Chapter 19—New Beginnings- Part 1
Elizabeth heard excited voices and peeked out the window. She smiled as she watched Lucas and Jack playing with Jack's new toys. Elizabeth had been in awe a few days ago on Christmas morning when Lucas knocked on the door and she saw what he had brought for Jack. Lucas had stood on the porch with a guilty smile.
"What have you done, Lucas?" she asked. He stepped aside and right behind him was a bright red pedal car. "Lucas! You didn't!"
He nodded, "Obviously, I did. I figured one of us needed a car…" At his dimpled smile, shrug, and lack of remorse, all she could do was laugh.
"I can see someone is going to spoil this child," Elizabeth said as she pulled Lucas to her for a kiss. "Merry Christmas, fiancé."
Lucas enfolded her in his arms. "Merry Christmas, my love. I had the best time with you last night," he whispered in her ear. "Did I dream it, or did you actually say yes?"
"You didn't dream it. Now you're stuck with me."
Lucas drew her in for a passionate kiss. Then took a deep breath, "That's the best news ever. I am a blessed man indeed."
Elizabeth watched for a moment as Lucas worked with Jack teaching him how to pedal his car. He had been with Jack every day since Christmas, helping him learn to drive his fancy new toy. Jack just couldn't quite get the hang of it yet. Lucas was so patient with him and she knew he was going to make a great father. She went back to her cooking, knowing that Jack was in good hands. It was the day before New Year's Eve, and she was wondering what they might do tomorrow night. Elizabeth was hoping for a quiet evening at home to ring in the new year with the man she loved. But if Lucas had something else in mind, she was alright with that too. She would just need to get some childcare. She suddenly thought of her next-door neighbor and best friend. That was her second surprise on Christmas Day.
Rosemary and Lee had come over before Lucas showed up that morning, both looking quite happy. "I'm pregnant!" Rosemary had burst out, unable to contain her excitement. Elizabeth had hugged her friend and cried as she did so. It had been a long time coming, and she was thrilled for the Coulters.
She and Lucas had stayed around the house on Christmas Day, just resting up from all the excitement of the dance. They enjoyed being a family, even though that wouldn't technically happen for another month and a half. Lucas was getting to know Jack and loved spending time with him. Jack was quite attached already and would be pleased when Lucas didn't have to leave in the evenings. Elizabeth looked forward to the day they married.
It couldn't come soon enough for her.
###
John had been very busy since the party. He gave his men Christmas Day off, but they hadn't stopped working since then. He had hired a few temporary hands from Hope Valley to help with the tear down, and to also help with fence placement. John had lost a few weeks, but he believed it was worth it. Just seeing the joy on everyone's faces made him want to do it again.
The busyness had helped him keep his mind occupied and off of a certain someone. John had never met anyone that affected him like Lucy did, and he didn't know what to think about it. He had always loved spending time with beautiful women, but nothing had ever gone any further than friendship. The only girl he had ever kissed was Fiona's sister, and he was a youngster then. But he was having a hard time forgetting the look on Lucy's face in the stable that night. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame and wanted nothing more than for her lips to meet his.
He would lie in bed at night and think of her, and how her hair smelled. Her laughter. Her emerald green eyes. John knew he needed more sleep, he was certainly working himself half to death, but his brain wouldn't shut down for very long. She was the last thing he thought of at night and the first in the morning. Was it possible he had feelings for her? He didn't even know who she was or anything about her. He just needed to get himself together, he had a ranch to get up and running. He was just concerned about her, and it went no further than that. Lucy obviously had a problem and he wanted to help her solve it. And of course, she had some kind of secret that she was hiding. That bothered him as well. Just because she was attractive didn't mean he had feelings for her. He was glad that he figured it out. Now perhaps he could get some sleep.
John was planning a trip to Hope Valley tomorrow for some supplies. If he was smart, he would avoid the princess at all costs. Of course, that would be difficult since he would be staying at the hotel.
Maybe just a glimpse of her wouldn't hurt.
###
Fiona was excited.
Nathan had left town the day after Christmas and was due back tomorrow on New Year's Eve. She had thought about their romantic evening together over and over again the last few days. Nathan was about to kiss her when Lucy came in with Bill. So, she didn't get her kiss and then when she went up to check on the girl, Lucy wouldn't allow her in.
Fiona didn't know what to think about her. Bill had come by the next morning to make sure Lucy was alright, and she was all smiles again. She said she was feeling much better. Right now, she and Bill were having brunch over at the café. Fiona had observed Lucy watching Lucas and Elizabeth a couple of times. She always looked like she was in deep thought when she did so. Fiona was having dinner with her tonight, so maybe she could find out some more information.
Of course, that wasn't the most important thing on Fiona's mind, Nathan's homecoming was.
###
"You mean Nathan was chasing her too?" Lucy asked Bill, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Chasing may be a strong word. But he did pursue her for a time. It took a while for everyone to get their feelings untangled. Elizabeth and Lucas belong together. And Nathan seems to have eyes only for Fiona now."
"I love happy endings!" Lucy said clapping her hands together.
Bill took a drink of his coffee. "So, have you decided how long you plan to stay in our quaint little town?"
Lucy's smile vanished. "Actually no. I am really enjoying my time here though."
"Why don't you just settle down here then? I think you would fit in quite well in our community. You have already made friends with Fiona, and if my eyes didn't deceive me, John Davis wouldn't mind spending a bit more time with you…"
"I would rather not discuss that rogue, if you don't mind," she said as she leaned back and crossed her arms with a scowl on her face.
"Whatever you say," Bill said as he took another drink to hide his smile.
###
Lucas picked Jack up and tossed him in the air, catching him, then doing it again. Elizabeth watching from the porch, her heart welling up with happiness that Lucas cared so much for her little boy. She knew he would love him like he was his own son, his actions had already shown that. Jack's giggles brought a smile to her lips, and Lucas' eyes shone with joy. Lucas hugged him close, then tickled his belly, bringing a fit of laughter from him again. Then Jack tried to tickle Lucas under his beard causing him to chuckle.
"Did Jack find your ticklish spot?" Elizabeth asked jokingly.
"I'll never tell," Lucas said as he placed the boy back on the ground. Jack ran back to his car and got in, still working on figuring the pedals out.
Elizabeth stood and slowly walked off the porch up to Lucas. "I bet I can find your ticklish spot."
As she came closer, Lucas put his arms around her waist. "Just remember, turn-about is fair play."
They smiled at each other, then Elizabeth said, "Perhaps later." She reached up and lightly kissed him.
"Can we talk for a minute?" Lucas asked.
Elizabeth frowned, "Sounds serious."
Lucas nervously laughed, "Well…yes. It is pretty serious."
"What's going on, Lucas?"
"I wasn't sure how to bring this up, but here goes. I wanted to talk to you about Jack."
"What about Jack?"
Lucas looked down then back at Elizabeth. "We haven't talked about my relationship with Jack after we get married."
Elizabeth nodded but remained silent.
"Elizabeth, you know that I love him. The truth is…I want to adopt him. And…I want him to call me Daddy- if that's alright with you."
Elizabeth saw the uncertainty in his face, wondering what she would say.
"And of course, I don't want to change his last name," Lucas went on. "As much as I would love him to be a Bouchard, I would never take the name Thornton from him. He is Jack Thornton's son and should have his last name."
Elizabeth smiled and reached her arms around Lucas, laying her head on his chest. Then she looked up at him. "You are such an amazing man, Lucas Bouchard. I would love for you to adopt Jack. And he needs a Daddy. You already fill that role in his life."
"Maybe we could start with Daddy Lucas so we don't totally confuse him. Perhaps he will drop the Lucas himself as he grows," Lucas offered.
"I think that's a great idea," Elizabeth said. "I love you so much and can't wait to be your wife."
Lucas kissed her forehead and smiled. "I love you more than life, Elizabeth Thornton."
Elizabeth stepped back, "We haven't talked about New Year's Eve and it's tomorrow. I know you are probably having something at the saloon…"
"Actually yes, the saloon is having a party, but I was kind of hoping to celebrate with just us for this holiday. Fiona and Albert can take care of the saloon."
Elizabeth smiled, "We think alike, that was my plan too. Perhaps you can bring the Victrola over?"
"Sounds like a wonderful idea," Lucas said and then smiled.
###
Fiona and Lucy sat and chatted after finishing their evening meal. "I'm glad we had a chance to finally talk. I was hoping you would tell me about the Christmas event. Sounds like it was a wonderful party. Did you get to dance?"
"Yes. It was a lot of fun. I also went on a hayride," Lucy said, remembering the feel of John's arms around her when she was terrified.
"Wow! I'm not sure I've ever been on one. Did you ride with anyone in particular?"
"John may have sat next to me, I don't really recall," Lucy lied.
Fiona nodded, "One of the most handsome, available men in the area 'may' have sat next to you and you don't remember? I guess you expect me to believe that."
"Okay, yes, he jumped up just before the wagon took off. The villain had set up someone to come running out of the darkness and frightened the daylights out of everyone…so…I might have thrown my arms around him. But in my defense, I was scared to death!"
Fiona laughed. "I bet you were. Lucy, do you like Johnny?"
"Of course not!" Lucy answered a bit too quickly. "He's rude, and obnoxious."
"He's also good-looking, generous, kind, funny, and rich. And honestly, Lucy, I have known him most of my life and he has never been rude or obnoxious. Maybe you formed too quick of an opinion on a bad day? Don't you think you should give him the benefit of the doubt? By the way, what were you so upset about that night when you got home?"
Lucy thought for a moment. She wasn't sure she wanted to share with Fiona just yet.
"I needed some rest. I get a tad grumpy when I'm tired. Nothing more or less."
Fiona wasn't buying it and was certain it had something to do with that 'villian' Johnny Davis. But she wouldn't get any more out of Lucy, so there was no use trying. For now.
###
John had left just at sunrise the next morning headed for Hope Valley. He planned to stay a couple of days, buying supplies and visiting. He was once again glad that he had found a ranch so close to town. The fact that his cousin and an old friend lived here made it even better. He really liked the people of Hope Valley and knew that he had made some lifelong friends here. Lucas had chosen a great place to plant roots.
He had ridden Outlaw instead of bringing the wagon. John had a lot of supplies to get and would come back to pick them up when they were all ready. He knew some things needed to be ordered.
He headed straight for the livery and left Outlaw there, then walked to the hotel. He found Fiona behind the bar. The place was pretty empty otherwise.
"Hey Ona."
"Oh, hi Johnny. It's good to see you- you look tired," Fiona replied with a smile.
"I missed you at the party. It was a lot of fun. You would have had a good time. I hope you weren't too lonely here in town. I am a little tired."
Fiona laughed, "No, I wasn't lonely. Johnny, can we chat for a bit?"
She walked around the bar and took a seat next to John. "I wanted to talk to you about something important."
"Alright. What's going on?" John said, concerned that she wanted to tell him she had feelings for him.
"I'm not exactly where you are emotionally, but I am seeing someone."
John raised his eyebrow. "Oh," he said in surprise and relief. Then he nodded his head in realization. "You and Nathan."
"Yes. I have had feelings for Nathan for a long time now. We actually have had dinner together a couple of times."
John smiled brightly, "I am so happy for you, Ona. He seems like a good man. I hope he treats you right."
"He is doing just fine. Also, I wanted to talk to you about Lucy…"
John stared at Ona, then let out a sigh. "What about her?"
"Yes, what about her?" Lucy said as she walked up.
Fiona watched John's eyes light up when he stood and looked at Lucy. Then, the barrier came back down, and his face went stoic.
"Good morning, Lucy. You look…well," John said.
"Morning Lucy. I was just going to tell Johnny what a great time you had at the ranch the other day," Fiona prevaricated, knowing that she couldn't talk about the real subject with Lucy standing there.
"Yes, it was…satisfactory," Lucy said noncommittally. "Good morning to you both. I'm headed to the café for some breakfast. I will see you later, Fiona."
They watched Lucy walk out and Fiona turned to John crossing her arms, "Alright Johnny Davis. Spill it."
###
Nathan rode into town that afternoon with one thought in mind, he wanted to see Fiona. Of course he needed a hug from his niece, but his feelings for Fiona had grown quickly and he had missed her terribly the last few days. He still thought about that almost kiss the other night and hoped to make that a definite one very soon. Their time together had been wonderful. Tomorrow was the first day of a new year and he wanted to start it off with her. As soon as he checked in with Bill, he would go see Allie.
After that, he was headed to the saloon.
###
Lucas came in from the petroleum office and saw John sitting at the bar. He walked up and tapped his shoulder. "Hey there cousin, good to see you."
When John turned towards him, Lucas could see the shadows under his eyes. "Let's get a table," Lucas said, concerned about his cousin.
They walked over to a table and sat down. "You look terrible, what's going on?" Lucas asked.
John laughed. "Just working too hard, I guess. Not sleeping enough."
Lucas nodded. "I know you John. You may be working too hard, but you normally sleep quite well as I recall. What's on your mind?"
"I guess I need to talk to someone. Fiona questioned me earlier, but I changed the subject. It's about Lucy Jones."
"I guessed as much. You have feelings for her," Lucas replied.
"No…no…nothing like that."
Lucas' curiosity was peaked at the quick negative response. 'Methinks he doth protest too much' came to mind.
"I happened to run into Lucy shortly after she came to town. She was spying on a conversation that took place outside the café. You, Bill and Nathan were talking, and she was eavesdropping. Since then, I have seen her talking to Nathan and Bill quite a bit and also watching you. So, Cuz, I don't know who she was interested in, but I have to wonder what she is doing here in Hope Valley. She seems harmless enough, but I don't want to see her cause any trouble for anyone."
Lucas listened and felt uneasy as John spoke. Everything he had dealt with in his past made him cautious, even though he had no secrets to hide.
"You two have talked a few times. Have you asked her anything?" Lucas asked.
"I have asked her, and she just brushes it off. But, at the dance the other day, I walked in on her talking to Outlaw- they seem to have struck a friendship up- and I heard her say something intriguing."
"What did she say?"
"She said 'will he hate me forever for telling him.' And she began crying. I don't know what to make of it, Lucas."
Lucas wrinkled his brow. Lucy didn't seem to be someone that would hurt anyone, she was quite friendly. But he felt this is something he should talk to Bill and Nathan about. Bill had spent quite a bit of time with her, so perhaps he knew more than anyone else in town did.
"I'm glad you told me. You could have told me sooner. Maybe you wouldn't have lost so much sleep over it. Although I think there is more to your sleep loss than what you are saying."
"She's a puzzle to me, Cuz."
"John, I think you like this girl and are scared to admit it."
"Like her? She acts like a pompous brat. I've never been attracted to that type. She is beautiful and her eyes are mesmerizing. Have you ever heard her laugh? She's such a tiny little thing that looks like she needs protecting, but at the same time she seems pretty well able to defend herself with that mouth of hers. Her hair smells like lilies." John stopped noticing Lucas' smile.
"For someone you don't like, you have certainly found many reasons that you should," Lucas responded.
"Lucas you know me. I've been single for a long time. I couldn't get involved with someone that is that self-important. She snubbed me when she thought I was 'just' a bartender. No, you are completely off base."
"I think perhaps the snubbing you referred to is a self-preservation tactic. I haven't seen her treat anyone else the way you describe. Perhaps she is guarding her own heart when she is around you. But I am a little concerned about what you overheard. I doubt it has anything to do with me if that makes you feel any better. Nathan is due back today and I will talk to him and see what he wants to do about it if anything. There is a party here tonight, maybe it would be good for you to have some fun- all work and no play…I will be spending the evening with my intended at her place," Lucas said with a smile.
John finally smiled, "You two are the perfect match. Maybe one day I can find what you have, Cuz."
"To find it you need to keep your eyes open and your heart available."
"Perhaps. I need to go to the mill and the mercantile. But I'll see you later. I plan to stay until the second. Let me know what Nathan says."
"See you later, John."
###
Elizabeth was getting things ready for her evening with Lucas. He wasn't coming until later, as he was helping set things up at the saloon. They could see the new year in alone together since Jack would already be asleep when Lucas got here. They had decided on a late dinner. Elizabeth was making a roast chicken with carrots, potatoes, and homemade biscuits. Lucas was bringing a special dessert from Gustave and a bottle of wine. Elizabeth had the table set with an elegant lace tablecloth and some silver candlesticks. They would eat by candlelight. He had stopped by and left the Victrola a couple of hours ago.
Elizabeth still got nervous butterflies when Lucas came over. Her heart always did a flip-flop when she saw him after being away from him for a time. She hoped she would always feel that way when he came into a room. She knew she didn't only love him, but she desired him and the way he looked at her, he wanted her also. Lucas was always a gentleman and would never do anything to jeopardize her reputation. They were both passionate people, so a short engagement was best for both of them.
###
Fiona looked up as the door opened and her face broke into a wide grin. Nathan walked in, running his hand through his windblown hair. He was wearing his casual clothes and had never looked more handsome as he gave her a crooked smile.
Nathan walked up to the bar and leaned over towards her. "It's good to see you Fiona. You look beautiful today."
"I'm glad you're back, Nathan. I missed you."
"I heard there is a party tonight. I plan to be here. I guess you have to work?"
"I do, but I have help, so I will have time to mingle. There is a certain constable I might want to dance with," Fiona said flirtatiously.
"I bet he wants to dance with you too. He has missed you terribly," Nathan said looking into her eyes, his expression turning serious.
Fiona's cheeks slightly colored at his bold comment, glad that he was coming out of his shell. "I have a few things to do but I will see you in a bit?"
"I'm not going anywhere," Nathan said as he winked at her.
Fiona resisted the urge to fan herself as she walked away.
###
Lucas was leaving shortly for Elizabeth's, but he saw Nathan sitting at the bar and decided to talk to him.
"Hey Nathan. Hope you had a productive trip."
"I did, thanks."
"Can I speak to you in private?" Lucas asked as he led Nathan into a quiet corner, not wanting any listeners.
"What's going on?" Nathan enquired when they were isolated.
Lucas told Nathan everything that John had told him earlier regarding Lucy.
"I don't know that anyone is in danger, but it just seemed like something you should know about."
Nathan pondered a moment. "I can't think of anything regarding myself that she would be here for. But who really knows? I also agree that she doesn't seem to be a threat. Let's just keep this to ourselves tonight. I will talk to Bill tomorrow and we should probably find out exactly what she is doing here in Hope Valley. I don't like surprises."
"Let me know how that turns out. I'm headed out shortly. Enjoy the festivity," Lucas said as he shook hands with Nathan and walked away.
Nathan saw Lucy coming down the stairs smiling and dressed to party. She was stunning in a burgundy gown.
"Just what are you doing in Hope Valley," he said softly to himself.
Author's Note: I hope you are enjoying the story. One more chapter this week then I will take a short break before continuing.
