I hope this gives LucaBeth fans a little smile as they read my short story of how I would end this season. I'm sorry I cannot give hope of this ending, but maybe a little closure. ~sk

The sky grew dark at the end of election day as Nathan opened the door, finding Elizabeth inside by the ballot box.

"Elizabeth," he said, his blue eyes piercing into her thoughts.

"Nathan," she responded nervously.

"It shouldn't be long until we hear the results. Perhaps we should join everyone over at the saloon," he replied, looking down at her barren ring finger with a sigh. "Come on, I'll walk you over."

"I need to go get Little Jack. He wants to know if his buddy wins gubner." The words brought a sad smile to her face.

"Are you sure, Elizabeth?"

"About Little Jack? Yes, he told me this morning..."

"No," he replied, stepping closer. "Are you sure about you and Lucas?"

Diverting her eyes from his intense gaze, Elizabeth flopped into a chair, breathing out an audible sigh. "I love him, Nathan. I don't know how I can live without him."

Walking over, Nathan pulled another chair close and sat next to her. "Then don't."

"You make it sound so easy."

"Well, isn't it?"

"I told him I couldn't give him my whole heart. I was struggling... LJ was asking about his father... and it led me down a dark path. But when I saw him board that train, it was as if my eyes were opened. He tried to be so strong, but I broke his heart, Nathan. He would never forgive me..."

"You must not know how much he loves you. I hope one day I find a love like the two of you have." A single tear ran down Elizabeth's face at his words.

"But I can't move to the city. Hope Valley is my home. And..."

"Don't you think Lucas feels the same way? Why else would he be out there trying to save it?"

The questions struck their mark and Elizabeth ran her hands through her hair. "But if he wins, how can we make it work?"

"Compromise."

It was only one word, but Elizabeth was reminded of her students from a few weeks ago. She had taught on that very thing. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "You're right," she said eagerly jumping to her feet. "Let's go get Little Jack. We should hurry, the returns will be in very soon."

Nathan smiled as she rushed to the door and turned back to him. "Are you coming?"

Throwing his arms out with a laugh, Nathan stepped next to her. "Let's go," he said, having to double step to catch her as she ran.

###

"Did Buddy win?" Little Jack's words brought Elizabeth back to the present.

"We don't know yet, but Mr. Yost is trying to dial into the radio station so we can find out."

"Here we go!" Ned called as a voice came through the speaker loud and clear.

"The votes are in and it's a close one. It seems only 21 votes separate Governor Balfour and Lucas Bouchard. The moment you've all been waiting for... Lucas Bouchard is your new governor!"

Cheers rang out across the saloon as tears ran down Elizabeth's face. "He did it. Your buddy did it." Jack clapped excitedly and then ran over to play with some other children from town as Elizabeth stood and walked over to the radio, putting her hand on top of it. Rosemary came close and took her other hand.

"Elizabeth, you need to go to him. When we talked a few weeks ago, I knew you weren't in a good place. And I must apologize for being a clingy friend. But, you have been miserable without him. I know you love him and miss him. Lucas is your lifetime, and you must be with him. And no matter where the two of you live, I'll always see your light is on."

"Thank you, Rosemary. I love you, my friend." Elizabeth and Rosemary embraced as Lee walked over to them, Ned shushing the chaotic crowd.

"Lucas is about to speak!"

"I want to introduce to you, Governor Bouchard!" The voice said eagerly through a bit of static and then Lucas's voice was heard loud and clear.

"Thank you! I want to thank everyone who voted. We did it!" More cheers rose, but Ned quickly quieted everyone down. "But most of all, I want to thank the people of Hope Valley. Especially one in particular..." Suddenly there was a loud pop heard over the airwaves, a scream, and then all went silent.

Elizabeth was laughing when the sound occurred making her jump.

"Ned, bring it back! What was that?"

"I'm trying!" Ned said frantically as he worked with the dial, but there was no more transmission.

Nathan and Bill walked over, both looking serious. "Elizabeth..." Bill said, placing his hand gently on her arm.

"Bill, Nathan...what was that sound? Where did Lucas go?"

"Elizabeth, it sounded like a gunshot," Nathan said softly, seeing her eyes widen in fright.

"No... no... Lucas is fine. He's fine, isn't he? Bill, I have to get to him!"

"Of course. We can take Lee's car," Bill said with a nod from Lee.

"I'll take care of Little Jack," Rosemary offered with another hug. "He's going to be fine," she whispered in Elizabeth's ear just before her friend left quickly with the judge.

"We need a prayer vigil," Joseph said as he joined them. "Let's head to the church."

"He has to be alright," Nathan said as he watched Elizabeth's retreating back. "For her sake."

###

The drive was quiet as Elizabeth prayed and Bill drove.

"I'm sure he's okay," Bill encouraged, glancing over at her worried face.

"I can't lose him, Bill. He thinks I don't want him. But after hearing that gunshot, I realized exactly how much I do." Bill noticed Elizabeth wringing her hands in her lap. "I need him, Bill," she breathed out quietly.

"We're almost there."

As they pulled up to the large building where the radio broadcast was being transmitted, people seemed to be coming and going out of every entrance. Exiting the car they hurried forward, Bill showing his ID to the security detail at the door, explaining that Elizabeth was Governor Bouchard's fiancée. Quickly they were ushered into a room full of people that spoke in hushed whispers. Elizabeth fearfully looked around before catching her breath as she bumped into what appeared to be a body under a sheet. There was a large red stain on the front.

"No..." she whispered, the tears coming fast as Bill came to her side and put his arm around her. "Lucas..." she gasped out, struggling to breathe, not hearing a door behind her open and close.

"Elizabeth, that's not..." Bill began but was interrupted by another voice.

"Elizabeth?"

The one she longed to hear called her name; Elizabeth didn't dare to hope as she turned in place. There stood Lucas, his eyes meeting hers, her feet no longer able to remain still. Running a few steps forward, she propelled herself into his arms, not caring who was watching as her lips found his- thankful when she felt his arms around her back as he returned her caress.

Stepping away momentarily, her hands moved down his arms and chest as she made sure he was well, their audience uncomfortably looking anywhere but at the transfixed couple. Lucas's hand touched her chin and raised it so their eyes met once more. Then he took her into an empty room, Bill smiling as Lucas closed the door behind them.

"I'm sorry..." Both said at the same time, Lucas exhaling a slight laugh as Elizabeth looked puzzled.

"Lucas, you have nothing to be sorry for. I made you believe that my heart wasn't all yours, but I was wrong. It was a season of grief I was dealing with. I love you, Lucas Bouchard, and only you. Please tell me you forgive me."

"I was so focused on doing the right thing for Hope Valley, that I didn't realize you were struggling, and for that, I apologize. You are my life, Elizabeth Thornton, and if you will still marry me, somehow, we will work out the geographical problem."

"You still want to marry me?" she asked, her eyes full of wonder.

"More than anything in the world, my love."

His words brought a sweet relief to her heart. "Of course, I will marry you, but, can we move the wedding up, Mr. Bouchard?" she asked teasingly.

"I'll say our vows tonight if you will have me."

"Rosemary will be mad."

"I'm not marrying Rosemary," he replied as he lifted her hand and kissed the engagement ring on her finger, his dark eyes never leaving hers.

"Then let's go find the judge, Governor Bouchard, and make me your first lady," she responded with a bright smile before pulling his head down and kissing him deeply. When he finally stepped back, he took her hand in his.

"Shall we?" he asked breathlessly as they left the room smiling. Together.

The end