Lucas Bouchard was happy with the purchase of the saloon. Sure it was smaller than what he was used to, but he couldn't deny the rustic charm that it had. It was morning in Hope Valley, and he was admiring the sunrise over the distant Canadian Rockies. His being happy aside, he was worried about Rosemary. The firecracker of a woman was usually up and about long before he was, but today she was actually lolygagging in bed. Sighing, he strode inside and placed his coffee cup down on the bar, heading to the biggest room.

"Rosie, c'mon, we've got a day of work ahead of us".

"Go away", she yelled through the door. As much as he wanted to open the door himself he restrained his impulse and continued to speak.

"Rosemary, I don't know what's going on, but we've got to start working to get the saloon ready for business.

The silence hung in the air like a blade. Desperate to see his friend emerge from hiding he used his ace in the hole.

"Are you going to deprive your public of your charm"?

He was about to turn away when the doorknob jiggled and opened, revealing a red eyed Rosemary Levoux. Lucas opened his arms to her and she fell into his embrace.

"What's wrong Rosie"?

"That Mountie is my ex-fiancee", she sniffled. Lucas kissed the top of her head and led her to the kitchen.

"How about I make us some breakfast"?

With a strength and fervor that belied her previous emotional state, Rosemary pushed Lucas down into a chair.

"Don't think for one second I'm going to eat any of that slop you insist on calling grits, Lucas Bouchard".

Lucas smiled to himself and complied with her wishes. If only she knew that she had actually complied with his. He knew Rosemary could never resist cooking. If there was one thing in this world she loved more than acting it was cooking and caring for those she loved.

'if only', Lucas thought as he watched her. 'If Only'

Abigail Stanton walked down the stairs to find her son, Cody, pulling on the old riding boots she had giving him upon graduation. She remembered when she had bought them brand new for her late husband, Noah, when they had come out west. She smiled in admiration of how much Cody had grown.

"Early morning at the office", she asked, pouring a cup of coffee from the pot that he had prepared.

"Yeah, Lee and I are going up the mountain to take inventory on the grove".

"Just be careful", she said, preparing his lunch for him. As always, he had 'forgotten' any fruits or vegetables. She silently snuck in an apple and carrot from the crisper and handed him the brown bag. With a kiss and an I love you mom he walked out the door and over to Lee Coulter's office. Lee Coulter could quite literally be called the savior of Hope Valley. After Nathan Grant and RCMP Inspector Bill Avery investigated the collapse of the mine and the mining company found to be at fault, the mine was closed and men that once had jobs were now out of work. A few days later Leland Coulter rode in on his motorcycle. All he had asked for was a horse and a guide up the mountain to look at trees. Cody Stanton knew that mountain like the back of his hand, after all he had spent the better part of his life hiding on it. Cody had volunteered his service and led Lee up the mountain to the best trees that Lee had ever seen. A couple days later, Lee made the announcement that he was opening up a new sawmill to cut and mill the quality timber that was on the mountain. He gave Cody an after-school apprenticeship and, upon graduating, became Lee's right hand man.

Cody had just stepped onto the boardwalk when the stage arrived early. He glanced at his pocket watch, sure that the stage was early. Curious, and with a couple minutes to spare, Cody jogged over to investigate.

"Hey George", he said, addressing the driver, "kinda early, ain'tcha"?

"Not my fault, I got told to expedite my passengers".

As if on cue, a beautiful woman wearing a volumenous skirt and lace up high heel shoes stepped down from the stage, followed by the most beautiful girl that Cody had ever seen. Staring, Cody backed away, heading towards the office, but instead found himself walking into a support post for the overhanging canopy. Jogged out of his state, he turned at the sound of the woman's voice, and the girls giggles.

"Are you okay young man"?

Cody nodded, unable to take his eyes off of the girl who, as Cody now saw, was climbing onto the stage to toss down their luggage.

"Allison, that is not very lady-like".

"Come off it Fiona".

"I'm sorry", she said, turning back to address Cody, "could you tell me where the mayor is"?

Cody, finding his voice, answered promptly.

"Yes ma'am, she's at Abigail's cafe".

"splendid, Allison and I have had a long journey, a spot of breakfast would be wonderful".

Cody smiled and bid farewell to the women, knowing that no matter how early it was, his mother would make sure they were well fed.

Cody Stanton found Lee inside the office as he slid on his own pair of old pair riding boots over thick black socks. On his desk was a wide brimmed hat with a cinch-strap.

"Ah, good morning Cody, you look ready for the day ahead".

"Yes sir, I've got the markers here in my bag", Xody said, showing Lee the markers.

"Good man, now let's head out. The sooner we finish the sooner you get to talk to that pretty girl".

Cody looked up quickly, a deep blush rising in his face. Just as quickly he looked away, feeling himself grow irritated.

"Let's just get going".

Lee chuckled, grabbed hisbhat, and followed Cody to the livery. As Cody was saddling his horse he noticed a blonde woman, the new lady that rode into town with the new owner of the saloon. Following behind her was the beautiful girl, Allison. The nlonde walked directly to Lee while the girl walked directly over his way.

"Good morning", she said, looking at him from the other side of the horse.

"Good morning. is there anything I can do for you"?

"I just wanted to make sure you're okay, that looked like a nasty bump you got".

Cody blushed and looked down.

"Yeah, I'm fine".

"Fine enough to take a ride later? Me and Fiona are going to be setting up the new phone system, but I'm free later"?

"Y-yeah", Cody said, feeling a warm sensation take over his entire being as the girl smiled at him.

Smiling widely she reached out her hand and shook Cody's.

"I'm Allison Grant, but everyone calls me Allie".

"I'm Cody, Cody Stanton".

Turning and walking away, Allison waved goodbye.

"It was a pleasure meeting you Cody".

Greetings and salutations my kind readers. Cody and Allie have arrived in the story. Obviously I have ages them up a bit, mainly because I wanted Cody to have a stronger role in the story. So, I have written a little spark between Cody and Allie. Thoughts?