WOW! Thank you for reading my story and for the kind reviews! Since I had this ready, I thought I'd just post the second chapter! Happy reading!
Chapter 2
Lucas shook off the shock and anxiety he felt, as he made his way over to the car and the two people who stood beside it. "Father, Mother I hadn't realized you would be coming to Hope Valley. What are you doing here"?
Lucas's father looked at his son and smiled "is that how you greet your parents, my boy? It has been far too long and since you have made no effort to visit us in London, I thought I'd come and see you myself."
Helen smiled at Lucas "Hello son, give your mother a hug" Lucas moved in and hugged his mother. "Oh Lucas, I have missed you dearly," Helen said as she continued to hug Lucas. He pulled away and offered his mother a smile. Lucas then turned back to his father pulling him into a hug as well. Lucas loved his father, but he knew better than to believe his father had come all this way to visit him. Thomas Edward Bouchard was a man who always had an agenda. His idea of a vacation was a business trip and aside from Helen Bouchard, nothing and no one could deter him from his work. He knew his father had a reason for being in Hope Valley. What that reason was, Lucas had no idea and the thought of finding out made him nervous. Thomas Edward Bouchard, French-Canadian business magnate. He was one of the most wealthy, powerful, and feared in all of North America.
Lucas grabbed his parent's luggage and directed them to the Saloon. His father sighed, a bit annoyed, he looked at his son and asked "isn't there anywhere nicer in this town that we could stay in, perhaps your home? Surely you don't live in this saloon"
Lucas sighed "Sorry father, there aren't a lot of options in a small town. My house isn't ready for any visitors it's a bit run down and needs a lot of work."
Thomas nodded, still annoyed. Helen squeezed her husband's hand and said affectionally "Sweetheart it isn't that bad, our son has done a tremendous job remodeling the saloon. Lucas do you have any suites available"
Lucas nodded and smiled at his mother "Of course mother, I will ensure you get the best suite for your stay."
Helen smiled "I would be fine in the room you arrange my last visit, but you know your father; he needs his space." Lucas chuckled, nodding as he thought about his father's ways.
Thomas smiled "I didn't work this hard to not live lavishly and I won't apologize for that."
Lucas helped his parents settle into their suite. "Alright, is there anything I can do for you before giving you two the afternoon to freshen up?" Lucas said as he looked from his father to his mother.
"Julian Monroe should be arriving by stagecoach later today, could you see to it that he is given accommodations at your saloon and put it on my tab. He will be fine in a single room"
Lucas nodded "I thought you said you were here to see me, why would your right-hand man need to join you on this personal trip?"
Thomas's eyes narrowed as he frowned "I am here to see you, but I do also have some business to attend to. Now do as your told. I would also like to meet with you for dinner tonight I suppose this establishment's food will be up to par?"
Lucas nodded working hard to not show his annoyance at the fact that he knew his father was not here to see him but had something in the works. He knew his father and the thought HopeValley being a target for his business ventures scared him. "I will see to it that Julian is settled, don't concern yourself with the costs. Your money is no good here. I will meet you both downstairs for dinner." Lucas turned on his heel and headed for the door, stopping when he heard his father say
"Lucas, thank you." Thomas walked over to his son, placing his right hand on Lucas's shoulder, and continued "I am here to see you; I've missed you profoundly, and I hope we could have a nice evening catching up. Business can wait until tomorrow morning"
Lucas's expression softened, and he gave his father another hug before pulling back and offering his father a sincere smile "I'm glad to see you and I've missed you as well"
Helen smiled at her boys; her heart swelled at the sight of her two men sharing a sincere moment which was something she hadn't seen in 13 years. "Lucas, I trust you've received the Galley proof of Elizabeth's book that I sent for you to give to Elizabeth"
Lucas nodded at his mother; he felt a warm rush through his body at the mention of Elizabeth. "Yes mother, I gave it to her two days ago. I'm sure she'd love to see you and thank you in person for all your help."
Helen smiled "Wonderful, perhaps we could set up a meeting tomorrow or the next day. Tonight, I'd like to just focus on our family."
Lucas nodded "Of course, I'll see you both later today" Lucas turned and left closing the door to his parent's suite behind him. Lucas lingered by the door closing his eyes as he drew a sharp breath. He took out his pocket watch checking the time before making his way downstairs. Lucas went straight to the bar turning to his bartender Joe "Joe, could you pour me a single malt"
Joe nodded at his boss. It was too early for Lucas to ask for a drink, but he knew that if he was, he had a reason and so he poured his boss a drink without judgment.
Lucas gave Joe a forced smile thanking him before imbibing his drink. Lucas didn't usually use alcohol as a coping mechanism, but when it came to his father it was a great help.
After being deterred by the unexpected visit from his parents, Lucas finally made his way to the Mercantile putting in his order for the Saloon.
Ned smiled at Lucas "Is everything alright Lucas, you seem a little down and from what I've heard from" Ned paused not wanting to out his wife as his source for the newest gossip around town. After rewording his thoughts, he continued "many people in town are saying, you and Elizabeth are in a really good place"
Lucas smiled at Ned knowing who exactly the "people in town" he was referring to were. "I'm fine Ned, thanks for asking. If you'll excuse me" Ned gave Lucas a nod as he turned to leave the mercantile. Lucas was lost in thought trying to figure out what business his father had in Hope Valley when he bumped into someone. "I am so sorry; I wasn't watching where I was going," Lucas said as he looked up to see it was Rosemary he ran into.
Rosemary looked at Lucas confused by his demeanor. He seemed down and anxious, those were not the characteristics of a man who had just got his dream girl. Rosemary studied him inquisitively "It's quite alright, not even a scratch. How are you doing Lucas? You seem distracted"
Lucas smiled at Rosemary "I'm fine just got something on my mind" Rosemary continued to watch him not convinced that he was fine. Lucas forced a smile not wanting to worry her and continued "Really I'm fine, there is nothing to be concerned about." As Rosemary was about to relent, she noticed Lucas's eyes follow the stagecoach that just pulled up. It didn't go unnoticed to Rosemary that Lucas's demeanor shifted. Lucas turned from the stagecoach back to Rosemary "If you'll excuse me Rosemary" is all Lucas said before turning and walking towards the stagecoach. Fiona joined Rosemary as they both watched Lucas.
Lucas had his hands in his pockets as he waited for the man to exit the stagecoach. Both men made eye contact and Lucas broke the silence first by smiling a weak smile at the man "Julian, welcome to Hope Valley" Lucas said as he offered the man his hand to shake.
Julian smiled back and shook his hand "Lucas, it's good to see you" They both stood there letting the awkwardness dance between them for a bit. Lucas's eyes narrowed a bit as he continued "So what exactly are you doing in Hope Valley so far from London"
"Your father and I have some business to work on. He needed to work remotely because his only child is too self-absorbed to carve out some time to visit his parents." Julian retorted with a fake smile.
Lucas felt himself getting angry but clenched his jaw ignoring Julian's attempt to get a reaction from him. "You'll be staying in a room at the Saloon across from my parents' room."
"You have your parents staying inside a saloon?" Julian asked, making no attempt to hide the judgment in his tone.
Lucas ignored the question and began walking towards the saloon as Julian followed.
Elizabeth's POV…
Elizabeth smiled wide while she said goodbye to her students as they left for the day. Mr. Landis had left Hope Valley the night before, so she got to teach without the prying eyes of the middleman working for the establishment that wanted to take her agency away as the teacher of Hope Valley. Elizabeth shook the thought away not wanting anything to ruin her mood. School was over and she was determined to see Lucas before heading home to her son. Elizabeth quickly put on her jacket and grabbed her basket before making her way into town.
As Rosemary walked to the Mercantile, she noticed Elizabeth headed towards the saloon. "Elizabeth!" she said, waving to get her attention.
Elizabeth turned in the direction Rosemary's voice was coming from and smiled at her friend as she pivoted to the direction of the mercantile. "Hello Rosemary, how was your day"
Rosemary smiled "My day was fine, tell me what's going on with Lucas I have been curious since this afternoon"
Elizabeth slightly frowned "I hadn't seen him; he had an early start this morning and was out at the oil derrick by 7. I was actually on my way to see him now"
"Really, Elizabeth, I don't mean to worry you, but I saw him around noon, he seemed lost in thought and not in a good way. Oh, and while Lucas and I are talking, a stagecoach arrived, occupied by a man I've never seen before, and caught Lucas's attention. He walked over to the stage as though he knew who would be in it. I couldn't hear what they were saying but the interaction between the two men looked intense"
Elizabeth felt tense with worry over whatever it was that troubled Lucas and the man whom Rosemary spoke off. Elizabeth looked towards the Saloon and then back to Rosemary, determined to find out what was going on with Lucas. "Excuse me, Rosemary, I will see you later"
Rosemary nodded "Goodluck, I hope everything is alright"
Lucas stood by the bar speaking with Gustave about the meal he should prepare for his dinner with his parents later that evening. Lucas knew his father had an expensive palate and he wanted to do his best to ensure he would enjoy his dinner.
Gustave noticed Elizabeth walking towards him and Lucas and smiled "maybe she can help change your mood" he said as he gestured behind Lucas.
Lucas turned confused; his expression quickly softened as he saw who Gustave was talking about. Lucas offered the first real smile he's had since this morning. "Elizabeth! Hello"
Elizabeth smiled back at him "Hi Lucas, can we talk in your office" she said, as she tried to make her tone as neutral as possible. With the new development between them, Elizabeth felt shy asking to be alone with him in front of others.
Lucas hesitated as he tried to respond and briefly looked up towards the stairs before looking back at Elizabeth. "Why don't I walk you home, we can talk on the way. Or maybe we could talk in the library" Lucas seemed nervous like he was trying to hide something or someone.
Elizabeth was confused by his hesitation. She didn't want to walk and talk but she could see how bad he wanted to get out of the saloon, maybe he didn't want her to meet the man Rosemary was telling her about. Elizbeth stared at him inquisitively for a bit before responding "The library works, hopefully, no one is in there." Lucas nodded as he waited for her to start walking to the door.
Elizabeth and Lucas spent the short walk from the saloon to the library quietly walking side by side. He opened the door to the library relieved to see that no one was in there. Lucas held the door open, allowing Elizabeth to enter first before following behind her. After closing the door, he looked at Elizabeth who was staring at him with trepidation.
"Is everything alright Lucas, you don't seem like yourself"
Lucas let out a breath before giving her a warm smile "It's been a" Lucas paused searching for the best adjective "interesting day" he continued.
Elizabeth frowned "Would this have anything to do with the man who came by stagecoach this afternoon?"
Lucas looked at her a bit confused, but his expression changed when he realized he had seen Rosemary just before and must have relayed that back to Elizabeth. Lucas leaned against the edge of the table that sat in the middle of the room crossing his arms "That's part of it." Lucas said not knowing how to continue. He looked up at Elizabeth who was eagerly waiting for him to tell her what was bothering him. Lucas sighed and continued "I'm sorry Elizabeth, I don't mean to sound mysterious. His name is Julian Monroe, he is" Lucas paused before continuing "He works for my father, he and I have known each other for quite some time now."
Elizabeth listened patiently waiting for him to tell her the rest. When he didn't say anything, Elizabeth probed a bit "I take it you and Julian aren't on the best of terms? Is he the reason you wanted to come here instead of talk in your office?"
"I'm sorry Elizabeth, I don't mean to be mysterious. My parents surprised me earlier today, they're here in Hope Valley. Julian came to Hope Valley to join my father during his stay here."
Elizabeth's eyes grew wide "Oh, your father and your mother? That's wonderful Lucas" When Lucas's expression was still dejected Elizabeth was confused. She took Lucas's hand in hers giving it a light squeeze "Lucas, you've always said nothing but wonderful things about your parents, may I ask why their being here is causing you to be upset?" Elizabeth asked apprehensively.
Lucas shook his head and looked back up at Elizabeth giving her a soft smile "There is a lot about my family that I have not told you. I love my parents, don't get me wrong, everything I've told you is true." Lucas took a deep breath before continuing "There's just dynamics between my father and me that I haven't told you about." Elizabeth nodded empathetically and squeezed his hand to get him to look up at her again. "I'd like to hear what you are willing to share. I don't want you to have any secret sorrows, Lucas."
Lucas smiled at Elizabeth as he felt his heart constrict from the overwhelming wave of love that he felt for her. He took both her hands in his and pulled her closer to him, gazing into her eyes seductively like he always did and said, "Have I told you today how beautiful you are and how happy I am to see you"
Elizabeth's heart began to flutter like it always had when she was this close to him, and he looked at her in that way. Her eyes traveled to his lips briefly, remembering the feeling of them on hers, before looking back into his eyes with an alluring smile forming on her lips. "No, you haven't," she said breathlessly, gasping when she felt him pull her even closer to him so that they were not more than an inch apart. Lucas let out a breath before leaning down for a kiss when they heard footsteps just outside of the library coming closer. Elizabeth and Lucas pulled apart putting a respectable distance between them in anticipation for whoever was about to enter the library.
Allie, Emily, and Opal along with a few other students, came pilling into the library smiling when they saw their teacher there. "Hi Mrs. Thornton, we're here to look for a book so we can start our book reports," Emily said, smiling at her teacher.
Elizabeth smiled at her students "I'm glad to see you all taking your book reports so seriously! Mr. Bouchard and I will leave you to it, please don't forget to sign out any books you take with you and close the door on your way out" Elizabeth turned to Lucas motioning for him to join her outside.
Lucas nodded and smiled at the kids before following Elizabeth outside. Once they stood outside, alone again, Elizabeth turned to face Lucas "Walk me home, so that we could talk more" she asked, making no effort to hide the hope in her voice.
Lucas smiled at her and before he could tell her yes, Joe, his bartender, was walking towards them calling Lucas's name. Lucas turned to Joe waiting for him to continue
"Lucas, there you are, Mr. Bouchard is in your office waiting for you. He says it is urgent"
"I will be there in a minute, thank you Joe" Lucas replied before turning to Elizabeth and giving her an apologetic look. Once Joe walked away, Lucas sighed "I'm sorry Elizabeth, I need to go see what that is about"
Elizabeth nodded showing that she understood "Maybe you could come over for dinner and we can continue the conversation then" Elizabeth replied, with the same unmasked hope in her tone and eyes.
Lucas gave her another apologetic look "I'm supposed to have dinner with my parents tonight." Seeing the disappointment in Elizabeth's eyes, Lucas continued "I would've invited you, but this isn't the way I want you to meet my parents if that makes sense."
Elizabeth tried to mask her disappointment. "I understand, good luck" With those words Elizabeth turned to walk away but stopped when she heard Lucas say
"Perhaps I could stop by after dinner if that isn't too late," Lucas asked hopeful that she would agree to see him then.
Elizabeth smiled at him, feeling a renewed sense of excitement at the prospect of seeing him later today and determined to get him to open up to her. Lucas spent much of their friendship and courtship focused on her and what she needed. He had been her biggest supporter and she wanted to be the same for him. "It wouldn't be too late! I will make sure to make some tea." Elizabeth replied, giving him one last warm smile before turning to walk home.
