Chapter Twenty-Three

"Well, this just got a whole lot more interesting," Nathan muttered to himself as he watched the Thatcher sisters greet Lucas. The saloon owner was clearly stunned, and Julie's bright laugh drifted across the room.

"If you'll excuse us," Elizabeth said, putting her arm through her sister's and pulling her towards the door.

"Miss Thatcher." Lucas had recovered enough to try to make the best of the situation. "Would you be so kind as to join me for dinner? Please allow me to make amends for my earlier forgetfulness."

Julie beamed back at him and fluttered her eyelashes innocently but shook her head. "I'm afraid I already have dinner plans this evening," she informed him. "My niece and nephew are waiting at home. And, of course, I simply must catch up with my sister. Perhaps another time." She waved as Elizabeth all but dragged her to the door.

"What are you doing?" Elizabeth hissed as Nathan held the door once more and followed them outside.

Julie smirked. "What's that they say about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer? While I'm staying here, I might as well keep my eyes and ears on Mr. Bouchard. I can warn him off before he does anything else to upset you."

"Actually," Nathan started to explain. "Lucas might have finally taken the hint. I don't think I've ever seen him run as fast as he did this afternoon," he finished with a chuckle.

"Oh, do tell!" Julie pleaded, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Elizabeth reiterated her run-in with Lucas that afternoon, particularly his shock and disgust at seeing the physical proof of her pregnancy. "It really was rather funny," she finally admitted. "I thought he was going to choke on his surprise."

"Well, it's just as well," Julie declared. "I don't really want to waste my time here keeping him under control, when I could be showering my niece and nephew with attention." She leaned closer, directing her words towards her sister's belly. "That includes you, my little love!"

Bill met them outside the café, a large basket in his hand. Offering his free arm to Julie, he joined them for a relaxing walk out to the rowhouses. When they got home, Jack and Allie were thrilled to see their aunt, both clamoring to tell her about their day and all they had done since they left Hamilton. While Bill and Elizabeth set the table and laid out dinner, Nathan went upstairs to change out of his uniform. Julie sat in the middle of the parlor, listening to Allie's description of the Valentine's play and helping Jack set up his train tracks. When Nathan returned and everyone had settled at the table, Bill led them in a quick prayer.

"I know I already ate, but this looks and smells just too divine to pass up," Julie proclaimed, helping herself to a small portion of everything. She closed her eyes and hummed with delight when she tasted Bill's meatloaf and seasoned mashed potatoes. "I'm sure I have never tasted anything like this back in Hamilton," she declared. Glancing around the table, she dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Just don't tell Cook I said that."

After dinner and dessert, Bill offered to escort Julie back into town. "There's no sense in you going back out when I'm already headed that direction," he insisted when Nathan rose to get his coat. "Relax! My godson needs a story and I'm sure Allie wants to tell you about her day. And don't forget to pamper our favorite mother-to-be a bit, too," he added with a wink.

Nathan grinned, grateful for the opportunity to unwind with his family. Julie's visit was a welcome surprise, though somewhat inconvenient, and he could tell Elizabeth was still upset about her sudden arrival. "Thanks, Bill. I will take care of everyone here, I promise." As if to prove his point, he put his arm around Elizabeth's waist, pulling her against his side as they waved good-bye to their guests.

Their bedroom door closed behind them, Nathan and Elizabeth sank into one another's embrace, just holding on for a moment. "What are we going to do about Julie?" Elizabeth muttered against her husband's chest.

Nathan shrugged, dropping a gentle kiss on the top of her head before replying. "I will talk to Lee first thing tomorrow and see if there is any way to speed up progress on the house." He stepped back, studying his wife's face before adding, "Although I'm not sure putting the two of you under the same roof is a good idea, even with all the extra space."

Elizabeth didn't say anything, just raising her brows at him in silent question.

"You know I love your sister, but she can be a bit…intense," he explained. He hugged her close again before continuing. "You need to be able to rest and relax, and I'm not sure how that's going to happen with Julie here."

Elizabeth stood on her toes to place a quick kiss on his cheek before pulling away and starting to change into her nightgown. "Thank you for your concern, but I'll be fine," she insisted.

Nathan stopped her before she crawled into bed, gently forcing her eyes up to his. "Of course, you will. I'm going to make sure of it."

Lucas was waiting when Julie came down the stairs the next morning. He had been up half the night trying to recall each of their previous interactions. While he now vividly remembered their brief encounter at the charity holiday party in Hamilton, he had no recollection of seeing her in town previously. Frustrated by his obvious social gaffe, he was determined to do everything in his power to make a fresh start with the fiery beauty.

"Good morning, Miss Thatcher," he greeted cheerfully, hurrying forward to offer his hand as she reached the last two stairs. "May I interest you in tea or coffee and some breakfast?"

Julie smiled politely, releasing his hand as soon as her feet touched the main floor. "Good morning, Mr. Bouchard," she chimed. "I was actually planning to head to the café for breakfast this morning."

"Surely it would be easier to eat here," Lucas insisted, trying to guide her to one of the empty tables. The only other diners were other hotel guests, as all the locals knew that Abigail's served more varied and delicious options. Gustav and his assistants offered a hearty but basic eggs, sausage, and toast combination.

"And what is your chef serving for breakfast this morning?" Julie queried, though she already knew the answer. "Is it anywhere near as tempting as the scones at Abigail's?"

Lucas sighed and shook his head, well aware that Gustav's breakfast did not compare to the more elaborate offerings at the café. "You must join me for lunch then," he insisted, giving her his most charming smile. "I will have my chef make whatever you want."

"Oh, be careful what you promise, Mr. Bouchard," Julie warned him with a coy smile. "You know that I've been to some of the finest restaurants in Europe. You never know what I might ask for."

"For you, Miss Thatcher, we will make it happen. Whatever you desire."

"I just might have to take you up on that, Mr. Bouchard," she replied before turning to walk out the door. She paused halfway across the floor, offering a quick wink over her shoulder. "Until later."

It was soon clear to everyone in town that Lucas Bouchard was once again smitten with a Thatcher girl. While Elizabeth was relieved to have his attentions turned elsewhere at last, it left her deeply concerned that it was towards her younger and rather impetuous sister. She could hardly forget what had happened the last time Julie had been charmed by a man here; Lucas was no Nate Tolliver, but he could still cause a great deal of trouble.

Julie, in the meantime, was thoroughly enjoying Lucas's attempts at courting her while never offering him any clear encouragement. She was fully aware of all that he had done to make Elizabeth and Nathan's lives difficult over the last couple of years, from deliberately misconstruing Nathan's words and actions in front of Elizabeth to continuing his pursuit her even after she had made her choice. Julie made a game out of ordering the most elaborate meals she could think of, even calling home to ask her mother about dishes they had sampled on their travels over the years. She also found the opportunity to chastise Lucas for not recognizing her, finally telling him that they had met while she was in town for young Jack's christening. He admitted to remembering their encounter in Hamilton, apologizing profusely for his distraction.

One result of her fine dining demands was a growing friendship with Gustave. The chef was thrilled to be putting his skills to use beyond the basic fare the saloon normally served, and he often delivered her meals himself just to see her reaction. When Lucas tried to share the credit for his chef's culinary masterpieces, he was quickly put in his place. Julie was well aware that while Lucas was jumping through a number of hoops in order to provide the staples for the more elaborate entrees, it was the chef's experience and talent that made them special.

Rosemary Coulter was thrilled to enjoy the expanded saloon menu, reminiscing about the places she'd eaten at while traveling with this show or another and pulling Lee in along with her. Most of the town, however, was content with less fancy fare, many of them heading to the café instead. Bill was happy to hear their comments, unconcerned about losing business.

"I wanted plain old fried trout, not some fancy seafood bake."

"Oh, all those spices upset my stomach."

"That's far too rich for me."

While Julie was monopolizing Lucas's attention, Nathan and Lee got the Grant house completed. The yard and garden would be finished later, but the floors, cabinets, shelves, and stair rails were finally all in place. Once everything was finished, polished, and painted, moving day was finally upon them.

As Nathan and many of Hope Valley's men carried things in, Elizabeth happily directed the placement of furniture. Nathan's bedroom set went to their room, while Jack watched the assembly of his new 'big boy' bed with matching dresser and toy box. The table Elizabeth had purchased on their honeymoon went next to the front door, while the new larger coffee table and matching end tables Nathan had made went around the new sofa in the parlor. Julie took charge of getting all the books unpacked and organized on the shelves in the office, and Rosemary insisted on setting up the kitchen. While Allie was organizing her room and Laura kept Jack out of the way of everyone moving and cleaning, Nathan pulled Elizabeth down the hall to show her their baby's completed room.

She stopped in the doorway, tears spilling down her cheeks as she took in the comforting pale green walls, the carved letters and paintings hanging on them, and beautiful nursery things Nathan had crafted for their child. Running her fingers over the rail of the crib, she spoke softly. "One of the things that hit me the hardest when Jack died was that he never got to build the crib he'd promised for our baby. I had to buy one from a catalog at the mercantile, and then couldn't face putting it together myself."

Nathan ached to console her and stop her tears, but knew she needed them in order to heal. He let her continue unhindered as she processed another piece of her grief, waiting patiently for her to confront those memories and settle them in her mind.

"The Wolfs offered to give me the crib he helped Robert build for his baby sister, but it didn't feel right," she continued. "Jack made it, yes, but for them. I wanted something that was all ours, like this."

When she finally turned to face him, Nathan hurried across the room, folding her into his arms. "The furniture doesn't matter. Jack didn't know the difference between a crib from his dad or one from the store, and our baby won't either. All that matters is the love they feel from the person rocking them and tucking them in."

"I know," she admitted, settling her head on his shoulder as he rubbed her back. "But I want you to know how much I appreciate all the time and effort you put into making our baby's room a welcoming place." She smiled, wiping the last of her tears away as she stepped back. "Safe and sturdy, just like his or her daddy."

"Strong, just like their mom."

Julie waited a couple of weeks before joining Nathan, Elizabeth, and the children in their new house, allowing the family time to settle in and make their own adjustments before adding herself into the mix. She took the spare room next to Allie's, and the two spent hours together. Julie was once again able to give fashion and hair advice to her niece (whether she wanted it or not) as well as offering a non-parental adult ear to her teenage concerns. She could well remember what it was like to want a boy's attention or to lose that attention to another girl. And while she wasn't exactly adept at cooking or housekeeping, she even lent a hand with simple meal preparations and chores. "If Jack can do it, so can I!" she insisted.

Lucas was very disappointed when Julie moved out of the hotel. While she was still keeping him at arm's length, he had enjoyed having her staying so close by. The Grants' house wasn't far out of town, but he was sure his appearance on their doorstep would not be welcomed. He would either have to settle for her attention when she came into town or make inroads with Nathan and Elizabeth. As he wasn't willing to settle, he knew he would have to bolster himself to face the latter.

He started out simply, waving or calling a greeting as they passed on the street or at the mercantile. Asking Gustav to make a batch of chocolate dipped coconut macaroons when he overheard Elizabeth was craving them. Offering Nathan coffee when he returned from rounds in the rain. Nothing elaborate, just being neighborly.

"There he is again," Nathan grumbled.

"Who?" Bill asked, looking around, then he chuckled. "Oh. Yes. Bouchard." He returned the wave the saloon owner offered from his balcony before turning to follow Nathan into the jail. "What's his game now?"

Nathan sighed as he hung his hat on the hook by the door and settled into his chair, waiting until Bill had taken the seat on the other side of the desk before explaining. "He wants to court Julie and needs to get into mine and Elizabeth's good graces in order to do so."

"Well, at least he realizes that," Bill chimed in less than helpfully. He smirked at Nathan's glare. "Look at it this way. Unlike his advances towards Elizabeth, he is trying to be a gentleman this time. Maybe you should give him a chance."

Nathan's jaw dropped and he gaped incredulously at his friend and mentor.

After a moment, Bill laughed. "No, you're right. I wouldn't trust him either."

"What are your intentions towards my sister-in-law?"

Lucas looked up from the ledger in front of him. Nathan stood in the doorway of the oil office, stoic as he waited for a reply.

"First and foremost, to get to know her better," Lucas said simply. His first instinct was to say something to goad the lawman, but he knew that would only make his attempts to get to Julie for difficult. And he really did want to get to know the fascinating young woman who was taking Hope Valley by storm.

Every time he'd seen her the last couple of weeks, Julie seemed to be surrounded. Whether it was shopping with her sister and the children, laughing with Gustav and the servers at the saloon, reading to children at the library, or chatting with everyone after church on Sunday, she was never alone. While she returned his greetings and smiles, she had yet to reach out to him, and approaching her while Elizabeth was around was more than a little bit awkward.

Lucas had come to realize just how shallow his feelings for Elizabeth really had been. He had found her attractive, of course, and had soon realized what a sharp mind and quick wit she had, but it was his love of the chase that made him pursue her. She hadn't shown interest in him, so he had to prove her wrong, had to show himself to be the best. He had seen her interest in Nathan and his clear affection for her as a challenge and as a gambler, he couldn't resist a new game. He thought he'd known what was at stake, but he never once took Elizabeth's feelings into account. Looking back, he realized the damage he had caused. Were he and Elizabeth still friends, he could have sought her advice on how to woo her sister, perhaps even asked her help arranging a date. If it came to it, he would have had someone in his corner when he approached Mr. Thatcher to ask for Julie's hand. Instead, he had made himself an outsider, alone.

"And what do you want to know about her?" Nathan pushed, annoyed by Lucas's curt reply. "The size of her trust fund? Her inheritance? How long until her parents come looking for her?"

Lucas narrowed his eyes, insulted by the accusations. "Of course not!"

Nathan stepped into the office, closing the door behind him. "You relentlessly pursued Elizabeth for three years, then suddenly you are interested in her sister. What do you expect everyone to think?"

Forcing himself to take a deep breath, Lucas considered for the first time how his intentions towards Julie could be misconstrued. He was stopped from replying by a firm knock on the door. Nathan stepped aside as the door opened.

"Am I interrupting?" the newcomer asked as he entered, immediately catching the tension in the room.

"Not at all," Nathan replied, offering his hand. "Constable Nathan Grant. What brings you to Hope Valley, sir?'

The other man returned the firm handshake and smiled. "Isaac Franklin," he introduced himself. "I have some business with Mr. Bouchard, assuming you gentlemen are finished."

"Oh, I think we're through," Nathan replied, offering another stern look at Lucas before nodding to Isaac and stepping outside.

"Trouble with the law?" Isaac teased as he sank into one of the chairs facing Lucas's desk. "Anything I need to be concerned about?"

Lucas sighed, shaking his head. "No, it's personal. I'm afraid the Mountie and I didn't get off to the best start, and things only got worse when we were vying for the same woman's attention."

Isaac sat back, amusement sparkling in his eyes. "Ah yes, the fair Elizabeth Thornton, as I recall. Dare I ask who won the lady's hand?"

"He did," Lucas replied. "And I wish them all the best, truly. I have turned my attentions to another woman in town, but as you can see, our good Constable does not approve."

"And why should he care who you're charming, so long as it isn't his wife?"

Lucas took a deep breath and let it out slowly, knowing his associate would find his predicament quite funny. "Because it's Julie Thatcher. Elizabeth's sister."

Isaac smirked. "You are in trouble there, aren't you?" He chuckled softly, then prepared to get down to business. "I wanted to talk about the latest revenue numbers…"

Since Mr. Franklin intended to stay for a few days, he and Lucas made their way over to the saloon for lunch so that Isaac could get settled in his room. They were just sitting down to eat when Julie breezed in, heading for her usual table. Both men watched her, captivated by her charm and beauty.

After giving her order to the server, Julie glanced around the room, finally noticing them. They both jumped to their feet as she rose and approached their table. "Good afternoon, Mr. Bouchard," she greeted politely, offering him a smile before turning to his companion. "I'm sure we haven't met before," she said, studying him appreciatively. "I'm Julie Thatcher."

"Isaac Franklin," he replied, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "I am an investor in Gowan Petroleum and here to see what my money is going towards."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Franklin. Perhaps I'll see you around town while you're here," Julie beamed. "I see my lunch is here, so I'll let you gentlemen get back to your business."

Both men resumed their seats, watching her walk back to her table and sit, chatting and laughing with the server before starting to eat. It was several minutes before Isaac cleared his throat and turned back to Lucas. "I can certainly understand why you're attracted to her. Good luck with her sister and brother-in-law. You're going to need it."

Julie couldn't stop herself from glancing over at the men again. She had been nearly tongue-tied when Isaac stood to greet her, lost in his deep green eyes and overcome with the urge to run her fingers through those dark blonde waves. She hadn't the slightest idea what she had said to him, but his smile as he introduced himself took her breath away. She was sure she could still feel the tender squeeze of his hand around hers even now. Her polite words about seeing him around town were in fact a fervent wish she was determined to make a reality.

And then there was Lucas. Hesitant though she was to take him seriously, she couldn't deny he was also an attractive man. While she was not a fan of beards, she had to admit his looked distinguished, though it also seemed a way to hide a part of himself from the world. He was obviously intelligent and determined, or else he wouldn't have been so successful in both his businesses; she knew enough about her father's world to realize that sheer luck could only take one so far, and Lucas had come quite a way. He was certainly charming, being the focus of his energy was flattering, and she would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy the gifts he had given or the promises he had made. If only he hadn't made some of those same promises to Elizabeth…

Sighing and forcing her gaze back to the table in front of her, she finished eating. Gathering her things, she nodded to Lucas and Isaac as she settled her bill. As she walked slowly out of the saloon, she was aware of two sets of eyes following her out the door. Pausing just outside, she smiled to herself. "Who knew life in this little town would get so interesting?"

When Mr. Franklin decided to stay in Hope Valley for a while, it didn't take long for everyone to see another love triangle forming, this time with Julie in the middle. Isaac and Lucas were evenly matched as far as wealth and connections, and both clearly knew how to charm a lady, leveling the playing field a bit. Isaac had a clear advantage, however, when it came to Julie's family. With none of the awkwardness, guilt, or shame that Lucas had to overcome, he was easily able to strike up a conversation with Nathan on the street or with Elizabeth in the café. As one of nine children and uncle to quite a few nieces and nephews, he knew what to say and how to act around Allie and Jack, quickly befriending them when they were out with their aunt.

Lucas could only seethe inwardly as he watched Isaac chat easily with Julie as they walked down the street. His business associate had taken an immediate interest in the young woman, and with no official claim to her, Lucas was helpless to stop his pursuit. Unlike the last time, when he had pressed and manipulated every advantage over Nathan, he could hardly disparage this man's character in front of Julie. Isaac Franklin was one of the primary investors responsible for saving Gowen Petroleum when Lucas had nearly lost it to inexperience and pride. His family was well-known in Union City not only for their wealth but also their philanthropic efforts—his father was on the board at the university, and his mother the chairperson for the Arts Society. Their annual charity ball and auction were a huge success every year. Isaac's reputation as an investor was as a fair and honest man. He was a truly good man, something Lucas knew he would have trouble competing with.