Chapter 23— All you need is love..

Lucas thought of Elizabeth as he straightened his tie in the mirror. He had learned to compartmentalize his thoughts over the last few weeks where she was concerned, after all he had two businesses to run, but she was always there at the forefront of his mind. He couldn't believe how much his life had changed since he had moved to Hope Valley.

He had wanted a small-town life after the busyness of the last decade. Lucas had always enjoyed traveling and being in an active environment- probably why he enjoyed the saloon so much- but as he entered his 30s his thoughts began to change. Not that he didn't still enjoy the activity and the sociability that the saloon provided, but he didn't want that to be everything anymore. Lucas was ready for a family, and evenings by the fire with his wife and children. He wanted to watch their children grow up into adults. And until he met Elizabeth, that seemed like just an illusion that might never happen. His father had taught him the value of patience and he had practiced that throughout his life. But he had to admit it was becoming more difficult to be patient now that he and Elizabeth had declared their love for each other. He couldn't wait for them to be man and wife- in every way. He planned to make her the happiest woman alive as much as was in his power. It was important to him to help make her dreams come true.

They were in the middle of January and he only had a month left. Lucas had been giving a lot of thought to their honeymoon. He and Elizabeth had already decided to wait until summer when school was out to go on a lengthy trip, but they would have a couple of days after the wedding to spend together. He already had an idea but hadn't finalized anything just yet. He hoped she would like what he came up with.

###

Elizabeth stood there with her arms outstretched. Rosemary had a mouthful of pins and was slowly going around and pinning the areas that needed some adjustment.

"Rosemary, can I lower my arms now?" Elizabeth asked.

"M nt fnshd yt," Rosemary replied.

"What?" Elizabeth asked.

Rosemary impatiently pulled the pins from her mouth, "I said, I'm not finished yet. Give me a few more minutes." Then she put the pins back in her mouth and continued working.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Patience wasn't her strong suite either these days, so she had to forgive her pregnant friend. She and Rosemary had picked out a beautiful ivory lace for her wedding gown. It would overlay the ivory satin skirt in a straighter style than Elizabeth was used to. Full enough to walk in, but not flowing. The gown was a much simpler cut than Elizabeth's first wedding dress, but very elegant. There would be some lace across the bodice as well. She hoped Lucas would love it, but then again, he seemed to love everything she wore.

Lucas.

In just a month they would be married. She had to admit she was very excited about the wedding coming up. She couldn't believe how deeply in love she was with him already. Elizabeth wouldn't allow herself to compare her feelings for Lucas with the way she felt about Jack, she just knew it was similar, but different. She prayed they would have many years of wedded bliss together unlike she did the first time.

Lucas had already shown his caring nature, not only for her, but for Little Jack as well. It gripped her heart every time she heard her son call him Daddy Lucas. Her fiancé had definitely stepped up to be the father that Jack needed. And that made her love him even more.

"Alright. You can put your arms down now. Let me unfasten the back and help you out of this dress so you don't stick yourself."

Rosemary unbuttoned the long row of covered buttons in the back and carefully helped Elizabeth step out of the gown. She began dressing as Rosemary gently hung the dress up, not wanting anything to happen to it.

"Thank you, Rosemary. The dress you designed is beautiful."

Rosemary smiled. "You are so welcome. I want nothing more than to see you happily married."

"That's what I want to. I'm glad you will be standing with me."

"I wouldn't be anywhere else on your special day," Rosemary replied cheerfully.

Elizabeth finished dressing and then spoke. "I guess I better get going. I will see you later."

###

John was headed to town. His order should have been in yesterday, so he was bringing a wagon instead of riding Outlaw. It had been a few days since Lucy had come out to the ranch and he had decided to put his feelings for her behind him. He was hoping his full order had come in and he didn't have to stay overnight because it would be difficult to avoid her if that were the case.

He had finally admitted to himself that he was falling for the princess. But he couldn't understand her back and forth where he was concerned. She acted interested, then when he pursued, she backed off. He didn't think she seemed like the type to play hard to get, so there must be some other reason she objected to his advances. Maybe he would find out, maybe he wouldn't. But he refused to lose any more sleep over it.

Lucas may have found his soulmate in Hope Valley, but apparently that wasn't going to happen for John.

###

Lucy was waiting for Bill at the café. They had spent many hours together in the last couple of weeks and she was happy that she was getting to know him. After her phone call from Arthur, she decided it was time to tell Bill that she needed to leave soon. She had been so secretive when she first arrived, she didn't want to hide anything else from him.

Everyone was talking about the wedding coming up, and she was glad that she had gotten to know Lucas and Elizabeth. It was obvious they were very much in love and Lucy hoped that she could be as happy with Arthur one day. But every time she thought about having a wedding, it wasn't Arthur Benson's face that she saw as her groom.

"Daydreaming?" Bill said as he walked up and sat down.

"Just a bit. Bill, I need to talk to you about something."

"Sounds serious," Bill said, his smile fading.

"When I talked to you the day of the Christmas party, I told you that I had sold my parents property. But there is more to the story, and I want to tell you about it."

"I'm all ears," Bill replied.

"My adopted father was good friends with another businessman in Philadelphia- Cecil Benson. Mr. Benson has a son named Arthur, who has been quite taken with me since I was young. My father tried to convince me to marry him many times, even before I finished school.

"Mr. Cecil Benson is quite wealthy, and he and my father had some business dealings over the years, earning them both a fortune. The house and property I grew up on sold for a lot of money. And my parents left a large bank account as well. The truth is, I am quite well off, or I should be."

"Should be?" Bill asked, puzzled.

"Apparently, my parents left Arthur Benson as the sole beneficiary of their estate, not me."

She paused, watching the disbelief on Bill's face. "Why would they do that?"

"I didn't know anything about it until after they had died, and I was called in for the reading of the will. My parent's attorney told me it was legal and binding. I sat there in shock, knowing that suddenly I was penniless. I walked outside in tears. I wondered what I had done for my parents to leave me with nothing. And I had nowhere to go. Arthur followed me out and said if I married him, I would have my rightful inheritance. And he would have me, of course. Everybody wins..."

Bill sat for a minute contemplating. "Lucy, I can't believe they did that to you."

Lucy shrugged. "As I said, my father and Mr. Benson were friends and business associates. They wanted their wealth combined. What better way than to have their children marry? My parents knew I wouldn't marry him like they wanted me to, so they left their riches to him instead of to me, forcing me to either marry him or give it all up. Arthur let me live in the house for a while- that's when I found out I was adopted- then he sold the house and its property and put the money in the bank."

"Tell me about Arthur. What kind of man is he?"

Lucy looked down at the table, playing with her napkin. "He's not a bad man. He has always been nice to me. He's…much older than I am…"

"You don't have to go through with this, Lucy. You could stay here."

"Bill, I have nothing. Only the clothes I brought with me. Arthur funded my trip here and gave me some spending money, but I am destitute. I deserve my inheritance. He called me a few days ago and asked when I was coming back to make wedding plans. I never told him yes when he proposed that day, but I also didn't tell him no. He knows I want that money to buy and build a ranch in Montana. Horses are my passion. I took many business courses in school, and every course that related to horses. I have also read every book ever written on them. If I don't marry him, that dream will just fade away."

"Sounds like your mind is made up. How long do I have before you leave?"

Lucy heard the hurt in his voice and saw it in his eyes. She hated that it had to be this way. "I would like to stay a little longer, maybe a month. Then I will go back…home."

Bill smiled slightly then placed his hand on hers. "Then we will make the most of it. I will spend every spare minute getting to know my daughter before she leaves."

"Please don't tell John about this, Bill. With the wedding so close, I don't want to make this about me."

Bill nodded. "Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Sure," Lucy replied.

"What are your feelings towards John?"

He saw her tense up. "Why would you think I had any feelings for him?"

"I've seen the way you two are around each other. I think he might be falling for you, so I wondered if your feelings were the same. You did just mention him specifically by name…"

Lucy's eyes filled with tears. "Bill, I wish I was free to choose who I want to marry. My parents took that choice away from me. As for John, I am attracted to him. I can't let my mind think any farther than that."

"I think you should at least tell him goodbye before you leave."

"I will. Now, I'm starving," she said, and Bill knew the subject was closed.

###

Fiona wiped the bar, smiling as she thought about Nathan. They had spent many evenings together at his place where she was getting to know both of them. Allie seemed to like her, and Fiona had grown very fond of her too. It had to be hard being raised only by a man, Fiona couldn't imagine not having her mom around as she was growing up. She had taken Allie for ice cream and dress shopping and they had a great time together. Allie had asked Fiona to help her do something different with her hair. She was glad she could be an influence on the girl and hoped that maybe one day she could be even more. Fiona had insisted that Allie call her by her first name.

Fiona and Nathan were getting closer. The way he looked at her made her melt, those captivating blue eyes of his were her Achilles' heel. And his kisses made her weak in the knees.

They were going to have dinner at the saloon tonight. Fiona knew she was in love with Nathan, and she thought perhaps he loved her too. She was simply waiting for him to say the words.

###

Allie looked up from her book as her uncle came in the door. "Hey Uncle Nathan," she said as she smiled.

"Hi Allie. Good book?" he asked as he put his hat on its hook and sat down next to her.

"Ah…it's alright. So, you are having dinner with Fiona at the saloon tonight."

"Yes," he said with a smile. "Was that a question or a statement?"

Allie smirked. "Uncle Nathan, I was wondering…how do you feel about her?"

Nathan's eyes brightened when he thought about answering that question.

"I really like her Allie…a lot. How do you feel about her?"

Allie looked around nonchalantly, "Well, she's alright I guess," she said and then laughed. "I'm just kidding. I think she is fabulous! And she seems to like spending time with me and doesn't think I'm in the way. Are you serious about her?"

Nathan reached over and took her hand. "Allie, I want to make sure you are okay with me and Fiona before I take any further steps in our relationship. The truth is, I love her and want to marry her."

Allie squealed and threw herself in Nathan's arms. He laughed as he hugged her back. "That makes me so happy, Uncle Nathan! I would love to have her here all the time. And I want you to be happy too."

"Allie you make me very happy, never doubt that. But I am glad you are okay with us getting married…if she says yes that is."

Allie had a knowing look as she responded, "Oh…she'll say yes. I happen to know she really likes you too."

"I see," Nathan said with a laugh. "And what else have you two discussed behind my back?"

"Just girl talk. Nothing you would be interested in," Allie said coolly. "But I have one more question."

"What would that be?" Nathan replied.

"When are you going to ask her?"

###

Elizabeth walked into Bill's office finding him deep in thought.

"Bill, are you alright?"

"Oh, hello Elizabeth," he said, standing up. "Yes, I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind. What can I do for you?" he asked as he walked around the desk to stand in front of her.

"My parents aren't going to be here for the ceremony, they are out of the country."

"That's too bad. I know you will miss them."

"Yes, I will. I was wondering…would you walk me down the aisle?"

Bill smiled wide, his eyes welling up. "It would be my pleasure."

Elizabeth hugged him, wondering what was on his mind.

"Thank you. Is there something you would like to talk about?" she asked.

"No, I'm good. Lots of work to do."

"I'll let you get to it then. See you later."

She walked out the door then turned around to see him leaning his hands on the desk with his back to her. She knew something was wrong, but she also knew he wouldn't talk about it until he was ready.

###

John stopped in front of the mercantile and jumped down from the wagon, glancing around the town before walking into the store. "Mr. Yost, I trust my order has arrived safely."

Ned smiled as he looked up. "Most of it, yes. Just one item that was delayed and should be here tomorrow morning." Ned handed him the supply list showing him what was missing.

"Just as I feared. I won't have time to come back for another week, so I might as well stay in town tonight. I'll put my wagon at the livery and come back tomorrow for my order. Thank you, Mr. Yost."

Ned nodded as John turned and walked back outside. He stopped on the walkway and let out a breath.

"Hello John."

He heard the soft voice behind him and closed his eyes, opening them gradually. The very person he was hoping to avoid but knew it was impossible to had just spoken to him. He slowly turned towards her.

"Hello Miss Jones."

John knew he had to keep things formal between them. His heart couldn't take her back and forth behavior.

Hearing him call her Miss Jones stung a little, but Lucy didn't flinch. She knew she had hurt him the other day, but it was out of necessity. Lucy was leaving soon and getting married and would never see John Davis again.

"Beautiful day today." Lucy tried to make small talk, but it fell flat.

"It was a nice ride in," John said, hearing what a dull reply it was.

It was quiet for a moment before Lucy spoke.

"I guess I will see you around. Are you staying overnight?" Lucy said, hoping he didn't hear the longing in her voice.

"Yes. I will be leaving tomorrow. Miss Jones," he said tipping his hat and walking towards the saloon.

Lucy had made her bed. Now she had to deal with the wrinkled sheets.

###

Elizabeth walked into the saloon and looked around. She saw Lucas in a far corner talking to customers and walked quickly over to him. His face broke into a bright smile when he saw her.

"Elizabeth," he said, then turned to the couple at the table, "if you will excuse me please."

He took her arm and led her into the kitchen. Gustave was busy and no one else was around.

"I wanted to talk to you about…" Elizabeth began, but he stopped her by pulling her to him for a passionate kiss. She eagerly returned it, in no hurry for it to end.

"It has been way too long since I kissed you," he said in a soft voice when he backed up. "Now, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Elizabeth clutched his lapels in her hands and leaned into his chest as she smiled up at him. "You expect me to remember after kissing me like that?"

He laughed and then wrapped his arms around her for a quick embrace. "You mean my kisses make you forget? I'll have to keep that in mind when you are angry with me," he whispered in her ear, then stepped back.

"Hopefully that won't be too often, but that would be a good way to make up. Actually, I'm excited about my dress. Rosemary has it almost finished. It is beautiful and I can't wait for you to see me in it." Elizabeth finished off her speech with a bounce, one of the adorable things she did that Lucas loved.

"I can't wait either. That means we will be getting married. And that can't come soon enough." Lucas looked at her with his dark eyes wanting nothing more than to kiss her again, but he decided against it.

"I guess I better get home, I know you are working tonight so I will miss you."

"Albert asked for the night off and Fiona has dinner with Nathan. I will be thinking of you every minute, my love. See you tomorrow." He leaned down and kissed her cheek then they both walked back into the saloon- Lucas to the bar and Elizabeth out the door to go home.

John spoke to Elizabeth, then entered the saloon and headed for Lucas looking anything except happy.

"It's good to see you cousin, although I'm not sure how glad you are to see me with that expression on your face."

John smiled, "I'm alright, Cuz, just ran into Lucy- long story. I'm excited about your upcoming nuptials."

"Since you brought it up, how would you like to be my best man?"

John's smile grew wider, "I couldn't be happier to say yes."

Lucas slapped his shoulder, "I'm glad to hear it. Now, come tell me what's going on at the ranch…"

###

That evening, John was sitting at a table alone when he saw Lucy walking slowly down the stairs. He took another sip of the beer he was nursing and never took his eyes off of her. She was stunning in her green dress he had seen at the Christmas party. She looked around for an empty table, but there weren't any, so she walked towards the bar. The saloon was crowded tonight. John debated but the gentleman in him won out over his common sense as he stood and went over to her.

"Come. Sit with me."

Lucy hesitated then followed him to his table. He held her chair for her as she sat, then he returned to his chair and took another drink. He was far from drunk, this being his first and only beer of the night, but the alcohol gave him courage to say something he probably shouldn't.

"You look incredible tonight, Princess. Would you have dinner with me?"

She knew she shouldn't. The best thing for her to do was go sit at the bar. But she realized there was a chance she would never see him again. Soon she would be gone, and he might not come back to town before she left.

And he called her Princess.

"Yes," she said, lifting her chin. "I would be pleased to have dinner with you."

John motioned a waiter over and they ordered their food. He decided that he wasn't going to be able to avoid her as was his original plan. If she was nearby, he was drawn to her like a magnet to steel. He assumed this was how Lucas felt when he was around Elizabeth. No wonder he was so hurt when she hugged Nathan.

He told himself he needed to guard his heart, but it wasn't working.

If John Davis had his way, he would end this night with a kiss from Lucy Jones.

###

Fiona and Nathan finished their dinner and decided to take a walk. He took her hand in his as they strolled down the street. The moon and stars were bright in the sky, lighting their way. The springlike weather the last few days made it very pleasant in the evening air.

They walked towards the pond and when they got there, they stood looking at the reflection of the moon in the water.

"It's so beautiful tonight," Fiona said looking up at the clear sky.

"So beautiful," Nathan said as he stared at her.

She looked over at him and grinned. "Now how would you know? You are too busy looking at me."

"Does that bother you?" he asked with a crooked smile, pulling her near to him.

She placed her hands around his neck. "Not at all."

Nathan bent down and lightly kissed her on the lips, then stood back up and took her hands in his.

"You know I'm crazy about you," he said his face turning serious.

"I kind of had a feeling," she responded, staring into his blue eyes.

"Fiona…I have never felt like this about anyone. My life the last few years has been centered around parenting and my job. The last month has shown me what I was missing. I know we have only been seeing each other for a short time, Fiona, but I am in love with you."

Fiona's eyes widened as her face beamed. "Oh Nathan, that makes me so happy to hear you say it. I love you too."

Nathan hugged her close to him and felt her wrap her arms around his back.

Now he just needed to get up the nerve to propose.

###

"May I have this dance?" John asked as he stood and put out his hand.

Lucy looked at him with her entrancing green eyes then carefully placed her hand in his and stood. John led her out to the dance floor and placed his other hand on her waist. As they danced, John felt as if he were dreaming. There was no way this rancher could ever attract a beautiful princess in the real world. John knew he had to take a chance, no matter the outcome. He took a deep breath, catching a trace of her alluring perfume.

"Lucy," he said, his low voice shaking. "I care about you."

"Please, don't say that John. You…can't."

"I didn't plan it. I didn't even want it to happen. Please make me understand why you keep pushing me away. You wanted me to kiss you the other day. Why don't you just admit that you care about me too?"

She heard the pleading in his voice and stopped dancing. The truth was that she did care about him and was hurting him. She couldn't do that anymore.

Lucy dropped her arms and squared her shoulders.

"It doesn't matter how I feel about you, John. I'm going back to Philadelphia next month."

John stood there looking confused. "You're leaving? Please don't. Lucy, I think we could have something great if you would just give us a chance. Why are you leaving?"

Lucy exhaled quietly, and knew she had to tell him the truth. "I can't care about you John. Because…I am going back to be married."