Chapter 3

Lucas made his way to the back of the Saloon where his office was. As he approached the door, he took in a deep breath before going inside. As Lucas opened the door, he saw his father over by his desk "Father, I heard you were looking for me. Is everything all right?"

Thomas looked towards the door where his son stood and said "Yes, you don't have a telephone in the suite, I let myself into your office to use your telephone. I hope you don't mind" Lucas nodded and said "We haven't had a reason to install telephones, there aren't a lot of phones in Hope Valley. While you are here, you are more than welcome to use my office and anything else you may need. Is there anything else I could do for you?" Lucas asked

Thomas smiled at his son and nodded "Thank you, son. Why don't we go find your mother and have some tea before dinner?"

"Of course, Father" Lucas replied, before walking out of his office with his father right behind him.

Later that evening, Lucas sat with his parent at a table in the saloon for dinner. He had arranged for the Saloon to be closed from 6 pm-8 pm so that he could have a private dinner with his family. The room was silent and echoed the clinking of their utensils hitting their plates as they ate. The silence was uncomfortable and tension in the room was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

Helen put her fork down on her plate and looked from her husband to her son. "If I wanted to eat in silence, I would have just stayed in my room."

Thomas looked up at his wife and smiled apologetically "Sorry dear". Thomas then looked to his son and began to speak "Lucas, I was surprised to hear you've been in Hope Valley for over 3 years now. It's not like you to stay in the same place for longer than a year. Your mother tells me it has to do with a certain woman. Tell me about the woman that has captivated your attention"

Lucas looked up at his father feeling his muscles relax at the mere mention of Elizabeth. "Her name is Elizabeth Thornton she is a teacher here in Hope Valley and of course soon to be a published author," Lucas replied, with a smile

"Are you two courting, is it serious?" Thomas asked, inquisitively

Lucas nodded at his father's questions "Yes we are courting, and it is serious. Elizabeth is truly a remarkable woman and I look forward to you meeting her"

"Oh, that is a wonderful development. The last time we spoke things were still quite confusing between the two of you thanks to a certain Mountie. Does this mean Elizabeth has made a firm decision on where her affections lie?" Helen asked with a smile on her face. Helen liked Elizabeth and did not doubt that she was a special woman who would be a wonderful addition to her family.

Lucas felt his heart soar as he watched his mother show excitement towards the prospect of, him and Elizabeth being together. "Elizabeth has had a lot to sort through, all that matter is that she is ready to move forward with me"

"That's good to hear, I hope to meet her soon," Thomas said with a smile on his face. His wife had told him a bit about Elizabeth. He knew he owed her his gratitude for helping him and his wife work through their differences and try again.

"Sweetheart, what time will you and Julian be heading out tomorrow morning." Helen asked her husband "We have a meeting early tomorrow morning with Alexander and Mr. Walden, we'll leave after breakfast." Thomas replied.

Lucas's eyes widen as he recognized the name of the man his father just said he had a meeting with. "It's you, you're the sneaky businessman building a factory on the edge of Hope Valley," Lucas said shocked

Thomas looked at his son "There is nothing sneaky about my business ventures here in Hope Valley" Lucas stood up, feeling himself grow angry as the need to protect the town he now called home coursed through him. "Is that why you've hired ruthless Pinkertons to walk around Hope Valley as though they own it? They've been guarding the Canfields old cabin; I suppose you bought that as well? What for?"

Thomas grew impatient with his son and the many questions he was asking in a judgmental tone. "The Pinkertons are a private security firm that is paid to do a job. How well they do that job determines their pay. That makes them much more suitable to protect my interest than the local law enforcement. Hope Valley has many great qualities that make it perfect for bringing the automobile company to Canada." Thomas replied calmly as he continued to cut his chicken with his fork and knife.

"Aren't you in the steel industry? Since when were you into cars" Lucas asked confused

"I have many business ventures. The automobile industry is booming and has a lot of growth potential. What do you say about joining Julian and me tomorrow morning for our meeting? I think it's time you reclaimed your spot at Bouchard Enterprises.

"We don't agree when it comes to business. How you conduct your business is not something I ever want to be a part of. Nothing has changed father." Lucas said firmly causing his father to close his eyes for a second before looking back at his son with an exhausted expression. "Have you not grown-up Lucas? It has been 13 years, I thought perhaps by now you would understand the world a little better." Thomas said

"I will never understand how you could be so cruel in your business. Taking away people's livelihoods, killing small businesses in favor of monopolizing an entire industry so that you can deepen your own pockets while good honest hardworking families are forced into poverty." Lucas retorted at his father angrily "I won't allow you to do that to the people of Hope Valley"

"ENOUGH!" Thomas said, as he threw his utensils down on his plate and stood up. His anger had caused Helen to gasp and stand as well as she watched her husband, fearful of what he'd say next. "How dare you speak to me in that tone. Have I not been a good father to you?" Thomas continued, he paused for a second closing his eyes and trying to calm his breathing. "There is nothing illegal about my business dealings. I run a multi-national conglomerate that employs over 700,000 men. I worked hard to be where I am, and I deserve your respect. I tried to be patient with you. Letting you venture off on your own, moving from place to place to find your purpose in life. I hoped that you would grow up and realize that I am not the monster you've made me out to be"

Lucas looked at his father "I don't think you're a monster." He took in a sharp breath before continuing, "I've carved out a life of my own."

"Running a saloon and owning the majority of a failing oil company? You are better than that Lucas, you are a Bouchard." Thomas replied

Lucas groaned "I am doing quite alright financially. The oil business is starting to do well, and the Saloon has brought in quite a lot of profit over the years. Not to mention my various investments and acquisitions"

Thomas shook his head "You are a Bouchard, what you should be concerning yourself with is the family business. B.E is your legacy, Lucas I know we don't see eye to eye but one day, all of this will be yours and I think it's time you start thinking about your future. It's like I've always told you, don't find fault, find remedies; anybody can complain." Thomas looked at his wife who stood off to the side watching their exchange distressed. "Come on dear, why don't we head upstairs and retire for the night"

Helen nodded and walked over to stand by her husband. "Lucas please get some rest; I shall see you tomorrow morning for breakfast" she kissed Lucas on the cheek before walking towards the stairs with her husband.

Lucas began clearing the table replaying the tense conversation he just had with his father in his head. It was just after 7:30 pm when Lucas headed out the door to go and see Elizabeth. He needed to see her.

"Headed home?" Lucas turned around to see Julian walking towards him. He took a deep breath before responding "Perhaps."

Julian scoffed at the lack of reply from Lucas "it's been over 10 years Lucas, are you still angry with me. We used to be friends did you forget that?"

Lucas let in a sharp breath and looked at Julian "I thought you wanted my life; I didn't realize you wanted a friendship too"

Julian took a step back and glared at Lucas "What on earth is that supposed to mean."

"You know exactly what that means. You have my job, my house, and Vanessa. Is it a stretch to think that all you ever wanted was to be me"?

Julian felt himself getting angry at Lucas's insinuation "Excuse me? You are the one who gave up your job Lucas. Do you remember that? It's a company house, which makes it mine, and Vanessa and I just happened. I don't know how many times I must apologize for that. The past is the past you shouldn't still be hung up on that.

Lucas let out a deep breath and nodded "is there something you want Julian? Because if it's a friendship, you won't find that here"

"You and I are going to be living in the same town for the foreseeable future Lucas. I'm sure Mr. Bouchard has told you about our new automobile company that will be established here in Hope Valley. I'd like for us to air out our grievances so that we can peacefully live in the same town." Julian replied with a hopeful look in his eyes.

"You won't get any trouble from me. Stay out of my way and I will be sure to stay out of yours." Lucas replied, walking away before Julian could respond.

Julian watched as Lucas walked away smiling to himself, before walking in the opposite direction.