The following day Lucas headed into town to visit with Nathan and Bill to review last-minute preparations for Saturday. The last Nathan had heard from Julius was the kidnapping would occur just after sunset while Walden knew Lucas would be managing the Queen of Hearts for the evening. Walden planned to stop in for dinner so that would mean Lucas had to be seen there in person for this to work. Rosemary and Lee would be keeping a watchful eye on Elizabeth and Jack throughout the day. Nathan had discretely selected a few additional Mounties to keep an eye on the town's safety.
"So how are wedding plans going?" Bill asked with a grin.
"Wonderful. Save the date for December 21st. I need both of you there after all."
"You need us there?" Nathan asked puzzled.
"Of course. After all, I'd be honored if you would both stand up for me as groomsmen. Do you accept?"
Bill responded quickly and said, "Yes, I'd be happy to, Lucas."
Lucas looked to Nathan who looked in shock. "Nathan, you okay?" Bill asked.
"Hmmm… ummm… Lucas…"
"Nathan, if you don't…"
"No, that's not it, Lucas. I'm very surprised is all." Nathan paused a moment and looked at Bill. "Bill, would you give us a moment, please?"
"Sure. I've got a few cases to review for next week," Bill responded as he left the Mountie office.
"Look, Nathan, please don't feel like you have to say yes, just because I asked you."
"Lucas,..."
"No please, let me finish, Nathan. I've always thought very highly of you. The work you do. Witnessing your dedication and loving relationship with Allie has helped me build my relationship with Jack. While I never completely understood your animosity towards me in my first years here in Hope Valley, I still respected you. I always thought we could become good friends if that animosity lifted even a little. This past year we've both grown and become better men. I apologize if I'm pressing a friendship on you that you aren't ready to accept into your life. Just know that friendship is always there waiting for you."
Nathan had been listening intently to his words. "Lucas, I consider you a friend too. I think it took you asking me to be in your wedding to realize how far we have come in the past four years. And to realize you truly are a friend. You are absolutely right, we have both grown in the last year. I've not only learned more about you but I know myself better too. Lucas, you are an honorable man. Thank you for asking me to stand up for you and Elizabeth at your wedding. I accept."
Lucas's face broke into a big smile. "Thank you, Nathan. I know Elizabeth will be so pleased to hear you said yes… Well, I need to..."
The door opened and in rushed Faith, "Good morning, Nathan! I need to see… Oh, hello, Lucas."
"Good morning, Faith," Lucas replied. Oddly, he felt like he just interrupted something, not the other way around. Hmmm…
"Faith…," Nathan stood up and walked around his desk. "Good morning. This is an unexpected visit. How can I help you? Is everything ok?" Nathan seemed nervous all of a sudden.
"No… I mean yes… Everything is fine. I was stopping by to check on you, but if now isn't a good time?..."
Lucas stepped forward and said, "I'm just leaving, Faith. Please don't leave on my account." As Lucas opened the door he asked her, "How did teaching Elizabeth's class go the other day?"
Faith practically shivered just thinking about her afternoon teaching. "You know, Lucas, I'm not too certain those kids would ever want me back. They have so many questions and bombarded me one after the other. I don't think I've been that stressed out since my board exam."
"Faith, I'm sure you did great," Nathan replied, offering her support. "Allie said she really enjoyed your class."
Lucas noted the intensity in Nathan's eyes and how he spoke to Faith. He saw her blush in response. Oh well, this is an interesting development, he thought.
Lucas chuckled a little, "Yes, it is a little daunting standing in front of that classroom. You survived it and appears you made an impression on one student. That's two wins in my book… Well, I'm heading out. Talk to you later today, Nathan."
"Bye, Lucas. Tell Elizabeth and Jack that I said hello."
"Will do." As he walked toward the Queen of Hearts, Lucas was wondering what was going on between Nathan and Faith. It felt like something was developing there. Seemed his friend was keeping something close to his heart. Lucas wondered how aware Nathan was of his feelings for Faith.
"Lucas is right. You need to count those successes." Nathan had walked towards Faith, concerned about her lack of confidence in her abilities to reach others. He looked into her beautiful blue eyes shadowed with doubt. "Why are you doubting yourself, Faith?" Nathan spoke quietly.
"I felt inadequate. Uncertain." Faith looked away from the honest concern in his eyes. Nathan reached out and touched her chin and pulled her eyes back to his.
"Faith…," Nathan had to clear his throat and he pulled his hand back. "Faith, never doubt what you can accomplish. You are one of the most accomplished and determined women I know. Trust me when I tell you that you reached Allie the other day. All she can talk about is going to medical school when she graduates."
Faith looked at Nathan in surprise and said, "Really? She does?"
"Yes. Don't be surprised when she starts talking your ear off and asking you a million questions."
"I don't know what to say." Faith had tears in her eyes.
"Don't say anything. Save your words for Allie," Nathan winked in response causing Faith to chuckle.
"Good advice. Now Nathan, the reason I am here… How are your headaches?"
"Thankfully it is improving." Faith continued to ask questions and check Nathan's vitals.
"Okay, Nathan… I will see you soon." Faith hesitated with her hand on the doornob. She turned and said, "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Reminding me who I am. And what I can accomplish." She said shyly. "Sometimes it's so hard working in a man's world, I forget how far I have come, while I worry about how far I have to go."
"Well, it looks to me like you are heading in the right direction."
~~~ — ~~~ — ~~~
Lucas entered his office and as he was about to close the door for some privacy, Julius Spurlock squeezed through the door and walked past him. "Spurlock, now isn't a good time."
"Look, Mr. Bouchard… I know you have no reason to trust me…"
"You're right about that. Especially now that I know that your cousin tried to kill my fiancé years ago. I honestly don't know whether to trust you, but Nathan does and I am going to trust in him." After a brief pause, Lucas asked, "Why are you here, Spurlock?"
"To make sure you are ready. Walden is out to cause you pain and suffering. If we stop him as we plan before he can take Mrs. Thornton and her son, he will become unglued. He will be out for your blood."
"Yes, I am aware of how unhinged Walden has become."
"Listen… you need to watch your back. And my cousin Charles will not appreciate his plans for Mrs. Thornton being thwarted again. I will do all that I can to see that her little boy is safely out of harm's way. But you need solid backup to keep you safe. You can't keep your focus on both men. Make sure someone you trust has your back and won't be afraid to shoot. Walden and Charles are a bad partnership and loose cannons. That makes them unpredictable."
Lucas stared at Julius Spurlock trying to find his motive. Not coming up with anything, he asked, "Why are you doing this, Spurlock? What's in it for you?"
"Nothing is in it for me. This is a career-ending move for me to be honest. No matter how this ends I'm out of a job. However, I won't stand for kidnapping, especially women or children. As a Pinkerton, there have been many unusual requests but harming women and children I cannot tolerate."
"Why?"
"That's between me and my God. But I made a promise long ago that I would never harm innocents in my line of work. That's all you need to know. I keep my promises."
Lucas did his best to read Julius's sincerity. Of all the times he had been in the man's presence, he had never witnessed this level of intensity in his words. He meant every word. Lucas took a chance and extended his hand. "Thank you, Julius, for coming forward and helping us stop Walden and Charles. Hope Valley is a special place and I don't want to see anyone I love hurt."
Julius shook his hand. "Thank you, Lucas, for extending your trust. I know that wasn't easy."
"This all ends tonight. When the dust settles and your intel proves as useful as we all hope, come see me tomorrow. I'll have an offer you might be interested in hearing, Julius."
"I will see you tomorrow then, Lucas. Watch your back today."
~~~ — ~~~ — ~~~
"Hey, Momma! There's Mountie Nathan! Can we say hi?" Jack asked.
They were just leaving the Mercantile to visit Lucas and ask him to join them for lunch. Elizabeth needed one more normal moment with just the three of them together before tonight. She would pull her strength and courage from her family unit. She saw Julius exit the saloon and wondered why he had been there.
"Sure, honey. Looks like Mountie Nathan is heading our way."
"Mountie Nathan!" Jack saluted him.
Nathan walked up and picked up Jack, flipping him upside down. "Mountie Jack! How's it going?"
"I upside down!" Jack giggled.
"Oh, I'm sorry. How did that happen?" Nathan put Jack's feet on the ground.
"You silly."
"Maybe you're the silly one," Nathan teased.
"Nuh uhn…"
Elizabeth laughed at the two of them. "Where are you headed, Nathan?" She asked.
"Going to finish my rounds. Want to join me, Jack?"
"YES!" Jack shouted.
"Alright, let's go then… Where can I find you, Elizabeth, when we are finished?"
"I'll be at the saloon with Lucas. See you in about an hour?"
"See you, Momma!"
"Ok, Mountie Jack, what do you see?"
"There lots of peoples." Jack said a little uncertain if he knew what to look for. This was a lot more than just the row houses. "I see the man who works with my buddy."
"Yes, that is Mr. Smith. What does it look like he's doing?"
"Oh, he going to Abigail's. He gonna eat breakfast."
"That's right. What else do you see?"
"Who that man?" Jack asked, pointing at Julius Spurlock walking out of the pharmacy.
"That man is Julius Spurlock."
"He look scary," Jack said. He didn't look scared. He looked ready to defend himself. Nathan sure was proud of this kid.
"Does he really only look scary because he's a big guy, Jack?"
"I guess."
"Okay, Jack. Think about it a little differently. Forget what he looks like," Nathan said. Jack looked up at him confused. Nathan squatted down next to him. "What does your gut tell you about him?"
"My what?!" Jacked asked in a squeaky voice. Nathan laughed and messed up his hair.
"Your gut. What does your gut tell you? It means what is your first response about him? Don't think about it, just focus on what you feel."
"Okay." Jack was still a little uncertain. "He's watching the town."
"Good, Jack. That's very smart. What else?"
"Umm… he left. Not causing any trouble."
"That's right. Sometimes we need to remember to trust people even if they look scary. And it's hard to know sometimes if a person is good or bad."
"Is he a good man, Mountie Nathan?" Jack asked.
"Yes, Mr. Spurlock is a good man. He is someone you should trust."
~~~ — ~~~ — ~~~
Elizabeth walked through the Queen of Hearts kitchen and greeted Gustave. "Good morning! Gustave, that smells wonderful! What did you make for lunch?"
"This is for you and young Jack. Special request from Lucas for spaghetti and meatballs for lunch… and fresh bread."
"That all sounds wonderful and saves me from making lunch for us. That was so thoughtful. I'll talk to you later, Gustave," she said and then knocked on Lucas's door and entered.
He was seated behind his desk, head down working. "One moment," Lucas replied distracted.
It looked like he was working diligently in his ledger. His hair was a little disheveled and she had a clear view of the curve of his neck and that spot just below his ear she desired to kiss while he napped on her couch. Elizabeth casually leaned against the door with her arms folded waiting for him to look up.
Lucas finally reached the bottom of his ledger and put down his pen. He sighed and looked up with a long stretch, his arms over his head. His eyes widened when he saw her. "Elizabeth!" Lucas exclaimed in surprise, ready to stand up. Elizabeth lifted her hand in a stop motion and slowly walked towards him.
Lucas knew that look in her eyes. "Where's Jack?"
Never taking her eyes off of him, "He's with Mountie Nathan. We have maybe thirty minutes of just the two of us." Her sight was one hundred percent focused on Lucas. "You looked extra attractive sitting there over your books when I came into the office."
Lucas instinctively reached up to straighten his hair. Elizabeth stopped his hand. She walked around the back of his chair trailing her hand across his shoulders, pleased when her touch caused him to shiver. She put both hands in his hair and disheveled it with her fingers.
"There, that's better," she whispered as she circled around his chair and sat across his lap. "Just how I like your hair best." Elizabeth grabbed his chin and turned his face away from her. She leaned into him and placed her lips on that spot just above his collar behind his ear. She breathed his scent in, crisp and musky and all Lucas. She heard him groan deep in his chest and smiled against his neck. "Something on your mind, Lucas?" She whispered in his ear.
"You. Always." He kissed her deeply, all the emotions rolling around his head today spilling out. Desperate to relieve the tension he'd been feeling all morning, he buried his face in her hair and breathed deeply. "Elizabeth…"
"I know, Lucas… I feel it too… but we are fully prepared for tonight. I trust you explicitly. Do you trust me?"
"Yes, I trust you… but…"
"But nothing. I'm choosing to trust you and our friends. This anxiousness and tension we are feeling. Let's just set it aside and pull strength from each other's embrace. That is what I need now."
Their lips crashed together in a heated union, leaving them breathless and gasping for air. Lips never apart, they continued a slow and deep exploration, letting go of the tension. They spoke their love with their lips and caresses and whispered passionate words. They relaxed into their loving embrace and enjoyed the time they had to unite their hearts, reinforcing their strength and resolve to protect each other and their son.
Elizabeth rested her head on Lucas's shoulder and relaxed into his arms. He just held her close enjoying the quiet moment of holding the woman he loved. He sighed and kissed her cheek. "I love these moments the most. Holding onto you. Showing you how much I love you and cherish you. Feeling like I'm finally home."
"You are home, Lucas," Elizabeth replied, sweetly kissing his lips. "Home with me and Jack. You are our heart, Lucas. We came alive again when you came to Hope Valley."
His heart rolled in his chest with joy. He had no idea he could feel so complete and whole. His entire life he searched for something else to fill the void he felt. And he found himself and his other half in this little town that meant the world to them both. They found themselves here, their purpose in life, and each other and the perfect family they have always been meant to become.
A knock at the door interrupted their quiet. "Come in," Lucas responded.
The door opened and Jack came running into the room. He raced to Lucas's chair and threw up his arms for his momma to pull him up with them. He snuggled into Elizabeth's arms and reached up and tweaked Lucas's nose. They all started laughing.
Nathan took in the scene. By now he was used to their open public displays of affection. But something about the sweetness of this family moment robbed him of speech. He wasn't jealous. He realized he was envious of what they had together. He desired nothing more than to find that happily ever after for himself and Allie. He wanted to take a chance and open his heart again.
Breaking himself out of his maudlin thoughts he teased them… "December 21st, huh? Think you can make it?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at him. "Be quiet, Nathan… Thanks for bringing Jack back here."
"You're welcome. I really need to go, have a lot to get done before tonight. Enjoy your lunch." Nathan swiftly left the office and kept the door open.
Gustave walked in and saw the three of them sitting on Lucas's chair. He started muttering in French. "Gustave, what did you need?" Lucas interrupted him.
Jack wiggled off the chair and ran to Gustave for a hug. He swept him up into his arms then lifted him on his shoulders. "Lunch is ready. Do you want to eat it in here or to go for Elizabeth's house?"
Jack started bouncing on Gustave's shoulders. "Here! Let's eat here. Can we eat in here, buddy?"
"We sure can. Gustave…"
"I'll get Rick to move a small table and two more chairs in here. Lunch will be ready shortly.
~~~ — ~~~ —- ~~~
After an enjoyable and messy lunch the little family headed back to Elizabeth's house for the afternoon. As they passed Lee and Rosemary's house Lee came around the front. All four were startled to see the others so abruptly and broke into laughter. Soon Rosemary opened the door to great them. Then the Coulter's joined them for an afternoon of playing and fun with Jack at home.
Lucas and Lee talked more about plans to build the tree house. The three boys sat down to look at the designs Lee brought with him. Jack was turning into Lucas the more time he spent with him. The little man had big dreams with this tree house. Before they knew it, they had pieced together parts of three different tree house designs.
"I like this slide," Jack said. "And this rope ladder."
"It needs a balcony, doesn't it?" Lucas asked Jack.
"Yes, we need to see the sheriff when he comes!" Jack replied.
"The sheriff?" Lee asked.
"To play Robin Hood," both replied at the same time. Lee gave a great belly laugh.
"Robin Hood." Lee shook his head.
"Yeah. We payed Robin Hood yesterday. Momma beat buddy in a duel."
"She did not beat me. She only postponed the sword fight to make us a big yummy breakfast."
"Oh, she gonna beat you, buddy. Momma's the best sword fighter."
"Oh really?" Lucas teased Jack.
Elizabeth overheard her son defending her sword fighting skills. "Really," she replied with a smirk.
Jack jumped up from his spot and fist pumped the air. "Oh yeah!" He exclaimed and then he ran up the stairs as fast as his short legs could carry him.
"Where is he headed?" Rosemary asked.
"If I'm not mistaken, Jack went upstairs to grab his play swords." Elizabeth laughed at Lucas, "I guess our duel is back on…, Robin Hood."
"Are you ready, my dearest, Maid Marion?"
"Oh I'm ready. You can count on it." Elizabeth replied. She motioned to Rosemary and Lee. "You might want to take a seat over at the kitchen table. It will be safer over there."
"Safer?" Rosemary chuckled. "Surely you aren't serious?"
"Dead serious," Lucas and Elizabeth replied laughing.
Jack came barreling down the stairs and threw his swords to his parents. Then he tossed Lucas his Robin Hood hat.
Lucas grinned. Placing his cap on his head, he said, "My dear Marion…" Lucas wiggled his eyebrows at her. "When you're ready."
"Let the fight commence!" She shouted, startling everyone in the room. Elizabeth took the first jab and Lucas evaded. Where she had been giggling the other morning she was completely serious now. She was going to be victorious!
Lucas recognized the fighting spirit in Elizabeth's attack. And he loved it. She placed herself with her back to the front door. He knew he had her.
As he advanced she smirked and said, "You think you've won, Robin Hood? Come and get me." Before he knew it she had opened the front door and took off. Jack, Lee and Rosemary broke into laughter and followed them outside.
Elizabeth and Lucas were now circling each other in the open field across from the row houses. A crowd was starting to form watching their school teacher and her fiancé play like children. Jack cheered for his mom and then for his buddy. Not really taking sides, just urging them both on excitedly. The school children quickly took sides as to who would win the duel. It was surprisingly split down the middle.
"Come on, Mrs. Thornton!" Opal shouted. "You've got this. Go get him."
"No, Opal… Maid Marion, not my momma!" Jack yelled, reminding everyone of what was playing out. They all laughed at his contagious enthusiasm.
"Go Robin Hood!" Robert shouted. The crowd was enjoying this just as much as Robin and Marion. Rosemary was laughing so hard she had tears running down her face.
Any space Lucas was able to advance with his long legs, Elizabeth continuously pushed him back again with her attacks.
"Are you ready to give up yet?" Lucas taunted.
"Not on your life, Robin Hood." Elizabeth surprised him and delivered a spectacular advancement and caught him off guard, feinted to her left and he fell for it. Before he knew it Marion disarmed Robin and they both fell onto the field. Cheers went up from the crowd, praising Maid Marion's master sword fighting skills.
Lucas and Elizabeth were both laughing hysterically and then were tackled by a flying boy who was shouting, "Maid Marion, you did it! You beat Robin Hood!... Sorry, buddy, you lost!" Jack giggled and threw himself at Lucas. He lifted Jack over his head and was tickling his sides with his long fingers.
"Do you give up, LIttle John?" Robin Hood asked.
"No," he shouted between hysterical laughter.
"Okay then, more tickles coming," Lucas said. He lowered Jack to Elizabeth's arms and they both tickle attacked the boy.
"Do you give up now?" Elizabeth laughed.
"Stop… stop… I give up…" Jack laughed.
When the little family stood up they were covered in grass stains. "Oh My Goodness! We are such a mess!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
Lucas reached up and pulled grass and leaves out of her hair. "You've never looked better, my love." He leaned over Jack and gave her a kiss. Then he let out a small groan and said, "I think I might have bruised a rib laughing so hard. Can that happen?"
"Please, Lucas, don't make me laugh anymore. I can't take it. My sides hurt."
They reached the front porch where Lee and Rosemary were still standing. Lucas and Elizabeth smiled sheepishly at their friends. Rosemary smirked knowingly and asked, "Did you two have fun?" Then Rosemary and Lee broke into laughter.
"Of course I had fun," Elizabeth replied. "I won afterall." She stopped on the first step and turned to Lucas and grinned. She jovially kissed the tip of his nose then took off into the house.
Lee laughed and slapped Lucas on the back. "Your life is about to change, my friend."
"And I cannot wait." Lucas replied with a huge grin as he followed his family inside.
With all the excitement of the past hour, Jack was falling asleep in his afternoon snack Rosemary brought over to share with tea.
"Jack, let's get you to your bed for you nap," Lucas said as he picked up the sleepy boy and cuddled him against his chest.
Jack put his arms around Lucas's neck. "Can you read, buddy?"
"Sure, buddy. What story do you want?"
"Robin Hood," Jack mumbled, already half asleep. Lucas chuckled quietly.
Lucas returned in a few minutes. "He insisted I read him Robin Hood. He was out after the first paragraph."
"That sweet boy was exhausted from all the fun this afternoon. He's had a full day." Rosemary said with great affection and love for Little Jack.
Lee's face turned serious. "The three of you make a beautiful family. Lucas, you will be an incredible father. Jack would be very proud of your future plans. And I know he would like you and approve of you, Lucas. You are a good man."
Elizabeth's eyes watered and she jumped up to embrace Lee. "Thank you, friend. I think Jack is our guardian angel and believe he sent Lucas here to Hope Valley. I know he will always look out for us."
Rosemary wiped her eyes, "Elizabeth, that is so beautiful. And I'm just so happy for the three of you."
"Rosemary, I have a huge favor to ask."
"Oh, wedding planning," Rosemary clapped her hands. "I cannot wait to help with all the arrangements."
"Whoa! Slow down, Rosemary!" Elizabeth giggle. "Let me ask first."
"Of course," Rosemary quieted herself. "Please, go ahead, Elizabeth."
"Rosemary, will you be my matron of honor?" She hardly had her words out before a squealing Rosemary launched herself into Elizabeth arms for a big hug.
"I will gladly stand up for you, Elizabeth. Ooooo, I'm so thrilled!" The women embraced and cried their happy tears.
Lucas smiled at Lee and said, "I hope you will be equally happy to accept standing up for me as a groomsman?"
"Lucas, I'd be honored. Thank you for asking me."
"Who is in the wedding party?" Rosemary asked for the details.
"I've asked Henry, Bill, Lee and Nathan. All have accepted," Lucas replied.
"Oh that's wonderful, Lucas. You didn't tell me you asked Bill and Nathan already."
"I did this morning. Sorry, love, I forgot all about it after you stopped in my office before lunch." Lucas gave Elizabeth a steamy look causing her to blush. Rosemary just gave her a "you'd better give me details" look and Elizabeth giggled.
"Rosemary, the bridesmaids will be you, Janette… and I still need to ask my sister, Julie, and Faith."
More wedding conversation continued into mid-afternoon. "This was a lovely afternoon with you both," Rosemary said. "But I think we've overstayed our welcome. You two need some time alone before you leave for the saloon, Lucas."
Lucas walked over to Rosemary and gave her a loving hug. "Thank you for everything, Rosemary. You are a wonderful friend. And you both take great care of Jack. I'm trusting you with my incredible son tonight. Protect him when I cannot."
"Lucas…," Rosemary reached for Lee's hand.
"There's no one we trust more with our son," Elizabeth said as she reached their side. "Be safe tonight. God Bless."
Lucas and Elizabeth retired to the settee for a short afternoon nap together. The day's emotions were catching up with them. Lucas wedged himself into the corner of the couch stretching out his legs best he could. Elizabeth leaned against his side with her head on his chest, her legs tucked. She relaxed into Lucas's arms. She felt him kiss her hair and heard him say before they drifted off, "I'm buying us a bigger couch tomorrow." They both chuckled as they fell asleep.
~~~ — ~~~ — ~~~
Across the field, Charles Spurlock watched as Lucas Bouchard kissed his fiancé goodbye for the evening as he headed to work. Now he could finally seek retribution for his incarceration. Mrs. Thornton will be reunited with her dearly departed Jack soon. And Lucas Bouchard will be a broken shell of a man.
He turned to Wyman and said, "You're up. Enjoy your meal at the saloon."
"Bouchard would love for me to choke on it, I'm sure. But I feel better knowing he is busy tonight while we do this. I don't want any surprises."
"We will take our posts, Wyman," Julius said. "And wait for your return."
Walden walked into the Queen of Hearts and purposefully took a seat near the bar. The saloon was packed tonight and Lucas was busy slinging beers and taking orders. However, another server came to his table. Walden wondered if that was planned to keep the peace between the two men. He chuckled to himself. There will be no peace for Bouchard for a long time after tonight.
Satisfied Lucas was occupied for the evening rush Walden left. As soon as he was out the door Lucas moved quickly to the plainclothes Mountie on duty inside the saloon. "I'm heading out now. I'll need to rush to get to Elizabeth's backyard."
Mountie Anderson slowed him down first. "Sir, take a deep breath. You know Julius said you will have time to get in place. They plan to watch the house for at least a half hour before they make their move. Stay safe and unseen."
"Thank you, Anderson." Lucas took off quickly towards the row houses. He moved stealthily through the backyards making sure not to be seen. He finally reached Lee's house. Henry and Janette were waiting for him. They were both armed.
"Janette…," Lucas whispered harshly to her.
"Save your breath, Lucas. She won't listen," Henry said with worry in his voice.
"I'm not happy you're here, Janette, but at least I know you can handle this as well as the others."
They kept to the shadows and waited. Then they heard Julius knock on Elizabeth's door. "Mrs. Thornton, there's been an accident in town. Mr. Bouchard has been hurt. I need you to come with me, ma'am."
"What?!" Lucas could hear the fear in Elizabeth's voice. "Ohmygoodness, is Lucas okay? Is he badly hurt?"
"Momma? What's wrong?" Lucas heard his little buddy ask. "Is my Papa okay?"
Lucas sucked in his breath hearing Jack call him Papa.
"Ma'am, please hurry. Come with me."
Unexpectedly Jack stepped in front of his mother in a fighting stance. "You not taking my momma!" Jack shouted.
"Jack!" Elizabeth exclaimed and placed her hands on his tense little shoulders.
"I protect us, momma!"
Julius had to admire this kid's spunk. But right now he needed to keep the situation as simple as possible and get them onto the porch. He saw Charles come out of the brush and swiftly move across the field. Walden drove up with the car for a quick exit.
When Charles stepped onto the road Julius grabbed Elizabeth and Jack by the arm and pulled them out of the door. In the darkness of the house he could see Bouchard crouched and ready to move to the open doorway. He pulled Jack towards him and pushed Elizabeth towards Charles.
Elizabeth stopped short at the bottom of the porch steps. "Mr. Spurlock? What are you doing here?" She asked in a shocked voice. "Why aren't you in prison?"
"Surprised to see me? I'm here to finally finish what I started eight years ago."
"What do you mean?"
"You and your nosy busybody self and your dead Mountie husband ruined my life. It's past time that I changed the outcome of that day." Charles pulled his gun and all hell broke loose.
Julius bent down in front of Jack, blocking him from what was happening. "Mountie Nathan told you to trust me. Run. Run now, next door to Rosemary. Go!" And he pushed Jack towards their house. Jack didn't hesitate. He knew that was a direct order from Mountie Nathan and he had to follow it. The door quickly opened and Lee pulled Jack inside to safety. Jack wanted to be with his momma. But he saw Mountain Nathan with his gun. And before that man pushed him away he saw his Papa had a gun too. He knew nothing bad would happen to his momma.
Outside, all guns were drawn. Charles was surprised to see the Mountie and Judge appear, guns pointed at him and Walden. Bouchard was standing in the open doorway, his pistol on Charles. But Charles was livid to see Julius pointing his gun at him. "You traitor!" Charles yelled at his cousin. Julius let it bounce off of him.
"Lay down your weapon, Walden," Judge Avery said. Walden turned towards Avery, gun drawn and they both fired.
"Hold your fire!" Nathan yelled. Another Mountie appeared to assist Bill.
Lucas watched as Elizabeth pulled her pistol from her skirt and aimed it at Charles. Spurlock laughed outright and said, "You don't have the guts to fire."
Elizabeth rolled her shoulders and stood her ground, her resolve firm. "Do you want to test that theory? You threatened my son!"
Nathan looked to Bill and he and the Mountie had Walden cuffed. Walden was shouting threats to everyone there and against the town. It looked like Walden had been shot. "Everything under control over there, Bill? Are you hurt?"
"Under control. Walden's bleeding. I'm just grazed."… Bill looked at Walden and told him, "Shut up already, Walden, unless you want me to muzzle you."
Henry and Janette approached Bill. "Let me see your arm, Bill," Janette said.
"I'm fine." Bill's focus was on Spurlock and Elizabeth now and he walked slowly towards them.
"Lower your gun, Charles. No one else needs to get hurt here," Lucas said.
Charles laughed, "I haven't come all this way to give up." He stared down Elizabeth. "It's my turn to ruin your life."
A loud shot fired from behind Elizabeth. Charles dropped his weapon and was kneeling on the ground, holding his right arm. Unsure who had fired, Elizabeth turned to see Lucas holding his smoking pistol. Lucas reached a shaking Elizabeth and pulled her into a strong embrace. Once he had her safely in his arms, relief rushed through him.
"You saved me, Lucas," Elizabeth whispered. He only held her tighter.
"I'm pretty sure you were saving yourself." Lucas's smile dimmed. "I couldn't take any chance he would get a shot off first."
Nathan quickly kicked Charles's gun aside and cuffed him. Lucas had shot him straight through his shoulder. Julius helped Nathan lift Charles to his feet.
"Let's get these two to the infirmary. Dr. Carter is going to have a busy night," Nathan said.
When all was clear the Coulter's door opened and Jack flew out of the house. "Mama! Mama!" He cried out and launched himself at Elizabeth. She hugged him tightly and then Lucas's arms were around both of them.
"Papa, you squishing me!"
"Sorry. I'm so proud of you, son. You were very brave… I love you so much."
Jack threw his arms around Lucas's neck. "I love you more, Papa!" He leaned back to see Lucas's face and suddenly felt shy. "Is it ok if I call you Papa?" Jack rambled on quickly, "I want you to be my Papa here on earth. Momma said my daddy in heaven be happy I had a Papa here. He not sad if you love me too."
A few of Lucas's tears fell from his lashes. He looked back and forth between his two greatest loves and any lasting heartache around his battered lost heart melted. He was really, finally home.
"Jack, being your Papa is the best gift I've ever received. I've loved you for a long time,… my son." Lucas's voice was barely a hoarse whisper.
Jack threw his arms around both of his parents and yelled, "Yay!!! I have a Papa!" They all celebrated with a few tears and laughter with Jack's enthusiasm.
"Pathetic…," they all heard Charles mutter. Nathan jerked his good arm back and said, "Muzzle it, Spurlock."
"They don't deserve a happy ending. They…"
Henry had detached himself from Bill and stalked over to Spurlock. He knocked Charles back a few steps with a hard shove to his chest. "I knew you for many years, Charles. You need to save it. You are no saint. And revenge looks really ugly on you."
"Gowan…, you would know what ugly looks like wouldn't you," Charles said in disgust. "Hmph… I'm surprised you still live here and they haven't run you out of town. Who are you to lecture me after all that I've witnessed done behind your closed doors?"
"The difference between us, Spurlock, is I know I've done wrong and am atoning for my mistakes. Can you say the same?"
Spurlock tried to jerk his good arm free to attack Henry. Before anyone could react, Spurlock was sprawled on his back unconscious. Janette had laid a solid punch in Charles's face and he fell backwards like a ton of bricks. His nose was clearly broken and was bleeding like a geyser.
"Looks like Spurlock tripped over his own feet and fell face first into the road. Damn shame no one could stop him from tripping." Nathan announced to the witnesses. Lucas and Henry snickered. "Let's get him to the infirmary asap."
Elizabeth asked Lucas, "Do you want to go with them?"
"I do. Will you be okay?"
"Yes, we will be fine."
Lee walked up and said, "Lucas you go into town. Rosemary and I will stay with Elizabeth and Jack until you return."
