Chapter 20—New Beginnings-Part 2

Elizabeth checked the mirror- again. Every hair was in place. She had just looked in and Jack was sleeping soundly. At the light tap on the door, she smiled. Once again, her heart fluttered.

She opened the door to Lucas' smiling face. He was holding a pink rose, a bottle of wine and a small bag. "Come in," Elizabeth said happily. Lucas walked in and she closed the door behind him. He kissed her cheek and handed her the rose. "Thank you, Lucas," she said as she walked towards the kitchen.

"That chicken smells wonderful," Lucas said following her, placing the wine and bag on the table. "This looks beautiful, Elizabeth," he said noticing the tablescape. "May I help you?"

"As a matter of fact, you may. Please light the candles for me."

Lucas picked up the matches and lit the candles as Elizabeth brought two plates of food from the kitchen. Then he helped her with her chair and opened and poured them each a glass of white wine.

"This is nice. And I'm starving. I don't usually eat this late," Elizabeth said.

Lucas tasted the chicken. "Elizabeth, this is fantastic. You are such a great cook."

"It's good that you think so, since we will be married soon," Elizabeth replied.

They enjoyed their meal, and their conversation. Each one thinking of how perfect it would be when they had dinner as a married couple.

###

Rosemary and Lee sat on the couch, his arm around her. They had finished their dinner and were cuddling. Lee reached over and touched her stomach.

"I can't believe that we will be parents soon."

"Believe it, my husband. It won't be long until little feet will be pitter-pattering all over the house," Rosemary said.

"I've been thinking about it a lot, do you want a boy or a girl?"

"I just want a healthy baby," Rosemary replied. "I would love a boy with your smile."

"Or a girl with your beautiful hair," Lee said. "I agree with you, as long as he or she is healthy, that's the main thing. I love you Rosie."

"I love you too," she said as she leaned over and kissed him.

###

The saloon was buzzing. People were coming in and playing darts and poker, enjoying the atmosphere.

Lucy and Nathan were playing a game of darts, Fiona coming over when she had a slow moment. Nathan was losing soundly; he was way too distracted with watching Fiona and wondering about Lucy.

John on the other hand was playing poker and doing quite well. Bill was grumbling and tossed his losing hand in. He had gone all-in on three of a kind, only to be beat with a straight. He left to go walk around the town and check things out. He and Nathan were taking turns watching over things during the party.

Fiona walked over and smiled at Nathan. "I'll take that dance now." He happily agreed, taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor. The player piano wasn't quite a live band or even a Victrola, but it would have to do.

"You have been watching me all evening, Constable. Something on your mind?"

"Actually yes. I can't stop thinking of our dinner a week ago. I had such a great time with you. You were all I thought about while I was gone," Nathan admitted.

"I had a wonderful time too. And I may have thought about you a time or two these past few days," Fiona teased.

"I can't believe this year is almost over, another hour and it will be a new one."

"I'm glad I get to start it with you," Fiona said cheerfully.

"Me too," Nathan replied as she lay her head on his chest and they slow danced together.

###

"Care for a game of darts?" John said as he walked up to Lucy. "I see you lost your partner."

Lucy fidgeted for a moment, "Alright."

John had tried to make conversation with Lucy during the evening, but she had avoided him. He thought perhaps a competition might break the ice a bit.

He found she was quite good, but he was better. John thought of letting her win but decided against it. He guessed she would hate winning that way. Games had always come easy for him and he effortlessly won two matches.

"I tell you what, if I beat you this round, you owe me a dance," John suggested.

"You have beat me twice, so that sounds like a win-win for you," Lucy said, a little sparkle in her voice.

"Humor me," John said.

Since she had walked down the stairs in her burgundy gown earlier, John hadn't been able to take his eyes off of her, even peeking at her during his poker game. She looked stunning and though he had told himself he would avoid her, John found that he couldn't. It's only infatuation, he told himself. She is the most beautiful woman in town. That's all it is. And I need to keep an eye on her.

John wasn't sure, but it seemed she really didn't try to win the last game. He didn't know what to think about that but put out his hand. "I guess you owe me a dance," he said, waiting for her response.

Lucy smiled as she looked up at him, then placed her hand in his. He walked her to the floor, and they swayed to the slow music that was playing. John stared at her, looking for some fault and not finding one. From her hair to her eyes, her nose and full lips, she was perfection. He surprised himself at how much he wanted to touch her smooth skin. Lucy seemed quite content dancing so close to him, and his mind kept going to how well matched they were.

I'm just making sure she doesn't cause trouble, he told himself when his thoughts drifted in that direction.

And yet his heart kept telling him otherwise.

###

Lucas and Elizabeth had thoroughly enjoyed their dinner and dessert. It was almost midnight and they had spent the last 30 minutes dancing in her living room. They glanced at the clock, "I am about to start a new year with you by my side," Lucas said.

"And I couldn't be happier about it," Elizabeth replied.

The clock struck 12 and Lucas said, "Happy New Year, my love."

"Happy New Year, future husband," she replied as their lips met.

###

Nathan saw the clock about to strike midnight. He went to get Fiona from behind the bar.

"Come with me," he said as he took her hand, not listening to her protests. He led her outside around the side of the building where it was quiet. They stood there looking at each other and listening to the saloon patrons counting down from 10. Neither one spoke. When it reached midnight, Nathan reached up and placed his hand on Fiona's cheek.

"Happy New Year, Fiona," he said as he leaned down and placed his lips on hers. The kiss was gentle at first, then deepened as she reached her arms around his waist. His hand slipped behind her neck and the other around her body, pulling her to him.

The kiss ended, both of them out of breath.

Nathan looked down at her and smiled. "I need to start every year like that."

"I wouldn't object," she replied as she leaned into his chest, just resting there.

Nathan stood there holding her, and at that moment he knew—

He was in love with Fiona and wanted to marry her.

###

When the clock hit midnight, Lucy was across the room from John. He looked around for her and made eye contact, her smiling and waving in his direction. She knew how attracted she was to him and made sure he wasn't nearby in case he tried to kiss her again. She wasn't sure she could resist him a second time, it was hard enough that night in the stable. It was all she could do to put her hand on his chest that night and push him away from her when all she wanted to do was brush her lips to his. Only once. He was just so darned good-looking. And that smile could melt an iceberg.

She didn't need romance right now, she needed to figure out what to do about her reason for being in Hope Valley.

###

Albert came out from behind the bar and stood next to Molly just as everyone began the countdown.

"I'm so glad you came by tonight, Molly. Happy New Year."

He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, causing her to blush.

"Happy New Year, Albert," Molly replied. Happy new year indeed, she thought with a smile.

###

Rosemary and Lee danced slowly in their living room as the clock struck twelve.

"This is going to be the best year ever. I love you Rosemary Coulter."

"I love you so much, Lee. I'm so glad we get to be parents this year. Happy New Year."

Lee gently kissed his beautiful wife, and they continued dancing.

###

Elizabeth and Lucas stood there embracing each other. Neither one of them wanted to stop the kiss that had begun a few moments ago, and become intense, but Lucas finally came to his senses and backed up. He turned around and ran his hand through his hair, then turned back to her, his gaze regretful.

"Elizabeth, I'm…sorry," he said as he watched her ragged breathing, and trying to control his own. "I'm not sorry for kissing you, never that. It's what your kisses do to me. I think perhaps we should limit our time alone together until the wedding. For both of our sakes."

Elizabeth finally got her thoughts together and smiled at Lucas. "Don't be sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. Neither of us did. We desire each other, and that's a good thing. It was only a kiss, although a very passionate one. But you are correct, the wedding is less than two months away and we should be cautious. We can control ourselves that long. I love you."

His gaze softened hearing her endearing words. "I love you so much. I would never do anything to hurt you. It's time I took my leave. See you tomorrow?"

"Of course." Elizabeth walked to him and put her arms around him, feeling his strong ones wrap around her. "Very soon, you won't have to leave. I long for that day."

"Me too, my love. Me too. Happy New Year," Lucas said as he kissed the top of her head and left.

###

John was up early the next morning. It was a new year and he wanted to make the most of it. He needed to focus on his ranch not on a certain princess that seemed to overtake his thoughts lately.

He headed out the door on his way to see Outlaw at the livery. His horse tended to get a bit moody when he was cooped up for too long, so John was bringing him some sugar cubes. Once again, he heard Lucy's voice as he entered.

"I bet you have missed me lately haven't you Sir Lancelot?"

John shook his head and smiled. She would never stop calling him that.

"I wanted to come by and say good-bye to you. I may not see you again."

John startled at her statement.

"I have to do something that may not end well, and I might have to leave town. You've been a good friend though and I will miss you. Between you and me, I will miss John too."

John had heard enough, and he quickly walked over to the sheriff's office. Bill and Nathan were both inside.

"Hey John. You look like you have some bad news. What's going on?" Bill asked.

"Nathan, did you talk to Bill about Lucy?" John asked.

Before Nathan answered, Bill spoke, "He did. I don't think she is a threat to anyone here. I have spent a lot of time with her. She's a sweet girl."

"Bill, we don't know why she is here," Nathan said. "We should bring her in and question her."

"If you insist, but she isn't a criminal. I doubt she will tell us anything of value."

"I just heard her talking in the livery. She said she had to do something that might not end well," John interjected.

"Well, that sounds ominous," Nathan said, looking at Bill. "You two stay here, I'm going to go get her and bring her here so we can find out her story and end all this mystery."

Nathan walked outside and towards the livery, but he didn't have to go far. Lucy was headed towards him.

"Hi Nathan," she said nervously. "You look like you are in a hurry."

"Good morning, Lucy. Could you come over to the office with me?"

"Yes, of course," Lucy said as they began walking in that direction. She wanted to ask why but decided to remain silent. Nathan didn't speak.

When they entered the office, Lucy looked around feeling outnumbered, and nervous.

"What's going on? I suddenly feel like a criminal. John?"

John looked uneasy. "Lucy, I couldn't take a chance. I…told them about you spying and the things I overheard."

"Spying? Really John? That sounds so nefarious. So, I'm a little nosy. And you hardly heard me plotting anyone's demise."

"Talking about something not ending well certainly sounds dubious," John replied.

Lucy's mouth dropped open, knowing that if he heard that, he probably heard what she said about him.

"And you accuse me of spying? You're nothing but a scoundrel, John Davis. I can't believe I ever gave you the time of day. I won't make that mistake again," Lucy said angrily.

"Just what are you doing in Hope Valley, Miss Jones?" Nathan asked, interrupting her tirade against John.

Lucy looked at Nathan, hurt written on her face. "It's Miss Jones now?"

Bill finally spoke. "Lucy, I don't want to think you are here to harm anyone, but your actions have been a little…suspicious. Would you please clear all this up for us?"

Lucy looked at Bill, tears filling her eyes. "Bill…you too? But…I thought…" Lucy stood there refusing to let the tears fall. She took several deep breaths and then cleared her throat and shook her head. "I never thought it would happen this way," she said looking around at the three of them. "With such a captive audience. No matter," she said shaking her head.

She reached into her bag, Nathan suddenly a bit anxious. She saw him step towards her, "Oh really, Nathan. Stop being dramatic. I don't have a weapon." She pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Bill. "This will tell you everything you need to know." Then she took a deep breath and went to sit down in a chair, her hands shaking as she watched Bill.

Bill took the paper and carefully unfolded it. His eyes grew wide as he read. When he finished, he looked stunned.

"This…I…I mean…this letter…is this for real?"

Lucy stood and straightened her shoulders.

"Yes. It's for real," she said.

"Bill Avery, I am your daughter."

Author's Note: Surprise! It's a girl! How is that for an ending? I am taking a short break as I have been writing like a madwoman lately but will be back soon with more of my story that will end around Valentine's Day. I can't wait to hear the rest of Lucy's story! Happy New Year everyone!