Hi all!

I've been trying to post a chapter a day leading up to this finale, but I can't believe we're already this close to finding out what's going to happen! Regardless, today's chapter fits itself perfectly where we are right now in the plot, ignoring everything we've seen for the finale so far and assuming that Jesse has been found safe. It's a bit of an emotional one, or at least I think so, since I wanted to save a fun one for Sunday before the episode!

Hang in there, my fellow Hopeful Romantics. We're almost there.

They'd been in the saloon when it happened.

In fact, most of the town had been gathered there to celebrate Carson before he left, and for the most part, all had gone well. Lucas had spent the majority of his evening behind the bar, doing everything he could to keep himself from talking to Elizabeth. He hadn't known the other night when he found himself on her doorstep, but Landis had made her life difficult once more, and now Lucas longed more than to comfort her. Still, he knew she needed space, and he wasn't about to be the reason she didn't find her happiness with Nathan.

Granted, he couldn't help but notice that the Mountie wasn't by her side all evening either, but that was beside the point.

But as Carson was about to give a speech to the town, things took a turn for the worst. Suddenly, Henry collapsed. Hickam had caught him, with a bit of help from Fiona, and they managed to hold him upright, but there was obviously something wrong.

Carson and Faith sprung to work, and a few of the men helped get Henry over to the infirmary. From across the room, Lucas' eyes met Elizabeth's, and he could immediately see the panic and concern that were present there. Quickly, Elizabeth broke her gaze, grabbing her coat and heading straight after the doctors.

The town was abuzz with the commotion, but since Carson left and it was already late, most headed home. Nathan had headed out shortly after Elizabeth, presumably also on his way to the infirmary, and Lucas had shook his head as he watched the other man go, attempting to loosen the thoughts that had plagued his mind for the past few days.

Eventually, the last of the customers headed home after Molly had stopped by with an update that they likely wouldn't have any news until the morning. Lucas let out a sigh of relief as he finished wiping the counter. As much as he felt at home in the lively saloon, he couldn't help but enjoy these moments where the place was quiet and empty too, and right now, with everything going on, the quiet was more than welcome.

Once the last of the lights had been turned out, Lucas was about to head up to his suite when he decided to at least check in at the infirmary. After all, he couldn't help but feel partially responsible for aggravating Henry's condition over the past few months, and it was the least he could do. Pulling on his coat, he headed out the front doors.

The night was crisp, and it was obvious that winter wasn't far off. As he pulled his coat a little tighter around him, Lucas let his gaze rest on the infirmary, and specifically on the woman he knew would be seated outside.

She was alone, which surprised him. He would have figured Nathan would be there.

Lucas took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill his lungs as he prepared to cross the street. He was fairly certain that she hadn't seen him yet, but she looked lost in thought anyway. Slowly, he approached, and when she finally looked up at him, it was like someone tugged his heart backward. Still, he continued onward until he stood just off the platform of the infirmary.

"Any word about Henry?" he asked, trying to keep some space between them for her sake.

Elizabeth shook her head. "Nothing yet. It's something to do with his blood pressure again, but I think it's more serious this time. He's alive though."

Lucas nodded, "That's good to hear." There was a pause between them, but Lucas suddenly found himself continuing. "I thought you would've gone home already."

"Henry doesn't have any family in town, and I didn't want him to be alone, even if I can't be inside. Rosemary and Lee are watching Little Jack."

She looked tired, the weight of the school situation already heavy on her shoulders before any of the events of that evening. And he probably hadn't helped. But he only wanted her happiness, and if that wasn't with him, then so be it. Of course, it didn't stop the desire he had to take her into his arms and tell her that everything was going to be fine. To tell her that Henry would find a way through this the same way he always did. To reassure her that he...

"I should get going" Lucas said suddenly, purposefully pushing away the thoughts that had found their way to the surface of his mind. There was another moment of silence, both unsure of what else to say, before he turned back toward the saloon.

"Lucas, wait."

He froze, wondering if this was it. If this was the moment she finally told him that he was right and she had picked Nathan. But then why wasn't he here? Looking back at her, he waited for her to continue.

"I know you care a lot about Henry too" she replied, obviously careful of her words. "Would you like to...stay for a while?"

His eyes searched hers then, looking for any kind of explanation, but he only saw the woman who had captured his heart looking more vulnerable than he'd ever seen her. She didn't move, didn't make any motion to pat the bench beside her the way she had with the settee in his office, didn't reach out to him or ask again, but there was something in her gaze that told him it was alright.

That she wanted him to stay.

Without another word, he let out a breath and moved up onto the platform, taking his seat beside her on the bench outside the infirmary. Their eyes didn't meet, and neither spoke, but to Lucas it felt like his skin was on fire. They were close enough that he could hear her breathing, be he didn't dare look at her, fearful that if he did he wouldn't be able to keep his promise to her that he'd let her go.

They sat there for a while, unspoken words hanging between them that neither dared to bring up. He knew he should go, his mind screamed at him to say goodnight and return to his suite, but it was like something kept him tied to the bench.

And then he felt a slight pressure on his shoulder. Finally allowing himself to glance at her, he found that Elizabeth's head was resting lightly against his arm. Her eyes were closed, and her arms were wrapped around her body in an attempt to conceal some additional body heat. She looked peaceful for the first time all evening, and he couldn't bring himself to disturb her.

Against his better judgement, Lucas leaned over to press a faint kiss against her temple, and when she didn't stir, he gently shifted so she was resting more comfortably against him.

He was well aware that she would eventually wake, and he was already preparing his apology for when she did, but for now he let her sleep. Tomorrow was a new day, and he had every intention of keeping his word, but in that moment he was content to be there in whatever capacity she needed.

After all, he would do anything for the woman he loved.