Chapter 17— Christmas - Part 1
Elizabeth opened her eyes and almost jumped out of bed. It was Christmas Eve, and the dance was today. She had spent a lot of time on the planning and today was the payoff.
Yesterday she had traveled with Lucas and some of the children out to the ranch. Many others came out as well to help decorate and do last minute preparations. The barn looked wonderful. It was quite large, and John had cut trees to surround the walls, which Elizabeth and the children decorated. There were wreaths hanging on the walls and doors with red ribbons and pinecones on them. Mistletoe was hung here and there for those lucky enough to catch someone under it. John had stacks of firewood just outside, to add to the fire as needed to keep the inside of the barn warm. The weather was chilly and dry, but with a warm barn and a bonfire, everyone should have a good time.
John had prepared the living area of his house to use for childcare. Elizabeth was happy that she and Lucas would be able to take Jack with them and that Laura could go and have fun. Many of the women had volunteered to watch the children, and they would each only have to do an hour so they could enjoy the festivities. The older kids and the men were manning most of the booths and the bonfire, also taking turns. Elizabeth was glad everyone was pitching in and no one was stuck doing all the work.
They would be leaving about 1. The festivities started around 3 with the dance a couple of hours later. It would be a late evening coming home but It should be entertaining for everyone.
She couldn't wait to dance with Lucas. He had gone out to the ranch to help quite a few times but didn't stay overnight anymore. Elizabeth was glad as she missed him if she didn't get to see him every day.
She threw on her robe so she could get this day started.
###
Lucas was up and going very early as he needed to talk to Nathan before leaving later in the day. He walked over to the office and was glad to see the constable was already there.
"Nathan, you have a minute?"
"Come on in. Have a seat, Lucas."
Lucas sat down and began speaking. "I wanted to let you know that Fiona has decided not to attend the party today."
Nathan frowned. "I was hoping she was going. I hate for her to miss all the fun."
"Bill told me in passing that you were staying in town, so I wondered if perhaps that had a bearing on her decision. I was planning to close the saloon, but she insists on keeping it open. She takes her job as manager pretty seriously."
"She certainly does," Nathan replied. "I'm sure it will look like a ghost town later when everyone leaves. I have to assume you had a reason for coming to tell me this."
"Gustave is also staying. He said it would be a good time to practice cooking some new items for the menu. And yes, actually I did have a reason," Lucas said with a smile.
###
Lucy came bounding down the stairs like a young girl would. It was almost time to leave for the ranch and she wanted to show Fiona her new gown.
She hurried to the bar, "Fiona! Don't you just love it?"
Fiona turned and looked, her mouth dropping open. "Oh Lucy, it's stunning!"
Lucy smiled and twirled around. The dress was an emerald green, just the color of her eyes, with some cream-colored lace and ribbons. The bodice was cream also, the two colors balancing each other out. It was a fabulous dress and perfect for Lucy's petite figure. Her hair was a half up and half down do, topped off with a tiara.
"I just hope I get the opportunity to dance in it. The judge is taking me, and I know he will be busy most of the time with the food."
"I don't think you need to be concerned about that, Lucy. In fact, you will probably have to beg off there will be so many dance partners."
Lucy frowned. "I am so disappointed that you aren't going, Fiona."
"It's not a problem. I'm sure there will be other occasions that I get to trip the light fantastic. You have enough fun for both of us," Fiona said with a sincere smile.
Bill walked in and whistled. "Now that is some dress. I am proud to be your escort, Miss Jones. Are you ready to go?"
"Thanks Bill," she said with a curtsey. "I am ready and so excited! Thank you for taking me."
"Let's go then," Bill said as she took his arm and they walked out the door, Lucy turning to wave at Fiona as they left.
###
Lucy looked all around as they traveled, taking in the scenery. It was a beautiful area. She had been curious since she heard that the party was being held at John Davis' ranch. She was anxious to see his place.
"Are you enjoying the ride?" Bill asked as he looked over at Lucy.
"Yes. It is gorgeous here. I haven't been to a party in a long while, not since I lost my parents. I am looking forward to this."
"I'm so sorry, Lucy. Was it recent?"
"Almost two years now. I've come to terms with it, but I was heartbroken at the time. My father was killed in a robbery, and my mother just withered away. I couldn't wake her up one morning. At least they are together." Lucy sat silently for a little while. "I tried to stay there but…too many memories. So, I went through all of their things and kept a few sentimental pieces and sold the rest. My travels led me here to Hope Valley."
"Well, I for one am certainly glad that they did," Bill said with a smile.
Lucy looked over and smiled back. "Me too. How about you? No family?"
Bill thought for a moment. "No, it's just me. Divorced, no children."
Lucy was silent, then she smiled. "Well, I'm glad we can keep each other company today."
"Me too, Lucy," Bill replied.
###
Lucas pulled up in a wagon to pick up Elizabeth and Jack. Once again, he wished that he had already purchased a car- something he planned to do very soon. He did have blankets should they get cold on the ride.
He knocked on the door and couldn't believe the vision that answered it. Elizabeth was wearing the blue dress he had seen before, the night they first kissed, but it was different. It had been altered, was a bit fancier. The top part was white with blue ruffles. She was wearing her hair differently too.
"Elizabeth," Lucas said with a low voice as he came inside and shut the door, "you look…breathtaking."
"Thank you. I'm wearing your gift," she said as she held out her arm and showed him the bracelet.
"You make it look amazing. As you see, I didn't get too dressed up," Lucas said gesturing to his suit. "I knew I would be running around a bit and didn't want to dirty up my best suit. But now I am rethinking that decision. You may not want to be seen with me."
Elizabeth leaned in towards him, "You always look handsome, no matter what you wear. You could have on your suspenders and I would still want to be seen with you." She stood on her tiptoes and pulled him down for a quick kiss.
"Lucas!" Jack called as he tugged on Lucas' pants leg.
"He finally got it, no more 'Ucas" Elizabeth said with a laugh. "We are still working on our R's."
"Hey buddy, good job," Lucas said as he rubbed Jack's head. "Let me get the wagon packed up and I'll carry you out."
Elizabeth showed him the things she needed to bring, and he took them all outside and secured them in the wagon. Then he returned and helped Jack put his coat on while Elizabeth put her own on. Lucas picked Jack up and carried him outside, taking the opportunity to tickle his belly. He helped Elizabeth into the wagon and handed Jack to her, then climbed up himself.
"Are we ready?" Lucas asked as he looked at the people he loved most in the world.
"Weady!" Jack said excitedly.
"Me too!" Elizabeth said with a bright smile.
"Off we go on a magnificent adventure," Lucas said as they started on their way.
###
John had been running around like crazy, but things were finally in order.
People would start arriving soon and he would be thankful for the help. Everyone knew where they were supposed to be and when; Elizabeth and Rosemary had seen to that, so things should run smoothly. He was glad that everyone had pitched in so willingly.
He finished some last-minute things in the barn and headed to the door. Just before he got there, he stopped.
Lucy stood in the doorway, looking every bit the princess in her green ball gown and tiara. He expected to see Nathan come in behind her, but instead it was Bill.
"Everything looks great, John. I'm going to start getting things set up. Your cook is going to help me, I didn't catch his name," Bill said.
"Chester," John said. Lucy still stood there in silence.
"Can you keep Lucy company until some others start arriving? I don't want to leave her alone."
"Yes, of course," John said, still staring at her.
Bill turned to Lucy, "Save me a dance later?" Lucy smiled and said, "Surely!" and Bill left.
"Hello Mr. Davis. It's a beautiful place you have here," Lucy said as they stood there alone. She couldn't take her eyes off of him standing there in his boots and jeans. His black felt Stetson gave him a rugged and yet dangerous look. He is too handsome for my own good. Lucy looked around at the decorations to clear her thoughts.
"Thank you. You look…exquisite. You came with Bill?"
"He was kind enough to invite me. I don't know many people in town."
John felt bad about his false impression the other day at the saloon when he saw her with Nathan. He shouldn't have assumed. "Would you like me to show you around?"
"Yes, I would."
John took her outside, proudly showing her his ranch. He pointed out the booths for the party, and then showed her his house. "It's only about 1500 square feet," he added, "but I plan to tear it down and build larger one day."
"I think it's lovely. And since it's only you, quite large enough for now. It's a beautiful design, maybe you should just add on to it instead of tearing it down- when you have a family, that is," Lucy replied as she looked around.
John examined it and thought perhaps she was right. "That's a great idea. I could easily double its size." He watched her for a moment. "Thank you for the suggestion."
She met his eyes then shyly looked down. "You're welcome."
The last place they went was a corral with a small stable area where Outlaw stood.
The horse nickered and shook his head when he saw Lucy. John couldn't believe Outlaw's quick attachment to her. She rubbed his face and spoke in soothing tones that the horse responded to- and so did John. She was mesmerizing. "How are you Sir Lancelot? I have missed you."
John smiled at the pet name she had for Outlaw.
"I would sure love to ride you one day. I wonder if Mr. Davis would let me."
"He would be willing to think about it," John said in a soft deep voice, "If you would call him John." Lucy looked over and made eye contact with him, holding her breath as they maintained their gaze. She didn't like the direction her thoughts were going. Getting close to him could be risky for her emotions. Lucy hadn't come here to get involved with a man, perhaps it was better to keep him at arms-length.
"I think I hear some wagons. We should probably go see who is here," Lucy said curtly as she headed for the door. John watched her go then exhaled loudly and followed her.
###
Several wagons pulled up and volunteers began manning their areas. They got the bonfire going and the older kids were having fun running around it and chasing each other. The booths were getting a lot of traffic, and the party was in full swing. Everyone seemed to be having a good time so far but looked forward to the dance that would begin in a couple of hours.
"Who's ready for a hayride?" John called out. The kids all began yelling with excitement as one of John's hands pulled up on a large wagon pulled by four horses. It was three times longer than a regular wagon and full of hay. They planned to make several trips so everyone could get a ride or two. Carson climbed aboard with his guitar and the kids began piling on. As they started on their way, John heard Carson begin a song. He smiled as they rode out, glad that he could help bring joy to so many by having this party.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked over to see Lucas standing next to him. "You did well, Cousin."
John smiled back. "I'm glad to do it. We used to have get-togethers like this on the Circle D. I have to admit I miss them. Perhaps we should make this a regular thing."
"Maybe we should. Did I see you talking to Miss Jones earlier?"
"Just keeping her company while Bill is busy. He brought her. Where's the constable? I figured he would be here today."
"He had to stay and watch the town. A Mountie's work is never done. Fiona also stayed in town to keep the saloon open. Her idea, not mine."
John nodded, thinking it curious they both stayed behind. "I saw Elizabeth earlier. She looks beautiful. I'm surprised she isn't right beside you. You are like two peas in a pod."
"She's with the children right now."
"That's a great lady you have, Cuz. I know you two will be happy together," John said.
"If I can ever get the nerve up to pop the question, that is," Lucas said with a laugh.
"I have a feeling you won't have any problem with that when it's time. I better get back to work."
Lucas watched him walk away and smiled, knowing exactly when that moment was going to happen. And hoping she said yes when it did.
###
They had a few tables set up and had made the announcement earlier that everyone would have to take turns eating unless they wanted to stand. Almost everyone had eaten already and were just enjoying the day. Bill and Chester were cleaning as they went, as well as a few volunteers. The band was in the barn warming up and the dance would start shortly. The hayride had already made a few trips before it got dark and planned to make a few more. Some couples preferred to wait until after sunset to take their turn as it gave them an excuse to cuddle to stay warm. John had a surprise for those that waited until dark for their ride.
John saw Lucy getting up on the wagon giggling like a schoolgirl. He was surprised that she would want to sit in the hay wearing that fancy dress and it made him rethink his opinion of her. Maybe she really wasn't as uppity as he presumed. Perhaps he just rubbed her the wrong way.
He made a quick decision and jumped up on the wagon next to her. Her head was turned, and she wasn't aware that he had done so. He sat and listened to her laugh along with some of the other people, enjoying themselves. The horses began walking and someone started a song, and many began singing along. John joined in with his baritone voice causing Lucy to turn around to see who it was. Her smile turned to a look of surprise and something else…fear perhaps? It was only there for a second but made John wonder where it came from. Then she began singing along and the joy was back.
As the wagon drove away from all the excitement it came near to a wooded area just on the other side of the perimeter fence. It was much darker here away from all the buildings. John smiled as he knew what was coming. Suddenly, something or someone came running out of the woods growling and snarling as they jumped the fence and ran toward the wagon. All the young women began screaming and grabbing for their partner as it got closer and closer. Lucy shrieked in John's ear and threw her arms around his neck. He took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her, enjoying the moment. After the scare, the men started laughing as they realized it was all in good fun. Soon the ladies joined in the merriment, once they were sure the danger was over. When Lucy understood what was going on, she pushed away from John and punched him in the arm. She then turned her back on him and ignored him the rest of the ride.
John was too amused to care. All he could think of was how much he enjoyed his arms around her and how her hair smelled like lilies.
That was totally worth a punch in the arm.
###
Elizabeth had just finished her time with the children and was now looking for Lucas. She found him by the bonfire.
"I've missed you," Lucas said as he saw her. "If it's possible, you may be even more beautiful in the firelight."
"You flatter me, Mr. Bouchard."
"My relief just got here, so would you like to visit the booths before the dance starts? There is one I would really like you to see," Lucas said as he took her hand in his.
"I would follow you just about anywhere," Elizabeth said as they began walking.
As they walked towards the booths, Elizabeth was glad to see that so many had turned out and all seemed to be having fun.
They came to the ornament booth the kids were running.
"Mr. Bouchard," Allie said, "I think yours is finally dry." She held up the small wood slice that had a ribbon attached to it.
"You made an ornament?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes," Lucas said as he took it and held it out to her. "For you, my love."
John had cleared a lot of brush and some trees for the ranch. Some of the branches they had decided to cut into circles so they could have an ornament booth.
Elizabeth took it and held it up for a closer inspection. "Oh, Lucas," she said.
It was about 3 inches in diameter and had LB and ET with a heart in the middle. The date was on the other side, and it had a red ribbon through a hole in the top.
"I absolutely love it," she said as she continued to examine it.
"I thought you could put it on your tree, and perhaps…we could add another one every year," Lucas said cautiously.
Elizabeth smiled up at him, her eyes welled with tears. She knew what he was implying, and it made her heart leap.
"I think that's a wonderful tradition to start." She reached up and kissed his cheek.
"The dance is about to begin. May I escort you inside?"
"Yes, you may," Elizabeth answered taking his arm as they walked into the barn.
###
Nathan was a little nervous. Lucas had told him of his plan and now that it was close to dinner time, he needed to head over to the saloon. He was right, there was no one in town as he walked through the streets checking the buildings earlier. Most likely he and Fiona and Gustave were the only ones that hadn't attended the big event.
He had paced in his office for a while just waiting for the right time. And as he looked at the clock, he knew that time was now.
Nathan took a deep breath and headed out the door.
Author's Note: This was a fun chapter to write. I incorporated something from my childhood that has stuck with me all these years. We lived on a 400 acre farm and every year at Halloween, the church we went to would come and have a big party. The hayrides really hold a special place in my heart, when we would ride through the pastures and men would hide in the trees and jump out to chase the trailer. It was dark and we were terrified they would catch us. We lived there three years when I was 7-9. Good times.
I also decided to leave out LJ's birthday. I had so much going on in my story already it just seemed too much.
