Author's note: Thanks to Avis Minter for suggesting the gifts and all that jazz for Lucas!

Thanks to Nikki Longnecker for calling Grace and Lucas "Darlings of the region"!

—--

Thursday morning came with a sun peeking through the clouds and sprinkling golden sparkles across the snowy blanket.

It was sunny, but the air was freezing and Grace hurried toward the bookstore, rushing to get away from the cold.

She exhaled and smiled as she came inside the antique bookstore. Gliding her fingertips across the spines of books she got so absorbed that she didn't hear the saleswoman approaching her.

"Can I help you, Miss?"

Grace jumped up, slightly startled and both her and saleswoman chuckled.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you", said the older lady.

Grace smiled.

"Don't worry about it", she said "And actually, yes, I would love some help. I am looking for the first edition of two books - Robin Hood and Dangerous Liaisons."

A saleswoman smiled.

"Interesting choice. And we have both of them", she replied.

Grace grinned happily.

"Excellent! I'll take both of them", she said, reaching for her purse.

A saleswoman slightly creased her eyebrows.

"Well, they are quite expensive. Don't you want to hear the price first?", as a young lady in front of her shook her head and smiled, a saleswoman nodded "Very well, follow me."

Grace followed her to the cash desk and waited until she brought the books…

And slightly gasped at the beauty of the covers!

A sales woman packed the books in her bag and took the money. As she was searching for change, she glanced at Grace.

"Is it a gift?", as a young beautiful lady smiled widely and nodded, her cheeks becoming rosy, a saleswoman tilted her head to one side and her lips curled up "He must be very special."

Grace smiled dreamily.

"Oh, he is!", she whispered "The most special man in this world!"

—--

Lucas closed the doors to his office, exhaling tiredly. Ever since early morning he was up to his neck in the documents that required his immediate attention.

He rubbed his eyes with thumb and index finger as his other hand pulled out his pocket watch.

He opened it to check time.

15.08.

Great. No time to rest before Lillian arrives.

Like he wasn't a wreck of nerves already.

Lucas walked a few steps down the long corridor, pondering what should he do now until Grace's sister arrives.

Do I need to shave?

He went back a few steps to glance at the mirror on the wall.

No. His beard was just fine.

Absently running a hand over his cheeks Lucas thought about just going to the living room and read some newspapers until Lillian arrives.

He cringed at the thought.

"No more tiny letters for today, please", he mumbled silently to himself then let out a breath of frustration.

Perhaps I could do some more work.

His neck protested to that thought as it ached painfully from him studying the documents for hours.

So the work was out of the question.

Passing by the kitchen he could hear Gustave slightly coughing. Lucas shook his head as he remembered how he tried to convince him to go to see a doctor, but his stubborn cousin said that he is not "le petit garçon" ("little boy") who runs to see a doctor every time he has a little cold.

Truth was, Gustave was scared of doctors more than any little boy in this world.

Lucas stopped dead in his tracks.

Doctor.

His lips curled up in a small smile as he turned around and went back toward his office.

As he opened the doors to his office, Lucas pulled out his pocket watch again to check the time.

15.17.

He shook his head, unable to believe that only nine minutes had passed since he checked the time for the last time.

Lucas opened the drawer of his desk and took out a piece of paper with Henry's handwriting and smiled as he looked at it and picked up the phone receiver.

He tried the home number first, just in case.

And obviously, luck was on his side today as he heard a line being connected and his friend's voice was heard.

"Hello, Dr. Carson Shepherd here."

Lucas smiled.

"Hello, Dr. Shepherd", he said with a chuckle and at first he was met with silence on the other side of the line.

But that was when he heard Carson laugh in surprise.

"Lucas Bouchard, is that you?!"

—--

Grace was bubbling with energy today. After purchasing the books she went to see a doctor, more so to calm her sister down then because she was really worried about her health.

And just like she thought, everything was fine.

She walked quickly through the flea market, searching for a stand with records. Once she found it, she browsed through them, searching for the right one…

AHA! Got ya!

She pulled out a record by King Oliver, her face brightening with smile.

During their train ride, Lucas told her that he loved jazz and revealed how his King Oliver's record got lost during his moving around. He never had a chance of replacing it.

She bit her lower lip, practically jumping on her feet as a salesman approached her.

"I'll take it", she grinned "How much?", as he said the price, Grace handed him the money and went to the exit of a flea market.

One more thing to be done.

She looked around, trying to find a clock that would tell her what time was it so she wouldn't be late. Lillian had to leave at 15.30, she said so.

Huffing in frustration at no sight of clock anywhere, Grace hurried toward the final destination.

I really have to buy myself a pocket watch!

As she rushed down the street, her eyes suddenly saw the shop on the left side of the street and her steps slowed down as her smile turned into a flirtatious one.

Well, I am spending money that I earned in a poker game.

And I am spending it on Lucas.

And I have more than enough for both making the reservation and for this.

Grace bit her lip as she giggled to herself and slightly bounced on her feet.

She crossed the street and reached the shop, nervously chewing on her lip as she looked at the shop window.

Ah, what the hell!

She pushed the doors open and went inside.

Maybe I'll never wear it.

But if there's even the slightest chance…well, I don't want to regret not buying it!

Grace walked between the shelves, knowing exactly where it was placed.

She turned around the corner and grinned happily.

There it is.

Her fingertips gently touched black silk, her teeth still nibbling on her lower lip.

And as her fingertips slowly caressed the black silk, a vision slammed into her mind so strong that she literally gasped for breath and closed her eyes just for a moment.

His fingers on her bare skin…His lips devouring her…His body pressing into hers…His voice murmuring to her ear, his hot breath sending electricity down her spine…

Grace opened her eyes, gasping for air and grabbed the shelf for support as she swayed on her feet.

Oh, my goodness.

She quickly snatched the little black nightgown in her hand and went toward the cash desk, more sure than ever that it was the right thing to buy it.

Because, if there was even a tiny chance for that vision to come true…

Grace let out a shaky breath.

Oh, I am in!

As she paid for it, Grace checked the time on the clock on the wall, put a silky nightgown in her bag and rushed outside the shop.

She walked for about 15 minutes, letting a cold winter air soothe her senses that were aflame.

Reaching her destination, she looked up and smiled to herself.

The jazz bar with live music.

Perfect.

She went inside and immediately was drawn into the atmosphere. The music, band rehearsing on the stage, light smoke all around her and the people swaying to the sound as they nursed their drinks.

A waiter approached her with a smile.

"Hello. Can I help you, Miss?", he asked politely.

"Yes, thank you. I'd like to make a reservation for two tomorrow night", she said "With dinner, of course."

Waiter nodded.

"Certainly. Please, follow me", he said and they walked toward the bar where he pulled out the book of reservation and looked at her, asking for necessary information.

—--

Lucas chuckled.

"Yes, it's me. How are you, Carson?", he asked warmly, happy to hear his friend's voice again.

Carson put his cup of coffee down and grinned.

"To say that I am surprised would not do it justice!", as both men laughed, he replied "I'm fine, Lucas, thank you. How have you been, man?"

Lucas leaned in his chair.

"Good. Can't complain", he took a breath in as he fiddled with his pen "I am not in Hope Valley anymore."

Carson smiled.

"Well, it's not exactly that you've become Robin Hood himself, but as a Governor you do have an influence to help others now and I know you will do it. Congratulations, Lucas. I couldn't imagine a better man for the job", Carson said sincerely.

Lucas shook his head with a humble smile.

"Thank you, Carson. I am trying my best to do just that", he silently said and then his lips curled up "Speaking of job…I have a business proposition for you. Would you consider joining my team as the Manager of the Governor's Board of Health? You could improve quite a few things from there and you would still be working as a doctor. The Capitol City hospital is in need of a child's surgeon."

Lucas listened carefully as he finished talking, his eyebrows creasing at silence on the other side of the line.

"Carson? Are you there?", he asked.

Only to hear his friend's hoarse voice.

"Lucas… I don't know what to say."

Lucas smiled to himself.

"Well, yes or no would be an appropriate answer", his smile widened as he heard Carson chuckle in surprise.

"Uhmmm…yes, that would be amazing! Thank you so much for this opportunity, Lucas!", said Carson, running his fingers through his hair "I have a contract until the end of December here, but I could be in Capitol City after New Year, if that's alright with you?"

Lucas smiled.

"Absolutely. And don't worry, you'll be staying at my place", he said.

Carson let out a small laugh of disbelief.

"Lucas, I…I don't know what to say. Thank you", he was silent for a moment then he carefully added "I heard from Henry what happened with Elizabeth. I'm sorry, man. I know how that feels."

Lucas nodded, his heart warming with a sense of camaraderie he always shared with Carson.

"Thank you. But I'm fine now", he smiled as he thought of his darling Grace "More than fine."

Carson laughed.

"Oh, I saw it in the newspapers! Now, THAT was a surprise!", exclaimed Carson "Darlings of the region and a powerful couple", Carson shook his head, smiling as he heard his friend's chuckle "I can't wait to hear how life brought you two together, but let me just say that I am so happy for you. Grace is a lovely lady and one of the best people I've ever met."

Lucas smiled warmly as he opened and closed his pocket watch over and over again.

"Yes, she is", he said, his voice thick with emotion "She was actually the one who suggested you for this position."

Carson chuckled as he raised his eyebrows.

"Well, now we know who's the brain in your relationship", he quipped.

Lucas laughed and checked the time.

15.47.

"Listen, Carson, I have to go. I have a very important meeting to attend, but we'll talk more later, alright?", he said as he got up.

Carson nodded.

"Yeah, sure. I also have to go get ready for my shift, but we'll be in touch. Bye, Lucas and thank you once again. And tell Grace and Lillian I said hello."

Lucas smiled and put a pocket watch back in his pocket.

"I will. Bye, Carson."

—--

Grace unlocked the doctors of the orphanage and weng inside.

"Lillian, I'm home!", she called out as she put her bag on the floor and unbuttoned her coat.

Lillian came rushing and smiled.

"Thanks. I just put Madeleine to sleep, but check on her now and then", noticing a bag in Grace's hand, she asked "What's that?"

Grace jumped up slightly in her place, bubbling with joy.

"Some presents for Lucas. I'm taking him out on a date tomorrow night, but not just a regular date! A special date where we will be doing everything he likes!", she grinned.

Lillian smiled at her sister's infectious joy.

"That's wonderful! I have to go now, but you'll fill me in on details when I get back!", she put the scarf around her neck and then she quickly asked "Oh! What did the doctor say?"

Grace playfully rolled her eyes and smiled.

"He said I'm fine, just like I told you", she pecked her sister on a cheek and shooed her through the opened doors "Now go!"

Lillian shook her head, smiling at her sister's antics and waved as she walked away.

—--

Lucas looked up as the doors of his office opened and his butler let Lillian in.

He quickly got up from his chair and smiled as he went toward Lillian.

"Hello, Lillian. Thank you so much for coming", he pulled out a chair for her "Please, have a seat."

Lillian smiled as she sat down.

"Hello, Lucas", she said "Thank you."

Lillian watched as he sat back in his chair on the other side of the table, noticing nervousness in his countenance.

He offered her a drink, but she politely declined.

"No, thank you. I want to know what this is this all about", said Lillian and, creasing her eyebrows she asked "Is there something wrong with the project for the orphanage?"

Lucas shook his head.

"No, no. This has nothing to do with the orphanage", he took a deep breath in "It's about Grace. I want to talk to you about Grace."

Lillian slowly nodded.

"Alright", she said cautiously "What about Grace?"

Lucas took a deep breath in and joining his fingers on the table, he looked at Lillian.

Here goes nothing.

"Lillian, if your parents were alive I would go to speak with your Father. However, you are the only family Grace has got left. That's why I asked you to come. So we can talk", he took a breath in and smiled "So I can ask you for Grace's hand in marriage."

Lillian gasped, her fingers covering her lips and her eyes glistening with tears.

Lucas swallowed as he continued:

"I love her more than my life, Lillian. I need her like I need the air that I breathe. I promise that I will always love her and look after her", he smiled nervously "And you can have my permission in written to strangle me if I ever do her wrong!"

Lillian laughed through her tears as she jumped up from her chair and quickly walked toward Lucas.

Lucas got up from his chair and smiled happily as Lillian hugged him. He hugged her back, happiness overflowing him.

"Oh, my goodness! I wasn't expecting this!", Lillian laughed through tears"I mean I did expect it, but didn't think it will happen now", pulling away from Lucas, she wiped her tears and looked at him "She told me what happened in Hope Valley", Lillian's lower lip shivered "Thank you for saving my sister's life, Lucas!", as she said that, fresh tears bursted from her eyes.

Lucas hugged her again.

"We will both help her overcome that fear and grief", he silently said.

Lillian nodded and pulling away, she gave him a wobbly smile.

"Well, I always wanted to have a big brother", she smiled through her tears.

Lucas smiled warmly.

"So, I have your consent and blessing to ask her?"

Lillian let out a short laugh.

"Yes!", she wiped her cheeks trying to stop crying from happiness "When will you ask her?"

Lucas pressed his lips together and let out a breath.

"At Saturday. Day after tomorrow", he took a deep breath in "But I'll need your help. Can you drive?", as Lillian nodded, he let out a breath of relief "Oh, good! I could ask my driver to drive her, but I wanted her to have you by her side that day. I know how close you two are. And I want this to be perfect."

Lillian smiled widely.

"Well, count me in! Where do I have to take her?", she asked.

And as the clock on the wall ticked the minutes away, Lillian listened to Lucas' plan of proposal in awe.