Chapter 18—Christmas- Part 2
John stepped up to the stage that was built for the band and raised his hands to quieten the crowd.
"If I could have your attention please," he said, waited a bit, and repeated it. Finally, everyone was quiet enough for him to speak.
"I want to welcome everyone. It doesn't have a name yet as I'm still thinking it through, so for now- welcome to the Davis Ranch!"
He stopped for a moment as the crowd began whistling and clapping.
"Are you having a good time so far?"
More cheers and applause.
"I'm glad to hear it. I want to thank all the volunteers. Without you, this could have never happened. Now, if you will give our band some love, we will get this dance started!"
He clapped and everyone joined him, then the band began with a lively tune and many couples filled the dance floor. John noticed Lucas and Elizabeth stayed around the fringes and didn't join in, but he did see Lucy standing there looking around for a partner. He walked in her direction, but Mike Hickam stepped up with a bow and took her hand before he got there. John continued walking past, a little disappointed, then went over to where his cousin stood.
"Now Cuz, I know that you know how to square dance," John said to Lucas.
Elizabeth snickered behind her hand.
"You may know it, and now Elizabeth may know it, but the good people of Hope Valley don't need to know it. I'll save my energy for a slow dance to share with my lady," Lucas said lifting Elizabeth's hand and kissing it.
"I'm very impressed with the band, they are really good," Elizabeth said. "They must have practiced a lot."
"I heard them talking about continuing to practice on a regular basis so they would be able to do this for other get-togethers," John said as he observed the dancing for a moment. Lucas watched his cousin's eyes and the direction they went and motioned to Elizabeth who noticed it too.
"Lucy Jones seems like a sweet girl," Lucas said, wondering what type of response he would get from John.
"She certainly is beautiful," Elizabeth added. "I didn't know Mike was such a good dancer."
John visibly stiffened, "If you two will excuse me, I need to check on the bonfire."
They watched him walk away then turned to each other. "What do you think is going on there?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'm not sure," Lucas responded. "I'm going to find out, but not tonight."
The song ended and a slower one began.
"May I have the pleasure of dancing with the most beautiful lady in the room?" Lucas asked.
"If you mean me, you certainly may," Elizabeth answered, and he led her out to the floor.
Lucy walked over to get some punch just as Bill came in. He stood next to her as she watched them dancing then she spoke to him. "I want to fall in love like that. I want a man that only has eyes for me the way Mr. Bouchard does for Elizabeth- where the world fades away when we dance. What a great love story they must have."
Bill smiled, "They had an uphill battle to get where they are now. I can't offer you romance, but I can offer you a dance with an older man."
Lucy looked up at him and put her drink down. "It would be my pleasure, Judge."
Bill led her onto the floor, Lucy watching Lucas and Elizabeth out of the corner of her eye as they danced.
###
Fiona was kicking herself for staying behind. She thought perhaps she wouldn't have enjoyed herself without Nathan at the party, but there wasn't one customer this whole day. The town was empty. Just a couple of days ago, Lucas had moved the tables around to provide a larger dance area on a regular basis. Fiona wasn't sure how she felt about the new arrangement, but he was the boss. She had cleaned and organized the saloon hoping at least a few people would come in, but no such luck. Finally, she gave up and sat down with a book at a corner table. She had left the door unlocked just in case someone came in for a drink or a meal.
Gustave had been working in the kitchen all day making goodies. He preferred his alone time, so he wasn't any company for her. He did bring her a few samples of the things he was working on, so that was a bonus. She guessed the evening would be as long as the day was.
She sat trying to absorb herself in her book when suddenly the front door opened, and Nathan walked in. He closed the door and stood there for a moment looking until he found her. Fiona noticed he was wearing a new suit that she had never seen before. Fiona stood up and lay her book on the table. She watched as Nathan walked over to the Victrola and started it playing. He then went over to the wall and turned off part of the lights, leaving the saloon with a dim glow. He stood there for a moment, then smiled as he walked towards her.
Nathan stopped in front of her and put his hand out. "Dance with me? he asked. Fiona was speechless as she placed her hand in his and he pulled her close to him.
And then they danced.
###
Rosemary and Lee walked off the floor at the same time Lucas and Elizabeth did.
"Oh Elizabeth, I'm so glad this has gone off without a hitch. Everyone is just having the best time," Rosemary said.
"It is truly wonderful, isn't it?" Elizabeth asked.
"Wait until you see the surprise that John put together," Lucas said. "He went through quite a bit of trouble and expense to do something special for all the kids."
"Really? I'm intrigued," Rosemary said.
"Me too," Elizabeth added.
"Now ladies, you will just have to be patient," Lee said.
"You mean you are in on this and kept it a secret from me?" Rosemary accused teasingly.
"Secrets are good sometimes, aren't they?" Lee asked.
Rosemary smiled, "I guess so, if they are good ones. Just don't keep us waiting for long."
"Well, technically there are two surprises. Looks like one is about to happen. I see John coming in and he has gathered up all the kids from outside," Lucas replied.
They watched as John stepped up to the stage as the band finished a song. "Can I have everyone's attention please? I need all the children to come to the front here and sit in a semi-circle."
He waited as they all came forward. The ones doing the childcare for the smaller children had brought them in as well. It took a few minutes to get everyone settled and quiet.
John stood there smiling. "I hope all of you are having fun," he said to the children and they nodded and smiled back at him many saying 'yes'.
"Good. Christmas should be fun for kids. When I was growing up, my parents tried to make it special. One thing my father did every Christmas Eve was read 'A Visit from St Nicholas' to me. I always think of him when I hear it. Would you all like me to tell it to you?"
"Yeah!" "Yes!" the kids all responded. All eyes were on John, and even the adults were excited.
"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house," John began. As he continued, you could have heard a pin drop, everyone was so intent on listening.
He walked back and forth, making eye contact as he recited the poem. He was a master storyteller using gestures and voice modulation perfectly. Elizabeth watched Jack as he sat there totally entranced, as were all the children. She looked around and thought what a great teacher John would have made, as captivated as his audience was. He really connected with the kids. What a great father he would be one day.
She glanced over at Lucy who looked awestruck. Then Elizabeth looked up at Lucas, standing next to her. She leaned over and placed her head against his arm, enjoying the moment.
"But I heard him exclaim 'ere he drove out of sight, 'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!'"
There was a slight pause as he finished, then the barn erupted in applause. John smiled and took a bow.
He waited until everyone had quietened down then spoke again. "Thank you. I appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed it. Now, we have another surprise coming up in about 30 minutes, so don't go too far."
The band started up again and played a waltz. John walked out into the audience and straight to Lucy who hadn't taken her eyes off of him. "Lucy Jones, I've watched you dance with just about every man here. Please give me the pleasure of a waltz with you before the night is over," he said with a husky voice.
Lucy gave a slight nod but didn't speak as she put her hand in his outstretched one and followed him to the middle of the floor.
They were captivated with each other as they began the dance. No one else wanted to intrude by joining them for this song, as the floor seemed to belong to them. So, the crowd just stood there, watching.
They never spoke, only danced. Their steps never faltered as if they had trained for this moment. When the song was over, they held their gaze as they stopped moving. The audience began applauding, and John and Lucy finally realized that they had been the center of attention. They smiled and Lucy curtsied at John, then to everyone else. John bowed slightly.
"Please, everyone come out for the next song," John said.
He turned to Lucy as the attention was off of them and he took her hand and gently kissed it. "Thank you," he said in a soft voice, releasing her hand.
Lucy still hadn't spoken. "You're welcome," she said quietly then turned and swiftly walked out of the barn.
"Lucy!" John called, then Henry walked up to speak to him, preventing him from following her.
She found Bill outside the door. "That was some dance in there," he said with a smile.
"Oh…thank you," she replied.
"If I didn't know better, I would say that cowboy has eyes for you."
"No, I don't think so. It was only a dance."
"Lucy, you are a beautiful woman. I saw the way he was looking at you. Trust me, he is interested," Bill replied.
"If you will excuse me, please," Lucy said as she hurriedly walked away.
Bill watched her, wondering what was going through her head. Then he went back to what he was doing.
###
Fiona and Nathan chatted as they danced. When the song ended, Nathan took her back to the table she had been sitting at and helped her with her chair. Within a few seconds, Gustave came out, placing two plates in front of them. "I'll be right back with your wine," he said.
"You planned this?" Fiona asked as she looked at Nathan.
"I had some help," he said as he laughed.
"Thank you, Nathan. This was very sweet of you."
"I enjoyed our dance. Maybe after dinner we can do that again?"
"I would love it," Fiona answered.
Gustave came and poured them both a glass of wine. "Leave room for dessert," he said as he quickly returned to the kitchen and left them alone.
They both took a sip, then picked up their forks to taste the food.
"This is wonderful," Nathan said.
"Yes, it is excellent."
"Fiona, I felt bad that you missed the party. I wanted to help make up for that. I hope you don't mind me barging in on your quiet time."
"Are you kidding me? Nathan, this is so much better than a big shindig. Thank you for doing this. We get to have our own private party, and I have you all to myself…" Fiona said, then blushed at her boldness.
Nathan smiled and began eating his food. He already missed the feel of her in his arms.
###
The dance was in full swing, even the kids were enjoying dancing with each other. Molly and Albert danced as well as Florence and Ned. The four of them hung around together and enjoyed each other's company.
Lucas led Elizabeth to the refreshment table after several dances together. "I thought we could both use some punch," he said.
"I would love some. Lucas, I could dance all night. I can't believe how badly I needed this."
Lucas smiled, "Then I'm glad John thought of it."
About that time, John walked up and looked at Lucas. "I'm sorry to interrupt. Lucas, I need you to do me a favor."
Lucas made eye contact with John, then quickly looked at Elizabeth. "I'll be back soon, my love. Don't miss me too much while I'm gone." He leaned over and kissed her cheek then left with John. He stopped and turned around, winking at Elizabeth, then talked with his cousin for a moment and walked out the door.
###
Shortly after Lucas left, John walked up to the stage and stopped the music. "I have an announcement to make. Please, it's very important."
Everyone got quiet, looking at each other wondering what was going on.
"I need all the children back in the barn, quickly."
Someone went to the door and called outside for the kids to come in. Many were still in the building since John's recitation.
After a few minutes, John looked around and saw that the children were either already there or coming in.
"All right, I need your attention. Everyone. I just received notice that something was flying over the ranch. We aren't sure what it was, but I wanted to make sure all the children were safe until we can identify it."
Everyone started looking around and murmuring to each other.
"I'm sure everything is fine, we just need to stay ca…"
"Ho ho ho!" someone called out from the barn door, interrupting John.
Elizabeth turned to look, and Santa Claus was walking in. He was waving to the cheering crowd and carrying a very large pack over his shoulder.
"Merry Christmas everyone! Merry Christmas!"
The kids were jumping up and down with excitement as he walked through the people and waved. He walked up to where John was standing. John raised his hands to bring silence. When it was quiet again, he spoke.
"Santa! I had no idea you were going to come here to the party. That must have been your sleigh that was spotted over the ranch," John said.
"When I heard that all the children of Hope Valley were going to be here tonight, I knew I had to make an appearance. Every one of them was on my nice list this year," Santa said.
The kids all started clapping, then settled down quickly, anxious to see what was in his pack.
"I'm glad to hear they were all good, Santa. I see you have a bag that looks pretty full. I'm curious what is in there," John said as he tried to take a peek inside.
"Now John, I didn't say you were on the nice list. We need to talk later about that," Santa said, bringing laughter from the crowd. "But I will let you help me pass out some presents."
He placed his heavy sack on the floor and opened it up pulling out a wrapped gift. "Is there a Robert in here?" he asked as he looked at it.
Robert raised his hand and walked forward, "I'm Robert."
"Well, then this gift is for you, young man. Merry Christmas!" he said as he handed the package to Robert, who immediately tore the wrapping off. Inside was a brand-new baseball glove.
"Wow! Thanks Santa!" Robert said as he admired it, the crowd applauding.
"You're welcome son," Santa said as he reached for another package.
John and Santa handed out gifts to all the children that were there. There was so much excitement in the barn as dolls and baseball bats were opened and exclaimed over. Elizabeth stood there smiling next to Rosemary, hating that Lucas was missing this time with a Santa that looked suspiciously like Henry Gowen.
John had stepped back into the crowd a few minutes before Santa's bag was empty and was standing near Elizabeth watching the last few gifts being handed out. He looked over and saw Lucy standing in the doorway chatting with Bill.
Santa reached in his bag and pulled out a piece of paper and looked at it.
"Let me have your attention, please. Hmmm. This is the last thing in my bag. Now this is a name I haven't seen in a while. Is there an Elizabeth Thornton here?" Santa said as he scanned the crowd.
Elizabeth looked up at John in surprise. "Me?"
"Well, you are the only Elizabeth Thornton here," John replied.
Elizabeth hesitated and then Rosemary encouraged her to go forward. She stepped slowly towards Santa, a little embarrassed since she was the only adult called out. When she got to Santa, she looked at him and smiled shyly. "I'm Elizabeth Thornton," she said facing Santa with her back to the crowd.
"Yes, I can see that you are. My you've grown!" Santa said, bringing a laugh from everyone. "First of all, have you been a good girl this year, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth smiled, deciding to play along, "Yes Santa. I think I have been a very good girl this year."
"I'm glad to hear that," Santa replied. "I have something for you. Actually, it isn't from me, but someone handed it to me outside before I came in and asked me to give it to you. I hope it is something that you wished for."
Santa held out the piece of paper and Elizabeth slowly took it. She looked curiously at Santa, who was smiling at her with tears in his eyes, then opened the paper. She looked back up at Santa, a little confused.
"Was it something you wanted?" Santa asked.
"I'm…not sure."
"Well, what does it say?" Santa asked.
"It simply says, 'turn around,'" Elizabeth replied.
"Then maybe you should turn around," Santa said in Henry's voice.
Elizabeth slowly turned back towards the people, noticing they had cleared the center of the floor and left it open. Then her eyes connected with Lucas, who was standing in the middle of the open area. Only now, he wasn't in his old suit. He was wearing a tuxedo with tails and a white vest. He was standing there smiling at her, holding a white rose.
"Lucas?" Elizabeth said, perplexed.
The crowd was totally silent as they watched.
"Elizabeth," Lucas said. "I came to Hope Valley wanting to settle down. I have waited a lifetime for my soulmate. I never thought I would meet her in the street in front of my place of business."
Elizabeth smiled as he paused.
"I once said I was a bit of a tumbleweed. Once I met you, I knew I had found the place that I wanted to stay. Right next to you, forever."
Elizabeth's eyes widened as she finally realized what was happening.
"I love you with everything I am, all of my heart and soul," Lucas said as he knelt down on one knee and opened a box he had pulled from his pocket. "Nothing would make me happier than for you to be by my side for the rest of my life. Elizabeth Thornton, will you marry me?"
Elizabeth put her hand to her mouth as tears ran down her cheeks.
She walked forward, stopping right in front of Lucas as he waited. Then she took a deep breath and blew it out slowly.
"Lucas Bouchard. You are certainly full of surprises," she said seriously, then laughed. "I love you so much. Yes! I will marry you!"
Lucas smiled as his eyes welled up. He quickly slipped the ring on her finger, then stood and wrapped his arms around her and swung her around. Lucas placed her on the ground and leaned down for a kiss. The audience applauded in delight. Lucas stepped back and took her hand. "Elizabeth Thornton said yes!" he called out, his voice full of joy, bringing another round of applause.
Their friends began congratulating them. Rosemary was the first. "I am so thrilled for you my friend. I know you will both be so happy."
Santa walked up smiling. "I am glad I could be a part of this. Congratulations, Elizabeth, looks like it was something you wished for. Lucas, you better be good to her or you will be on my naughty list next year."
Elizabeth hugged Santa. "Thank you so much," she said. Lucas shook his hand.
John looked around and saw Lucy standing alone in the doorway watching everything that was going on, then he walked over to speak to the happy couple. "I didn't think it could be done," he said as he slapped Lucas on the back. "But there is actually one woman out there that wants to put up with you for the rest of her life. Congratulations, Cuz!" John hugged Lucas, then reached over to kiss Elizabeth on the cheek. "Welcome to the family, Elizabeth." Then John stepped back to let others give their blessings. He looked back at the door and Lucy wasn't there, so he scanned the room. When he didn't see her, he figured he knew where she had gone and went to find her.
He walked out into the cold evening, wishing he had grabbed his jacket. As he entered the stable, he heard her talking.
"Sir Lancelot, I'm just not sure what I'm doing here. I don't know if I can go through with it. Will he hate me forever for telling him?"
John cocked his head, wondering who the 'him' was that she was referring to. He then heard her crying, and it broke his heart.
John walked towards her and saw she was pressing her face against Outlaw's.
"Lucy," he said quietly, not wanting to startle her.
Lucy let out an audible sigh, then turned to look at John with sad eyes.
"What's going on, Princess?"
She didn't like the concern in his voice, or the nickname. Not now. Lucy knew she had to get away from him. "Please leave me alone. I need to find Bill. I want to go back to the hotel," Lucy said as she tried to walk past him. John gently grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Let me help you."
She met his eyes and John saw the pain there. As she held his gaze, it was all the encouragement he needed to lean towards her. "No…John," Lucy said firmly as she put her hand on his chest to stop his forward movement. "You can't help me."
She looked at her arm where his hand was, and he released her. Then she lifted her chin and walked out the door leaving John behind, confused by her actions and his desire for her.
###
Lucas and Elizabeth smiled at each other as they danced. The party was nearing an end, but they both realized that theirs was just beginning.
"Lucas, how did you ever pull this off?"
"Well, it wasn't too difficult, considering how busy you have been lately. I simply brought my clothes out here one of the days I came to work. The Santa thing was all John. He contacted all the parents and made a list of things their kids wanted and bought them. Henry was happy to be involved and even more so when I told him what I was planning."
Elizabeth shook her head. "Bless Henry's heart. I'm glad he was a part of it. That cousin of yours is almost as special as you are. I hope one day he finds his soulmate too."
Lucas smiled and leaned down for a gentle kiss. "I'm sure he will. He is a hopeful romantic too."
They stared into each other's eyes and danced the last dance of the night, unaware of anyone else around.
###
Lucy found Bill outside packing the wagon. "I'm not feeling very well, Bill. Are you getting ready to leave?"
Bill looked at her, "I'm ready. Sorry you are feeling poorly. Here, let me help you into the wagon. I've already said my goodbyes."
Bill helped her up, then walked around and climbed up himself. He reached back and grabbed a blanket, wrapping it around her.
"Thank you," she said as she looked up at him and smiled.
"We'll be home before you know it," Bill replied as he clicked his tongue to the horses.
###
Lucas helped Elizabeth into the wagon and handed a very sleepy Jack up to her. Then wrapped a blanket around both of them.
Once he stepped up and sat next to her, he leaned over and kissed her softly.
"Lucas, this was the best night ever. My ring is beautiful," Elizabeth said as she smiled at him, then looked down at her ring. Lucas had chosen well. It was a princess cut diamond with sapphires on both sides, with some vintage scrollwork on the band.
"You saying yes is what made it so amazing," Lucas responded.
"Lucas," she said as they began their trip home. "How are you feeling about a short engagement?"
Lucas looked over and smiled. "Elizabeth, I would marry you tonight if that's what you want. I just want you to be my wife."
Elizabeth beamed, "How about Valentine's Day?"
"That sounds perfect, my love," Lucas responded as he leaned over for another kiss.
Elizabeth cuddled up to his arm. "Yes, it does."
###
Nathan and Fiona had had a wonderful evening. The conversation was easy, and the food was delicious. Once again, they were dancing in the saloon, Fiona now grateful for Lucas rearranging the tables, most likely on her behalf.
As the song ended, they stopped dancing and Nathan looked up and smiled. Fiona followed his gaze and noticed they were standing under the mistletoe.
Their eyes met and Nathan leaned in for a kiss. All of a sudden, the door opened, and Bill and Lucy came in.
Fiona flinched and stepped back, giving Nathan a sad smile.
"Fiona," Bill said. "Lucy isn't feeling very well. I don't know if she needs your help or not."
Lucy turned and thanked Bill, then ran up the stairs to her room.
"I'll see you later, Nathan," Fiona said. "Thank you for a wonderful evening. I need to check on her."
"Goodnight, Fiona."
Nathan watched as she went upstairs then turned towards Bill and frowned.
"Your timing could use some work," Nathan said as they turned and walked out the door.
###
The next morning Rosemary was sitting at the table drinking her coffee, trying to be quiet until Lee got up. She heard him coming down the stairs a few moments later.
"Merry Christmas, my darling," she said with a smile.
"Merry Christmas to you. I have a special gift for you," Lee said.
He held out a card and sat down across the table as she took it. Rosemary opened the card and Lee watched as she read what was inside.
My Dearest Rosie,
I love you so much, and I think it's time we start a family. How do you feel about adopting a child? Anytime you are ready, I am ready. We are in this together. I will wait as long as you need to make a decision.
Your husband,
Lee
Rosemary read the words and tears filled her eyes. She looked up at Lee. "Thank you so much for this. I so want to be parents with you, my husband." She leaned over and kissed him. "I have a gift for you as well," she said placing a small package in front of him.
"I love presents," Lee said as he quickly unwrapped it. He opened the small box and confusion crossed his face.
"Rosie?"
Rosemary smiled as tears flowed down her face.
Lee looked down at the small, yellow, baby booties. Then he looked up at his wife. "Wh…what…"
Rosemary just sat there in silence, watching all the emotions cross his face.
"Are you…are you telling me…what…Rosie…are you pregnant?"
"Lee we are going to be parents in June! I saw Carson a few weeks ago and he confirmed it, but I wanted to wait before telling you. Yes Lee, I am finally pregnant!"
Lee looked his wife in the eyes, the tears filling his own. He began laughing, then he stood and pulled Rosemary to her feet. He carefully placed his hand on her still flat stomach. "I'm gonna be a father?"
Rosemary smiled through her tears, "You're going to be a wonderful father."
The tears finally spilled down his cheeks. "I love you so much, Rosemary."
"I love you too, my darling husband.
Lee kissed his wife tenderly then wrapped his arms around her, his tears falling on her shoulder.
Author's Note: I tried to fill this chapter with lots of romance as a Christmas gift to you! And the pregnancy was a special gift to my readers. Merry Christmas!
