowen as he was crossing the road from Gowen Petroleum to the Café.

"Woahhhh!" Henry said. "Careful there, constable!"

Nathan shook his head. "Sorry about that. Newton wouldn't have hit you. I guess I was just deep in thought."

"Over that pretty nurse you were seeing?" Gowen asked.

Nathan smiled crookedly. "I…I wasn't seeing her. She was here for Lucas."

Henry laughed. "Yeah. And Gowen Petroleum is a lucrative business. Listen, Nathan…I know you and I weren't all that close but I kind of identify with you a bit."

"With me? How?" Nathan asked.

"Before Abigail and I got together, I never quite felt comfortable telling her how I really felt about her. Then she left. I almost let her get away and that would have made me miserable. I saw the two of you together and I can tell there's something there. You're a young man. Don't waste time like I did, chasing after things that don't matter. If she means something to you and you to her, pursue her. You won't be sorry that you did." he said before tipping his hat and crossing the road.

At five-thirty, Elizabeth arrived at the landing dressed in an elegant beaded steel blue evening gown, her hair arranged in a wavy sort of updo that was the latest in fashion for women of high society. She was joined by Lucas who dressed appropriately in a tuxedo suit with white vest and white bow tie. Both swooned when they saw the other and both immediately had visions of their wedding day which they hoped would be in the not-too-distant future.

"You are a vision of loveliness." Lucas said, meeting her in the middle of the landing

"Thank you. You look very handsome in your suit as well." She replied. "But, of course, you always do."

They couldn't take their eyes off of each other, even as they descended the stairs. And even when they reached the bottom the heat, between the two was such that at the least suggestion both would have ditched the dinner altogether to go off with the other and be alone. But they came all the way to Hamilton for a purpose and togetherness would have to wait.

Elizabeth led Lucas to the formal dining room where Elizabeth's parents were already. Mr. Thatcher stood when the couple walked in.

"Elizabeth!" William Thatcher said. "So happy to see you."

Elizabeth walked up to her father and kissed his cheek and also kissed her mother's cheeks as she stood beside him.

"Darling," Elizabeth said to Lucas. "I would like to introduce you to my father and my mother, William and Grace Thatcher. Mother, father, I would like for you to meet…"

"Lucas?!"

A woman's voice spoke from the other end of the dining room. The family turned to see.

Immediately, Lucas gasped and a frozen expression, half-smile/half-shock, appeared upon his face as he saw the woman who stood in a sequined red gown next to a man in tuxedo coat and tails. An older couple stood behind them, the woman covering her mouth in shock.

Lucas chuckled nervously as his eyes darted between Elizabeth and the other woman.

"Lucas, do you know each other?" Elizabeth asked.

Lucas inhaled as he struggled for words to say but did not get the chance to speak for the woman stepped forward and stuck out her hand.

"Daphne de Lacy Beaumont." she said. "Lucas's former wife."