The next day…
It had been a long week traveling between Hope Valley and San Francisco and back home again. Henry Gowan was anxious to return to talk to Lucas and Fiona about Jerome and his investors. With his mind preoccupied, he bumped into another passenger waiting to exit the train, spilling the contents of her travel bag.
"I am so sorry, ma'am!" Henry exclaimed. He bent down to help her retrieve her bag and items. He picked up a picture frame of a handsome man and woman smiling adoringly at each other on their wedding day. He felt intrusive looking at the private moment.
As he stood he came face to face with one of the most stunning women he had ever laid eyes on. She was tall and had beautiful dark chestnut waves framing her creamy radiant face. She was staring at Henry with warm dark brown eyes and a slight blush lighted her cheeks in embarrassment. If he had to guess she was closer to his age. All he knew was he had never been so smitten when meeting a woman.
"Oh my, thank you so much," she said.
"Um… I'm…Uhn…" What is happening? How unusual for him to be tongue-tied, Henry thought, causing himself to blush a little.
Clearing his throat he said, "I am so sorry I bumped into you. Please forgive me."
"That's quite alright. It was probably my fault, I have a tendency to be clumsy," she chuckled.
Henry handed her the photo he picked up, "Here's your photo back. I'm sure you don't want to misplace it."
"Oh, thank you! Yes, I would miss this very much. It's a special memory of me and my husband," she replied quietly. Sensing her discomfort Henry simply nodded to her.
As they disembarked the train Henry asked if he could help her with her luggage and she accepted. "Let's find you a taxi, ma'am. Where are you headed?"
"Hope Valley," she replied happily.
Henry's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, I guess we will be sharing a taxi to Hope Valley if that is ok with you. I am heading back home myself."
"Oh, you live there?"
"Yes, ma'am… Where are my manners?" he extended his hand. "My name is Henry Gowen, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Mr. Gowen, it is wonderful to already make a new friend before I arrive."
~~~ — ~~~ — ~~~
It was early morning at the Thornton row house. Elizabeth sat at her desk, pen in hand, writing in her new journal Lucas gifted her for Christmas. "Yesterday was a very different kind of day for Lucas and I, which intially left me reeling and tested the strength of our relationship. The initial fear I felt at Lucas's reveal about his past was almost as quickly overridden by my love for him and complete trust in the good and honorable man I know him to be. But I know how quickly life can be taken and I don't want our days to be a reflection of the fear and distrust that I experienced with Jack's dangerous work in the early days of our courtship. All that Lucas shared only reinforced what I already know about him. And his honest heartfelt apology was a balm to the ridges that started to etch on the edges of my heart from him withholding this information. We experienced a deep level of honesty in our discussion that concluded in sharing our first most heartfelt "I Love Yous" we have so longed to voice to each other. The joy to finally be able to say those words to Lucas radiated through my entire being. Our passionate kisses left me breathless and I admit it left me wanting more…"
A knock at the front door at such an early hour on a Saturday interrupted her journaling. Going to the door she was surprised to find Laura. "Good morning, Mrs. Thornton."
"Good morning, Laura. What are you doing here on a Saturday morning?"
"You'll see very soon. It won't be much longer before Mr. Bouchard arrives," Laura said with a sweet smile. Almost as soon as she finished her sentence Lucas knocked and walked into her home.
"Good morning, ladies," Lucas said cheerfully. "Elizabeth, would you like to join me for brisk horse ride followed by breakfast at the cafe?"
"That sounds lovely."
"Laura, thank you for agreeing to watch Jack this morning on such short notice," Lucas said.
"It's my pleasure, Mr. Bouchard. I'm happy to help. Jack and I will make waffles together this morning."
"My son is sure going to love that, Laura," Elizabeth replied. "I'm ready to go, Lucas." As she stepped onto the porch Elizabeth said, "Oh, you already saddled Sargent for me. Thank you, Lucas."
"You're welcome, my love." After they closed the front door Lucas pulled Elizabeth close and placed a tender kiss on her lips. "Happy Birthday, Elizabeth. Are you up for a longer ride out to the ridge then a late breakfast?"
"Sounds great. Let's get going." Elizabeth gave Lucas a quick kiss on the lips and quickly mounted Sargent. "Last one to reach the Hope Valley border has to buy breakfast," she said cheekily as she raced away from the rowhouses leaving Lucas chasing after her.
Once they dismounted at the ridge, Lucas stalked towards Elizabeth. "You, my darling, are a sneak and a cheater."
"No, you sir, are a sore loser who has to buy me breakfast now." She grabbed his hand and said, "Now show me this wonderful ridge view you've talked so much about."
Turning to his left, Lucas walked towards a grove of pine trees that opened to a majestic view of rolling mountains and a quiet valley below. They paused at the break in the pines to take in God's beauty before them.
"Every time I stop here I feel refilled by something greater than myself and I am grounded again. Having you here with me, Elizabeth, means everything." Stepping behind her, Lucas wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin against her temple. They stood there in silence soaking in the greatness of nature before them. He dipped his head and kissed her cheek affectionately. He softly whispered, "I love you."
Elizabeth turned in his arms and caressed his beard and his dimples. "Lucas, I adore you and love you more every day. This place is stunningly simple in its beauty."
"... there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell." Elizabeth quoted.
"Ah, Walt Whitman always brings the simplicity of nature to light beautifully," Lucas responded. "This poem, Song of the Open Road, hits me on so many levels and differently each time I reflect on it when I'm here. You know me so well, my love."
They lapsed into companionable silence for a while. Both reflecting on what has brought them to this moment and the joy that can be found in their companionship and quiet reflection, never far from each others' thoughts.
Lucas pulled away slightly motioning to Elizabeth with his trademark finger wave and a charming smile lighting his face, "Wait right here, I have a birthday surprise." Lucas walked to his horse and retrieved a small bouquet of flowers, mimosas and a small container of chocolate covered strawberries. Placing the blanket on the ground where Elizabeth was waiting, he extended his hand to assist her to sit on the blanket.
Pouring two glasses of mimosas, Lucas toasted to Elizabeth, "My beautiful love, may your birthday be all you hope it will be today." Clinking glasses Elizabeth enjoyed the tangy, sweet, setzy flavor of the mimosa on her tongue. Lucas reached over offering her a bite of a chocolate covered strawberry. The richness of the chocolate and full fruity flavors of the strawberry pulled a delighted moan of appreciation from Elizabeth.
"I will never tire of hearing the sensual sounds you make when you enjoy your favorite foods." Blushing, Lucas cleared his throat and murmured, "I look forward to all of our future moments when you express your enjoyment for the many new experiences we share together." His words caused Elizabeth's cheeks to turn bright red, clearly knowing what Lucas was implying. She turned to look out at the mountain vista trying to settle her racing heart.
"I've been thinking about this view, Elizabeth. What do you think about having a future home here with me, you and Jack? We aren't too far from Hope Valley where our work is and I would love to hurry home to you every night right here."
There was a long pause while Elizabeth contemplated her thoughts on the topic. First Lucas had asked me a few weeks ago what I thought of a fall wedding during the Hope Valley Days, which had followed their beautiful promises to each other "if we should marry". This was another logical step towards a proposal she expected to be coming soon.
"Lucas, I think this would be a lovely location for a future home. No doubt we will outgrow the rowhouse one day when we expand our family," she said shyly with a slight blush tinting her cheeks at her forwardness. Oh, how she loved to see his adoring and loving smile bloom on his face when they talked about their future together.
"You've made me the happiest man alive right now. This location is perfect. We will need to build so we have a stunning view of this ridge from the back of our home. Oh, I cannot wait until we can plan out our future home together." With a delighted laugh, Lucas pointed over to a younger set of trees and said, "and there is a wonderful location for Jack and I to build a grand tree house."
Elizabeth just giggled at his obvious delight. Raising her glass she toasted, "To us and our future." They just smiled lovingly, knowing they were on their way to making all their dreams come true.
~~~ — ~~~ — ~~~
The Queen of Hearts taxi pulled up to the stage coach landing. Henry exited and extended his hand to his companion to help her exit. Not wanting to end the enjoyable companionship they had on their journey to Hope Valley, Henry offered his assistance asking, "Can I help you find your way to your destination?"
"Oh, I see the Queen of Hearts, that is where I'll be staying. I am looking for Lucas Bouchard. Do you know where I might find him on a Saturday morning?"
"I'm not entirely sure on a weekend, but he might be in one of three places. Let's rule out the oil office first." Henry could see the lights were off so he knew Lucas wasn't there.
Passing the Mercantile, Henry ran into Florence. "Good morning, Florence. Have you seen Lucas this morning?" he asked, knowing Florence would most likely know the scoop.
"I did see him bright and early this morning leading their horses, King and Sargent, to Elizabeth's for an early morning ride. He was here when we first opened buying her flowers. It's her birthday today, you know."
"That's right. I'll have to be sure to wish her a happy birthday when I see her."
"Could be a happier morning for one of them versus the other… I saw Elizabeth racing Sargent again away from the rowhouses, she had a substantial lead on Lucas."
Henry chuckled, "Sounds like Elizabeth cheated again."
"And Lucas is going to lose another bet to her," Florence laughed outright.
"Thanks, Florence." Henry smiled at her. "Please give Ned my best when you see him."
"I will do, Henry. Enjoy your day," Florence replied. She was dying to know who this attractive woman was Henry was escorting in town.
Henry looked at the lovely woman at his side and asked, "Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at the cafe? I'm sure we will be able to find Lucas in about an hour."
"Sure that sounds lovely. Lead the way."
Inside the cafe Henry chose an available window seat facing the door so he could keep an eye out for Lucas and Elizabeth. Minnie arrived at the table to greet Henry.
"Good morning, Henry! It's lovely to see you this morning. What can I get you?"
"Two coffees please and a slice of your delicious gooey butter cake." Looking at the woman across from him Henry shared, "You have to try this treat, it is rich and simply decadent."
"Oh, I'd love to try it. It sounds very interesting. Thank you."
Minnie proudly shared, "It is a treasured family recipe, I look forward to hearing what you think of it."
As Minnie walked to the back of the cafe to pull their order together, the front door of the cafe opened and in walked Lucas and Elizabeth holding hands and smiling broadly.
"Lucas. Elizabeth." Henry stood and called to them to get their attention. The couple headed towards Henry's table. Henry's breakfast companion's face lighted up and she quickly jumped out of her chair turning towards the incredibly beautiful couple.
"Lucas!" she exclaimed loudly in her enthusiasm seeing her friend in person.
"Janette? Oh my goodness, Janette! Oh thank you, God," Lucas exclaimed and pulled Janette into a fiercely protective hug. Both Henry and Elizabeth looked on for different reasons. Elizabeth was curious about this raven hair beauty and Henry was eager to learn more about her.
Lucas was rambling a hundred questions a minute to Janette, but she wasn't even listening to him. Janette had turned to Elizabeth and giving her one of her brightest and engaging smiles, took a quick step forward and threw her arms around a surprised Elizabeth giving her a long and joyful hug. "I'm so thrilled to finally meet you, Elizabeth. Lucas has talked non stop about you since the first day you met outside the saloon. I am so pleased to meet the beautiful woman who has finally won this special man's heart."
Elizabeth was delighted with Janette's greeting. She could tell from the very brief interaction between Lucas and Janette, there was nothing but a loving sibling bond between them. Janette was a stunningly beautiful woman.
Henry took the brief moment between hugs and talking to address Elizabeth. "Happy Birthday, Elizabeth. It sure looks like your day had a wonderful beginning already. Tell me, who won the race to the town line today?"
Elizabeth laughed outright, "I did, of course."
"That's because you cheated. Again." Lucas retorted with a grin. "Oh well, today is your birthday so I'll let you have this victory."
Janette laughed, a musical sound that sent ripples through Henry hearing it. "Oh Lucas, you never change, do you?" Janette teased him.
"Janette, how do you know my business partner, Henry?" Lucas asked.
"Oh, we met on the train from San Francisco to Hope Valley. Since we both were headed here we shared a taxi. Henry has been a most pleasant guide."
Lucas looked at Henry and was surprised to see a light blush tinting the older man's cheeks. Well, this is an interesting turn of events, Lucas thought. And it appeared Janette was also just as affected by Henry's presence. He looked forward to asking each of them about it when he had the opportunity. Lucas glanced at Elizabeth and they both shared a knowing grin. Oh, this was going to be very interesting indeed.
Henry invited Lucas and Elizabeth to join them for breakfast and they accepted. They spent an enjoyable time visiting and Lucas and Janette caught up with all the family news in New Orleans and Grand Isle since they last saw each other. As the meal came to an end Henry could sense there was more the friends needed to discuss so he rose and excused himself.
"Mrs. Aucoin, it was a true pleasure to meet you and spend a lovely morning in your company." Janette offered her hand for a handshake and Henry raised her hand and left a kiss on her fingers.
As Henry released her hand, Janette said shyly, "Please call me Janette."
Henry's smile brightened his whole face. "And please call me Henry," he responded. He shook Lucas's hand and gave Elizabeth a light peck on her cheek wishing her a Happy Birthday again.
As Henry walked away, Lucas raised his eyebrow at Janette with a slight smirk on his face and a teasing glint in his eyes. Janette rolled her eyes at Lucas and said, "Shut up, Lucas!" and blushing, looked at Elizabeth to save her.
"Lucas, behave!"
"What did I do?" He smirked.
"Don't give me that, Lucas Bouchard. Don't harass Janette, she just arrived and I'm sure she'd like to get settled in her room at the saloon and freshen up."
"Yes, thank you, Elizabeth. I absolutely would like to freshen up from the journey." She looked at Lucas and said, "Then we need to talk."
~~~ — ~~~ — ~~~
Elizabeth knocked on Janette's suite at the Queen of Hearts. Lucas had of course insisted that his friend deserved the best room at the hotel. "Oh hello, Elizabeth! I didn't expect to see you. I thought Lucas would come up. Please come in, I'm almost ready."
"Lucas already is at our next stop this morning. He's updating Bill and Nathan on Wyman Walden."
"Oh, so he's brought the local law enforcement in to help him?"
"Yes, he's been very concerned about Walden and his increased threats recently. Lucas has a lot to catch you up on. And he has been very worried when you went quiet and he hadn't heard from you in weeks. Walden just returned yesterday. You need to know that Lucas told me about his past and his friendship and partnership with your late husband, Maurice."
"He did?" Janette expressed her pleasure at hearing this. "I've been telling him he needed to tell you. It was too important not to share that part of himself he's locked away since Maurice's death."
"Let's head over to the Judge's office and meet up with Lucas, Bill and Nathan. We have a lot to discuss this morning before Lucas and I head home to spend the day with my son."
