Elizabeth stood in front of her mirror looking herself over one last time. Again, Rosemary had acted as her fairy-godmother and had given her a stunning dress to wear. A smile touched her face as she admired herself.
It was a beautiful light pink, with sheer sleeves that draped over her shoulders. The skirts fell down in gentle waves, just covering her shoes which were a matching pink. She'd considered adding a necklace or a ring, but had decided against it. She was fancy enough as it was.
With a final spin she grabbed her wrap and bag, and headed down the hall. She descended the stairs, and found Rosemary sitting quietly with Jack on the settee. Her friend's eyes rose at the creak from the steps, and her face lit up.
"Oh." She gasped, placing Jack into his pen. Her hands went to her face, her eyes shining. "You look absolutely stunning."
Elizabeth smiled, looking down to her dress. "Thank you. But are you sure it isn't just a little too much?"
"Nonsense." Rosemary scoffed gently, batting her hands. "If you can't dress up for a first date, what can you dress up for?"
A very good point Elizabeth decided. Her chest fluttered at the word, "date." This was her and Lucas' first true date, although she had to admit their previous dinners had been quite romantic as well. But this time it was different. She was different.
Heat filled her face as she wondered how this evening might go. What would he think of her all dressed up?
Again, she looked up to her dear friend, and smiled. "Thank you for loaning me this dress."
Rosemary walked to her, waving her hands once more. "Loaning nothing. It's yours to keep."
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Rosemary…" She started to protest, but Rosemary held a finger up to silence her.
"No buts." She then took her hands in her own, a smile spreading from ear to ear. "I'm just so thrilled for you Elizabeth." Suddenly her eyes took on a shine, her face almost glowing. "You deserve every happiness."
Elizabeth felt her chest swell at Rosemary's sweet words, but something seemed off. Were those tears in her friend's eyes? Suddenly her heart tensed.
"Is something wrong?" She gripped Rosemary's hands tighter, searching her face.
"Oh, no." Rosemary quickly shook her head. A soft smile surfaced, her tears threatening to spill over. "Quite the opposite actually."
Elizabeth's brows furrowed, confusion tightening her chest. "Rosemary?"
Rosemary sniffed, stifling a sob, as she laughed nervously. "Oh, Elizabeth…"
Elizabeth's eyes widened with worry, and she placed her hands to Rosemary's arms. "What?"
A tear slipped down Rosemary's cheek, a wobbly smile breaking across her face. "I'm pregnant." Her words were barely audible, yet were filled with such joy.
"Rosemary…" Elizabeth breathed, tears filling her eyes. "Is this why you haven't been feeling well?"
Rosemary nodded. "I thought it would never happen. I…"
Instantly Elizabeth grabbed her and pulled her into a tight hug. Tears streamed down her face, as she felt Rosemary's body shake slightly against her. "Thank you, Lord." Was all Elizabeth could say.
They embraced each other for a moment, each crying for joy. When Elizabeth finally pulled back, her friend was practically glowing.
"Oh Elizabeth," She gasped, wiping her tear-soaked face. "I'm so happy."
Elizabeth took Rosemary's hands in her own, her heart feeling like it would break for the joy she felt. "Words can't begin to express how happy I am for you and Lee." She replied. Truly no words could explain the happiness she felt inside, and she praised God for the amazing miracle He'd worked for her friends.
Rosemary squeezed Elizabeth hands, her eyes shining. "Thank you."
Suddenly a knock sounded on the front door. Instantly Elizabeth's stomach started summersaulting. But in the best way.
Lucas stood at Elizabeth's front door, trying to calm his swirling emotions. His heart raced with excitement, yet his palms couldn't seem to stop sweating. He was taking Elizabeth Thornton on their first "real" date.
For the hundredth time he readjusted his tie. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous. His pulse sped thinking what may transpire that evening.
Suddenly the door opened, and all the breath was sucked from his lungs at the sight of the woman he loved. She was simply stunning.
She smiled shyly, her eyes sparkling. "Hi."
"Hi." He breathed, working to summon moisture back into his dry throat. "You are… absolutely breathtaking."
Her lips tipped in a sweet smile, her cheeks turning a pretty pink. "So are you."
He suddenly remembered the small bouquet he was holding, and held it out to her. "These are for you."
"They're lovely." She breathed as she reached for them. Electricity shot through his hand as her fingers brushed over his. She seemed to feel it too, as her eyes raised to his.
He found himself staring for a moment, their eyes locked, before he spotted her wrap over her arm. Quickly he held a hand out to help her. "May I?"
She nodded, handing the bouquet to Rosemary, before gently handing the wrap to him. His fingers trembled as he raised the soft, white fabric and draped it over her shoulders. What had come over him, tonight?
Slowly she turned back toward him, her eyes shining. "Thank you."
He grinned, his heart pounding so loud he was scared she'd hear it. "You're welcome."
His eyes then caught Rosemary smiling behind Elizabeth. "Have fun you two." She called.
Lucas nodded to her with a smile. "Thank you."
Elizabeth then turned and gave a final wave to her son. "Bye, Sweetheart." And with that they started off into the night.
Slowly they walked down the dirt road, her one arm securely tucked under his. Her hand gripped him tightly, and he couldn't help covering it with his other free hand. His breath billowed before him in an icy cloud, the night air holding a chilling bite. Yet he was far from cold.
A gentle silence settled between them, the only sounds being their soft footsteps and the swish of her skirts. He couldn't help but steal a glance at her every few seconds, the breath leaving his lungs each time just at the sight of her. She was so beautiful.
Most often she'd catch his stare, and reward him with a heart melting smile, a light laugh escaping her lips. He laughed with her, feeling like a nervous schoolboy.
People may have stared as they passed by. May have stopped and whispered to their friend. He honestly didn't know. His eyes were focused on one woman, and only her.
Eventually the saloon came into view, and his heart sped a pace faster. Butterflies danced in his stomach as he thought of what he'd prepared. He wondered how she'd react.
He stepped up to the saloon door, and opened it for her. "After you."
She eyed him puzzledly, as she entered ahead of him. He followed immediately behind, and heard her sudden intake of breath.
"Oh, Lucas…" She breathed, staring with her mouth open at the room before them.
He'd closed the saloon early that evening, and with some help from his sister had worked to transform the large room. The Victrola played a soft, romantic tune, while the whole place had been decked with candles. The tiny flames flickered, casting a soft warm light across the floor.
All the tables were pushed to the side except for one that he'd furnished with a white cloth, two candles and a bouquet of red and white roses. He'd also scattered a few red petals over the table, a few laying on the floor around it.
He closed the door behind them gently, before moving to stand next to her. Inside his heart tensed with a variety of emotions. Did she like it? She stood there silently, her eyes fixed on the room before her.
He glanced at her, trying to read her expression. "I know it's a bit much for a first date, but…."
"It's perfect." She quickly interjected, a soft smile playing across her face.
He sighed, smiling with relief. Moving to stand in front of her he held his hand out to her.
"Dance with me?"
Her eyes dropped shyly to her feet, before she looked back to him with a soft smile. "I'd love to."
Slowly she came to him, raising her hand to rest in his. He placed his other hand on her waist, and gently began swaying to the music. His eyes never left hers, and he found himself becoming lost in her blue depths.
How had he gotten so lucky? Yet inside he knew it wasn't luck. God surely was good.
Suddenly Elizabeth's brow quirked, a soft laugh drifting between them. "What?"
"Nothing." He smirked, a laugh escaping him. "It's just…" How did he even begin to explain how she made him feel?
The way she rendered him speechless with one look at her smiling face. The way her thoughtfulness and concern for the people around him made his heart swell. She brightened every room she entered and he found himself counting the minutes every time they said goodnight until he could see her again.
He sighed happily, looking to her softly. "I can't help but wonder if I'm dreaming sometimes."
Her eyes locked on his, her voice soft. "Me too."
Her breath brushed across his face in a warm caress, drawing him in. Unable to help himself he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss to her cheek. He pulled back slightly, and was tempted to place a another to her lips. But he restrained himself, reminding himself of his promise to take things slowly.
So instead, he simply smiled at her.
"Elizabeth Thornton, you take my breath away." He couldn't seem to speak above a whisper.
Her eyes dropped beneath her lashes, and he fought for something to say to take his mind off her pretty lips.
"So…" He stumbled, clearing his throat. "I read those chapters you gave me."
Quickly her eyes snapped back to his face. "Oh. I see." She waited a moment for him to speak, eventually raising her brows when he didn't. "And?"
He couldn't help the laugh that escaped him, knowing full well he was teasing her. "They were wonderful. Some of your best work, if I'm being honest."
That produced a happy grin from her. "Thank you." Her eyes then dropped, something crossing her face. Finally, she looked back to him, a hint of mischief in her gaze. "What was your favorite part?"
He smirked, realizing where she was going with this. "Hmmm…" He furrowed his brows in mock seriousness. "My favorite part…." He paused, pretending to think it over. "Oh, definitely when Luther saved Elsa from that bear."
"He didn't 'save her.'" She countered, her nose scrunching in the most adorable way. "She was doing just fine without him, thank you."
He snorted. "Really? Was it Elsa who shot that bear?"
Elizabeth just rolled her eyes. "Okay, Luther may have helped a little."
"Please." He retorted, holding back a smirk. "Elsa would have been completely lost without him."
Elizabeth sighed exasperatedly, although amusement danced in her eyes. "I highly doubt that." She was then quiet for a moment, seeming to search his face. "So that was your favorite part?"
Lucas bit his tongue, turning serious. "Yes."
Her expression fell slightly, seeming disappointed in his answer, and he worked hard to keep from laughing. He knew what she wanted him to say, but he couldn't help teasing her. Just a little anyway.
After a moment he smiled, placing a gentle finger under her chin. He raised her eyes to meet his. "Because if Elsa had never seen that bear, and Luther hadn't saved her…" Slowly he stopped their gentle swaying, raising his hand to her cheek. "Then Elsa never would have realized that she loves him…and they never would have done this…"
Her eyes widened, realizing what he was about to do. He searched her eyes for any hint of fear, but all he found was a longing that made his pulse race. Gently he wrapped his other arm around her back, pulling her to him, before lowering his mouth to hers. His pulse sped at her response, and he forced himself to keep the kiss gentle.
So much for taking things slowly.
With a final lingering taste, he forced himself to pull back. Her eyes fluttered open, before focusing on him. Her lips pulled in a smile. "That was my favorite part too." She whispered, and it was all he could do to keep himself from pulling her back for another kiss.
He cleared his throat, putting a little distant between them. Not much, though.
"I… uh… have something for you." His fingers trembled as he reached for the small cloth pouch in his jacket pocket. Pulling it out, his heart pounded as he loosened the pull string and spilled its content into his palm.
He heard her gasp as a small golden locket fell into his hand. It was shaped into a heart, with delicate roses engraved onto the outside.
"Lucas…" She breathed, tears glazing over her eyes. "It's beautiful."
"I know this," He motioned between him and her. "Is new." Carefully he then unclasped the locket's chain, and moved to place it around her neck. She leaned toward him in compliance. His pulse sped as he clasped it in place, moving back to find her eyes again.
"And I know we agreed to take things slowly." Her eyes locked on his, never leaving even as he brushed her hair back over her shoulder.
"But I wanted you to know…" His breath caught in his throat at the rush of emotion that swept over him. "You have completely stolen my heart."
His heart swelled as she smiled up at him, so much love in her gaze. Suddenly tears flooded his eyes, and he worked to speak around the lump in his throat. "So, this is my promise to you." His voice rasped. "My heart is yours."
A tear rolled down her cheek and he reached to brush it away with his thumb. She then raised her hand to cover his, leaning into his touch. Her eyes looked deep into his own. "And mine is yours" She whispered, her voice catching. Gently her thumb stroked over his fingers. "I love you, Lucas."
His own tears now threatened to spill, his heart feeling as though it would burst. He then raised his other hand to cup her face. "I love you too." And throwing caution to the wind he slowly drew her to him again, and took her lips in a tender kiss.
And that's "The End!" Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this story! And thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts with me in the comments. I love hearing what you thought of different chapters, and I'm so grateful and blessed by your kind words. I give Jesus the glory for every word as I never could have written a thing without Him.
If your interested in reading more from me, feel free to check out my novel, The Average, on Amazon. Just type in, The Average by Hope Adaire, on Amazon to find it, or check out my blog, the When Calls the Heart Blog. Thank you so much again for reading and your wonderful comments! God Bless!