LGB
Hope Valley
February 22, 1919
My sweetest Elizabeth,
Oh, how I relish my new role as husband and father; this has been the most wonderful week. When I think that nothing could make me happier than holding you in my arms at night and waking to you each morning, I find there is even more. Having Jack jump in to join us in the morning makes me smile; he can reduce this grown man to giggles or belly laughs with his silly antics. Yes, I know I am partly to blame because I do my share. I want to savor it now as he will grow into his independence, and we will lose some of this sweet little boy's attention. And this is as it should be if we are doing our job as parents, giving our son all our support as he travels through the stages of his youth.
I have long been a loner to some extent, but I find I love being part of a team. Doing chores, running errands, and taking care of Jack's daily needs are all activities that I love to share with you. It must sound a bit strange that making breakfast with you in the morning is one of my favorite parts of the day; especially considering the wandering and adventure of my past. But perhaps it is because of, and not in spite of these, that I relish your companionship and the simplest things we do together.
And, I have relived and, in some cases, first-lived so many childhood experiences with Jack over these past few months, but especially this last week. The freedom and joy of a secure and love-filled childhood are what I hope for our children. Jack and I have had a grand time with all our adventures, but also, we've had some time to reflect and for him to be inquisitive. As you know he has definitely hit the "what's this" and "why" phase. He is running me through an expedited course in fatherhood and I love each and every moment.
Another of my favorite times is sitting with you both after dinner when I don't have to return to the saloon. Nothing could be better than the storytelling or reading with Jack or watching him play while we enjoy the fire and some quiet time. And then on the weekend when there is more time for all three of us to enjoy an outing it is wonderful too. Next week, I will need to spend more time at the saloon as I meet with Emma and hopefully interview and hire a manager. I am quite encouraged by his references and his background. Indeed, Emma is also familiar with him from a few events that she worked on. If he is as good as advertised, then with a few weeks of training he will be up and running. It is good timing as the remodel is all but complete and we will be ready for guests at the Queen again in a couple of weeks.
Bless our dear Rosie; we didn't hit it off when we first met but I have come to appreciate her larger-than-life personality and her capacity for friendship and love. She will make the best mama if given the chance someday. Her care for Jack certainly shows it if nothing else. Sometimes I feel like she is my big sister. I am glad that she didn't take no for an answer when reminding me that I must remember to nurture our relationship as much as my new role as a father. We will only be newlyweds once and it will set the tone for our life together forever. I promise you that I will always remember to show you that I am your soulmate and that you are the love of my life. You will always be the most beautiful woman in the world to me. I feel the beauty of your soul and that will never fade no matter how old and gray we are fortunate to become. We may be swaying to the music in our rocking chairs instead of dancing around the ballroom, but we will still be moving to the music together.
Just as I have never been so happy as I have been this past week, never have I felt such pleasure. To hold you and make love with you is something that no words can capture, but I can close my eyes and recapture the essence and let it wash over me. It is yet another adventure, but one we can only share together, and I look forward to all the special moments ahead.
With all my love,
Lucas