CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

"Thursday morning, I had an appointment with Carson at the Infirmary. As I walked there, from a distance, I noticed Lucas in the doorway of the Oil Office watching you two drive by with the Coulters. Nothing too unusual there, or so I thought, but as I walked on and got closer to his Office, he was on the phone with his Mother."

Nathan and Elizabeth both looked puzzled as to why that would be an issue, but both knew Bill had more to say.

"It's the conversation I wish I didn't have to tell you about. And I want you both to know, after I heard it, I turned around immediately, walked back to Nathan's office, and wrote every single word down just as Lucas had said them." Bill reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a folded page in his own handwriting. "Although I may be off a word or two, I promise I have the crux of the conversation down perfectly!"

Bill noticed Nathan and Elizabeth scooting closer together and Nathan taking Elizabeth's hand.

He quietly handed the couple the page he had written for them to read together.

"No, Mother, the two of us won't be coming to New York as planned, but I'm sure we'll arrange a later date. I know you're disappointed to not meet Elizabeth, but I promise we'll reschedule soon. She's dying to meet you, too! And Mother, thanks for sending Grandmama's engagement ring. I'm giving it to her for Christmas! Yes, talk soon. And Mother, I think she's going to write to you and thank you for helping publish her book. Just play along with it. I didn't want her to think it was all me. Talk soon!"

Both Nathan and Elizabeth were silent, neither moving an inch. Elizabeth's face had drained of any color. Bill had never seen Nathan look so chagrined.

"I need to tell you both, I've spent most of my time since this happened investigating all this, and here's what I know. It's not pretty and all tied up with a bow, but I think we're getting things back on track."

Nathan and Elizabeth were still silent, waiting for Bill to continue.

"Let's start with Bouchard's Mother. For starters, her name isn't Bouchard."

"It's Belfrey," stated Nathan, showing no emotion whatsoever.

"How did you know that?" questioned Bill, as though he were leading an interrogation.

"I did a background check after that incident in the Saloon. Mr. Bouchard has three known aliases, Langdon Belfrey, Lewis Blake, and Lucas Bouchard. Belfrey was the only name with a birth certificate. Bouchard is his Mother's maiden name."

"I should have known you'd be on top of this. Anyway, I didn't want to bother you, so I made some calls. His Mother is Caroline Bouchard Belfrey, and she was a wealthy socialite in New York City, but she spends most of her time in Europe now. Turns out she married dirt poor, so the money she has was left in trust by her parents. They saw to it that she was cared for well enough to never have to work a day in her life. But rumor has it that the money has been running low for some time, and she relies mostly on the generosity of her friends. Her husband died not long after their only child was born. Mother and Son traveled the world with her Society friends and their children, but she never remarried. She still travels most of her time, but now, her friends pick up the tab. Elizabeth, I'm sorry to tell you this, but she's never been a book publisher. In fact, it's safe to say she's never worked a day in her life, just as her family intended. There is no record of her ever having had a job."

"Then, who is publishing my book, Bill?"

"Well, it took me a while to find them, but after calling every single publishing firm in New York City, I finally did. It's Fordham University Press."

Elizabeth glanced at Nathan's face, but he was showing no recognition of the name, although Elizabeth was learning, that meant nothing at all. They could even be Nathan's publisher for all she could tell. But she'd have to ask that later, privately.

"They're very reputable, Elizabeth, and they were very pleased I called. They said they had been trying to work with your agent, but they would prefer to work with you directly. I gave them your address. I hope you don't mind. But, I think it's time you start managing everything with them. I've got their phone numbers for you, too, back at the office."

"My agent?" whispered Elizabeth. "Nathan, can Lucas lay claim to any of the proceeds from my book?"

"Not if you don't have a written contract signed by both of you," Nathan answered and Bill nodded in agreement.

"No, I do not."

"Good. Bill, I felt like something was off. Elizabeth and I had even discussed it a couple of days ago. Lucas came to the schoolhouse telling Elizabeth and me that she would be going on a book tour pretty much all of this coming summer. And to quote Lucas, he, of course, would be accompanying her." Elizabeth could tell it was difficult for Nathan to even say those words. "When she refused, he gave in too easily. I should have known something bigger was up."

"You know, this takes us back to square one with Lucas. If he doesn't have family money, then where did he get his money?" Bill's eyes were narrowed as though he could make several good guesses.

"Bill, did he actually say he was giving me an engagement ring at Christmas?" Elizabeth shuddered and looked like she was going to be sick.

"I'm sorry my sweet Elizabeth, but that's exactly what he said."

"Over my dead body."

Nathan's voice was even-toned but fully laced with iron. Both Bill and Elizabeth saw Nathan's body lengthen and go rigid, as he leaned forward. They saw his eyes turn to cold steel, and they could feel the resolve emanating from him. This was about his Elizabeth. He would protect her at all costs, from anything and everything, even a ridiculous proposal that could only end in disgust and a refusal. Under Nathan's Code of Honor, no woman should ever have to go through something like that, and he would see that Elizabeth would not. Bill and Elizabeth both knew Nathan meant exactly what he had said.

Bill couldn't help but think, 'Although I'd love to see it, that's a bear I don't think you want to poke, Mr. Bouchard!'

Then Nathan continued, "Okay, let's step back a bit. We've got the publishing situation back in Elizabeth's control, and that's the most important thing. So what else can Lucas do, besides propose?"

"Nathan, I don't think anything! Not now that we know who and what we're dealing with," answered Bill.

"Elizabeth, what are you thinking?" asked Nathan softly.

"I don't know what to think. I thought he was my friend, our friend. I even forgave him for Sargent. How did I only see the good things in him? How could I not see he could be ruthless? Because this is ruthless and utterly disrespectful to both of us."

"Elizabeth, I'm not defending any of this in the least. What he's doing sickens me. And I've been the target of that disrespectful side more than I care to admit. But maybe Lucas doesn't know how to be a friend. It sure doesn't sound like he's had much of a family life. Maybe he's had to be a bit ruthless just to survive. You know how you always say people change? Maybe Lucas is trying to change. Maybe he has been trying to be our friend, but he's hit a rough spot. There has to be something else we don't know about, that's making him think being engaged to you is the answer to his problems."

Both Bill and Elizabeth looked at each other and said it at the same time, "Money, he needs money."

"But he's just bought an oil company…ah! That's it. He's overextended and needs money. I think you two are right. I may be crazy, but I don't think this has to do with betraying us in his mind. I think in his mind it's a means to an end. He needs money quickly, and a lot of it! More than that diamond ring is going to bring, no matter how huge it is. What's our next step, Bill?"

"I think we wait for his first move."

"So do I. He doesn't know it, but we hold all his cards now, every single last one of them. Bill, I say we protect him from himself. Let's just be committed to helping Lucas finish his redemption arc. I think he has it in him to complete his transformation from admitted former bad guy to good guy. If not, we'll push him along. He's worked hard and he's almost there. I don't want him to throw away everything he's accomplished since he's been in Hope Valley because he's in the middle of a crisis and decides to do something stupid like this."

"Nathan, how can you be so generous with him, so understanding of his situation, after everything he's done to us, to you especially?"

"There's this beautiful woman who I think is pretty much the heart of the town, and she's taught me Hope Valley does things differently. We're there for each other. We're going to be there for Lucas, whether he wants us there or not! But I do draw the line at proposing to my girl. That, he does not get a pass on!"

"But, Elizabeth, Darling, is this going to be too much for you? Is it going to be too hard on you, just waiting and letting it play out? I know it's a lot to ask!"

"No Nathan, not if I know I have Bill and you looking out for me. And not if you're in this with me, Love."

"Always, Darling, always!" and Nathan drew her close to him, wrapping his arms around her.

"That's my girl, Elizabeth! See, Nathan, I told you she was tough! We'll be with you every single step of the way, Elizabeth. And remember, Lucas is not a bad person, just a misguided one right now. Lucas is not going to put you in any danger. Besides, he cares too much for you to do that."

"Still, I don't think it's wise for you to be alone with him, because that's the only way he can give you the ring. And I just don't want you to have to go through that. He tends to catch you at the schoolhouse. So, Elizabeth, never be alone there, even during recess. Keep Allie with you till I get there to walk you home. And of course, I'll walk you both to school. If I have to be out of town, Bill would you do the honors?"

"Absolutely! Just let me know if you have to go out of town. I'd pay to see the look on Bouchard's face to find me with Elizabeth when he thinks she's alone!"

"Darling, if Lucas does happen to come to your house, just don't let him in and go out the back way to the Coulter's house instead. To be completely sure he can't catch you alone, take Allie, Rosemary, or me to the Mercantile with you, which we pretty much do now anyway. I don't want you to feel imprisoned, but the look on your face tells me you don't want to be proposed to…" Nathan immediately knew he had said the wrong thing and his face brightly turning red proved it!

"Well, I wouldn't say that, exactly, Nathan Alexander Grant!" she laughed and fluttered her long dark eyelashes, coquettishly, and placed her hand across her heart for extra effect.

Bill burst out laughing, "Walked right into that one, Nathan! I tell you Elizabeth, I do my best to coach these Boys, but honestly, some days, I don't have a brain to work with out of the three of them. At least not one in the romance department!"

Nathan gave Bill one of his most exasperated 'Bill' looks, and turned and grabbed Elizabeth from behind so that she was laughing, yet startled enough to be at his mercy.

"Okay, okay, I'm leaving…" Bill had taken their not so subtle hint! "But one last thing, I'm really proud of you two! Lucas is a lucky man to have you both in his corner. I don't know of another couple in the world, given the circumstances, who would be doing this for him. Proud of you both! Even love you both! But don't you dare repeat that!"

"Love you…too…Bill," Elizabeth was able to manage between kisses. She would thank her second Father for all his help later when she wasn't so obviously otherwise occupied!

"Bill, thanks for everything!" Bill put a hand up for Nathan to see, then couldn't resist turning to give him a thumbs up!

Bill chuckled as he closed the door, "Maybe, I've taught that Boy a thing or two in the romance department, after all!"

Nathan finally took Elizabeth's hand and pulled her down to sit with him on the settee, whispering in her ear, "Come sit with me…"

"Darling, are you going to be terribly disappointed if there is no proposal from me this Christmas?"

"Of course not, Love. I think it's adorable you want to ask for my Father's permission. Although I do think you may live to regret that decision at some point!" and she playfully poked the tip of his nose. "But, I do know we can't make a trip to Hamilton till after the Holidays. It's enough for me to know a proposal is coming from you," she kissed with a fervor that proved she meant it.

"At least, it better be coming from you!" she threatened. "Bill may not be too happy about the wait, however! But, you obviously already have his approval."

"I think I'm failing Bill's courses in romance…"

"Absolutely, you are not! I'm quite overjoyed with my romantic courter! I think he happens to be doing a fabulous job!"

"I love you, Elizabeth. I love you so very much. I know tonight didn't end up the way we planned, not with Bill's revelation. But we can handle all that. Overlooking that, all our guests had the best time. I think our first official Dinner Party was a smashing success! Thank you for that. Oh, and I loved your Cherry Sauce, by the way, but that really was evil of you!"

"I did that especially for you, my Love!"

"Oh, I got that message loud and clear. And believe me, I wanted to hold you right there in front of everyone and plaster those Cherries all over your beautiful face."

"That was the goal!" she giggled and nestled into his outstretched arm.

"Nathan, you didn't tell me about Lucas and his aliases. We were never going to be a couple, but it would have impacted how close I allowed our friendship to become. Why didn't you use that to your advantage? Anyone else would have."

"Because, first of all, I'm not anyone else, and because, secondly, this extraordinarily beautiful, intelligent woman once told me that "People change," and I was hoping in this case, you were right. I still think you might be. And I hope you are!"

She laced her fingers in his.

"You do know with that last comment, I can't even be mad at you for leaving me out of the loop!"

"That was the plan, but truthfully, it wasn't my 'loop' to tell," and he reached to kiss the tip of her nose. "I'll be honest, it did concern me. But, you do know, I knew it wasn't a question of your safety. I wouldn't have let anything happen to you or Little Jack if it had been with anyone!"

"I know that, Nathan. I can't believe you had that to consider, too, along with everything else going on where Lucas was concerned. I'm truly sorry I made it so difficult for you."

"All is forgiven and forgotten, Love."

Nathan bent to kiss her on the forehead.

"Nathan Alexander Grant, you're familiar with Fordham University Press, aren't you?"

"I might be..." and there was that grin that turned her upside down!

But that was all she was getting out of him on that subject because he obviously had something else on his mind, and happily, she knew it was her.

Instead of continuing the conversation, he slowly brought his lips toward hers, brushing them lightly, just long enough to feel her smile start to crinkle. Then he took her lower lip between his own lips and gently held it there, teasing her to want more. And she did. This at first oh so soft, barely-there kiss ignited between them into a fiery explosion of everything they felt each for the other. They just reveled in their joined lips, their love, and they moved in sync with their kiss and each other until there was no more breath between them and they had to pull away.

Nathan wrapped his arm lovingly around her and she nestled into him, in the spot against him where she perfectly fit, that belonged solely to her.

They sat in silence till they both could breathe again, think again, and even function as human beings again.

After a while, Elizabeth whispered, "Darling, will you sing for me?"

"Hmm, are you going to ask me to sing every time we're in the middle of a discussion?"

"That's not fair, you kissed me first and totally destroyed any hope of concentration I had. But, yes, probably, unless I have more to say, of course!"

"Oh, of course! Let me get my guitar. I think I left it in my room."

Elizabeth watched as this tall, handsome man took the steps two at a time. She knew he would do anything to make her happy. But the irony was, he didn't have to do anything at all. Just his existence alone made her happier than she had ever been in her life.

How could one man make a woman feel so cherished and protected?

"One guitar at our disposal! Are you sure you really want to listen to me sing?"

"Very sure."

"Wait a minute, my guitar pick is missing. If you'll excuse me, Ma'am, I'll grab one in the kitchen…"

After a few minutes of rumbling through the kitchen cupboard, Nathan came back to Elizabeth.

"Here it is! Can I at least get a kiss before my musical concert of one?"

"Come my Love! A kiss I think can be managed from your most adoring fan…"

"Uhm..," and then he brought his hand from behind his back and painted the Cherry Sauce straight down her nose!

"Why, Nathan Grant! I never! I think that's illegal…"

"That will never hold up in a Court of Law, my Darling! In fact, it's pretty difficult to claim a grievance, when the alleged injured party has committed the same grievous offense against that same said defendant multiple times before!"

"Well, if I can't take you to Court, come here you, who have committed multiple offenses as well! Just kiss me already…"

And he slowly kissed the Cherries off her face, with both licks and kisses!

This most unusual night, with all of its difficult revelations, was ending in whispers and laughter only the two of them could hear, along with very sweet Cherry kisses, which were particularly yummy in every way!

As strong and independent as each of the individuals making up this couple were, Nathan and Elizabeth were beginning to understand they were so much stronger together. Difficulties seemed lighter because they were tackling them equally together.

"Constable Grant, I will pay you back for this grievous offense…"

"Oh, I have no doubt, Mrs. Thornton. No doubt at all!"

"Will you please not look so handsome, when I'm trying to be mad at you?"

"How's this?" and he made one of Little Jack's favorite faces.

She couldn't help but burst out laughing, yet again!

'This man, just completely holds my heart right there in the palms of his hands!' she thought, but she knew with certainty that she wouldn't have it any other way! Her heart was definitely in the right place...and that was a beautiful thing to be certain of.