A/N: Thank you for your prayers and well wishes for me and my mother during our recent illness. We are feeling much better now, and I am finally able to return to our story. I anticipate there being a few more chapters before we close out this volume, so stay tuned. Thank you to those who have written or checked on me during this period. I appreciate you very much. Janine P.S. I've been writing this chapter since late August, so any similarity to events in other fics currently ongoing is purely coincidental.

We are now ten days into our journey, having boarded the 'Roma' this morning in New York City, en route to Portugal. This changeover, from a Panamanian to a French liner, is the first of several we will make on this honeymoon of a lifetime. And, other than the man who, according to my husband, was 'leering' at me shortly after we docked, things have gone exceptionally well.

When Lucas first informed me of his plans for our 'family honeymoon' back in Union City, I was both elated and concerned - in both cases because of Jack. You see, aside from our trip to Hamilton, Jack really hasn't traveled. And even though he was such a good boy on the train to and from my parent's house, three months spent on trains and ships is bound to have its challenges for a four-year-old (and his parents.) But leave it to my darling Lucas. My husband knew that leaving Jack for such a long time wouldn't work for either Jack or his mommy, so he graciously worked our son into this special time. And true to form, he has planned out an entire itinerary to fill Jack's days and keep him entertained. Lucas really does think of everything.

"Papa" Lucas, as Jack has taken to calling him (to distinguish from "Daddy Jack"), has slipped into his role as Jack's father with all of the seriousness and dedication that I would have expected from him, and he's doing a stellar job. For instance, this afternoon, Jack will be visiting an onboard instructor who's going to teach him how to swim. Lucas assures me that we will be right there to watch him, and I'm not sure who is more excited about it at this moment, my son or my husband. I'm going to have to talk with that man of mine about spoiling our boy. But for now, they both seem to be having so much fun together; I don't have the heart to step in between them.

If there is any downside to having Jack along, it's that Lucas and I haven't had as much 'couple time' together as I would have wanted. The moments we've been together have been indescribably wonderful and have only served to draw us closer. But over the past week, like clockwork, we've been interrupted within ten minutes of the lights going out. Lucas is always so patient and understanding and hasn't complained. But I can't imagine that he's not just a little frustrated by the nightly interruptions of a little man who is so excited about his trip that he won't go to sleep. Again, Lucas doesn't say anything, which doesn't surprise me. But he's still a man and a very passionate one at that. It has to be stressful. It is for me. And, as much as I love my little boy, if he doesn't settle down soon and allow us these moments, I may have to intervene. I miss being held in my darling's arms as he understands me so well – at times, better than I do myself.

For now, I must draw this entry to a close. Lucas and Jack will be back soon from the library, and then we'll go to Jack's lesson.

In five days, we dock in Europe. That's where the adventure really begins.

Elizabeth Bouchard had just closed her journal when she heard a commotion coming through the door. She looked up just in time to see her son 'flying' above his adoptive father's head as they entered the room. Jack's arms were outstretched, and he was making brrrooom sounds as they entered. Lucas was smiling as he carried the child over his head and, despite the odd angle, somehow managed to get the door shut with his left foot without losing his balance. Elizabeth marveled at the bond she was witnessing between the two most important people in her life. It was a dream come true.

"Make me loop-dee-loop!" Jack requested.

"Again?" Lucas let out an exhausted sigh. "We just did a loop-dee-loop in the elevator," he replied.

"Pleease?" the little boy begged.

"Jack…" Elizabeth warned, taking a step forward.

Lucas tossed Jack up into the air twice, to the child's delight, but when he spotted Elizabeth's stern expression on the second time down, he got the message that they should stop and began to sputter. "Oh no, Jack. I'm afraid…" **sputter, sputter** "…we don't have enough fuel left to execute the maneuver. It's time to bring it in for a landing."

"But, papa!" Jack complained.

Lucas set him down. "I'm sorry. Maybe later." He looked at his wife with a grin. "The control tower is saying it's time to land." She playfully rolled her eyes.

"Awe!" Jack said with a pout. "But, I wanna play."

"Jack, you've played enough. " Elizabeth said, walking toward her son and taking him by the arm. "Time to get ready for your swimming lesson." She turned her gaze to Lucas. "Besides, you don't want to wear papa out. He has a long evening ahead of him, and mommy wants him to save his energy," she winked.

Lucas inhaled sharply, his eyes widening at her implication. He cleared his throat, then nervously stroked his beard. "Yes, well…um…."

Elizabeth laughed. "Looking a little flushed there, Mr. Bouchard," she said, quite proud of her accomplishment.

Lucas twisted his mouth to one side and returned her gaze. "Behave, Mrs. Bouchard."

Elizabeth laughed again."Hurry on, Jack. Papa and I will be out here waiting for you."

"Okay, mommy," the boy replied as he scampered away to his cabin room.

Once Jack was out of earshot, Lucas walked over to Elizabeth, embraced her, and gave her a warm and passionate kiss.

"Mmmm…what was that for?" Elizabeth asked when they finally broke for air.

"I've missed you," he said, in that low chocolaty tone that affected her more than she wanted to let on.

"You have, have you?" She replied, excited by the prospects of being close to him again. She lifted her arms and wrapped them around Lucas's shoulders and neck, then kissed him tenderly, over and over again. Lucas smoothly turned her around to where her back leaned against the cabin wall. He deepened the kiss.

"Where my suit was?" a little voice called out from the next room. "Can't find it."

The couple's lips parted with a pop and a sigh. "In the middle drawer of the chest," Elizabeth replied quickly before returning to kiss her husband.

"Which one's chest? The tall one or one with mirrow?"

The couple pulled apart and said simultaneously, "Mirror!"

"And it's 'mirror, not mirrow," Elizabeth added by way of correction. She looked at Lucas and frowned. "Sorry."

"No need to apologize," he replied, looking at her with adoration and brushing a stray hair away from her face. "Just remember where we left off because I fully intend on finishing what we started, Mrs. Bouchard."

Elizabeth blushed but smiled. "I love the sound of that," she kissed him one more time.

From the next room, a strange thump was heard that neither Lucas nor Elizabeth could quite discern. Both furrowed their brows and looked toward Jack's door.

"Are you okay in there?" Lucas asked. "Do you need any help?"

There was a slight shuffling sound and then the child's reply. "No, papa. Jack is a big boy. I can do it by self!"

"Okay, buddy," Lucas responded. "Just let us know if you need anything."

Lucas returned his gaze to his wife, who was staring at him with her mouth twisted to one side.

He squinted curiously. "What?"

"Are you really as okay with this as you are letting on?"

Lucas looked at her, confused. "As I'm letting on?"

"Sweety, since we've been on board, you and I have hardly had any time together, nor have you had time to yourself. You can't be happy spending your honeymoon this way. This is supposed to be one of the most memorable times of any marriage…."

Lucas smirked. "It's memorable."

Elizabeth shoved him lightly. "You know what I mean. I'm sure when you imagined how your honeymoon would go, your vision didn't include spending it with a four-year-old claiming your attention every waking hour."

"Sweetheart," Lucas replied, taking her hands. "I knew what I was getting into when I brought Jack along and wanted him to be with us."

"I'm not sure you did, I mean, Lucas…."

"Allow me to finish…please." He stated, leading her to the edge of the bed and sitting them down. "You know that on this earth, you are the most important thing to me, not money, not friends, not even myself. I would gladly give anything it took to make you happy. But, bringing Jack along was not just to make you happy. The way I see it, our son is an extension of you, and we are a family now. I love you, and I love him. And when you are happy, and he is happy, I am happy."

Elizabeth listened, touched by his words.

"Besides, I want to make it clear to Jack that he hasn't lost his place in your world. I've been grafted in, but he is every bit a part of our family and your life as he ever was. I know what it feels like to be carted around through different countries and made to feel like a fifth wheel, and I can assure you that Jack is never going to have that experience so long as I can help it."

And there it was. Elizabeth began to speak but stopped herself as she realized that Lucas had just given her another glimpse into his inner world. Even now, Lucas tended to deal with his 'secret sorrows' in the privacy of his being. So Elizabeth had learned to cherish moments like these where he opened up to her – knowing that there was no other soul on earth that he trusted enough to let into his heart in that way. Not only was it a testimony to their love, but it helped her to see what motivated him now. Some men would have allowed a childhood like the one Lucas had to harden them and make them distant from people. But Lucas learned from his own past and was determined to be there for Jack in ways his parents weren't there for him. He was going to be a marvelous father.

Elizabeth's eyes shined with love. "You are the dearest man," she said, again caressing the side of his face with her hand.

Lucas took that hand in his own and kissed it, then smiled a mischievous smile. "Yes, I am," he winked. "Hold that thought." He stepped away from her and moved toward the mirror to ensure he was presentable after a morning of play with his son.

Elizabeth stepped behind him and hugged him around the waist. "Well, tonight, Mr. Bouchard, I plan on reclaiming you for myself. We'll get all snacks and potty breaks out of the way before Jack goes to bed, and once lights are out, they're out. Alright? I want to spend this evening wrapped in your arms."

"I love the sound of that." Lucas's replied, tightening his tie then turning his head slightly for another quick kiss with his wife.

"Ready to go?" the little voice asked as he tugged on his mother's skirt by the mirror. The Bouchards looked down and smiled as they saw Jack standing there in a red and white striped swimming suit designed for him by auntie Rosemary.

"Don't you look handsome!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she turned toward him.

"It's the latest fashion," Jack replied, repeating what Auntie Rosemary had told him.

Elizabeth and Lucas burst out laughing.

"Is that right?" Jack's mother said, ruffling her little boy's hair while his papa walked across the room to retrieve his wife's shawl. Elizabeth turned around while Lucas slipped the garment over her shoulder, leaning in close to her ear and whispering a very seductive "Tonight."

Elizabeth bit her lip and glanced over her shoulder at her husband. "Tonight," she repeated. Then they left the room.

"What did you dream about when you were a boy?" Emily asked as she and Nathan walked hand-in-hand down the street after her latest occupational therapy session with Cy. The latter was making great strides and was showing a proclivity for numbers, so she'd dropped him off with Mike Hickham to see if perhaps he might help handle the accounting for one of Lucas's businesses. Now, free for the afternoon, she was blissfully spending some time with her favorite person.

Nathan thought for a moment. "You mean aside from catching the largest trout in Alberta?"

Emily chuckled. "Yes, silly. Bigger than that. I mean, being a Mountie wasn't the only dream you ever had. What did Nathan Grant use to daydream about?"

He stopped and rubbed the back of his neck before picking up the pace again. "Well, when I was a kid, I used to dream about joining the Toronto Maple Leafs and becoming the next Cy Young."

"Now, there's a lofty goal. So you were a good pitcher?"

"Oh, absolutely!" he said with an air of confidence. "The best in the province, in fact– at least in my twelve-year-old mind."

Emily laughed. "And what kept you from pursuing it? Archie?"

He shrugged. "Nah. I can't lay that on dad, although the issues he had probably did inspire the dream in the first place. The way I saw it, if I got a job as a baseball player, I could make enough money to get mom and Colleen away from all the chaos at home, and we wouldn't have to worry about what Archie was or was not doing with his life."

Emily reached out and stroked Nathan's back. "Your father missed out on a lot by doing what he did."

"Yeah, he did. He missed us kids…marriage to a wonderful woman. He missed it all. It's something I swore I'd never let happen with my own family. I will be there."

"You have been there. You've been there for Allie when her father abandoned her. And you even made up with Archie, despite how he'd treated you. I think there is very little danger of you ever turning into your father," Emily replied. "You did mention something I'm curious about – having a family. If that were to happen, would you want to have more children – you know, aside from Allie"

"Let's sit down a minute," Nathan said, guiding Emily to a seat outside the café.

Sitting next to her, he looked her in the eyes. "Yes. I do want more children. Ask me that before I took on Allie, I may have given you a different answer. My work was most important. But having Allie, it's shown me how wrong that is.

At the end of the day, being a Mountie helps people, and it has its rewards, but it's a job. Being a father…it's the most important thing I've ever known, and I'd like…that is, I hope, to have the chance to be a husband and a father one day with children of my own. I guess that's what I dream of now."

"That's a beautiful dream," she said as she rested her head against his shoulder. Nathan put his arm around her.

"What about you?" he asked. "What did Emily Reardon daydream about when she was growing up in Ireland?"

She smiled and looked up at him. "That's easy. Meeting you."

Nathan grinned a lopsided grin and kissed her on the top of the head, pulling her closer to his side.

"There you are!" Lucas said as he joined his wife on a bench next to the swimming pool, a glass of iced tea in hand, which he promptly passed to Elizabeth as he sat.

"Thank you," she replied, taking a sip. "Where did you go? I was beginning to get worried."

"Was just conversing with someone, that's all," he replied, with a slightly smug yet mysterious look.

Elizabeth furrowed her brow. "Who?"

Lucas took a deep breath, rubbed his hands on his trouser legs, and then looked out at the pool. Jack waved at him. Lucas smiled and waved back, seemingly ignoring Elizabeth's question. So, she elbowed him in the ribs.

"Who?" she asked again.

Lucas glanced at her and smiled slightly, then turned his face again toward the pool. "Let's just say Leering Lawrence shouldn't be troubling us anymore."

"Leering Lawrence? Who is leering…." Elizabeth's mouth dropped open. " Lucas Bouchard! What did you do?!"

Lucas looked defensive. "I didn't do anything. I merely informed the gentleman that the gorgeous brunette he had been observing was taken and that he should cast his gaze elsewhere for his viewing pleasure." He was quiet for a second or two. "Oh, and I might have added the small threat that I would report him to ship security if I caught him staring at you again."

"Lucas! Oh, my goodness!" Elizabeth exhaled. "I can't believe you would do that!"

Lucas turned to her. "Elizabeth, I am simply protecting you. He's been staring at you ever since we were on dock, and while I'd rather be no other place, I can't be by your side at all times to make sure you're okay. There are times when I'm not going to be with you."

"To make sure I'm okay?" Elizabeth said, raising her brows.

"Yes - to protect you. A beautiful woman like yourself can never be too careful." Lucas stated matter-of-factly.

Elizabeth watched him for a second and then shook her head. "Lucas, don't tell me that after four years of knowing one another, you're going turn into one of those jealous husbands that never let their wives out of their sight. Are you? Because if you are, that's not going to work."

"Of course not."Lucas looked at her, nonplussed. "Elizabeth, to be jealous, I would have to have doubts about you and your affections, which I can assure you, I do not."

"Good," she replied.

"It's all of those rascals and rampallians out there that I don't trust," he added under his breath.

Elizabeth laughed out loud, and Lucas looked toward her, unsmiling.

"And what is so funny?" he asked.

"So now we're resorting to Shakespearian insults?" she replied.

Lucas frowned and looked back towards the pool.

"He really must have been quite handsome." Elizabeth teased.

Lucas threw her a look. "I wouldn't know. Let's not talk about this anymore. How did Jack do while I was gone?"

Elizabeth thought perhaps Lucas was becoming a bit upset, so she went along with the switch in subjects. "He did very well. I think he likes the instructor."

"That's good. I want him to feel comfortable."

"Alan seems to be very good with children," she said.

"Alan?" Lucas asked.

"The instructor," she replied.

"Oh." Lucas nodded, leaning back on the bench, and trying to relax.

Elizabeth took his hand and squeezed it. "You know you're cute when you're jealous."

"Elizabeth Thatcher!"

"It's Bouchard, and yes? You wanted to say something?"

"I told you I'm not jealous – just protective."

"Mmm-hmm. If you say so," she smirked.

Lucas looked down at her and couldn't help but smile. "Is my wife trying to poke fun at me?" he said, pressing his forehead to hers.

"Maybe just a little," she cooed, tilting her head toward him for a kiss. It was not to be.

"Elizabeth? Elizabeth Thatcher?" A well-dressed woman in her thirties walked up to them from a seat a few feet away.

Elizabeth and Lucas pulled apart and turned toward the woman.

"Yes?" Elizabeth said, confused.

"You're Elizabeth Thatcher of the Thatchers of Hamilton? Northwest Shipping?"

Elizabeth cocked her head with curiosity. "Yes, that's me; although, Thatcher is my maiden name. Do we know each other?"

The woman took a seat beside Elizabeth on the other side of the bench, extending her hand.

"Beatrice Monteith. Daughter of Sir Gilbert and Joanna Grey. - Albion Rail."

Elizabeth returned the handshake, but the name wasn't familiar; however, Lucas knew all about the company.

"Out of Dublin?" Lucas immediately asked upon seeing his wife's blank stare.

"Yes!" she smiled. "And you are?" Beatrice asked, stretching her hand with curiosity to Lucas, who politely shook it.

"Bouchard. Lucas Bouchard. Son of Peter and Helen."

"Oh, yes! I've heard father speak of Mr. Bouchard," she smiled. "I believe the words were generous and astute."

"That describes Lucas's father to a tee," Elizabeth replied. "You say your name is Monteith? Are you related to Monteith Shipping in Southampton as well?"

"By marriage. My late husband, Sir Douglas Monteith, passed a little over a year ago. Little Dougie - that's him over there in the swimming pool – he and I inherited my husband's business. I recently became engaged, and my future husband has taken over the administration of the business."

Lucas tilted his head with a look of concern. He'd seen many a lecherous cad take advantage of young women of means when they were at their most vulnerable. And, to have someone take a wealthy widow's late husband's business within a year of his death immediately brought to mind several cases where the woman wound up destitute.

"Is there something wrong?" Beatrice asked, noting his expression. Elizabeth glanced at him as well.

"My apologies, as it is not my business, but …" he cleared his throat, "have you known your fiancé long?"

Beatrice laughed. "Are you asking if I've checked out my fiancé's credentials? Do you think I'm a fool? Yes. I know him quite well. He was a friend of my husband's from college, and we've known each other for years. He comes from a well-revered and successful family and does not need Monteith money, most of which will be stored in trust for Dougie's future."

Lucas appeared relieved and looked at Elizabeth, who seemed amused at her husband's meddling. She was seeing a side to Lucas she'd never seen.

"What?" he asked.

"We'll talk later," she smirked. Lucas looked befuddled.

"Actually, Elizabeth," Beatrice continued. "you probably know him. He used to work for your father."

Elizabeth was surprised. "Oh? What's his name?"

"Charles. Charles Kensing…"

From the side of the room, a tall, handsome man with a square jaw and dimpled smile approached the party. "Beatrice, dove, sorry it took so long, I was detained by the most unusual gentleman at the beverage counter who told me to stop staring at his….oh! Hello!" he said, seeing Elizabeth up close for the first time.

"You!" Lucas said, beginning to rise.

"Charles!" Elizabeth quickly asserted, smiling a stiff smile and grabbing hold of Lucas's arm, pulling him down beside her.

Lucas squinted his eyes in confusion, then turned to Elizabeth. "Charles? The Charles?"

Before she could answer, Charles extended his hand in front of Lucas's face. "Charles Kensington. Elizabeth's longtime friend. I take it you're her new husband, Lucas Bouchard?"

Lucas glanced down with uncertainty but acquiesced to the man's greeting, displaying his most charming smile without so much as flinching even when Charles returned a crushing grip. "At your service," Lucas replied.

Charles smiled. "Elizabeth's sister Julie told me a lot about you before I quit the company. I am happy to finally be able to have a face to put with the name."

Lucas nodded politely, slightly uncomfortable at the thought that Elizabeth's effervescent sister was talking about him to his wife's one-time would-be-suitor.

"Charles, it is so good to see you again," Elizabeth said stiltedly. "Father didn't tell me you were leaving the company - and you're engaged? That's marvelous!"

"Isn't it, though?" Beatrice interjected. "And, isn't it a small world that Charles and I are on the same ship together with you and Lucas, going to Lisbon. Charles told me he worked for your father. I never knew that the Thatcher daughters were his friends."

"Oh, yes. Elizabeth and I go way back, practically from birth," Charles explained, turning toward Lucas. "And…now, what you said to me at the beverage stand makes sense. Please accept my apology. I was staring at Elizabeth, but not for the reasons you think. You see, I was recently diagnosed with astigmatism by the ophthalmologist in Hamilton, and when I spotted Elizabeth, I thought it was her but couldn't be sure. I didn't mean to stare."

Beatrice laughed. "See, I told you your vanity was going to get you into trouble." She turned to the Bouchards. "Charles refuses to wear his glasses."

"Guilty," Charles replied, placing his hand on Beatrice's shoulder.

Elizabeth smiled softly and hugged Lucas's arm, nudging him to make things right with her friend.

Lucas smiled contritely, taking her hint. "And I guess I need to apologize for my actions as well. I didn't know. I hope I wasn't too rough on you."

"No apology necessary. There was no way you could have known." Charles laughed, squeezing in between Beatrice and Elizabeth, focusing exclusively on Bouchard's wife. "Besides, seeing your lovely spouse again fills me with more joy than you could possibly ever imagine and makes up for any confusion we may have had," he said as he reached out and caressed Elizabeth's arm.

Lucas smiled a cordial smile which his eyes did not reflect. Scooting closer to his wife, he took Elizabeth by the hand.

"Mayor Coulter, Mrs. Coulter, I can assure you that the price I am offering for the Valley Voice is fair, and you are unlikely to find better," thirty-eight-year-old Darius Judson stated as he shifted in his seat in Judge Avery's office that afternoon. Judson was the owner of a new textile factor at town's edge and a man who exuded a certain confidence – or was it arrogance?

"Mr. Judson, my wife and I aren't questioning the fairness of the offer." Lee Coulter replied. "We're just not in the market to sell."

"If it's a hobby your wife needs, I can ensure that she keeps her editor job. She would, of course, have to run all stories past the board before they are published."

"And exactly why would I agree to do something like that, Mr. Judson?" Rosemary replied, having remained quiet as long as she possibly could.

"Mrs. Coulter..."

"That's Editor in Chief Coulter," Rosemary replied, picking up on a condescending tone in the man's voice.

The man chuckled. "Very well. I think you misunderstand my intent. I'm looking out for your interests here. A woman like you with a young child at home – wouldn't you want to spend more time with that adorable little boy of yours without worrying about the administrative burden of running a business?"

"Our son is none of your concern," she replied.

"Fair enough. But I can assure you that if you persist in maintaining ownership of your little paper, you'll soon be run out of business. One way or another, I plan on starting a newspaper in this town, and it is more convenient to me and more advantageous to you that I don't start from scratch. Nevertheless, I will if I must. And with my resources, you won't be able to keep up."

"Why are you so interested in owning a paper?" Judge Bill Avery asked. Until now, Bill sat in silent witness to the proceedings between Judson and the Coulters. But he was now getting an idea of the reasoning of Darius's tenaciousness regarding the paper.

"Pardon me?" Judson replied.

"It's just you seem awfully anxious to acquire The Valley Voice. I would think the startup of a factory would more than occupy your time. What's your angle?" he asked.

Judson tilted his head, meeting Avery's gaze. "Let's just say it's something I've always been interested in. And, with a growing town like Hope Valley, it's good to be in on the ground floor."

"So you can control the flow of information?" Bill asked.

"So I can share information," Darius replied.

"From an angle advantageous to you and your factory," Lee added, not skipping a beat.

"From an angle advantageous to everyone," Judson responded. "The success of my factory means opportunity and jobs for Hope Valley."

"Which is why you spend your efforts tending to your factory," Rosemary replied. "Rather than trying to take over the paper. Sorry, Mr. Judson, we're not selling."

Judson picked up his hat and stood. "Suit yourself, but don't say I didn't try."

The mayor walked with Judson toward the door. "Yes, you did, and it was a fair offer. And as one of Hope Valley's key businessmen, I would hope that you'd agree, we are still on good terms?"

"Of course," Judson replied. "Offers are made, and offers can be rejected. But the buyer - or in this case, the potential seller, will bear the repercussions for his and her choice."

Bill stood and joined Lee and Darius at the door. "True, and in life, you can't always get what you want."

Judson turned to Avery and smirked, pausing for effect. "Now that, dearest Judge, that's one particular phrase that has never found its way into my vocabulary. Good day, gentlemen - Mrs. Coulter."