Chapter 13— Can I Speak to the Manager, Please?
John bought the ranch and was excited about getting things going. He had been on his property for a couple of days now, and he was making plans and mapping out where he needed to put up fences. He was taking inventory of the condition of the buildings he already had and making designs of new ones he wanted to build. John had hired a few men and already bought some cattle from a nearby ranch that would be here soon. He was researching horse ranches and had found a couple that he had sent one of his new hands to check out. He knew growing his herd and his string of horses would come slowly because he only wanted the best. He had learned a lot about horses in Montana and his short time in Texas had grown his love of cattle.
It's amazing how much he had done in only 4 days.
John intended to have a small farm too so he could be more self-sufficient. He had been wise to save his wealth for this venture. He still had plenty to spare after buying the ranch, it had barely put a dent in his money. John would have to use some for supplies and to pay the men's salaries until he started turning a profit.
That would take a while.
John was also planning for a new larger corral and horse barn soon, and a bigger house down the road. But after examining his existing barn more closely, he found it was fairly new, and pretty large. When he surveyed it, he thought how nice it would be to have a barn dance here and invite all of Hope Valley. John's new ranch was only about an hour north of town so it would be totally doable. As he sat at the table tapping his pencil, a pair of green eyes came to mind.
John couldn't help but think of the beautiful Miss Lucille Jones. He hated thinking she had come to town for any nefarious reasons, but her actions were suspicious. John hadn't mentioned anything about her to anyone before he left town, she seemed harmless enough, but he sure was curious about her secrets. He would be going back to Hope Valley tomorrow to get Ned to order him some things, and get Lee started on a large order for all the fencing and buildings that he needed. John had been gone four days already with only Outlaw for company the last two. He loved his horse, but he needed some human fellowship.
Perhaps he might even run into the princess if she was still in town.
###
Lucas had finished up his work with Mr. Smith a few days ago, and today was the day he had been waiting for. He sat at his desk waiting for the arrival of the one he hoped would say yes to his offer. As he sat there, he thought of Elizabeth and smiled. Of course, anytime he wasn't busy she was on his mind. Lucas had been able to spend a little more time with her since the consultant left, but not as much as he would like. As of yet, they had kept their relationship fairly quiet, small town gossip notwithstanding. But that would change soon enough.
At the knock, he looked up. "Come in," he said. "Please, have a seat."
"I have to say, I am very curious as to why you asked me to come by."
"Well," Lucas said, "I have a proposition for you."
"Just what kind of proposition?"
"I want you to take over running the oil business. I had a consultant come in, and I have very specific instructions and procedures as to how we will do things from now on. But I need help. And I think you are just the one I need to facilitate things around here. I want to spend less time working and more time courting Elizabeth."
"What are you offering me?"
Lucas wrote down a number on a piece of paper and slid it across the desk. "This would be your salary. But I also want to give you a percentage of the company as incentive- say, 15% on top of the generous amount I just offered you?"
"I'm curious why you aren't asking Mike to manage things."
"Mike isn't going anywhere. He will assist you, and also have shares of the company. But you have more experience. What do you say?"
Henry nodded his head in silence for a bit. Then he smiled. "So, basically you bought my company, changed things around, and now you want me to come back and run it for you on your terms."
Lucas nodded, "Yes. That's about the size of it. I think you are the best man for the job, Henry. I want us to put the past behind us. As least I would like to."
Henry thought for a moment, then spoke. "So would I. Believe it or not, I'm going to say yes to your offer."
"You won't regret it, Henry," Lucas said as he stood. "Can you start tomorrow?"
"I'll be here bright and early. And I'm happy for you and Elizabeth. You better treat her right."
"I plan on doing nothing less," Lucas responded.
Henry stood and put his hand out. "See you tomorrow, boss."
Lucas shook his hand, "It's still Lucas. See you then, Henry."
Lucas sat down and smiled after the older man left, glad that Henry was willing to come work for him. He just had one more person to talk to and he hoped that would end just as favorably.
###
Lucy had enjoyed the last few days, walking around the town without worry of a certain Mr. Davis looking over her shoulder. She wasn't sure what it was about the man that ruffled her feathers. Perhaps it was his self-confidence. He seems pretty arrogant for a man that tends bar. Maybe it was the way his hair fell over his dark eyes and he had to brush it back off of his face. Why doesn't he just get a haircut? Or it could be that roguish smile of his. He is almost good looking when he smiles. Who was she kidding? She could at least admit to herself that he was indeed a handsome man. Perhaps the most handsome she had ever seen. And that smile could be her undoing. Not that I will ever tell him I think so. Lucy was just glad that he wasn't around. She didn't come to town to get involved with a charming, attractive, man.
She had met a few people and although Hope Valley was a bit behind the times, she found she liked its charm. She and Fiona had struck up a friendship as they shared an interest in fashion. They had eaten together at the café a couple of times in the last few days. Lucy also really enjoyed visiting the dress shop. Rosemary Coulter seemed a little more modern than most of the others in town, and Lucy had already bought a couple of new dresses from her.
As long as her nemesis stayed away, Lucy had no immediate plans to leave. Of course, she hadn't accomplished her objective yet. The longer she stayed, the less sure she was that she actually wanted to go through with it.
One thing was for certain, once she made her move, things would never be the same.
###
"I got your book reports graded and most of you did really well," Elizabeth said as she passed their work back to the class. "I want to especially commend Allie on her paper. It was very well written and received the highest grade in the class. Good work, Allie. And we are so glad to have you back."
Allie grinned as she saw the A+ at the top of her paper. She remembered her talk with Mr. Bouchard the day he rescued her. He had said that if she made an A, he would do a handstand for her. She planned to find him after school and show him her grade.
"Ok class, time for recess. Don't forget your coats!" Elizabeth said and watched as they hurried outside. It was turning much colder, and Christmas was only three weeks away. Lucas had been so busy with work he hadn't mentioned them doing anything this year like they did last year. Elizabeth laughed at herself for thinking it was now his responsibility to entertain the town, since he did such a great job on the festival a year ago. They planned to have dinner at the saloon tonight and she would mention it to him to see if he had any ideas.
###
Fiona was at work and feeling much better than a few days ago. She had spent some time with Carson for several evenings and talking things out was helping her to sleep better. She was still a little jumpy and hoped that would go away. He kept reminding her that she had been through a trauma and needed to give herself some time to heal from it.
When she looked in the mirror, she could see that her bruises were fading. A few more days and no one would be able to tell what she had dealt with. At least not by looking at her face.
Nathan had come in a couple of times this week to say hello, always looking concerned when he spoke to her. He never stayed long, and Fiona was left wondering if his feelings were only of friendship. She tried to guard her heart so she wouldn't be hurt in the end.
Fiona looked up as Lucas came in and approached the bar. "Hello, Lucas," she said with a smile. "Can I get you anything?"
Lucas looked around and saw that the saloon was pretty empty. "Can we talk? Over here in the lounge area?"
Fiona nodded and walked around the end of the bar. Lucas followed her to the quiet corner. She was a bit nervous thinking he might want to let her go, although she couldn't think of a reason that he would. They both sat down on the sofa.
"I am assuming you have heard that Elizabeth and I are seeing each other," Lucas began.
Fiona smiled. "Yes, and I am so happy for both of you. I only hope that one day I can find my soulmate too."
Lucas smiled. "Thank you. I am sure you will. I love her more than anything. But that isn't the reason I wanted to talk to you. As you know, I own the saloon and the petroleum company, and I feel like I've been burning the candle at both ends. That is why I have come to the decision that I have."
Fiona creased her brow, wondering exactly where he was going with this.
"Fiona, I want to work less than I am right now. What I really want to do is to oversee both places of business. To do that, I need someone to manage them. I hired Henry this morning to take care of the oil company. That just leaves the saloon. As much as I love it, I love Elizabeth more. I believe I can work a few hours a day in each location as long as I have a good strong leader to take my place. That is the reason I wanted to have this conversation. I think you are the one to manage the saloon for me."
Fiona's mouth dropped open. "Me? You want me to run the saloon? But, Lucas, I've only been here a few days. What makes you think I could do a better job than…say…Gustave. He's been here a long time."
"Gustave wants to cook. That is what he does best, and all he wants to do. He isn't interested in the business portion of the saloon. And he hates tending bar. Fiona, you are a beautiful, smart, and proficient woman. I have seen what you are capable of by watching you at the switchboard and here. You are educated and have a head for management. I bet you even took some business courses in college, am I correct?"
Fiona nodded her head. "Actually, I did. Accounting also. Lucas I am thrilled at the proposition, I just don't want to step on any toes around here."
"You let me take care of that. And knowing you have some accounting experience tells me that I am making the right decision. So, are you interested? Do we have a deal?" Lucas asked putting his hand out.
Fiona grinned as she shook his hand. "We most certainly do! Thank you so much for this opportunity, Lucas. I won't let you down."
Lucas smiled. "I know you won't. This will be a big jump in your salary also. Start tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow is perfect. Uh…Lucas. I actually had a few ideas I wanted to run past you about improvements to the saloon. I guess now is as good a time as any?"
Lucas listened to her suggestions, nodding as she spoke and asking her questions. He knew this was going to work out exactly the way he wanted it to. Henry was more than competent to take care of the oil company and Mike would be there to help him. Fiona was without question the best manager for the saloon. Lucas could now work mostly in the daytime and spend more of his evenings with Elizabeth.
Now he had time to plan his proposal.
###
Rosemary followed Fiona up the stairs and into the guest room. "Are you absolutely positive you are ready?"
Fiona turned to her friend and placed her hand on her arm. "Rosemary, you and Lee have been amazing the last week. I can never thank you enough. But I need to go back to my room at the hotel. With this promotion, I just feel I should be close, at least for now. Please don't worry about me."
Rosemary smiled, "You can't stop me from being concerned. But I can see your mind is made up." She helped Fiona get her things together and carried her bag down the stairs. "I am going to miss having you here, Fiona."
"We will still see each other often. Thank you so much for all you have done." Fiona embraced Rosemary and said goodbye to Lee, then took her bag and left.
Rosemary let out a sigh, then started getting dinner ready. Lee came up behind her and put his arms around her. "She is going to be just fine, sweetie."
Rosemary smiled as she patted his hands. "I know she will. Elizabeth will be here soon with Jack," she said as she turned and kissed Lee. "We are going to have such fun."
###
Elizabeth finished getting dressed and took Jack downstairs. She checked herself in the mirror and then heard the knock at the door. Smiling, she opened it to Lucas standing there looking dapper in his blue suit. He was holding a yellow rose. "Hello, my love."
"Lucas, you are spoiling me. Now I will expect a rose every time I see you," she said as she leaned in for a quick kiss.
"'Ucas!" Jack said as he ran up for a hug. Lucas picked him up and tickled his belly, bringing giggles from the little boy.
"How are you doing, Jack? Are you ready to go see Auntie Rosemary and Uncle Lee?" Lucas said as he tickled Jack's belly again, bringing more giggles. Suddenly, Jack reached up and patted him on the cheek. "My 'Ucas." he said with a sweet little boy grin.
Lucas drew him close and hugged him, making eye contact with Elizabeth as he did so. She noticed his eyes were shining.
"My Jack," Lucas replied, bringing a smile to Elizabeth's face. "Are you ready to go?" Lucas asked Elizabeth.
"Yes," she replied as she picked up her bag. "Oh wait," she said as she took the rose and put it in a bud vase with some water. "Ok, now I'm ready."
They took Jack next door where Lee had to distract him as they left, because Jack didn't want to let go of his 'Ucas.
When they stepped outside, Elizabeth looked up as she intertwined her fingers with Lucas' fingers. He smiled down at her. "Jack has sure worked his way into my heart. Just like you have."
"Well, we are a package deal…" she replied, then looked down shyly at the implication.
"I guess everyone will know by tomorrow that we are a couple," he said. "Have I told you how much I love you today?"
"Not today. But I will never tire of hearing it."
Lucas led her between the rowhouses and turned her to face him, taking her other hand in his.
"Elizabeth Thornton, I spend most of my waking hours thinking about you. I can't explain how you make me feel. You are the love of my life." Lucas pulled her hands up and kissed the back of each one, never breaking their gaze.
"I never thought I could feel this way again. I love you, Lucas." Lucas released one of her hands and took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. He gently leaned down and kissed her. "I will never get enough of those," he said as they began walking again.
They strolled into town, bringing a few looks and whispers as they were still holding hands. They entered the saloon and he guided her to a table in the corner. Lucas went to the kitchen to tell Gustave they were there, having placed a special order earlier. He brought them each a glass of wine when he returned to the table.
"Thank you, Lucas. I believe we are the talk of the town this evening."
"Most likely everyone is talking about how lovely you look tonight," Lucas replied.
"So, tell me all about today. How did your meetings go?"
Lucas smiled. "Exactly as I had hoped they would. Starting tomorrow, I am stepping back. Just in time because there is a certain lady in town that I would love to spend more time with."
"Lucky lady," Elizabeth replied with a knowing smile.
"Henry said yes right away. I think with the plan I have set in place that the oil business will thrive. Fiona was a little hesitant at first, but after we spoke, she became excited at the opportunity. She even had some ideas to improve business around here that we batted around. I think it will take a few days to smooth things out, but I expect everyone to do well. Elizabeth, I would never have taken this step without your encouragement. Thank you for your support."
"You are very welcome, Lucas," Elizabeth replied as Gustave walked up with their appetizers. When he removed the dome, Elizabeth said excitedly, "Mushrooms! Like we had in Union City!" Lucas smiled at her enthusiasm. He was hoping she would remember how much they both loved the dish, even though neither one of them liked mushrooms before. He had described them to Gustave who replicated it as closely as he could. When Lucas tasted them, he was pleased with the result.
"Oh, by the way," Lucas said, "I had a visit from one of your students this afternoon."
"Really? Which one?" Elizabeth asked as she reached for a mushroom.
"I'm not sure you are aware, but the day I rescued Allie, I made a deal with her. I told her if she got an A on her book report that I would do a handstand for her. It seems she has kept her end of the bargain," Lucas said with a laugh.
"So, did you do the handstand for her?"
"Actually, no," Lucas answered. "But I did tell her I would come to the school and do a handstand for the whole class. I thought they would all enjoy seeing that. If you don't mind, of course."
"Lucas that would be a great idea. And if I know my students, they will all be practicing that at recess. Something new to focus on. Maybe one day next week? I know you will be busy tomorrow."
"That sounds perfect."
"Oh, I almost forgot. Christmas is getting close. I know you've been busy, but have you thought about any kind of festival or something for this year?" Elizabeth asked.
"It is right around the corner, isn't it? I have been busy and really haven't given it much thought. Do you have anything in mind?"
"Christmas kind of sneaked up on me this year," Elizabeth admitted.
"Maybe we can discuss it this weekend," Lucas said.
Lucas and Elizabeth enjoyed their food and conversation. Lucy sat at a table nearby, glancing over in their direction. She knew who Lucas Bouchard was by now, they had spoken briefly a few times, but she wasn't acquainted with the attractive woman sitting with him. The way his eyes lit up when he looked at her told Lucy she was someone special to him. They made a beautiful couple.
As she sat there pondering, she saw the town Mountie walk in wearing his red serge. He looked around, then walked up to the bar and asked the bartender something. Lucy thought, I might as well have a little fun while I'm here, then she stood up from her table walking in his direction.
"Excuse me, I'm new in town and I don't believe we have met. My name is Miss Lucille Jones. And you are?"
Nathan smiled, "Nathan Grant. Nice to meet you, Miss Jones. Are you passing through? Or staying for a while?"
"I wasn't planning on staying long, but the people here are just so nice, I can't seem to pull myself away."
"Where are you from, Miss Jones?"
"Oh please, it's Lucy to my friends. I'm from Philadelphia."
"I hope you enjoy your stay here," Nathan said.
"I am just having the best time, Nathan!" Lucy said as she touched his arm. "I hope you don't mind if I call you Nathan."
He smiled nervously, "Nathan is fine."
Fiona came down the stairs looking for Lucy, since they had dinner plans. As she scanned the saloon, she was surprised to see Lucy and Nathan chatting at the bar. Lucy was touching his arm as they talked and laughed together. They certainly look chummy, Fiona thought with a twinge of something that resembled jealousy. I certainly have no hold on him.
Fiona took a deep breath and walked to the bar, "Hello Lucy. I see you have met our Mountie. Good evening, Constable Grant."
Nathan raised his eyebrow in confusion at the formality. "Uh…good evening…Miss Miller. You are looking lovely today."
"Thank you," Fiona responded. "Lucy, I'm famished. Shall we sit? I hate to drag her away, Constable, but we have dinner plans. Enjoy your evening," Fiona said as she smiled and took Lucy's arm.
Lucy turned back to Nathan, "It was so nice meeting you. I hope to see you around town."
"Nice meeting you too, Lucy. Enjoy your dinner," Nathan replied.
Fiona and Lucy sat down at a table. "So, Lucy, how was your day today?"
Nathan stood at the bar watching them as they sat and chatted. He had thought he and Fiona were making a little progress, but now it seemed they were back at square one.
He was really bad at this romance stuff.
###
Elizabeth sat down at her desk after Rosemary left. Jack was sleeping soundly, and she wanted to take a quiet moment to write in her journal.
The last week has been something out of a fairytale. When Jack died, part of my heart died with him and I didn't believe I could ever love again. But that has all changed recently.
When I met Lucas Bouchard, I couldn't have imagined how much he would change my life. He frustrated me, made me angry, and acted suspiciously. I soon saw that he was good and patient, giving and kind. And I may not have fallen for him at first sight, but I did fall, slowly and gently. The man says and does everything with my dreams in mind. He wakes up every day with the thought of making me happy.
How could I not fall in love with a man like that?
So now my hopes and desires are to find ways of reflecting the light that he has shined so brightly in my direction back at him. To bring him the joy that he has brought me. I will do this in gratitude for the way he awoke my heart from its slumber. But mostly because I am so deeply in love with him.
His touch makes me tremble. His gaze makes me melt. His kisses ignite a passion in my soul.
I hope and pray that we get to nurture this devotion for one another until we are both old and gray. I have learned however, not to take anything for granted. So, therefore, I will love him with everything within me every day that we are blessed with.
Right now, as Elizabeth Thornton and hopefully soon as Mrs. Lucas Bouchard.
ET
