After the Explosion
It had been a long morning in Hope Valley, especially for Lucas. He had gotten a haircut and was meeting Lee up at the oil derrick to discuss an order for some lumber. He was also hoping they struck oil on that derrick soon or he was going to have no choice but to shut down the whole operation for good. He was feeling the financial pinch of taking on the oil company. He hated owning the oil company and wanted nothing more than to get rid of it, but the thoughts of what would happen to the town plagued him.
Elizabeth was spending the afternoon with Helen working on her manuscript. Things had been rocky between her and Lucas ever since he left for Louisiana. He seemed more withdrawn. For two years he actively pursued her and since the hug with Nathan things had changed drastically. She never meant to hurt anyone, but she was even confused about that hug. Her mind was in a jumbled state of confusion with all that had happened and going on. One thing was for certain, she missed the closeness her and Lucas shared. She missed his laughter, his playfulness, he liked to tease her, and she definitely missed his smile.
Elizabeth knew in her heart who she wanted to be with romantically, but her head kept playing games with her. Truthfully it was unfair to both Lucas and Nathan. Both guys are amazing and would make wonderful husbands, but she only seen one man that way. She had already taken the step to tell Nathan she could not be with him, but it did not go as planned. He kept interrupting her making it more difficult to say what she needed to say. She felt very guilty for letting it get as far as it did. She never meant to hurt him and could tell he was tormented by his reaction.
Elizabeth had not been able to talk to Lucas to tell him about her realization. Now she was struggling with the secret from Helen. When was it going to be enough? She wondered. This was just something else to keep them apart. Lucas was right when he said back in Union City, "You know life, things get in the way!" It seemed like things just kept getting in their way.
Back at the oil derrick, Lucas and Mike met with Lee about the lumber order. They shook hands and parted ways. Lee went back to town. Lucas and Mike observed the operation of the well. Lucas used this opportunity to advise Mike that if the well did not come in soon he was going to shut down operations completely. Mike had a look of horror on his face. The well began to shake! They ushered the crew away from it. There was a loud rumble and the oil came spewing out. Excitement shone on their faces! This was the break they were looking for, but it was short lived. The well exploded! Fire shot out in all directions, smoke came barreling up and filled the air. The noise was heard far and wide as everyone in town came to the street to witness the explosion. The explosion had caught Lucas and Mike and threw them backwards onto the ground.
The town immediately reacted beginning their rescue mission. Nathan was the first to arrive as he should be, being the Mounty. Bill, Jesse, Ned, Henry, and Fiona all arrived later.
When they arrived what they saw was Mike and Lucas laying on the ground. Nathan helped Lucas up and he was in a lot of pain, but he was not going anywhere until his men were all safe. They put Mike in the wagon and had the driver take him back to the infirmary. He was burned all over his face. Lucas stayed helping to put out the fire. He was thankful that Henry showed up and knew how to put it out, the adrenaline pumping through his veins keeping his mind off the pain.
The town gathered in the street waiting for news. Elizabeth stood holding Helen's hand assuring her that Lucas would be fine. Honestly she was not sure of that herself, but was trying to be comforting. She could not help thinking about him herself. The thoughts were overwhelming her. Then the wagon pulled up and Mike got out in front of the infirmary. Faith and Carson helped him into the infirmary. Elizabeth figured that since he was the only one in the wagon, Lucas was probably okay. She knew he would not leave until everything was under control. Still, she wanted to see him to reassure herself.
Ned, Jesse, Nathan, Bill, Lucas, Henry, and Fiona proceeded to put out the fire. Everyone was more than excited when Henry's idea actually worked. There were celebratory hugs! Then they all headed back into town. Lucas rode back with Henry, now realizing after everything was settling down how much his body ached. He could feel the constant burning on his neck. His muscles felt like he had been hit by a car. He tried to put on a happy face not wanting anyone to make a fuss. That was just who he was. He let very few people into his world, keeping his life as private as possible.
They all pulled up in town. Henry pulled up in front of the infirmary and helped Lucas out. Lucas said thank you and walked into the infirmary.
Faith had caught him as he walked in and seen the blisters on his neck. "Lucas have a seat over there and I will get you fixed right up. Can you remove your garments from the waste up please? Do you hurt anywhere else besides your neck?
"I hurt all over, but my neck is the only thing burning. My muscles are definitely reminding me of what I just went through." He said with a chuckle.
The door to the infirmary flung open and Helen and Elizabeth walked in. Helen immediately ran to Lucas and hugged her only son and let out the few tears she had been holding in. Lucas wrapped his arm around her and returned the hug.
"I am okay mother!"
"I was worried I had lost you son!"
"I will be fine, head on over to the café and wait for me there. I will be there as soon as Faith gets done with me."
"Okay!"
Helen left and Elizabeth stayed. She was just taking in their little exchange. She knew this was not the time to mention her mother's secret, but she did not want to wait another moment before telling Lucas about her realization. The thought of losing him and being away from him had made her decision even more so than before. She slowly sat down beside him on the edge of the bed, saying absolutely nothing, trying to compose herself. She was sitting so close to him her arms were touching his. She couldn't believe how affected she was by seeing his upper body without his usual three piece suit. She pulled herself together and finally spoke.
"Lucas are you really okay?"
"Yes Elizabeth, I will be fine. Thank you for coming to check on me that was very sweet!"
She slowly reached over and grabbed his hand and intertwined it with hers. Lucas mind was racing and confused and not sure where this was going, but he could not wait to hear what followed.
"Lucas I told Nathan that I only thought of him as a friend and I am ready to have you court me!"
Lucas froze, not sure why but he could not say a word! He just slightly shifted and then slowly placing one hand behind her neck pulled her in as he gently brushed his lips against hers. The next few moments were spent in dead silence, as they were both so captivated by their feelings neither could say a word.
After a few moments Lucas finally spoke as he looked deep into her blue eyes,"I love you Elizabeth Thornton! You have made me the happiest man this day!"
"I love you too!"