E M T

Hope Valley

December 8, 1918

Dearest Lucas,

I remember when we returned from our first trip to Union City and Rosie asked me how it went. I paused trying to find the right words and then told her "it was perfect." You had truly thought of everything; the little picnic along the way, complete with flowers and wonderful macaroons, and then the lovely hotel accommodations. Well of course the book reading and getting to meet Virginia Woolf was a major highlight that I will never forget, especially since later you gave me the signed, beautifully bound in leather, copy of her book to treasure forever. I think we looked quite the pair, you were dashing in that beautiful brown double-breasted suit and I felt beautiful in Rosie's crimson dress. And following the event, that wonderful dinner. It was so romantic no matter what pretense I played out at the time. We agreed to go as friends and I genuinely meant it, but as the day progressed, I felt that fluttering in my stomach that I always felt when you were near me, but now there was the beginning of a longing in my heart. But I knew that it was just too soon for me to open myself up to you; I still needed time to work through my grief and memories. When you said that you would wait as long as you had to, to win the heart of the woman of your dreams, I felt hope that someday, if I were the woman you spoke of, I would be ready to accept all the love that I could see you had in you. I know we learned so much about each other that evening and I knew in my heart that when I was ready, you were the man for me. I will cherish the memories of that day for as long as I live.

So, if that trip was perfect, then what was I to say this time when she asked? What can be better than perfection? I do not know, but what I told her is "magical" and it truly was. As always, you think of everything. It was so kind of you to sit down with Jack and to explain why we were going to UC without him. I think the prospect that presents would result from this arrangement partially satisfied him, but your promise to take him shopping for his present for me and for Auntie Rosie definitely made him happy. He loves you so Lucas and he is so excited that you are taking him next week to Benson Hills; it is all he can talk about. It makes him feel like a big boy that he is going without his mama or auntie.

As you have proven before, you are a great shopping companion. I can't believe that we have presents now for both sets of parents and also for the remainder of our friends. We are quite the team!

Dinner in front of the fire in the spot we previously dined was so relaxing after our long day. Our conversation regarding our Christmas plans has me so excited to see our families. I am looking forward to seeing your mother again and meeting your father as well as getting the opportunity to introduce you to mine. I know they are going to love you Lucas. They are very happy for me and for Jack.

I saved the best for last. I don't know how it is that you think of the things you do and then no matter how grand and involved the surprise, you manage to make it perfect. So, after dinner, when you had me bundle up for a walk, I thought you might have been a bit daft since we were expecting snow. But, bundle up I did and I could tell you were up to something as you ushered me into the park. And just as we walked in, I see a beautiful pavilion lit up with strings of lights. And as we walk there, I see one of the hotel staff, Andrew is his name, near a beautifully decorated little table. Suddenly music filled the air and then we were escorted to our table where Andrew poured us hot buttered rum. The drink along with the fire in the brassier next to our table kept the chill off and my heart was warmed by your thoughtful and romantic gesture.

Then you stood and offered your hand and in a quiet seductive tone came " shall we" and you drew me into your arms for a dance to a Viennese waltz. And as we began to move, I felt giddy from your dazzling smile and the love that I could see in your eyes. As we spun around the floor I looked out and saw that snow had begun to dust the park like sparkling powdered sugar. And as you twirled me in the dance, I felt like I was a princess in a snow globe twirling to the sound of the music box beneath. We were lost in our own little world with the music playing and the snow making magic around us.

I never wanted the dance to end but as all good things must….. By the time we arrived back at the hotel and you escorted me to my room and gave me the sweetest good night kiss, I was so ready to fall fast asleep so that I could transfer the wonder of the evening into my dreams.

With all my heart I am yours,

Elizabeth