Chapter 15—Party Planning—Part 1

"I'm not sure I heard you correctly. Can you repeat that?" Lucas said with a puzzled look on his face.

Nathan laughed. "I know it's a strange request, but I am, apparently, really bad at this stuff. You seem to understand women a lot better than I do."

Lucas smiled, but didn't laugh out loud for fear of insulting the constable. He couldn't understand how a man struggled in this area if he really put some thought into it. But Nathan sounded sincere in his request and perhaps a bit desperate for the help. Lucas had never failed to help someone that really needed it. What did he have to lose? Absolutely nothing. But possibly he might gain a friend in the process. Lucas thought a moment before asking a question.

"How exactly do you feel about Fiona? I don't mean to pry, but you asked for my help. Just a couple of weeks ago you were pursuing Elizabeth. That is what prompts me to ask."

"It's a fair question," Nathan replied. "As we talked about before, my pursuit had to do with my suspicions about you and wanting to protect her. The truth is, I have cared for Fiona for some time, I just buried it. I don't want you to think this came out of left field. It took some soul-searching to realize what I was feeling was more than friendship."

Lucas thought about John's confession to him about not having romantic feelings for Fiona and realized that certainly made this situation easier. But, of course, what were her thoughts in all of it?

"First, I want to admit I'm not all that comfortable giving you advice, Nathan. But I will try to help you out if I can. I would start by finding a common interest with Fiona. Elizabeth and I both have a love of books. Her dream was to start a library, so I helped make it happen. Supporting her with her novel just came out of the love I already had for her. Nathan, if you have feelings for Fiona, you need to find ways of showing her that. I don't know Fiona well, so I can't give you many specifics, but I do know she loves to read, likes poetry, and I have heard her singing a few times. She has a beautiful voice."

"That is exactly why I needed to talk to you. I didn't know any of those things about her. As a Mountie, I always pay attention to detail, but with women I am a bit…intimidated," Nathan admitted.

"You can start by spending time with her, getting to know her. Your conversations have to be more than just asking how she is. If you want to have a good relationship, it has to come out of wanting to make her happy and knowing what her needs are. Her needs have to come before your own. Find out what they are and meet them. If she has any dreams, make them come true for her if possible. Elizabeth and I have been friends for a while. I had feelings for her from the beginning, so I got to know her. Found out who she was. You need to do that with Fiona. That's the best advice I can give you."

Nathan pondered Lucas' statement for a moment. "Wise words. I've never been in a serious relationship with a woman, so I never really thought about it before. Any…specific ideas of how I can implement your advice?"

Lucas and Nathan talked for a while longer, then shook hands and Lucas left the office.

###

Rosemary had jumped right on the phone and called everyone she could think of regarding the meeting the next day. So far, the ones she spoke to were on board and very excited about the barn dance.

Lee had come home earlier and now sat tapping his fingers on the table as he listened to his wife on the telephone. He kept looking at the clock and wondered if he would get any dinner tonight. Maybe he should go over to the saloon and eat.

"Oh Lee, I am so sorry," Rosemary said as she hung up the phone and leaned down to peck his cheek. "I just got so excited about this Christmas party out on John's ranch, I guess I forgot all about dinner."

"I don't know anything about a party, other than what I have heard you talking about on the phone for the last 2 hours. Let's go have dinner at the saloon tonight and you can tell me all about it. My treat," Lee replied with a smile.

"Yes, lets," Rosemary said as she grabbed her coat and bag. "I can't wait! It's going to be so exciting!"

###

The next day, half of the town was gathered at the saloon. Everyone was buzzing about the Christmas festivities.

John had decided to let Rosemary take charge of the meeting and he and Lucas sat nearby in case they were needed.

"Ok, we have a lot to talk about in a short time," Rosemary said. "Most of you know the basics of why we are here. I want to open the floor to suggestions of some booths we can have to entertain the children. I am thinking everyone can pitch in an hour to volunteer during the Christmas celebration, and then get to enjoy the rest of the event. For those who aren't here and haven't heard, please spread the word. I will leave the sign-up sheets at the mercantile. But the first thing we need are people to go decorate the day before. Raise your hands if you are able to do that."

Rosemary wrote down the names of the ones who raised their hands. There were about 25. Then she opened the floor to questions and suggestions.

The meeting went well, and Rosemary kept things very organized. Lucas and John both took some questions. Bill said he would be glad to cook, and they took donations to pay for the food and drinks.

Lucy came walking in when the meeting was over. She saw Fiona behind the bar and went to talk to her.

"Hi Fiona."

"Oh, hi Lucy. I noticed you missed the meeting."

"I'm not a resident so when I heard there was a town meeting, I decided to go spend some time at the livery. I have always loved horses. There is one over there that has totally captivated me. We have become fast friends."

"That wouldn't happen to be Outlaw you are talking about, would it?" John said as he walked up.

"Hello Mr. Davis," Lucy said as she stiffened. "I prefer to call him Sir Lancelot, and he likes it too. I don't see you behind the bar- lose your job already? How ever will you afford to feed said horse?"

"Uh…Lucy…" Fiona started, and John raised his hand to stop her.

"Miss Jones, not everyone comes from your presumed upstanding background. I have learned in my short time here that Hope Valley isn't too partial to snobbery. Maybe you should take yourself off that self-constructed pedestal you seem to be wobbling on. Good day to you. See you later, Ona." John walked off to find Lucas.

"Well, I never…" Lucy said, then thought for a moment. "Wait, he called you Ona. Are you two friends?"

"We have known each other since we were very young and are the best of friends. We grew up in San Francisco together. Johnny just recently came to Hope Valley. He is Lucas' cousin," Fiona explained.

"You said he was working for you while you were recovering. I guess that means he doesn't normally work here? Where does he work?" Lucy asked as she watched John across the room. He was standing with Mr. Bouchard and the lovely woman he had dinner with the other night.

"He just bought a large ranch north of town. Johnny is one heck of a businessman. He used to be owner of the Circle D Ranch in Montana…"

"The Circle D? He's that Davis?" Lucy said in shock.

"I see you've heard of it. He sold it a few years ago when his parents died. We don't discuss his finances, but I bet he is the richest man in the area," Fiona explained.

Lucy shook her head. Then she laughed. "His horse. It all makes sense now. I didn't look but I bet it has the Circle D brand. They bred the best horses around. I guess I misjudged him. Oh, well. He's been rude to me since I came to town."

"He really is a great guy. You just have to get to know him. In fact, I've never seen him act the way he just did with you. And by your reaction, if I didn't know better, I would think you are a bit fascinated by him. He is very handsome and charming."

"If you find rude cads attractive. I have better things to do with my time than chase ruffians around," Lucy said with a flip of her hair. "Besides, the constable is a lot more interesting."

Fiona frowned at that statement. "Sorry, my mistake," she said curtly. "I need to get back to work."

Lucy watched Fiona for a moment considering her retort. "I'll see you later, Fiona," she responded and walked up the stairs, still keeping her eye on one Mr. John Davis.

###

Albert walked up to Molly after the meeting. "It's nice to see you again, Molly. I was wondering, if you don't already have other plans, could I escort you to the Christmas shindig?

Molly smiled and blushed, "I would be honored to go with you, Albert. It certainly sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, doesn't it?"

"I haven't been to one of these things in many years. Thank you, Molly. I will see you at church tomorrow?"

"Yes, you will," Molly said as she waved goodbye.

###

Lucas sat staring at Elizabeth. She was writing notes on a pad and talking out loud, kind of to herself and to him as well. He was entertained at how excited she had become about the Christmas party. She knew Rosemary would be pretty busy at the dress shop- several orders had come in during the meeting- so she had stepped up to help with the planning. They were now in her living room watching Jack play.

"So far, we have a bean bag toss, and a cookie decorating booth planned in addition to the dance itself, the bonfire and the hayride. I think we need a few more things to keep the kids- and the adults- busy, since we will be there several hours," she said as she tapped the pencil against her cheek. She thought a moment then began writing again. After a bit, she looked up and saw Lucas smiling at her.

"I guess I am amusing you," she said with a smile. "I'm sorry Lucas. I have been a little absorbed, haven't I?"

"You don't need to apologize to me, my love. Anytime I can sit and look at you is time well spent. And the days are short to get this thing planned."

"I was happy that so many stepped up to help," Elizabeth responded. "That will certainly lighten the load.

"Why don't I go and get us something to eat and bring it back here," Lucas offered. "That way neither one of us would have to be concerned about dinner."

"Oh Lucas, that is so sweet of you! I can certainly cook us something, but it is getting late," Elizabeth admitted.

"It's not a problem," Lucas said as he stood. "I'll be back in a little while with some good stuff for the three of us." He leaned down, placing his hand on her cheek. "How did I get so blessed to be loved by you?" he said softly then kissed Elizabeth on the other cheek.

"I'll be back shortly, Jack," Lucas said as he walked out the door, Jack waving to him as he left.

###

Lucy sat in her room thinking. Tears filled her eyes as she pondered whether she really wanted to go through with her plan. He really seemed like a nice man and she wasn't sure how he would take the news. And how was she going to tell him?

She needed to spend more time with him. Perhaps she would just keep her secret to herself. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt anyone.

She was starting to like this small town and its people. Why did life have to be so complicated?

###

A few days later Elizabeth stood in front of the class teaching about history. She noticed Lucas walk in the door and wave. He was in his casual clothes for a change.

"Ok class, I have a surprise for you today," Elizabeth said as Lucas walked to the front of the class. "Mr. Bouchard is going to show all of you something pretty awesome before you go outside."

Robert raised his hand before Lucas had a chance to speak. "Yes, Robert. You have a question?" Elizabeth asked.

"Is Mr. Bouchard your boyfriend, Mrs. Thornton?" Robert asked with a mischievous smile.

Elizabeth looked at Lucas and smiled. "Mr. Bouchard and I are seeing each other, so, yes, I guess you could say he is my boyfriend."

All the kids started giggling and whispering.

"Alright class. If you could give Mr. Bouchard your undivided attention please," Elizabeth said sternly then smiled to soften her tone.

"Good morning, class. I want to show you all how to do a handstand," Lucas looked at Allie and smiled. "I told Allie if she made an A on her book report, that I would do a handstand for her. She made an A+, good job Allie. I thought maybe the whole class would like to learn how to do a handstand. What do you think?"

The class started murmuring in excitement. "Yes!" "We would!" Lucas heard over and over again.

"Ok then, here goes."

Lucas did a handstand and stood there for several seconds before standing back up. "Now, which one of you boys would like to try it?"

They all raised their hands.

Lucas spent a few minutes helping a few of the boys stand on their hands and giving them instruction. "Ok, now you guys practice and soon you will be able to do this."

Lucas once more did a handstand then he began walking on his hands. The class clapped in appreciation. He once more stood back up.

"Okay class, thank Mr. Bouchard," Elizabeth said.

"Thank you, Mr. Bouchard," the class said in unison.

"You are welcome. My pleasure," Lucas responded.

"Alright, it's time for recess," Elizabeth said as they all happily went outside. "Girls!" Elizabeth called before they exited, "unless you have pants on, no handstands."

Elizabeth turned to Lucas as they all left. "You are a man of many talents, Lucas Bouchard."

Lucas laughed. "I don't know about many. John and I taught each other how to do that one summer at his ranch. He was much better at it than I was. Just a party trick that people always seem to enjoy. You should have seen when we constructed homemade trapezes and highwires and had our own circus."

"Well, I was certainly impressed, and I definitely want to hear more about that," Elizabeth said quickly looking out the door to find the kids preoccupied. She stepped closer to Lucas and looked up at him, waiting for him to lean down and kiss her. He glanced at the door, then reached out with one hand on the back of her neck and gently touched his lips to hers. He smiled as he stepped back.

"I thought I would do some more party planning while the kids are outside. You are welcome to help me brainstorm if you have the time."

They sat down and talked about the dance and all the festivities surrounding it until recess was over.

Of course, Lucas was keeping his own personal plans to himself until it was time.

###

John had been back at the ranch for a few days getting his new hands settled. He had placed an order with Lee when he was in town that he had to pick up in a couple of days, but it would be a turn-around trip. He wondered if he would see the princess while he was there. Christmas Eve was just two weeks away. He had fences and structures to build for the ranch, and that wasn't counting all the things that needed to be done for the party. He wondered if perhaps he had bitten off more than he could chew, but Lucas had assured him that the townspeople would come through.

He hadn't had time to talk with Fiona in private, but he knew he needed to do that very soon. He had to make sure there was no misunderstanding about his feelings for her.

###

Nathan ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "I'm never going to get this."

"It's not that hard," Lucas encouraged. "You just have to repeat it a few times. You don't have to memorize the whole poem, just the first stanza will do. You asked for my help, and the poem was your idea."

"You think she likes Lord Byron?"

"I think it's a perfect verse. Romantic, but not too amorous."

"Memorization was never my strong suit," Nathan countered. "Couldn't you just hide in the bushes and feed me the words?"

Lucas laughed. "I never saw myself as a Cyrano. I mean we could do that, but so many things could go wrong. Let's try it one more time."

"I think I just feel silly saying it to you."

"Just pretend I'm Fiona. With a beard," Lucas said jokingly.

Nathan laughed, "My imagination isn't quite that good."

"From the top."

"Okay, you're right, it was my idea," he said as he slapped the desk. "I can do this." He cleared his throat and began again, "She walks in beauty like the night…"

###

Lucy took her time as she walked down the street. She lucked out when she saw Nathan and the judge standing on the walkway together.

"Hello Nathan, Judge Avery!" she said brightly as she walked towards them.

"Well, if it isn't the beautiful Miss Jones," Bill said with a smile.

"Hi Lucy," Nathan replied.

"What are you fine gentlemen doing this gorgeous day? Keeping the lawbreakers on their toes?"

"Well, we certainly do our best," Bill answered. "Are you still enjoying your stay in Hope Valley?"

"It has grown on me. The town and the people are just lovely. Don't you think so, Nathan?"

"Uh…yes. It's a pleasant town with good people. If you will excuse me, Lucy," Nathan said as he tipped his hat and walked down the street. Lucy watched him for a moment, then turned back to Bill.

"I hope it wasn't something I said," Lucy stated seriously.

"It wasn't. He had something to do before you walked up. Miss Jones, can I interest you in a cup of coffee?" Bill said as he put up his arm, waiting for her to take it.

"Oh, please, enough with the Miss Jones. Call me Lucy, Judge. And I would love a cup of coffee," she responded as she took his arm and they walked towards the café chatting.

###

John was loading his lumber when he saw Bill and Lucy walking down the street. They seemed pretty chummy and John couldn't help but remember seeing her listening in on Bill, Nathan, and Lucas over a week ago.

Lucy Jones was certainly a curiosity. John wished he could keep a closer eye on her, but he had a ranch to get up and running.

###

After leaving Bill and Lucy, Nathan decided to stop in at the saloon to talk with Fiona. He finally had most of the stanza memorized should he find himself in a place to use it.

He had come in a few times recently and tried to make conversation, but she was always so busy. It seemed all the party planning had made people go out to eat more, which kept the saloon hopping.

"Hi Fiona," Nathan said with a small wave and a smile.

"Oh, hello Nathan," she responded as she mopped up a spill on the bar. "It's good to see you."

"You look lovely today. I think this job agrees with you."

"I love working here. Especially on busy days, makes the time go by faster. Can I get you anything?" Fiona asked.

"I just came by to chat. But I can see you are occupied. I'll come by another time," Nathan said as he turned to leave.

"Nathan," Fiona said. "Late mornings are less busy. If you wanted to stop by again…"

Nathan smiled. "I might just do that. See you later, Fiona."

She watched him walk out and sighed. As much as she loved her job, she would really love to spend some quality time with that man. He had come by a few times to talk. Just maybe he was interested in being more than friends.

Fiona definitely hoped so, but he still hadn't asked her out.

###

Nathan practiced Lord Byron as he walked, talking quietly to not garner attention, then he stopped suddenly.

"What am I thinking?" Nathan said as he realized he was going about this all wrong. Quoting poetry may work for some men, but Nathan knew he wasn't one of them.

He had a better idea in mind.

###

Fiona was just opening up the saloon the next morning when a boy came walking in with a small bouquet of flowers. She had seen him around town but could not remember his name.

"Miss Miller?" the boy asked.

"Yes, I'm Fiona Miller."

"These are for you," he said as he held the flowers out. Fiona took them and before she could give him a tip, he went running out the door.

She examined the flowers and smiled, taking in the fragrance. There was a small card tied to a string attached to the bouquet. She carefully removed it and read it.

Fiona gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Tears filled her eyes. Lucas walked in about that time and when he saw her expression, he became concerned. He hoped the note she was reading wasn't like the last one she received.

"Fiona, is everything alright?"

She turned towards him with a dazzling smile. "Lucas! Everything is just perfect!" She handed him the note and he quickly read it.

Fiona,

These flowers pale in comparison to your beauty. I hope you enjoy them.

Would you do me the honor of having dinner with me next week?

Nathan

"Yes, I can see that it is," Lucas said. "Have a great day, Fiona."

Lucas walked out the door smiling. Seems like the constable had finally figured it out. And by Fiona's reaction, Nathan was the one she was interested in, not John.

Perhaps a new romance was soon to blossom in Hope Valley.

Author's Note: I had read the Chris McNally can actually do a handstand, so I thought it would be cute to add to my story. I also think Lucas has a playful side that we don't see much.