Chapter 22—Of girls and horses...

A few days later Nathan walked into the saloon and looked around. It was early and Fiona was behind the bar with her back to him; no one else was in the room. He walked quietly up to her and put his arms around her waist, leaning forward to kiss her on the cheek. Fiona smiled as she said, "Who's there?"

Nathan spun her around in his arms with a laugh, "Who's there? Who do you think is there?" he asked jokingly watching her beautiful face light up as she saw him.

"Well, Constable, you don't think you are the only one seeking my attention, do you?" Fiona flirted.

"Maybe you need a reminder of why I should be," Nathan said as his blue eyes turned serious and he lowered his head to kiss her.

"Fiona, have you seen the…" Lucas said as he walked in, stopping as he saw them quickly step back from each other. "Ah, there it is," he said as he picked up the ledger from the bar and smiled. "Good morning, Nathan." He waved as he walked back into the kitchen, leaving them still standing there staring towards the door he just went through.

"I hope I didn't get you in trouble with your boss," Nathan said with a smile.

"Considering he has encouraged you to pursue me, and helped you set up our Christmas Eve dinner, I don't think he minds. Now, where were we?" Fiona asked as she reached her arms around his neck drawing him down for another kiss.

When he stepped back, he nervously laughed, "I forgot to say good morning."

"Good morning to you," she replied. "Now, what can I do for you today?"

"I came by to see if you wanted to have dinner with Allie and me this evening…if you're not busy, of course."

"Oh, I would love that! I have been looking forward to getting to know her. I happen to like spending time with her uncle already," she teased.

"See you about 7?" he asked.

"Sounds perfect, see you then," Fiona replied as he walked to the door then turned around and waved with a smile before leaving.

"I think that Mountie has eyes for you," Lucas said as he reentered the room.

"Sorry about earlier. No one was here…" Fiona tried to explain.

Lucas raised his hand and smiled. "No need to apologize. I'm in a new relationship too. I get it."

Fiona's eyes grew wide.

"What is it?" Lucas asked.

"I am in a relationship with Nathan!" she said as if just realizing it.

Lucas laughed. "I would have to say you are. And just between us, he is pretty fond of you."

Fiona blushed. "That is totally mutual," she said as she went back to work.

###

Lucy had just finished getting dressed for the day when she heard a knock on her door. She opened it to see a young man holding a colorful bouquet of flowers.

"Oh, how pretty! Thank you so much. Let me get you a tip," Lucy said as she started to turn around.

"No, it's already been taken care of. I hope you enjoy them," he said as he handed them to her and ran back down the stairs. Lucy raised them up to her face to breathe in the wonderful aroma, closing her eyes as she did so.

She noticed a note attached and lay the flowers on the desk so she could remove it, then smiled as she read.

Lucy,

I wanted to say again how sorry I am for how things happened. I hope you will forgive me for interfering.

Please know you are welcome to come see Sir Lancelot, I mean Outlaw, anytime. I believe I promised you a ride if you called me John.

Lucy laughed in spite of herself when she read where he called his horse Sir Lancelot, then she continued reading.

I know he would enjoy seeing you. And if I'm honest, so would I.

JD

Her heart skipped a beat when she read the last line. Lucy hated that even though she tried her hardest to push him away, she was attracted to one Mr. Davis. If she was truthful with herself, she had been since the day she arrived when they butted heads in the saloon. She had never cared whether he was a bartender or a ranch owner, she just knew it wasn't a good idea to get close to him. So, it was better to act uninterested and keep him at arms-length. Lucy had come to town to find her father, and now that she had it was time to learn about her family. She was really looking forward to getting to know him.

No, Lucy wasn't here to get involved with a man. Not even one as charming as John Davis. It didn't fit into her plans for the future.

But she would so love to ride that horse. Maybe she could go out there just for that.

She would have to give it some thought.

###

Elizabeth walked into the café to wait for Rosemary. It was her last day of break and she had asked Laura to watch Jack so she could spend some time at the library writing. Elizabeth had been very productive that morning and was now going to have brunch with her friend. She took a table and was looking at her wedding plans when Rosemary came in. She sat down and they ordered their food.

"It's so good to see you Rosemary. You would think being neighbors that we would run into each other all the time. How have you been feeling?"

"I know and I hate that our time has been limited lately. The dress shop has kept me very busy. But I'm glad we are having brunch today. I am feeling wonderful! Thankfully, I haven't even had morning sickness," Rosemary replied. "What have you got there?"

"Wedding plans," Elizabeth said with a smile.

"Oh, I can't wait to hear all about it. I am so happy for you two."

"Thank you, Rosemary. I do have a question for you. Would you be my matron of honor?"

Tears filled Rosemary's eyes, "Of course I would. It would be such a privilege." She leaned over and hugged Elizabeth. "Now, let's look at these plans while we wait for our food."

###

Lucas left the saloon and headed to the library. He had dropped off a new box of books there last night and wanted to put them away.

"Lucas," Nathan said as he walked towards him bringing Lucas to a halt. Nathan smiled nervously before speaking. "I'm…sorry about earlier.

Lucas smiled as he realized Nathan was concerned about Fiona getting in trouble.

"I guess I have to take partial blame for what I walked in on," Lucas said jokingly. "Looks like the pointers I gave you paid off…"

"Now you can't take all the credit, Lucas. I'm getting better at this courting thing. Of course, Fiona makes it easy. You didn't get upset with her, did you?"

Lucas slapped Nathan on his arm, "You seem to forget, I just got engaged. Don't worry about it. Fiona does her job well. I'm happy for you two."

"Thanks Lucas. Uh…speaking of engagements…"

###

John had just come out the door of his house when he saw someone riding up. He had been working on his ledgers all morning and needed to stretch his legs. It was an unseasonably warm day and he hated being inside. He walked out and leaned against the railing of the small corral near the house and squinted his eyes. It looked like a woman. No, it couldn't be, he thought as he saw the blond hair.

He watched as she came closer, her hair flying out behind her. He was mesmerized by her beauty and how well she rode. He blinked his eyes as she got closer, trying to clear his head of the ideas that persisted. She slowed as she came near to him and he smiled as he reached up to pet the horse's face.

"Hello Lucy," John said as he looked into her green eyes.

"Good morning, John. Or is it afternoon now?" Lucy said as she dismounted and straightened her clothes.

"It's just about straight up noon. Let's take your horse for some rest," he said as he grabbed the reins and led it towards the barn with Lucy following him. When they entered, he told one of his hands to take care of the horse, then turned back to Lucy.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I…uh…wanted to say thank you for the flowers. That was very kind of you," Lucy said not quite meeting his eyes.

"You are very welcome," he said, his voice deep. "But I doubt you rode all the way out here just for that reason."

Lucy smiled a flirtatious smile, "You owe me a ride on Sir Lancelot."

John nodded as he looked down at his boots. Then he looked back at Lucy, "Are you hungry? I haven't had lunch yet."

"I'm famished," Lucy said. John was amused but kept it to himself. The girl was always direct, and he liked that about her.

"How would you feel about a picnic?"

Lucy hesitated, then decided a picnic would be pretty harmless. "Okay. A picnic sounds fine."

John walked over to the cookshack where Chester was busy making lunch for everyone.

"Chester, I need lunch for two. Can you pack it for me?"

"Sure thing, boss. Give me 10 minutes. Afternoon, Miss Jones," Chester said as he tipped his chin with a smile. They had met at the Christmas party and the aging Chester was quite taken with the girl.

"Hello, Chester. I hope you are well," Lucy said brightly smiling back at the cook who was now blushing.

"Yes, miss. I'll have that food ready in a jiffy, Mr. Davis."

"Thanks Chester," John said as he took Lucy's arm and led her back outside. "Outlaw is out in the pasture. We will have to go find him. I'm sure I know where he is."

John walked to the barn and asked Joe to saddle two horses. He was busy brushing the horse that Lucy had ridden in on and stopped to do John's bidding. Lucy had stayed outside to walk around a bit before saddling up again. John came out and watched as she looked around, taking in everything in silence. He wished he could read her mind; he would love to know what she was thinking.

A short time later, Joe came out with the horses and handed John the reins. "Thank you," John said as he headed back towards the cookshack, motioning Lucy to follow him. Chester came out with a basket just as they walked up. "I packed a nice lunch, just like you asked Mr. Davis." John opened the basket and smiled as he saw the food and a bottle of wine. There were some pastries also.

"This looks wonderful, Chester. We'll be in the north pasture if anyone needs me." He waited until Lucy mounted up, then mounted the other horse and Chester handed the basket up to him.

"Oh, wait a minute," Chester said as he ran back inside. He quickly returned with a folded blanket. "Here you go. Can't have a picnic without a blanket." He handed it up to John, smiled at Lucy, then went back inside.

John and Lucy rode in silence for about 20 minutes. She enjoyed seeing the ranch, she hadn't seen much of it during the party. It was a beautiful place; John had chosen well. They rode up to an area with a lot of trees and John brought his horse to a stop, dismounted and wrapped the reins around a tree limb. Lucy did the same and followed him. She gasped as she saw an oasis in the middle of the stand of trees. "Oh, John. It's lovely." He observed her once again, charmed by her obvious delight.

"I thought you would like it," he said as he spread out a blanket. "Let's eat, then we will find Outlaw."

She carefully sat down as he opened the basket and lay the food on the blanket. He brought out the wine causing Lucy to giggle. "Chester certainly thought of everything."

"He was a great hire. He sure seems besotted with you."

"He's a sweet man."

Lucy and John ate and enjoyed each other's company. They chatted, but not about anything in particular. John was happy just looking at her. When they finished, Lucy stood and stretched. "I better walk this food off."

John stood up and walked to the water's edge, enjoying the view. His thoughts kept going back to her and how much he enjoyed her company. Lucy stared at him for a moment then felt a bit mischievous as she walked up behind him and tapped his shoulder. "Tag, you're it," she said as she ran to the trees before he had a chance to turn around. When he did, he knew he had to tag her back. It was in his competitive nature.

"Oh, it's like that is it?" he asked as he slowly walked in her direction. Lucy laughed as she darted farther away behind another tree.

"I don't think you can catch me with all that chicken you put away just now," she teased. Her cheerfulness brought joy to his heart. John walked leisurely, not wanting the game to end too quickly. He loved seeing her playful personality and wanted it to last.

John found she was good at this game, he would feint one way, but she wouldn't fall for it, seemingly knowing exactly what he was thinking. She was fast but he was quicker and slowly drew closer to her. The sound of her laughter rang in his ears and made his heartbeat increase. Finally, she was within his grasp and he was able to fake her out, grabbing her arm and stopping her up against a tree. He stood in front of her, holding both of her arms as she looked up at him.

"I caught you," John said in a soft voice intending the words to come out lightheartedly, but as he looked down at her face, he saw her smile fade and her breathing increase. She looked up at him, her eyes darting back and forth between his then she glanced at his lips and back at his eyes. John stood there, not knowing what he was supposed to do in this moment but aware of what his heart wanted. He reached up and placed his hand on her cheek, never losing eye contact. Her skin was soft beneath his palm and he found himself leaning down towards her, watching as she wet her lips.

Lucy felt as if she were in a trance. There was something about this man that she couldn't help but be attracted to. He was ruggedly handsome and exuded charm like no one she had ever known. But it wasn't a fake charisma. He wasn't a smooth talker that used women and left them, she was sure of it. When he placed his hand on her cheek, she felt a spark go through her. As if she had no control of herself, she felt her body leaning up, suddenly wanting to kiss him more than she ever wanted anything else.

Finally, she came out of her stupor and shook her head to clear her thoughts. She reached up and placed her hand on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath it.

"John, I can't," she said as she gently pushed him. John took his hand from her face and placed it on top of hers, still on his chest. He needed to know why she rejected her attraction to him. And why once again he saw fear in her eyes, only briefly, but it was there.

"Lucy, I may not have a lot of experience with women and their signals, but unless I am mistaken you wanted me to kiss you just now. And I certainly wanted to kiss you."

Lucy looked up at him as tears filled her eyes, then she cleared her throat as she said, "I'm sorry, but I just came out to ride Outlaw. Not to kiss his owner." Her voice had changed. Now she sounded like the Lucy he met that day in the saloon when she looked down at his job as a bartender.

John heard the contempt in her voice, unsure of its source. Did she really dislike him so much? That isn't what he saw just a moment ago. She was playful and fun. Or was there a deeper meaning behind her distance she put between them? It hadn't escaped his notice that she called his horse Outlaw. Perhaps it had to do with the panic he saw briefly in her eyes. Either way, John was a gentleman and would not tread where he wasn't welcome. He stepped back, still looking into her eyes, and then turned around. He took a deep breath and let it out. Then he whistled.

Lucy stood there still leaning on the tree, more for support than she wanted to admit. Soon she heard the sound of a running horse. She watched as Outlaw came into view and headed straight for John. As he got closer, he pranced up and stopped, placing his muzzle in John's chest. John laughed and petted the horse then watched as Outlaw walked over to Lucy. Her smile returned as she ran her hand across his face affectionately.

"Well, hello handsome," she said cheerfully then laughing as he nickered. "Mr. Davis is going to finally let me ride you, unless he has changed his mind."

John noticed the formality of his name as she spoke to the horse. "A promise is a promise. Let me get one of the saddles."

"I don't need a saddle. Sir Lancelot is such a gentleman I think I would like to ride bareback."

John raised an eyebrow, knowing he should never be surprised with anything this woman did. "As you wish. Here, let me help you." John put his hands together for her to put her foot in. She was light as a feather as he boosted her up. Lucy seated herself and patted the side of Outlaw's neck then grabbed part of his mane.

"Where shall we go Sir Lancelot? Can you show me your kingdom?" The horse whinnied and took off at a canter. John watched as Lucy and Outlaw seemed as one, her hair blowing as she rode. He was spellbound as he saw the joy not only on her face, but on Outlaw's as well. His horse had always been just that, his horse. And now Outlaw had found another human friend.

Unfortunately, that friend had stolen John's heart as well.

###

Lucas was just finishing up with the books when he heard the door open. He turned and found Elizabeth smiling at him as she closed the door.

"Good afternoon, Madam Librarian. What can I assist you with today?" he said as he returned her smile.

"I just came from brunch with Rosemary and asked her to be my matron of honor, which she accepted gladly."

"I'm happy to hear that. Now, we just need to come up with a place for the ceremony. I plan to talk to John when he comes in next week about being my best man. I hope you aren't too disappointed that our families won't be here."

"No, I completely understand. Our parents are out of the country until March. Plus, they all promised a visit when they get back." Elizabeth looked around the library as she spoke.

"I will be happy when you are finally Mrs. Bouchard," Lucas said as he walked closer to her. She was still looking around and acted as if she didn't hear him. "Elizabeth," Lucas said, getting her attention.

"I'm sorry Lucas, what were you saying?"

He put his hands on her shoulders. "You seem quite distracted."

Elizabeth smiled then looked around again. "This library is small."

"It's big enough for now," Lucas said, puzzled at her scattered thinking.

"Lucas, what if we had the ceremony here, with our closest friends. We could then have a reception at the saloon."

He finally understood what had her attention. He began looking around himself, seeing where they could move some things around and make room for decorations and chairs. Lucas' mind went to the day he brought her here for the first time. This was their place. And exactly where they should exchange vows.

Lucas looked back at her uncertain expression. After all, this was his first marriage, and he knew she wanted it to be perfect. Perhaps she was concerned that he wanted a bigger ceremony.

He put his hands on her cheeks and leaned down for a gentle kiss. Then he smiled. "Elizabeth, I can think of no better place for us to say 'I do.' We can just have a few people here, and if they don't fit, they can stand and watch from the door. This is our library, our sanctuary. And where we shared our first kiss. It is absolutely perfect."

She bounced then wrapped her arms around him hugging him tightly. "I was hoping you liked the idea. Here is what we can do…"

The rest of the afternoon was spent with planning and how to turn the library into a wedding chapel for a day.

###

Lucy rode back into town. She had loved spending time at the ranch. Maybe a little too much, she thought as her mind went to John. It didn't matter that she enjoyed his company it just wouldn't work.

Just as she was riding past the mercantile, Molly came running out. "Oh, Lucy, there's a call for you from Philadelphia."

Lucy looked puzzled and dismounted, wrapping the reins around a post. She entered the store and walked to the phone, waiting for it to ring. When it did, she removed the receiver.

"Hello? This is Lucy Jones."

"Lucy, it's Arthur. Good to hear your voice."

"Arthur…yes. Good to talk to you too."

"You've been gone for weeks. Did you find your father?"

"Yes. I found him."

"Wonderful news! So, when are you coming home?"

"I…I'm not sure. I was hoping to spend some time getting to know my father."

"Well, don't take too long. We need to make wedding plans," Arthur said.

"Yes…Arthur. I guess we do…"

Author's Note: Well, surprise! That Lucy sure has a lot of secrets!

I realize I used a game of tag in my first story as well, but it seemed to work here, so I went with it again.

I plan to finish up my story around Valentine's Day.