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Conversations of the Heart
A Journey of Love
Chapter 24 ~A Shopping Spree in UC~
The weeks were flying by now as Lucas was busy negotiating for the property. He had reserved two nights in Union City for a shopping spree to prepare them for their trip. They would take Jack with them, and Lucas would be his companion while his mama and Laura did their shopping. Elizabeth would mostly buy new clothes in Europe, but she planned on getting at least a couple of outfits for the transatlantic trip. Jack also needed some new clothes as he was in a growth spurt and nothing from the previous summer would fit. Lucas and Jack would join them for a while during their trip to attend to Jack's wardrobe.
They arrived at their favorite hotel late Friday evening. The hotel had been alerted to have dinner ready for their arrival in their suite. Laura and Jack would be sharing the adjoining bedroom. Jack had fallen asleep about thirty minutes before their arrival, so Lucas carried the little boy in and up to their room. He set him temporarily on their bed so he would be with them if he awoke.
The first course of their dinner arrived, and Lucas started up a conversation, "so Laura, have you ever been to Union City before?"
"No, sir. I have never been further than Benson Hills and I have never slept in a hotel before."
"Please Laura, no need to call me Sir. It makes me feel old. You are nearly twenty now and I think you should call me Lucas, especially in private."
"Yes, sir…. I mean Lucas. It might take me a while to get used to that."
"And, as Lucas says, you are no longer a young girl, you are a young lady and I think you should call me Elizabeth, especially when it is just family. You will be part of our family this summer and we want you to feel at home with us."
"Thank you, I am so appreciative of this opportunity."
"Well, it is we who should thank you for agreeing to go with us. I know that this is the best we can do for Jack. And we hope that you will also benefit from this adventure. Do you speak any French or Spanish?" queried Lucas.
"I took one semester of French, but I don't have a chance to practice. And I only know a few words of Spanish; I have a book from the library to try to learn a few phrases at least."
"Well, Elizabeth and I would be happy to help you practice your French. We have a very long train and ship voyage ahead of us. You will be an expert-novice by the time we reach France. We might teach Jack a few words too. You can help broaden your vocabulary by helping him to learn some useful words for when he meets my cousins' families."
The waiter returned with their next course and a choice of side dishes and wines. Lucas leaned and spoke to the waiter in a low voice.
"Mademoiselle, quel vin préférez-vous? He asked Laura. She blushed but replied to the waiter in French the wine she preferred. Elizabeth looked at her husband and smiled. Anyone else might have just been making polite conversation, but not Lucas; true to his word he intended to help Laura as best he could. Learn French, gain self-confidence, whatever she needed he was going to be her surrogate father for this trip, and he intended to start immediately.
The next day they headed for the shops. Elizabeth knew this was going to be a long two days, but she hoped that Laura's first shopping adventure of this magnitude would be a memorable one. They spent the morning in two dress shops selecting travel outfits, everyday summer dresses, and party clothes. Laura was fitted and the alterations would be done over the next few weeks when they would return for a final fitting. They planned on lunch with the guys and then doing some shopping for Jack. The next day they would work on underclothes and nightgowns and other accessories for them both.
They dined in a small café off the park and listened to Jack's version of the morning buddy adventures. Lucas could hardly believe all they had done when he listened to the little boy's rendition. The ladies had less of a tale to tell but Lucas was satisfied that they had been productive and had enjoyed themselves.
After lunch, they headed to what by all accounts was the best shoe store in town. They purchased shoes and boots for Jack, and the three adults each purchased a pair of rugged walking shoes for the long treks they expected on their trip. For Laura, they also purchased some lace-up boots that were fashionable for everyday wear and a pair of dress pumps. They then headed to a shop for children's clothes and between the three of them found all that Jack would need for the summer. Lucas had insisted on two three-piece suits which thrilled Jack because he would look like his papa. With that, they declared their day a success and returned to the hotel for an afternoon rest followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Elizabeth had noticed Lucas' gaze on her all evening. She knew that like her, he was remembering other dinners here, their very first trip to the Virginia Wolfe reading and then later ones in the courtship and on their honeymoon. He had that look of profound love on his face and she found herself blushing as she looked up at him on occasion. He smiled at the shared memories and made sure she knew how much he adored her.
After dinner, they returned to the hotel to settle Jack. Laura sat with Jack and read him a story until he fell asleep and then returned to the suite with her Spanish phrasebook to practice. Elizabeth and Lucas had decided on a walk through the park, the pavilion was lit as per usual and there was a choir performing a Spring concert. They strolled and listened to the music and then stopped for a while on a secluded bench. Lucas had been giving her signals all night and she could feel the heat as he pulled her onto his lap for a long luxurious kiss. Sweet and tender at first but becoming intoxicatingly heated and passionate as they continued. "Lucas, I think we need to go to our suite if we aren't going to embarrass ourselves right here."
"Too late." He indicated an elderly couple walking hand in hand smiling at them. Elizabeth blushed, but it was too dark for anyone to see. Lucas knew though.
As the couple passed them, the man spoke, "that was us once, and she is still the love of my life." He winked at Lucas, and they proceeded on their way.
Lucas kissed her on the forehead, took her hand and they headed back to their suite. They found Laura had gone to bed and both she and Jack were sleeping soundly. Living with a child they had learned how to be discreet. And they would be, but Lucas planned on making this night more than memorable, nonetheless. He opened the drapes so he could see her in the moonlight and proceeded to help her out of her dress. He remembered their first time; he had been new to it all then. He had been in awe of the experience and assumed feelings would become somewhat subdued with time, but this was not the case. Their connection transcended the obvious physical aspects, and it was that connection that was intensified in their joining. He needed her now like he needed air to breathe, she was essential to his existence, and he would show her.
Elizabeth looked at her husband, she could see the longing on his face, the adoration in his eyes. She never tired of him looking at her with that profound awe, wanting to connect with her at the most basic level that stripped away everything but their hearts and souls. She felt intensely loved; a love she returned, and she would show him.