I heard you stopped smoking, I heard you settled down

They say you broke your hold from that old paper town

And I say love you the way you deserve love now

You deserve love now, oh

-With Confidence "Paqurette (Without Me)"

Lucas wiped down the top of the bar. It was Friday afternoon, so while things were slow now, he knew things would soon pick up. Friday nights were always busy, with or without out of towners. Looking up from his task, his eyes found Fiona. The spunky former phone operator was busy putting small flower arrangements on each of the tables. While it wasn't the decor that Lucas would go for, he couldn't deny his fiancé much. Besides, though the men tended to hang out at the Queen of Hearts, they weren't the saloon's only clientele. Given the lack of places to eat, Abigail's café being his only real competition, the Queen of Hearts drew couples in as well.

Fiona looked up and caught him staring. Putting down an arrangement and freeing a hand, Fiona blew him a kiss before going about her task.

"So, it is true. Lucas Bouchard has quit his wandering ways."

The familiar voice brought Lucas' attention away from Fiona and to the voice's owner. The saloon owner saw a face he hadn't seen in about ten years. He and Carter had gotten to know one another while going to the same university. They had stayed in touch for a few years but as both of them tended to move on from adventure to adventure, they had eventually lost touch.

"What can I say, what started out as just another business adventure, turned into something more permanent," Lucas replied. "Hope Valley seems to have a way of drawing you in."

"If you say so," Carter replied, having reached the bar. "Personally, I still enjoy traveling and seeing the world." He glanced over at Fiona. "And unless I'm losing my touch, from the looks of it the town isn't the only thing keeping you here."

Lucas smiled as he motioned Fiona over. In moments, Fiona was at his side and Lucas put an arm around her shoulders, holding her close.

"Carter Wright, I want you to meet my fiancé, Fiona Miller. Fiona, this is an old school friend of mine, Carter."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wright," Fiona said, holding out her hand.

"Carter, please," he replied, shaking her hand.

"Well, Carter, what brings you to Hope Valley."

"I had a business meeting in Union City, and I heard a rumor that Lucas here had become a respectable citizen of a community. I had to see if it was true and from the looks of it, it is."

"What, can I say. I finally found the place that I want to call home, and the woman whom I want to spend my life with him."

"I guess there is such a thing as miracles then," Carter replied. "Lucas had a bit of a wild steak while he was at school."

"Sounds like you have some good stories to share," Fiona said, her interest piqued.

"Probably a few too many," Lucas said, wondering if Carter being in town was such a good thing after all.