It was ten-fifteen on the day after Christmas, and a happy but exhausted Elizabeth Bouchard was listening to the Victrola and tidying up the downstairs while Lucas too a bath. She had gotten up earlier than her weary body wanted to that morning because her parents had informed her they'd be dropping Jack off before noon, and the last thing she wanted was to experience her mother's judging eye scrutinizing a messy house. Still, the mess was worth it. Seeing her happy family spending this time together was exactly how she'd always pictured it would be.

Yes, their Christmas together had been lovely, despite all of the chaos and scary moments. Nathan was going to be okay. The Grants were now married. And the Bouchard family was even more secure than they'd been before. She truly felt safe.

Then there was Christmas evening. She would never forget it. Lucas's gift had touched her to her core and had reminded her that, as usual, he knew her better than she knew herself. She hadn't known she needed a getaway from everyday life or a place where she could just focus on the things she wanted to do - but he did. And while his handsome good looks were always enough to make her weak in the knees, it was his sensitivity in taking care of her that caused her to continually fall more deeply in love with him than she thought possible.

Last night was almost like they were back on their honeymoon, only better. She was able to forget, for just a short time, all the pressures of the world and just relax and be herself. Lucas pampered her and showered her with adoration, and he loved her. Then, later, as they lay there in the afterglow of love's flame, they cuddled, and laughed, and kissed, and talked until the early morning hours. It was one of the most beautiful 'date' nights they'd ever had.

Elizabeth's husband had always been an attentive passionate and perceptive lover. But last night, it wasn't his passion that impacted her the most. It was the connection of mind and soul that they shared that was so apparent in how they interacted – she wished the evening would never end.

Walking over to the window, she smiled as she looked at Lucas and Jack's Christmas display. Despite everything they'd gone through in recent weeks, despite the attacks, despite the election – it was a Christmas she'd always cherish. They were a family and a beautiful one at that.

As she pondered that sweet thought, she hadn't noticed that the phonograph record had come to an end, nor had she noticed when a new recording was laid down in its place. She didn't even notice when the music began to play.

No, it wasn't until she felt his warm arms wrap around her body and breathed in his fresh scent that she broke out of her daydreams of the day before and returned to the present. She turned around to see him and immediately found herself enchanted by the twinkle in his darkened eyes.

"Dance with me," he said, looking so handsome in his three-piece suit that it almost made her blush.

She looked at his extended hand and smiled. "Really?" she asked with surprise.

"Absolutely," Lucas nodded, taking her hand and leading her to the center of the living room floor. "They're playing our song," he said, pointing out Let Me Call You Sweetheart was playing in the background.

"Oh, this is our song?" she inquired, swaying with him to the music.

"Yes, it's what was playing when you first asked me to dance with you," he stated with a smile.

"I remember that," she smiled.

"Yes. You fancied me," he teased.

Elizabeth smirked. "What was that?"

"You heard me. You were enamored with me. Admit it. I could even hear your heartbeat as I held you."

Elizabeth drew backward. "Excuse me?"

Lucas stopped and looked around the room. "Or, perhaps that was my own. In any case, it was one of us, and when you asked me to dance with you, I was awestruck."

Elizabeth smiled, then drew back to his side, resuming the dance. "It was my heart too. You intrigued me."

"I did? How?"

"Oh, you were this handsome man who'd come to town, who was all at once helpful and challenging. When I asked you to dance, I was both drawn to you and scared to death. It was really such a strange and confusing time for me."

Lucas looked at her solemnly. "Then, perhaps this shouldn't be our song."

Elizabeth laid her head on his chest. "Maybe not," she said as the song came to an end. "We'll come up with one."

The next song began, which was a slow waltz that both of them liked.

"What about this one?" Lucas asked, keeping pace with the music. Before she could answer, she was treated to an even greater rarity than his dancing as he began to sing. Her face lit up with sweet surprise at his soft baritone tones.

Dreaming of you, that's all I do

Night and day for you, I'm pining,

And in your eyes, blue as the skies

I can see the love light softly shining;

Because you love me there it seems,

Pray meet me in the land of dreams.

Elizabeth beamed as she joined him on the chorus, and the two moved around the room, immersed in each other. While they were dancing, the front door opened, and William Thatcher and Allistair Spencer stepped inside. The two men looked quizzically at each other, and Thatcher couldn't help but grin as they observed the private moment.

"Well, isn't that something," he said quietly enough that they couldn't hear them. William motioned for Spencer to come to the side where they couldn't be seen, and the two men watched the precious display as husband and wife indulged in this moment of youthful abandon – a return to the young love that life threatened to bury in a mountain of care. Spencer looked soberly at the scene and then at Thatcher and wished he'd never gotten them involved in the scheme.

Meet me tonight in Dreamland

Under the silv'ry moon

Meet me tonight in Dreamland

Where love's sweet roses bloom;

Come with the love-light gleaming

In your dear eyes of blue,

Meet me in Dreamland, sweet, dreamy Dreamland,

There let my dreams come true

The two giggled as they spun around, and Lucas tried to continue the second verse, which was less familiar.

Sighing all day when you're…. a-way

Longing for you dear, you only;

In ….something, dreams…um something, it seems

Ya-da-da-da, makes me sad and lonely?

"Oh, I can tell you really mean this, " she said.

"Every syllable."

She giggled, and the more he messed up the lyrics, the more she laughed, causing him to purposefully mess them up more. She was laughing so hard that she lost her footing and fell toward him, but he caught her.

"Careful!" Lucas said, holding her tightly.

"I'm sorry," she replied. "It's hard to be light on your feet when you're as big as a house!"

Lucas laughed. "Nonsense! You're stunning!"

"Yes. Stunning like a deer being caught in the lights of a model T!"

Lucas chuckled. "Like a fair rose in bloom against a deep blue sky."

"Oh, you!" she said with a playful shove.

"It's true.

And If you'll come with me to stay

We'll live in dreamland night and day.

"I accept!" she teased.

"Lucky me," Lucas said, releasing her outward, then bringing her back in as the music began to wind down. The two slowed then stopped completely, looking lovingly into one another's eyes until their lips joined in a gentle kiss. Once they released, Elizabeth clasped onto him tightly, and for a few moments, they held each other and cherished that moment, knowing the world would encroach upon them soon enough.

Lucas caressed Elizabeth's back and kissed the top of her head and soon felt the fabric of his shirt becoming damp. He looked down at her with concern and noticed a tear traveling down her cheek. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

Elizabeth held him closer, pressing a kiss to his heart as her face rested against his chest. "I was just thinking how wonderful this is – how wonderful you are – and of how I don't ever want this to end."

Lucas tilted his head. "This, as in….?"

Elizabeth stepped back and looked at him. "Our freedom. Our freedom to be us. It's so wonderful when we have nothing pressing on us, but starting tomorrow with your campaign, well, I'm afraid we'll have to take a back burner to what you're doing with Parliament."

"Only for a little while," he said. "And not in actuality. Elizabeth, I'm doing this for our children and us."

"I know you are, darling. And I support it. I just don't want to lose you – and when I say that, I don't mean just physically. I don't want to lose you to the world."

Lucas smiled and lifted his hand to brush her hair away from her face. "My love, don't you know by now that this is an impossibility? The world and all of its allurements hold no attraction to me. It's you. You are who I love and the one I'll always come home to. That, I promise."

William motioned to Spencer to move back toward the door. "Let's give them a few moments," he whispered. The two men slipped past the door unobserved.

Spencer turned and looked at the loving couple before he stepped outside. One week. Just one week.

In town, Nathan woke up to a warm comfort against his side that he'd never felt before. He slowly opened his eyes, and when he turned his head, he saw a swirl of blonde waves resting on his pillow beside him. He smiled. Today was his first full day as a married man, and his heart was so full! He had someone to love that was exclusively his and who loved him in return. He lay there for several minutes, enjoying the thought and staring at his wife while she slept. She was so beautiful, particularly at that moment. And to think, their life together was just beginning. This is what bliss felt like.

Downstairs, he heard the opening of the front door and the muffled voices of Carson and Faith Shepherd as they checked on Bill. No doubt they would be coming upstairs soon. He needed to look presentable. He needed to show how good he was doing. He needed….he needed to urinate.

Nathan moved his arms in an attempt to sit up on his own and was immediately hit with a wave of pain that made him wince. He let out a groan, and Emily sat up in bed.

"What's wrong? What are you doing? Are you okay?" she asked.

Nathan regained composure and nodded. "I'm fine. I just have to…." He looked at her with embarrassment. "You know."

Emily thought for a moment, then got it. "Oh! Oh! Of course. You have to pee!"

Before Nathan could say another word, his wife was out of bed and rushing to the side of the room where she had various medical items laid out. She returned quickly with a jug with a large hole in it. "Here you are!"

Nathan looked at the jug and then narrowed his eyes. "What's that?"

"It's a urinal."

"A urinal," he said, looking between the item and Emily. "And what exactly am I supposed to do with it?"

Emily sat on the edge of the bed. "You pee in it. Here! I can show you how," she said, reaching for the cover.

Nathan pulled away, causing himself additional pain, and held on to the covers. "No…no, that's okay. No need to demonstrate. I think I'll just go to the outhouse instead unless….where is the toilet for the infirmary?"

"Oh, we have indoor plumbing now. We really need to for sanitary purposes," she said, holding out her arm to help him sit up. "But I'm afraid you can't use it."

Nathan furrowed his brow. "Why not?"

"Stairs," Emily replied. "You're not going to be able to use the stairs for a few days."

"But what if I have to….um…you know!" Nathan said.

Emily looked over to the side of the room toward the bedpan.

"Oh, no. No, no, no!"

"What?"

"I'm not going in that! No way!"

From downstairs, Carson, Faith, and Bill heard the Grants' voices raise, back and forth, though it was too muffled to know what they were talking about.

"I think I'd better check on him," Carson said.

"Do you need me to go with you?" Faith asked.

"No, sweetheart. You stay here with Bill," he replied.

"Nathan, you need to lay back down. You shouldn't be up yet!" Carson heard as he reached the top of the stairs.

"Emily, I'm fine," Nathan replied, trying to rise to his feet while holding his side with one hand and his hospital gown shut with the other. "Where are my pants?"

"Nathan, you need to lay down," Emily said, gently trying to coax him back to bed.

He resisted her and stood anyway, immediately paying for it with a shock of pain and a wave of dizziness.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy!" Carson said, rushing to him to keep him from falling. Together, Emily and Carson helped him to sit back down.

"But I have to go," Grant responded.

"Go? Where does he want to go?" Shepherd asked.

"To the toilet," Emily replied.

"Doesn't he have a…." Carson stopped when Emily raised the urine jug up in her hand.

"He is refusing to use it."

Carson looked at Nathan sternly. "Now, Nathan…."

"I'm not peeing in that thing!"

"You have to pee in it. You're not well enough to take the stairs yet. Do you want another six weeks added to your recovery time because you ripped open an incision?" Carson asked. "Do you?"

"No," Nathan sullenly replied as he looked toward the floor.

Carson took the urinal from Emily. "Then you're going to have to go in this."

Nathan was silent for several seconds, still holding his side but not looking at either one of them.

"Well?" Carson asked.

"I'm not doing it in front of her," Grant replied.

"Oh, for the love of Peter and Paul, Nathan!" Emily said, raising her hands to her forehead.
"What?!"

"Grrrrr!" she responded, marching toward the stairs.

"What? What did I do?!" Nathan asked. "Hey! Where are you going?"

"Downstairs! I have another patient!" she replied, then under her breath, he heard her mumble as she was going down the stairs, "And mine has run out."

"She can be so emotional sometimes," Nathan said, pointing toward the stairway. "All I wanted was a little privacy."

Carson smiled sympathetically and waited until she was gone, then pulled up a chair by Nathan's bed, setting the jug on the end of the bed. "Want to talk about it?"

Nathan grabbed the jug and set it to the side. "No, not really."

Carson nodded. "Well, let's get you out of that hospital gown and into some pajamas. Does that sound good?"

"Oh, yeah," Nathan said, reaching for the back of the gown where it tied and wincing in pain.

Carson stood up to help him. "You know, your incision needs to be checked a few times a day to make sure that everything is healing properly. So while you are dealing with things up here, I'll run down to get some supplies so we can take care of that. It'll give you a little privacy as well," he said, looking toward the jug.

Nathan looked over at the item and nodded, finally admitting to himself he was in no shape to climb stairs.

A few minutes later, Carson returned and saw Nathan sitting on the edge of his bed with a blanket wrapped around himself, the full jug next to him on the nightstand with a handkerchief over top of it. Shepherd nonchalantly moved it off the stand and sat it on the floor, replacing it with his clipboard.

"Okay, let's see how you're doing," he said, removing the blanket from Nathan's shoulders and then helping him to lie back down. Carson removed the bandages and set them to the side for disposal, then picked up his notes and began to scribble a few things down. "Things are looking good," he said, continuing to write. "No signs of infection. No tearing."

"Good," Nathan said. "Does that mean I will heal faster?"

"Possibly," Carson replied, setting down the clipboard and picking up some sanitizing liquid and fresh bandages. "If you listen to your wife and don't fight her too hard."

Nathan sighed and shook his head. "I wasn't trying to fight her. It's just…I guess I'm a bit shy."

"Why's that?" Shepherd asked, pressing the clean gauze over the wound and reaching for the tape.

"Well, because - the last time a woman saw me naked, I was in diapers. My parents were very strict about that thing, and, well…I've always maintained that stance."

"So, Emily is your first?"

"She will be. First and only."

Carson stood and began walking toward the other side of the room to retrieve Grant's pajamas. "Well, she's a nurse, which means she's well-trained in human anatomy, and there's nothing about you that is going to surprise or shock her, so you shouldn't feel uncomfortable."

"I know," Nathan replied. "And, I know I'm being pretty childish about the whole thing…."

"No, not really," Carson said, handing him the pajamas and sitting back down. "This has been something that has been really important to you for all of these years, and you're naturally going to feel a bit strange letting that go. It's been part of who you are – part of your character. But, understand this, you managed to find a gem of a wife, and she loves you very much and only has your best interests in her heart – so there's nothing to feel anxious about. She's scared, too, I'm sure. But it's part of marriage – it's really a trust thing that says, 'I love you, and I trust you enough to be vulnerable around you.' You're never going to feel that way with any other person, and it's something that you and Emily can share that nobody else gets to experience."

Nathan pondered that while Carson helped him to slip the pajama top on. "So, you're saying it's about trust? That by not allowing her to take care of me, that somehow I'm sending her the message that I don't trust her?"

"In a sense, yes."

Nathan considered that. "Well, that's not good. I don't want her to think that. You know, she was talking about the bedpan and….I just don't think I can."

Carson smiled, "Hey, I get that. And maybe you don't get there right now. It's understandable how that would feel strange. You have to move at your own pace. Otherwise, that won't be good either."

Shepherd helped Nathan to stand and slipped on his pajama bottoms, which alone caused Grant to feel much more comfortable. "Do you want to sit by the window for a few minutes, or are you tired?"

"I, I think I'd like to lay back down if you don't mind," he responded.

"Sure," Shepherd said, supporting him as he laid back down. "You have any questions for me?"

"No, not really," Grant responded. "Thank you for coming all the way out here for our wedding. I know that meant a lot to Emily and me as well."

"We wouldn't have missed it. I'm going to go find Faith so we can catch up with some others before we head back home. She wanted to visit Rosemary, in particular."

"Tell the Coulters I said hi," Nathan replied.

"I will," Carson said, reaching the top of the steps.

"Hey, um….before you go."

Shepherd turned around and walked back into the room. "Yes?"

"I was wondering, how soon will I be able to….well….how soon can I go home?"

"A week. I want you to stay in bed for the next couple of days unless you feel up to looking out the window. It's important right now to watch for any increased pain, swelling, or redness, so Emily can address it."

"I see," Nathan replied.

"It'll be over in no time," Carson said, turning back toward the stairs. He'd taken two steps down when he heard Nathan call again.

"Uh, Carson…."

Shepherd turned around and looked at him from the stairwell. "Yeah, buddy?"

Nathan stalled for a moment, then finally got up the nerve. "How soon before we can…. Um, you know…. Um…"

"Start the honeymoon?" Carson asked.

Nathan nodded gratefully.

Carson came back upstairs and leaned against an end table. "That depends. I don't want you doing anything while your stitches are still there. So that's ten to fourteen days. After that, it'll depend upon how you're feeling."

"Oh?"

"Yes, you're likely to have more trouble with your ribs. I'm sure you've heard it'll take around six weeks for them to heal. But, generally speaking, once the stitches are out – I'd say whenever you feel comfortable and not a moment before. You want things to go well – not to be ruined due to pain."

"I hear you," Nathan replied. "Thanks, Carson – for everything."

"Anytime, buddy."

Lucas was finishing up Elizabeth's cleaning exercise, while she went to the kitchen to put on the kettle to make him some tea when a knock came on the door.

"I've got it," Lucas said, making his way to the door. He opened it with a half smile as he looked around. "Good morning, gentlemen. Where's Jack?"

Elizabeth joined him, kissing her father's cheek as he entered the home, and William and Allistair walked toward the living room.

"With your grandmother and Gustave."

"Gustave?" Lucas asked quizzically.

"Yes," William said. "Gustave is showing Jack how to make lunch for Mountie Nathan – a nice soup that will be gentle on his system. They should be right over once they're done."

"The guards are still with him?"

"Of course," Allistair replied. "You can trust the boy will stay safe. Where are your guards?"

Lucas smiled. "Outside, keeping watch on all sides of the house. We do need some privacy after all, and I am still capable of firing a firearm."

"As am I," Elizabeth said. "Would you gentlemen care for some tea? I was just about to make some for Lucas."

"That's alright dear. I don't really care for any. How about you, Spencer?" William asked.

"I'm fine. Thank you," Allistair replied as Elizabeth left the room.

"So, I know what William is here for this morning, but what brings you here, Spence? Any word on tying Bertram to the attempted murder?"

"Not enough to charge him with, I'm afraid. When they found Marshall's body, he had a notebook in his breast pocket that appeared to have contained some phone numbers. Unfortunately, whatever numbers existed were mostly washed away by river water. So, no leads there."

"What about his accomplice?" Lucas asked. "Anything from him?"

"Not a peep," William replied. "It's like there is a wall of silence once you reach a certain point, and he will not breach it."

"But we'll keep trying," Spencer said. "Meanwhile, I've come to talk about the security plan while we're in Union City."

Elizabeth walked back into the room with Lucas's tea. "I hope there will be extra guards on duty."

"There will be," William replied. "I've seen to that. And, I've taken the opportunity to speak with the central offices, and they'll be sending Harry St. James to attend to it."

"St. James! That's VIP Treatment!" Lucas responded.

"Well, you and my daughter are VIPs to me," Thatcher responded. "We'll be having none of the Keystone cops surrounding you, if I have a say in it."

"And I appreciate that," Lucas responded. "Which, I suppose, leaves the contractual elements that we still have to deal with?"

"Contractual elements?" Thatcher asked.

Lucas furrowed his brow. "Yes. Spence would like to make a change to the contract naming him CEO Pro Tempore; I assumed you had spoken about it?"

"A change?" Elizabeth asked, eying Spencer suspiciously. "What sort of change?"

Spencer chuckled uncomfortably, then began to explain the plan as he had explained it to Lucas. "For NorthWest Trucking and Thatcher to continue to thrive, there needs to be a plan of continuity and a clear line of succession, or investors will become nervous."

"I went years without a clear line of succession, Spencer," Thatcher replied. "Our investors are used to it."

"But you hadn't experienced the, um…challenges….that your son-in-law has had. Someone has tried to kill him three times now."

"Two," Lucas replied. "Apparently, Williams only wanted to make me sick."

"That hardly helps your case," Spencer replied. "and you're involved in a political campaign…."

"That you suggested I become involved in," Lucas responded.

"Yes, that's true – and beside the fact. Corporations need stability. William provided and provides that for Thatcher and I have no doubt you will do the same once things settle down; but, should you get elected, or should God-forbid something happen…."

"NOTHING will happen," Thatcher replied sternly. "We will make sure that Lucas and our family remains safe, or we're pulling out of the race altogether."

"But…." Spencer replied.

"We went along with this plan in order to save this valley, but I will not support it if you think there is going to be a real possibility that Lucas could get killed. Do you have confidence in security or not?"

"I do," Allistair responded. "Of course I do. And I wasn't trying to infer that things weren't under control. All I was saying is that if for some reason, Lucas isn't able to step back into his role – then it would be a good thing to have a planned successor already written out on paper – so the investors could have confidence that their investments are not dependent upon one man."

"I agree," Thatcher replied. "And I know just such a man," he said, patting Spencer on the back. "He's a tested man with a proven record of being able to work with people and bring a hefty return on investor's shares – a natural for the job and the only person aside from Lucas that I would be willing to turn the company over to."

"Father, the whole company?" Elizabeth asked.

"Eventually," Thatcher replied. "So, yes, I agree that the change needs to be made, and Lucas's successor needs to be written, as it were in stone."

"Excellent," Allistair stated. "I'll have the lawyers make the change."

"Very well," Thatcher replied. "But not before they confer with Sir Lionel's lawyers in London."

Spencer frowned. "What?"

"Well, I'm sure he's going to want to know what he's signing up for."

"Father, Sir Lionel?" Elizabeth asked with surprise.

Lucas smiled. "I love this idea. I take it you're pleased with his performance?"

"More than pleased, son," William replied. "Ever since all of the controversy started, Lionel has shown an amazing ability to calm our European investors down and ensure their loyalty to the company. He's receiving the highest praise, all the way up to the Crown Prince. His business instincts are almost as good as yours. He would make a fine CEO."

"I'm not sure he and Viola would like to move to Hope Valley," Elizabeth said.

"Probably not, but he would work out some sort of compromise," Thatcher replied. "So, thank you, Sir. Allistair. I'm very glad to have you as my second brain thinking these things through. It's why I wanted you to step in for Lucas on this temporary basis, but I know your life is with the company, and you needn't worry about that being interrupted. Everything is well in hand."

Spencer gave a half-smile and nodded but said no more.

"They're sending Superintendent Collins," Bill stated as he sat beside Nathan's bed.

"Collins? Isn't this kind of assignment a little low for his rank?"

"Not really," Avery replied. "The Mounties are receiving pressure from the crown to get this right. After what happened with Hargraves and Williams, the RCMP's competency is being called into question. Collins has a vested interest to see that the town is protected."

"Makes sense," Grant replied. "Anything new on Hargraves and what he did with Lucas?"

"It's being investigated. So far, Andrew isn't cooperating and has been placed on leave. I knew he was holding a grudge when he came to town revisiting the prisoner transfer, and as things progressed, I thought it was over Jack Thornton being killed; but I thought he put that behind him when they concluded the review proclaiming you innocent. Evidently, there's something he's just not willing to let go of. Are you sure there wasn't something else about you arresting those cattle rustlers that he'd still be bent out of shape over?"

Nathan shook his head. "As far as I know, it was just a normal round-up of some thieves."

"But, surely, by the fact that he didn't want you to arrest them – rather, to observe them, there was some other aim to your mission. Were any of them wanted for anything else?"

"I was thinking about that - not that I know of. They were supposed to have worked for some guy named Long. Hank Long. I heard Hargraves wanted to know his wear abouts, and I guess my arrest of the rustlers sort of messed that up."

Bill shook his head. "Well, as soon as your wife gives me the all clear, I think I'm going to take a trip out to Headquarters and try to poke around some more. Hank Long, you say?"

"Yeah. I think that was his name. Hank, Harry…it's been five years, and I wasn't really briefed on all of the details, but I think that was what he called him…oh, and I recall him saying something about Long being in contact with some guy named Johnson – lived a couple of hours north of the US Border. Maybe you can start with him."

"Johnson? With a name as common as that, it's going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack."

Nathan shrugged. "Wish I was going with you."

Bill smiled, patting Grant's bed. "You just concentrate on getting well, and we'll get there soon enough."

"Good morning, Mike! My, aren't you all dressed up!" Florence said as Hickam entered the Mercantile.

Mike was dressed in a three-piece suit that had arrived for special delivery the day before Christmas via a Wells Fargo wagon. The same sort of shipping was now being handled by trucks in other places in Western Canada and throughout the West, but these vestiges of times gone by still could be seen on occasion in Hope Valley. He had ordered the suit in preparation for his date with Fiona, and now that his sister Millicent had returned home, the day had arrived.

"Thank you, Florence. It's new," Mike said, looking aimlessly around the store.

After a few minutes of Mike walking around, picking up a variety of items, and then putting them back down, Florence tired of waiting on him to purchase something, "Is there something I can help you with?" she asked.

Mike looked a little embarrassed, then came up to the counter, looking to the right and to the left before leaning in to whisper something in Florence's ear. "I need to…that is, I would very much like to buy…."

The front door to the Mercantile swung open, and Robert walked in.

"Good morning, Mrs. Yost!" he said. "I'll have the usual."

Florence looked at Robert in a stern way. "That's fine, Robert, but Mike was here first. Mike, you were saying?"

Mike loosened his collar slightly and felt a sweat break out on his forehead as a sense of anxiety came upon him. "I, um…I was just saying that I wanted to um….that is, I need…I want to buy some, um…." He looked to his left and grabbed the first thing he saw, a sign denoting Yost's latest sale. "Coffee! I need to buy some coffee!" he said, with a smile, his heart beating in his chest a mile a minute.

Florence raised her eyebrows. "Coffee. That's what you were whispering to me about? Coffee?"

Mike lowered his head and nodded once, and Florence twisted her mouth with a slight smile, glancing over at Robert and then toward Mike as she picked up a bag to measure out his merchandise.

Wolf walked over to Hickam and put his arm around him. "Mike….um, you don't mind me calling you that, do you?"

Mike glanced over at Wolf and nodded. "No, not at all. I'd actually prefer it. Mr. Hickam was my father. I never liked being called by his name."

"I get that," Robert said. "I like to be called Robert, though some call me Rob," he said as he walked him away from the counter. "Regardless, I couldn't help but notice you in the company of a certain young lady the past week or so."

"Oh, that was my sister. She just went home."

"That's not who I'm talking about," Robert said. "I'm referring to Miss Miller. You two seem to be spending a lot of time together these days."

Mike blushed. "Yes, well, Fiona and I have always gotten along well. She's a good friend."

"Just a friend?" Robert asked.

Mike looked a little like a trapped animal, so Robert tried another approach. "Listen, Mike – there is nothing wrong with having girls who are friends. And there is nothing wrong with having a girl who is a friend turn into a girlfriend – particularly, as you say if you get along."

"Uh, Fiona and I aren't…well, I wouldn't exactly call her…that is…."

"You don't have to explain," Robert said. "I know when you first start 'like-liking' someone, especially someone who has been a friend; it can be awkward and a little scary. You don't want to mess up your friendship, but you don't want to let something pass that could be really special. That's how it's been with Allie and me."

"Really?" Mike asked.

"Truly. But we both decided to cast fear to the side and give it a try. I'm happy to say that it's going well."

Mike smiled. "That's good. I'm glad for you."

Robert took a step back. "And that's all I really wanted to say to you – just to tell you to stop worrying. Oh, and Miss Miller has a secret sweet tooth. I've delivered special chocolate candies to her from San Francisco about once a month for the past year. I think she'll really like the chocolate-covered cherries over there on the third shelf."

Mike looked over toward the chocolate and then at Robert, who simply turned and walked away. Then, a few seconds later, he returned to the counter, his countenance somewhat lifted. "Would you add these to my bill, Florence?" he asked. "They're….they're for a date."

"Oh!" Florence said, bowing her lips and then giving him a knowing smile as she took the chocolate in hand. She rang him out, then handed him the bag. "Fiona will enjoy these very much," she replied.

Mike looked a little surprised but smiled back with a nod of his head before exiting the store.

Nathan was just waking up from a nap when he heard footsteps coming upstairs. He looked over at the clock on the wall, realizing it was three in the afternoon and wondered if it was time for Emily to check his wound. She'd been up and down the stairs all day, and things were a little better between them but still tense. Grant felt terrible for causing the argument and was anxious to put it right. But when he saw dark hair and not blonde peeking over the railing, he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

"Oh, it's only you," he said, not meaning to come off insulting.

Lucas stopped in his steps and looked back down the stairs. "I could go if you like."

"No, no. Come on in," Nathan replied. "I was hoping it was Emily."

"Ah," Bouchard responded, "Now, I understand." He walked to Nathan's bedside and sat down in the ever-present chair, looking around at his own handiwork and how comfortable of a setting Grant was provided. "So, how are you feeling?" he asked.

Nathan tilted his head to the right and left. "A little like a mule kicked me in the gut, but okay."

"I see. Well, I expect you'll be sore for quite a while."

"Carson is still saying six weeks, though he thinks I'll be able to move around a lot more within two."

"Two weeks? That's marvelous – which means you should be able to move back home by…."

"Next week," Nathan replied. "Emily's replacement that we had planned for when we go on our honeymoon said he'd be able to come in next week and take over. He was going to come earlier, but given the circumstances and the fact we were suddenly flush with medical professionals, he agreed to wait."

Lucas shook his head. "Good. Well, you look good. I understand that Gustave sent you some soup for lunch."

"Yeah, it was delicious. They said Jack played a role in making it?"

Lucas nodded. "Yes. At this point, we're not sure if he's going to grow up to be a geologist or a chef, maybe something else."

"Maybe he'll be a Mountie. We used to cook meat and stuff on rocks all the time while we were out in the wilderness."

"Really? That would be interesting. Although I'm not sure how much Elizabeth would want to hear of him joining your fine profession. I guess if it made him happy."

"That would be hard," Nathan admitted. "So, what's the latest on your end?"

Lucas sat back in his chair. "We're going to Union City in the morning for a campaign speech. I intend on issuing a challenge to Bertram to debate me after that."

"That's bold. Is that something you really want to do?"

"I can think of no better way to expose what a vacuous man he is. I have studied the issues and know that he doesn't really have a handle on any of them, and while I'll be promising my constituents the moon, the plan is that I will be exposing who he is all along so that they will not vote for him."

"Then, you're going to tell people how much the moon costs, and you think that will keep them from voting for you."

"I guarantee it," Lucas replied.

"Well, there's still a steak dinner riding on that guarantee, and I intend to collect."

Lucas laughed. "If I win, you can have the largest Porterhouse you can find."

"That sounds good," Nathan replied. "A porterhouse with a baked potato."

"Oh, goodness! That does sound delicious!" Lucas said "When you're well."

"As if I needed an incentive to get well," Nathan responded. "You know, last night was the first night since I was a child that I slept in the same bed with a woman."

"And, how was it?"

"It was nice. Definitely, something I could get used to. Except, I am afraid I offended her this morning when I wouldn't – well, she wanted me to 'go' in that thing over there." He said, nodding toward the jug in the corner.

"Which, I see you did."

"Yeah, just not around her. Lucas, it's embarrassing to be sharing all of this ' nature' with the woman you love. Do you know what I mean?"

Lucas lowered his head to suppress a laugh. "Well, um, Nathan…pretty soon you're going to be sharing all sorts of 'nature' with her."

"I know! That's not what I'm talking about – or maybe it is. I don't know. I feel stupid. She's a nurse, for crying out loud! This stuff is routine with her. Why should I be nervous?"

"Because you don't want to fail her," Lucas replied. "You love her, and you want everything to go just right. You love her so much that you've elevated her to a position that certain things, well, they are just beneath her, and you don't want to expose that to her, so you're holding back."

Nathan listened as Lucas's words resonated.

"But, in holding back, you threaten to sabotage the very thing you seek to protect. So, to that, I say you just have to take a leap and trust that it's going to be alright."

"Trust. That's what Carson said it was, a lack of trust." Nathan said.

"Trust and confidence," Lucas responded. "Believe me, leading up to our wedding, I had those moments where I could hardly focus on what I was doing, thinking about what would come after Elizabeth and I were married. I very much wanted things to go well, but I was fearful I'd make a fool of myself – particularly with my injury and everything. But, all of that worrying was for naught. Everything was beautiful – more beautiful than I could ever have anticipated. And the good news is that it just keeps getting better! The more I know her and the more she knows me, the better we interact with one another."

Nathan smiled. "That's great. I'm glad you two are so happy together. Really. I mean it."
"I know you do. And I appreciate that. And, a while back, the two of us had a conversation about 'first times' for things, and I made you the offer that if you ever wanted to talk, I'd be happy to do so. That offer still stands, you know. If you're feeling nervous, I may have some things that could help you."

Nathan smiled a slightly crooked smile and looked away. "That's okay, Lucas. I really don't need to hear any more about your and Elizabeth's sex life."

Lucas raised his eyebrows, "And I can assure you that you won't hear a peep. There are some things that gentlemen don't discuss, even amongst each other. I was referring to a book."

"A book?" Nathan asked, tilting his head. "Um, if it's the kind of book I think you're talking about, no thanks."

Lucas laughed. "Nathan, do you really think I'd offer you one of those kinds of books? Not that I even have any. The lewdest thing I've read was by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and was essentially a fictional commentary on the decadence and corruption of the French Aristocracy versus the working class. It depicted the ends of lives lived for hedonism and sexual debauchery."

"Don't think I'd like it," Nathan replied.

Lucas shrugged. "It's not for everyone. But I can assure you that you won't find this book offensive. It belonged to my father and was written the year before my parents married, purchased no doubt because he was in much the same position as you and I. It is instructional and clinical in its approach. I know it taught me a lot about women that I didn't already know."

"Okay," Grant replied. "I'll read it. I've got nothing else to do for a while."

Lucas smiled. "I'll bring it by when Elizabeth and I have returned from Union City."

"That sounds good, Lucas. Thanks."

Lucas stood up to leave just as more footsteps were heard coming up the stairs.

"Ah, good timing," Lucas responded, seeing Emily standing there with some towels in her hands and a bottle of warm water. "I must be going."

"Travel safely, Lucas," Emily said.

She waited until he closed the door, then walked over to Nathan's bedside and felt his forehead.

"No fever. This is good."

"Yeah," Nathan replied, taking her hand. "I've missed you."

Emily smiled and stroked her fingers through his hair. "I'll be off work soon; then maybe I can bring us back something from the Queen for dinner? Something a little more substantive than soup?"

"Something more substantive? Like?"

Emily shrugged. "I was thinking some mashed potatoes and Gustave's mushroom gravy?"

"Really?"

"It's soft. You should be able to eat it."

"Any chance I can get a steak with that?" he joked.

Emily laughed. "In a few days, yes. You can have as much steak as you want. But we have to ease into things."

Nathan nodded, then looked toward the towels which she had set on the bed. "What's that for?"

Emily looked at them and held up the bottle of water. "It's time for your bath. I brought them up here for you so you could bathe yourself in privacy. I'll just go back downstairs and…."

"No. Don't." Grant said, reaching out and touching her.

"Don't?" she asked.

Nathan smiled a bashful smile. "I don't want you to go. I'd like you to do it."

Emily's mouth dropped open. "Really?"

Nathan shook his head, and Emily immediately began to tear up, moving toward him and kissing him passionately on the mouth. "I love you, Nathan Grant!"

"I love you, Emily Grant," he responded, pulling himself up to a sitting position and then removing his shirt in front of her. "How do you want me to be? Should I stand?"

Emily smiled softly. "No, you're fine. We can take care of it like this," she said – reaching for a bowl and pouring the water into it. She reached for the washcloth and dampened it, then wrung it out into the bowl, and as she raised it to his chest, she and Nathan stared into each other's eyes. A lopsided grin appeared on his face, and Emily blushed and then lowered her chin. His nervousness quickly faded away.

Late that evening, Allistair Spencer sat in a chair in his hotel room, looking out the window into the Hope Valley night. He was not happy. The plans he'd had for Bouchard were so well laid out, and now, it seemed there was a roadblock at every turn. He reached for a glass of brandy that he'd poured from a bottle he smuggled into Hope Valley in his suitcase, considering what to do next.

The phone rang, and he quickly picked it up, waiting for the out-of-town operator to hang up before he said anything further.

"Spencer? Are you there?"

"Yes. It's me. We have trouble."

"What sort of trouble?" the man asked.

"William Thatcher has stepped into the middle of this. He's intervened in the contractual change and wants to place his other son-in-law in charge instead. And now, Bouchard and his wife are going to Union City with plans to debate Bertram in another week. Capone is expecting me to show him proof that I've made the transfer, and if I don't do that, I'm not sure anything will hold him back. Things are too dangerous. I say we abort."

"We can't abort," the man said. "Look, we had a plan, and the plan is still going forward. I've assigned St. James to handle Bouchard's security. Nothing's going to happen."

"You can't promise that. It's a miracle that Bouchard wasn't killed in the grenade attack or the shooting."

"-When the Mounties had him under their watch. Now we're in charge. Look, you bought us a week. Stay the course. Too much is at stake. I'll be in touch." *click*

"C? Are you there? C?"

Allistair picked up his glass and gulped down the burning liquid knowing that it was true – so much was at stake with this particular operation. He just wondered if central headquarters and he were considering the same things. Lucas Bouchard had been like a son to him in many ways, and he'd never intended to put his life at risk – but he did. Spencer felt trapped, with no way out. They were in over their heads, and disaster seemed to lurk right around the corner. Something had to break.