Chapter 25— Preparations

The last two weeks had flown by. Elizabeth was having her final dress fitting today with Rosemary, and the wedding was tomorrow. Things had been in an uproar around town- the library was closed for a week to get it ready for the service, and the saloon was closed for three days for the reception preparations and cleanup afterwards. The café was picking up the extra business from the saloon, Rosemary's dress shop was buzzing. Elizabeth tried her best to stay calm; she was jittery on the inside but tried to keep it from showing on the outside.

She was simply ready to be married to Lucas.

They were having a late morning service with lunch afterward. She had let Lucas take care of the reception part of the day, as that was his specialty. And of course, the wedding trip was a surprise, Lucas had planned that too. Carson had agreed to be the photographer and Elizabeth was excited to see the results; Clara's pictures had been wonderful. Elizabeth smiled as she remembered she had been the one to catch the bouquet, and indeed, like tradition says, she was the next one to get married.

The library was almost ready. They had ended up taking most of the shelves and books out to make room for chairs and decor, but left a few- after all, it was a library.

But for Lucas and Elizabeth it was also their sanctuary. Tomorrow that word for it took on more meaning. It was where they had declared their love for each other and shared their first kiss, now it would be where they began their married life together.

Jack was going to be their ring bearer. Lucas had been working with him a lot the last couple of days, and they both hoped that he wouldn't forget what to do. Lee would be standing by to help should he get distracted.

Elizabeth looked at the clock. In less than 24 hours she would be Mrs. Bouchard. She took a deep breath and exhaled. "Better get that fitting done," she said out loud as she headed out the door to town.

###

Lucy walked to the telephone and waited for Molly to connect her call. When it rang, she jumped then picked up the receiver.

"Hello, this is Lucy."

"Hi Lucy. Arthur here. It's been a few weeks and I haven't heard from you. When are you coming home?"

"Hello Arthur. Actually, I am taking the stage out tomorrow afternoon. Travel takes a while, but I will at least be on my way."

"Sounds great. I look forward to seeing you when you get back. We have a lot of plans to make."

"Okay, Arthur, I'll see you soon."

Lucy hung up the phone and glanced around. She hoped no one had heard her conversation. She had told Bill she was leaving the day after the wedding but decided that she would sneak out during the busyness of the reception. John would be here and the less time she had to pine over him the better.

Lucy had to put him and Hope Valley behind her, much as it hurt her to think about it. A new life awaited her in Philadelphia, and hopefully Montana before long.

John Davis would only be a distant memory very soon.

###

Lucas was busy giving orders and directing traffic. He had hired extra help for the set up today and the reception tomorrow. There was a lot of hustle and bustle going on at the saloon and he barely had time to breathe. But it didn't stop his mind from realizing that soon his only dream would come true.

He was going to marry Elizabeth Thornton tomorrow.

As he looked around and saw the tablecloths and vases being set into place, he smiled to himself.

"Now that looks like the smile of a man in love," John said as he entered the saloon and walked towards Lucas.

"Hello cousin, long time no see," Lucas said as he gave John a hug. John slapped his back and backed up shaking his hand. "I'm glad you are here. Maybe you can help keep me focused," Lucas said with a laugh.

"Just remember, you have waited a lifetime for tomorrow. You are going to marry your soulmate. And I'll be right beside you should you decide to do something silly, like faint. You know, like you did when your shoulder was popped back into place."

"Hopefully we won't have any fainting tomorrow, by anyone. And that story needs to stay between the two of us, even though technically I didn't actually pass out…just got a little dizzy. But I appreciate your support and I am glad you will be here," Lucas said with a smile.

"Now, what can I do to help?" John asked, and Lucas gave him the next chore on the list.

The saloon was coming along. He would have to go check on the library soon.

###

Lucy hadn't had time to take a breath all morning. She and Bill were not only running the café, but they were making food for the ones working at the library and saloon. Gustave was diligently working on the menu for the reception tomorrow, so the café was very hectic since it was the only eating establishment available today.

They had made an extra-large batch of barbeque ribs and a couple of gallons of beans, along with several dozen biscuits for the ones doing all the wedding preparations. Their menu for the day at the café was simple- either beef stew with biscuits, or ribs and beans, if someone didn't want one of these options today, they were just out of luck.

Lucy enjoyed being busy. It kept her mind occupied and it also prevented Bill from trying to talk to her about her decision. She knew if he questioned her, she might relent and let him know she was leaving early. Lucy refused to let her situation overshadow Lucas and Elizabeth's happiness. Bill was very upbeat today, and she didn't want to do anything to change his mood.

They had finished getting the large order ready and were waiting for someone to come pick it up. Just as she finished setting the last dozen ribs on the back table, someone tapped at and opened the kitchen door. She looked up into the face of none other than John Davis.

He was certainly the last person she wanted to see today as busy as she was and would not waste any time on conversation.

"If you are here for lunch, you need to come in the front door," she said nonchalantly as she went back to stirring the pot of beans on the stove.

"Actually, I am here to pick up an order for Lucas," John said hesitantly, trying not to look directly at her. No one had told him she was working here.

"There it is," Lucy said over her shoulder, motioning towards the heavy-laden table.

"Much obliged," John replied. "Will I…see you…at the wedding?"

"I might be there. Perhaps," she answered as she continued her work knowing that she definitely planned to attend.

John nodded and began taking the order out to put in the car he had parked just outside the door. After he had finished loading up, he walked back in and stared at her unashamedly. Lucy turned in his direction and made eye contact. Then they both just stood there, drinking in the sight of each other.

John saw her hair all a mess, and her face red from the hot kitchen. She had a bit of barbecue sauce smudged on her cheek and her apron was in need of a change. He had never seen her in such a state of disarray, and she had never looked more beautiful to him. As he stared, he knew he loved a woman he couldn't have, and he felt his chest tighten up at the realization.

"Lucy…" he began.

"John, I don't have time to chat. As you can see, I am quite busy today. I hope you enjoy the food."

John nodded, Lucy seeing the hurt in his eyes. When he turned to leave, she opened her mouth wanting to say something…anything…to get him to stay if only to look at him a moment longer. He closed the door behind him, and she exhaled, her body slumping against the edge of the prep table. Lucy took several deep breaths trying to control her emotions as the tears filled her eyes.

"What a crazy day!" Bill said as he entered the kitchen. Lucy quickly turned away from him so he wouldn't see how emotional she was. "Oh, I see someone came to get the food."

Lucy cleared her throat, "Yes, someone came to get it. Now, we can focus on our regular customers."

Bill heard the tremor in her voice and wondered the cause of it. But he knew better than to ask so he patted her shoulder and got back to work.

###

John returned to the saloon and began unloading the food into the kitchen. Lucas walked in to speak to Gustave and noticed he was back.

"Great job, John. Thank you for doing this for me."

John turned to Lucas with a slight smile. "You knew, didn't you?"

"Knew what?" Lucas asked.

"You knew she was working at the café. That is why you gave me that chore."

Lucas guiltily nodded. "Yes. I knew. I was hoping perhaps you two could talk."

"I appreciate it, Cuz, but she is planning to leave soon. And she is getting married. Not much I can do at this late date."

Lucas hated the look in John's eyes. He recognized it because a few short months ago he was the one feeling dejected. He walked over and put his hand on John's shoulder. "It's not too late until she says I do. Don't lose faith. I know Bill is certainly trying to keep her here. You're in love with her, aren't you?"

"Dang it, Lucas, I am in love with her."

"Someone wise once asked me if I had told Elizabeth how I feel about her. So, have you told Lucy how you feel?"

"I told her I care about her. I'm not sure it would be proper to tell a betrothed woman that you love her."

"Perhaps not. But there must be more to her story and this man she is going to marry. Maybe she will change her mind. I hope so for your sake," Lucas responded.

"Me too, Cuz. Now, let's focus on getting you married and worry about me later."

###

Elizabeth left the dress shop and headed for the library. She wanted to see how things were progressing with the transformation. Elizabeth was glad for Laura today as her mind was all over the map with the wedding so close. As she walked up to the door, she saw the man she loved coming towards her causing her to break out into a wide smile.

"Here comes the groom," she sang causing him to grin. As they neared each other, Lucas gazed at his intended with desire in his eyes. Elizabeth looked around and then put her arms around his neck. "You shouldn't look at a woman the way you just looked at me unless you are married to them," she said boldly.

Lucas stared into her eyes, "Before long I can look at you any way I want to. And I want to," he said as he lowered his head for a satisfying kiss, not caring if anyone was watching.

They smiled at each other when the kiss ended, "I guess we had the same thoughts, to come check on the progress of the library," Elizabeth said.

"I guess we did. Shall we?" Lucas said as he opened the door, allowing her to enter first.

The crew was just finishing everything up. Elizabeth gasped as she looked around. "I'm…speechless."

Lucas looked around then back at Elizabeth. He turned her towards him, "Is it alright? Are you pleased with the results?"

Elizabeth gazed at the room again then back at Lucas. "In my wildest dreams I couldn't imagine it looking like this. I wrote a few things down but you…" she stopped and gestured to the decorations, "you turned it into a…wonderland."

Lucas took her hand as they walked around the room looking at all the details. The workers stepped back as they examined it. The chairs were situated in the center, four rows on each side with an aisle up the middle. There were a couple of shelves of books left, strategically placed with greenery and flower garland draped across the top. The ceiling was swathed here and there with white tulle and lace streaming from one side to the other. More greenery in the corners, flowers at the edge of every aisle. There were candles ready to be lit in various places around the room. It was perfectly stunning in its décor, but not overly done.

"Lucas, you paid attention to every detail. It's…magical."

Lucas took her hands in his. "Elizabeth, it had to be perfect, because you are perfect, my love."

Tears filled her eyes. "Thank you, Lucas. I can't believe it's tomorrow!"

"It will be the happiest day of my life," Lucas said, raising her left hand to kiss her ring finger.

"I can't see you until the ceremony," Elizabeth reminded him.

"And I won't be able to take my eyes off of you once you enter that door. I need to get back to the saloon, but I will stop by after dinner to say goodnight."

They exited the building and he leaned down to kiss her cheek. Lucas stared into her eyes one more time before walking away.

Elizabeth watched him and then turned to go back home.

###

Fiona looked around at the saloon's transformation and smiled. She was completely exhausted, but happy that she could help make her friends' dreams come true. She had watched Lucas oversee everything that was done. When she walked up and asked if he needed to take a break, he smiled through tired eyes and said, "I will sleep well tonight, but today I have to make everything flawless for my bride." It was obvious to anyone looking how in love with Elizabeth he was. He cared way more for her pleasure than his own rest.

Fiona thought of her own budding relationship. She and Nathan had declared their love for each other recently and spent many hours together since then. She felt he might be getting ready to pop the question, but she wondered if he was really prepared for such a big step just yet. Fiona decided to be patient because perhaps he was okay with the dating stage for a while.

She was just happy that he loved her.

###

Bill and Lucy plopped down in chairs and each took a deep breath.

"We did it. We make a good team," Bill said smiling over at his daughter.

She smiled back, "Yes, we do. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Lucas and Elizabeth deserve for their special day to be wonderful." She looked around the room, her smile fading.

"You seem pensive today. Anything you want to talk about?" Bill asked.

Lucy looked over at him, "No, not particularly. Just thinking how different this wedding is than what I expect mine to be. It makes me feel a bit glum." She looked over at Bill and smiled. "I'm sorry. I definitely don't want to bring you down today. I know you are close to Elizabeth. It's nice that you are walking her down the aisle…"

Bill made eye contact and the edges of his mouth turned downward. "I noticed you haven't asked me to come and give you away at your ceremony…"

Lucy glanced down. "I know you don't approve of my marriage so I wouldn't do that to you. If I was marrying a man of my own choice, I would want nothing more."

Lucy went silent and Bill scooted his chair closer to her. He leaned forward and touched her hand that was settled on her knee.

"I haven't known you for very long, but even so, I want you to be happy. I wish I had gotten to watch you grow up. Been there for your first steps, your first day of school, first love…"

"Jeffrey Sneed," she said smiling at the memory. "I was 7 and he liked Charlotte Matheson instead of me. I ran all the way home crying. When I got there, my father told me to stop it, that I had nothing to cry about. All I wanted was a hug and some comfort." She paused then looked at Bill, tears filling her eyes. "Heartbreak isn't easy, no matter your age."

Bill realized she was no longer talking about a second-grade boy but a man she had come to care about and thought she couldn't be with. He wanted nothing more than to fix this for her but didn't know how. Bill had never felt so helpless in his life. He stood and put his hand out for hers, helping her to her feet.

"I couldn't be there when Jeffrey broke your heart, but I can certainly be here for you now," Bill said, his voice cracking.

He drew her into his arms, and she came willingly. Bill wrapped his arms around his daughter hoping he could bring some comfort to her. She placed her face into his shoulder and just stood there at first, then he felt her shake as the sobs began, making his own eyes well up. Bill held his daughter as she cried, quietly at first, then with more emotion. He rubbed her back as she wet his shirt with her tears and kept holding her until her crying subsided. Bill didn't know how much time had passed, he just stood there giving her whatever he could in the way of solace- something he had missed out on for decades. Lucy took a few shuddering breaths before finally calming down. She was still for a moment then stepped back.

She smiled up at Bill. "Thank you. You have no idea what that just meant to me."

Bill touched her cheek with his palm. "Actually, I think I do. I'm just glad you let me help you."

Pulling out his handkerchief and handing it to her, Lucy wiped her face and blew her nose.

"I'll get this laundered for you. I think I'm going to go back to my room now. I will see you in the morning," Lucy said as she turned to go.

"Lucy," Bill said causing her to turn back to him. "Jeffrey Sneed might not have known what he was missing out on, but the one you were just crying over sure seems to think you are pretty special."

Lucy smiled, "Perhaps he does. Goodnight Bill."

He knew he had done all he could do to convince her to stay. Bill decided to pray on it tonight and hope she changed her mind by morning.

###

Elizabeth had put Jack to bed and sat on the sofa reading when she heard a light tap on her front door. She opened it to find Lucas looking tired but happy.

"Lucas, you look done in. Are you alright?"

He reached up and pulled her to him in a sweet embrace, then whispered in her ear. "I am marrying you tomorrow, I am more than alright. I am extremely happy."

She rubbed his back then backed away. "It's about 13 hours away. Lucas, I love you so much."

"My darling Elizabeth, I couldn't love you more if I tried. Everything is in place and ready for the ceremony. All we have to do is show up and say I do."

"Well, I don't plan on running away, at least not before the wedding. I may run away with the groom afterward," she flirted.

"We both need a good night's sleep, if my mind can shut down long enough to do so. I will see you soon, my love," Lucas said as he leaned down and gently kissed her lips. "The next time I kiss you, you will be my wife."

"I can't wait. Goodnight, Lucas."

"Goodnight, Elizabeth."