The Dreams We Share

Chapter 18 The Bouchards Arrive

Lucas had met his parents at the train station. They had made small talk about the trip on the drive to his home as they wanted to keep their conversation for when they were settled in. Lucas showed them to the suite they would be using that had an attached bath next to a small sitting room and a large bedroom with a king-sized bed.

"This is quite the house," his mother said.

"Well, it was meant for a large family and out of town guests," he replied. "Normally there are just three old bachelor's rattling around in it. Gustave, my aide Marcus and me."

"You are not old yet, but you had better get working on that large family before you are," Helen told him.

"Helen, leave the boy alone," Martin interjected.

"Well, the point is he is not a boy, he is in his prime and needs to settle down," she said.

"I thought I had mother. I do not think I should have to remind you of that," Lucas told her with a serious tone.

"I am sorry, Lucas, whatever was I, thinking," Helen told him and went to embrace him.

"It is okay, why don't you and father get settled and I will go down to speak with Gustave. He will expect us for dinner at 7:00 sharp. I will be down in the library by 6:00 if you care to join me. You just have to take a left when you descend the steps and walk down the hall; you will find it at the end."

Lucas left them for his room and changed into a suit for dinner; he then went down to check in with Gustave before heading to the library. He poured an aperitif and sat in his favorite chair. The day had started out so wonderfully; that is all he wanted to think about. But his parents were here and while he missed them and wanted them to come, his mother had already reminded him that she could be vexing at times. These next few days might be a bit trying but he would do his best to be patient. He closed his eyes and conjured her face like he liked to do. He saw her like he had after the kiss, that look of desire in those eyes, her flushed skin and the scent of her lilac shampoo in that flaming hair. He had felt her pulse race against his fingertips and heard the quiet moan. Now he had managed to get himself in a state and he heard his parents' voices as they walked toward the library. He stood and went to the sideboard that held the bar, quickly diverting his attention to pouring drinks for the two of them. He took them to the coffee table and helped his mother into a chair and motioned for his father to take the one next to it while he returned to his seat.

"Did you find everything you needed in your room? We do have a housekeeper here in the daytime, but if you need anything before then, I can help you," Lucas told them.

"Relax, son, we will be just fine. Perhaps after dinner I might ask for a pitcher of cold water to take up, but other than that, no worries" his father told him.

"Perhaps you can show us which room is yours just in case…." Helen said.

"So, tell me, how are you two and what have you been up to?" Lucas looked to his father first.

They chatted for some time about their busy lives in Montreal and gave updates on some of their family acquaintances. Finally, it was Lucas' turn to speak.

"I have been working extremely hard on a project with the Minister of Agriculture. I can tell you more about it while you are here but suffice it to say that we have been on the road quite a bit this summer. James and I have become good friends and his wife, Mary, has seen to it that I get out a bit more. I thought you might like to meet them as they have become my surrogate family. I am hosting a dinner party tomorrow night. They will be attending along with Daniel Hastings, who is the minister of education, and his wife, and their niece who is a professor at the University of Alberta here in Edmonton."

"Well, that sounds lovely; we will be delighted to meet your friends. I have been worried that you have become a hermit while you have been here," Helen told him.

"I will not pretend that it has not been hard. But I have enjoyed my work and that has made it bearable. But now after more than two years I finally feel free again. Free of the underlying loss and sorrow that has hung over me. And with the help of friends who push me, I have been persuaded to attend some social functions in addition to the ones that I am required to attend with the Ministry. I have also had some unexpected guests that have really lightened my mood," he told them.

"Guests?" Helen asked.

"Do you remember Allie Grant, Constable Grant's daughter? She just graduated and has now been accepted here at the university. She came in mid-June for her interview and stayed with me a few days. I helped her practice for her interview. and we had a nice few days after it was over. Actually, her host for the interview was Daniel Hastings niece, Professor MacKenna who you will meet tomorrow," Lucas said trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

His father looked at him and Lucas met his gaze. His father had already noticed something in Lucas' demeanor. Lucas could tell.

"Constance, one of James' daughters will also be attending Fall term and befriended Allie. She was in town again just last week to visit them. Which brings me to my other guest, Jack Thornton, Jr. He came with her on the train to stay with me for five days. They were escorted by Bill Avery who stayed for a day as well. It was a wonderful visit, short but wonderful. Jack stayed here but during the weekdays he stayed over with Allie and Constance until I could leave work. But we did manage to spend some quality time in the evenings and on the weekend," Lucas said.

"My, you have been busy, you said you were on the road this week too," Helen noted.

"Yes, actually I returned Allie and Jack back to Hope Valley on my way north of there. Marcus was with us too," Lucas told her.

"And how is everyone in Hope Valley?" his mother asked.

Lucas knew who she was really asking about but he started with others, "I had dinner with Mike Hickam and Mei and their little one. He is named after me; I do not know if I told you that. They call him Luke and I am his godfather. They are happy and the Hotel is doing really well. I am lucky to have them there to oversee the business. I visited with Elizabeth after dropping Jack off. He was full of stories about his trip, but we did get a little bit of time to talk on our own. It was good. She is still unmarried, but I expect to hear news of an engagement soon. I told her that I am ready to focus on my happiness now. I have the closure I needed. But we will always be friends," Lucas told them, ending in a subdued quiet tone.

His mother began to speak, "Lucas…" But he cut her off.

"Mother I have something I want to tell you both. My trip to Hope Valley was actually perfect timing. I have met someone; it is very early in our relationship, just weeks in fact, but we have become fast friends," Lucas told her and there was no mistaking the hint of excitement in his voice.

"Well, when can we meet the young lady?" Helen asked.

"You will meet her tomorrow night. Her name is Arawyn MacKenna, Professor Arawyn MacKenna," he told them.

Helen looked over at Martin who had a slight smile on his face; he had already figured it out. In the matters of love, he was very attuned to his son.

"When I sent out the dinner party invitations, we barely knew one another but I already sensed this could be important. It was too early for a "meet the parents" so the dinner with others seemed to suit the situation. I did not want her to feel pressured, but I knew that if you did not meet now, it might be the holidays before I had a chance to introduce her. So, I expected a casual meeting in the company of her aunt and uncle and acquaintances would be suitable," Lucas told them.

Martin finally spoke up, "But things have now progressed shall we say; and what seemed like it could be important has become very important. Do I guess right? He asked.

Lucas took a deep breath, "I would say that sums it up. I love her father, and I am falling in love again. That should somehow feel scary, given my past experience, but it isn't scary at all. I want this with her."

"I am glad to hear this. I take it she feels the same?" Martin asked him.

"Yes. I have asked if I might court her. I know that sounds old fashioned, but I want a formal bond between us. I am going to speak with Daniel and Martha before they arrive so that there will not be any secrets to keep. They know that we recently went out, but we have not spoken about anything beyond that. I will also let James and Mary know."

"This is such a surprise. We thought we would find you still in your morose ways. This is a fabulous surprise! We cannot wait to meet her," Helen said enthusiastically.

"Now, she does not need an inquisition. Although I will tell you now, there is not much you could do to upend her. Do not mistake her blush as a sign of weakness, it is just her Irish looks that betray her on occasion. From what I have seen, she can hold her own in any company; she does so daily in a world of men," he said.

"I will be on my best behavior," Helen said.

"That is what he is afraid of," Martin replied causing them all to laugh.

"It is time for dinner. Gustave will expect us right on time," Lucas told them.,

Once they had settled in the dining room and the first course was served, Helen spoke up. "We won't press you, but do you mind telling us a little about Miss MacKenna?"

"Okay, just some basic information, nothing more. She is a professor in the Department of Literature, and she specializes in 18th and 19th century English poetry. Her mother is Welsh and her father Irish; she was born in Ireland. Her father spent some years in the diplomatic corps in France and Spain until he moved to Montreal to work for the government. She attended the University of Quebec in Montreal. She moved to Edmonton about a year ago," Lucas told them.

"Well, that is her resume, but what about personally," Helen asked.

"Now, Helen, let our son decide what is appropriate to tell us at this point. We will meet her tomorrow and then we can take it from there," Martin told her.

"Thank you, father. Mother, there is one other thing I will add. Mary is the chair of the "Ladies Society of Edmonton, it is a charitable organization that feeds and clothes the poor. Miss MacKenna is a member and volunteers there several evenings after work and all-day Saturday," Lucas told her.

"Oh, my, she is going to work all day and then come for dinner?" Helen said.

"She will work most of the day, but she is trading dinner service with a friend who usually works dinner on Sunday," Lucas explained. "I have been volunteering on occasion as well for a few weeks now. Last Thursday, Jack, Allie and Bill also helped out. I read to the children sometimes, so they were there for the story time as well."

"My. My son the Minister and much more it seems," Helen said. Lucas was not sure what exactly that meant but he chose to believe it a compliment.

Martin took it a step further, "we did try to instill social responsibility, I see that you have taken it to a personal level; I am proud of you son."

"Thank you, I have done my part with donations, but this is a new experience, being at the front line so to speak. It has gotten the brain churning and now we are planning an adjunct to our original plan at the Ministry," Lucas said excitedly.

"Why don't you give us a rough outline of this plan you have been referring to," Martin asked him.

"Sure, …" Lucas spent the next ten or so minutes telling them about the plan, his travels, and his inspiration for the adjunct for charity and his meeting with Lee and the farmers in Hope Valley. He wrapped it up with "…. and so, we plan to have the women help to spread the news to other charitable groups across Alberta and to help them get started. We are going to begin to pilot the project here in Edmonton if we get approval from the Premier next week. I am very hopeful that he will be on board with us."

"Very impressive. Let me know how this works out and I will certainly put in the word with our government in Quebec. I might be able to work out a transportation deal with them at a discount or even free if they can use the regular freight schedule," Martin said.

"Yes, we plan to have the Premier promote this to his counterparts across Canada if all goes well. I will keep you updated," Lucas said.

Helen had waited quietly. "You sound very excited about your project, and this is certainly something you are able to share with Miss MacKenna, I am sure that what she does has inspired you to extend the scope of your project."

"Mother, I am sure there are several questions in there," Lucas smiled at his mother's attempt to don a look of innocence. "I do admit that I first visited St. Joachim's parish because I learned that she volunteered there. My interest in her peaked at our first meeting. But I can honestly say that I was quickly taken in by the people I have met. Widows with children to feed, families with no income because the father cannot find work, single men who have all but lost hope. There are so many, and I want to do everything I can to help this charity. They are trying to offer social services such as job searches and parenting classes and more. Perhaps I can find ways through the ministry to get more help. And if we can expand this program beyond St. Joaquim's to serve all of Edmonton and spread this across Alberta we will have accomplished much."

"Lucas, you have taken time to read to children. If you have inspired even one, to read, to want more, then you truly are already a success," Helen told him.

"If you think of anything I can do to help, let me know. I already have an idea and I will speak with Miss MacKenna about it," Helen said.

"I appreciate that you want to help, but please remember not to overwhelm her on the first visit," Lucas implored.

"Well, okay how about the second visit?" Helen asked which caused both Martin and Lucas to laugh.

"Well, we will just have to invite her for lunch after church on Sunday," Lucas said sarcastically.

"Now that is a wonderful idea!" Helen took a bite of chocolate mousse to cover her sly smile.

Lucas looked over at his father who just shrugged his shoulders and his face read "don't look at me…."

After dinner, Lucas escorted his parents to the parlor. His father accepted a brandy and his mother a glass of sherry. He told them he needed to make a call and then went to the study to use the telephone.

"Hello," Arawyn had picked up.

"Arawyn, I hope you had a good evening. My parents arrived safely. We have had a genuinely nice time catching up. I told them about you. And they know we are a couple. No need for any pretense. I just want to make sure that your aunt and uncle and the Petersons are not surprised. I know they will not be shocked of course but I do not want something my parents say to make them feel they have been left in the dark a bit."

"I understand completely. When I came home, I could not help but tell them. My aunt said something as soon as she saw me. I guess she could see that I was not quite touching the ground when I walked in. So, without details of course, they know that we are courting, and they approve without reservation," Arawyn told him.

"Thank you. I am happy that we will not have to keep secrets. I will let Mary and James know so that they are also up to date. I know James and Mary will be happy for both of us. I told my parents they are like my surrogate family. They are anxious to meet all of you. And just a heads up. My mother can be vexing at times; and like any mother, she will be interested in you, after all her son is smitten. But do not worry about holding your own; she has been warned to be on her best behavior. That made my father and me both laugh… you will learn what we mean. But I also warned her that she had met her match in you," Lucas said.

"I will endeavor to hold my own," she told him. "I plan to call my parents tomorrow morning. I want to tell them I have met you; and that you are the one I hope to marry someday," Arawyn had started off strong but had gentled her voice by the end. "Is that okay?"

"With me it is perfect. But you know your parents best. I can call if you wish," Lucas offered.

"I think it best if I tell them. After all we just met recently and it will seem too soon to them to hear from you without any word from me," she said.

"You are right. That would be odd to hear from a man that he wants to court you when they do not even know of his existence," Lucas agreed.

"Save the call for the proposal," she laughed.

"Tell him he will hear from me soon," Lucas joined her laughter.

"Arawyn, I may laugh with you, but I am serious. I want to marry you, and I do not know that I can wait very long. I feel that I have known you for a very long time. We have so much in common and we have endeavored to fill weeks with what might take years to uncover about who we are and what matters to us," Lucas told her.

"My heart is already yours Lucas; when our minds catch up, and you are ready, just let me know. I am sure I will be ready too."

"Ever think about a Christmas wedding?" Lucas said.

She realized he was quite serious so she replied in kind. "Well, we do have a semester break then," she said.

"Same for the cabinet," Lucas replied.

"It would be a perfect time as we would have a window for a honeymoon, too," she said, hoping she was not being too presumptive.

"The perfect time for a honeymoon is next week, my sweet. I am not sure I can survive for five months."

"Lucas, you know that I am blushing like a tomato right now, right?"

"Yes, I can imagine. Let us enjoy the courtship and the proposal. I want to experience all of that with you. But I think we should keep in mind a Christmas wedding and see …," Lucas told her.

"Sounds perfect. I need to say goodnight, Lucas; I have to be up very early tomorrow. But I also need to figure out what to wear. I really am not finicky about it, but Aunt Martha will insist on approving. She already warned me. The invitation said semi-formal; what exactly does that mean?" she asked him.

"Men can wear a dress suit and necktie; no tuxedo needed. Women can wear a cocktail dress, no need for a ball gown. Does that help?" Lucas said.

"Well, I may have an argument on my hands. I am sure Aunt Martha thinks I need to meet your parents in a maroon velvet gown with a five-foot train with gold embellishments, and a tiara of course," she told him with a bit of a giggle.

"Oh my, I will have to take mother dress shopping tomorrow in that case," Lucas laughed again. "Tell her that my mother is traveling and does not have a ball gown so it would be impolite to show up in one. How is that?"

"That is a good one. I will tell her that if she gives me any trouble. Good night my dearest Lucas. Sweet dreams," she whispered the last two words.

"Sweet dreams; I hope to find you there," Lucas replied.


On Saturday Lucas had breakfast with his parents and then gave them the grand tour of the house and gardens. They decided to relax in the sun for a while. Lucas excused himself for a couple of hours so that he could stop by the Petersons and give them an update. They were thrilled of course. Constance and Emelia were eavesdropping, and he could hear their excitement from the next room. He figured Constance would be on the phone with Allie within moments, and as soon as she told Florence the whole town would know. Lucas was happy that he had had a chance to tell Elizabeth about Arawyn. He would not want to blindside her; he was not a vengeful man.


Her friend Susanna had come early to the church, to take over for her, just after lunch was served. She told Arawyn that she wanted her to go home and relax in a bath before she had to change. She knew it was a special dinner date and she had an idea who it was with. She had met the minister and knew he was quite handsome and charming.

Arawyn took her friend's advice and drew a bath as soon as she got home. She washed her hair with her lilac scented shampoo, rinsed it and put her hair up in a towel turban style. She added some bath salts to the water and sunk deep down almost to her chin. Her feet ached a little, but soak would soon fix that. She hummed to herself and just relaxed. After a while she realized that she would soon resemble a prune, so she drained the water and rinsed herself off and then put on her favorite terrycloth robe and headed for her favorite spot in the kitchen to dry her hair. Cook fixed her a cup of tea and added a few biscuits to munch on.

It was not long before Arawyn poured a second cup and headed up to her room. Her hair was still slightly damp, but it would soon be dry. She wondered how she should wear it. She thought about an updo but dismissed it as that was her work preference. Lucas liked it loose, and she wanted to please him; but as they would be eating and chatting with their neighbors at the table; she decided it best to pull it up at the sides but wear it down in the back. She imagined Lucas pulling out the combs and letting it tumble when he kissed her goodnight. She sighed at the thought.

She had selected a stunning mid-calf length forest green dress. It was the color that best highlighted both her hair and her eyes. She loved the fit of the lace overlay. She wore a silver Celtic necklace and her favorite pair of silver filigree earrings. She normally would have powdered her nose, but she went without it. She would be proud of her heritage right down to the last freckle. She had actually begun to like them. The fact that Lucas seemed to, made her not want to hide them. She had brushed her hair to a luster, and she now pulled it away from her face with a pair of silver combs. When she looked in the mirror, she knew that Lucas would appreciate the effort she had taken with her appearance. She wanted to look nice when he introduced her; she knew that that was not the most important thing, but it surely could not hurt.

She heard a knock on the door, "may I come in," her aunt called to her.

She slipped on her pumps and answered her. "Come on in."

"Oh Arawyn, you look lovely. There is no need to scold you tonight. That color is yours, and the dress is very flattering. Lucas will love how you look; although if you wore a flour sack, he would be happy. He is simply crazy about you. Oh, one thing dear, you forgot your powder."

"Lucas likes me to leave my freckles uncovered. I am beginning to agree with him."

"You look lovely either way. We had better get down to the foyer, your uncle will be getting anxious," Martha told her.

They headed down and Daniel was waiting for them. "I am indeed a lucky man tonight," he said, "I will have a beautiful woman on each arm."

"Thank you, uncle," Arawyn said as she kissed him on the cheek.

Martha removed the lipstick smudge on his cheek and then gave him a peck on the lips. "And we have a very handsome gentleman to escort us."

He helped them with their wraps, and they were on their way.


The Peterson's arrived first and Lucas showed them to the parlor where his parents and Marcus were waiting for the guests to arrive.

"Mother, Father I would like to introduce my very good friend James Peterson and his wife Mary. James, Mary, these are my parents Helen and Martin Bouchard."

There were handshakes all around and then Helen spoke, "It is a pleasure to meet you. Lucas refers to you as his surrogate family, so I like you both already."

"Mother if you and father would chat with Marcus and the Petersons, I am going to wait in the foyer for the arrival of the others."

James smiled, "just don't wear out the leather on the soles of those fancy shoes pacing."

"Right, I will stand as still as a tree," Lucas said.

He paced the length of the foyer for some five minutes before Daniel's car arrived. He headed out to help Martha out of the car; he turned her over to Daniel and then opened the door for Arawyn. She took his hand, and he helped her out and then gave her hand a quick kiss.

"Welcome all, I am so glad that you could make it. I am anxious for you to meet my parents," Lucas said as he led the way up to the front door and opened it and let his guests pass. He still had Arawyn's hand. He took her wrap and placed it on the coat rack and then added Martha's.

If you would excuse us for just a minute," he told the Hastings. He led Arawyn a few meters away and faced her. "First, I want to tell you that I have never seen you look more lovely and that is saying a lot. And I hope that you are not nervous about my parents. Save all your butterflies for me, okay? They will love you. My father already does, and he has not met you. And mother will need to do her mother thing, but she it will not last long, I promise," Lucas told her.

"I will be fine, "she told him. "If I raise my hand over my head, that is the signal for you to come rescue me, okay?"

He looked at her and was about ready to agree, when she bit her lip to stop from smiling. She was teasing. "Stop that," he whispered as he looked down at her lips. He leaned down and stole a quick kiss. "Let us get this show on the road."

The four of them walked to the parlor and Lucas entered first. His father and Marcus rose to their feet.

"Father, Mother, I would like you to meet Daniel and Martha Hastings. Daniel, Martha, this is my father, Martin Bouchard and my mother Helen. He led Martha over to where his mother and Mary were sitting, and Daniel walked over to shake Martin and Marcus' hands.

Lucas stepped back to where he had left her and put his arm around her waist and eased her forward with him. "Father, Mother, I would like you to meet Professor Arawyn MacKenna, he looked at her with a smile, Arawyn, I would like you to meet my father and mother, Martin and Helen Bouchard."

Martin stepped forward and took her hand in his; he then kissed her on both cheeks in the French fashion. "I am delighted to meet you, Miss MacKenna; Lucas has told us a little about you, but we are anxious to get to know you."

"You may call me Arawyn, Sir. And likewise, Lucas has told me something about both of you. I am anxious to get to know you both. Perhaps Lucas might have mentioned that my parents also live in Montreal? I spoke with them this morning and they would like to meet you after you return from your trip."

"Call me Martin, or Mr. Bouchard if you must. We will certainly look forward to making their acquaintance."

He turned to his wife and took her arm as she rose to greet Arawyn. Lucas brought her over to where his parents stood. Helen looked closely at the young lady who had captured her son's heart. She was ethereally beautiful, and she had the most beautiful voice. She took both of Arawyn's hands in hers and kissed her in the French way. "You make my son happy, my dear. And so, you already have me partly won over," Helen told her.

"I will consider myself lucky to have a head start," Arawyn said with a smile.

Helen looked at her for a moment and then laughed, "I see my 'fame' proceeds, me. Whatever has Lucas told you about me?"

"That I may have met my match…" she replied. Helen started laughing again and Arawyn joined her.

Lucas had been nervous, but he was relieved that they seemed to already had come to an understanding of sorts.

"I think I am going to like you Arawyn MacKenna," Helen told her. "Come over here and sit by me so I can begin the interrogation."

Arawyn let out a little giggle and looked over at Lucas who was rolling his eyes. "Good luck," he told her, "I will remember the signal," he said and went over to join the men.

"The signal?" Helen asked as Arawyn sat in the armchair close to her.

"Yes, I am to raise my hand high in the air if I need Lucas to rescue me," she told Helen.

"I will be gentle," she said. The other women laughed; they were not totally in on the joke, but they got the idea well enough. "I am really not the ogre everyone thinks I am," Helen told them and joined the laughter.

"I know where you come from and about your parents and where you went to school, and I know that you are a Professor of Literature. I also know that you belong to the Ladies Society that Mary chairs and you volunteer at a church several days a week," Helen said. "But tell me something about yourself; what are you passionate about? Besides my son of course."

"Mrs. Bouchard," and her first blush of the evening warmed her face, "I assure you that your son has been the perfect gentleman and nothing untoward has happened between us."

"It is Helen. I believe you my dear; I know my son. I was just teasing you. It was my turn."

Arawyn regained her composure. "I write poetry and I am compiling a collection of my poems that I hope to publish someday. I am working on two that I would like to include, I think they are my best work yet."

"I hear that Allie has told you about a book that I edited and helped get published. Lucas said you actually have read it," Helen said.

"Yes, 'Single Woman on the Frontier' by Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton," Arawyn replied, "it gave me a lot of insight into life in Alberta and specifically in the valleys to the west of us. I liked it very much."

"Elizabeth is a talented writer. I thought she was working on publishing another book, but it seems she has laid that aside at least for now," Helen told her.

"I am familiar with other works you have edited. It must be a rewarding profession. Helping those who have a gift share that with the world. It is not unlike my job at the University; I teach poetry and there are many gifted students who just need direction and encouragement to master their art. I do my best to help them," Arawyn said.

Helen could hear the passion in the young woman's voice. "Someday, if you would like someone to read and give you a critique, I would be happy to do so," Helen told her.

"I will definitely consider it when I am ready, thank you," Arawyn replied.

"Now, who is your favorite poet. I understand you specialize in 18th and 19th century English poetry."

"Yes, but my favorite is a fellow countryman from my birthplace. Yeats. Technically he is both a 19th century and 20th century poet and you may have heard that he won the Nobel Prize this year," Arawyn said proudly.

"Yes, I have heard. I am not familiar with his poetry, but I plan to rectify that," Helen told her.

"Lucas has a book that contains some of his early poems, if you are interested in reading some while you are here."

"Sorry ladies, to interrupt, but Gustave is expecting us in the dining room," Lucas announced.

"Lucas, if you don't mind, I will escort Miss MacKenna," Martin said. "Helen, you do not mind, do you? You have been monopolizing the young lady's time."

Helen did not seem to care as she took Lucas' arm instead.


Dinner was excellent as always. Gustave had been at it since the day before preparing a feast. They were treated to a choice of asparagus aspic or beef consommé as a starter. Lucas and James opted for both. This was followed by a rabbit cassoulet with whipped potatoes and baby carrots. They then were served a palate cleansing lime sorbet followed by dessert. Gustave had made individual Pavlovas filled with raspberries and topped with whip cream. He had artfully spooned a drizzle of syrup made from the berries over the whip cream and then dusted it with powder sugar. Everyone raved over the delicate meringues and the luscious berries and cream. Lucas was sitting in the middle of one side of the table rather than at the head of the table; he liked to sit amongst his guest and so it was now his habit. Arawyn sat across from him so he could look at her whenever he wanted, and that was a lot. She did her share of gazing as well. She sat between his parents and spent a good deal of time chatting with them. He had Mary and Martha next to them and he proceeded to tell them about the adjunct project. They were both excited and they too offered to help spread the word. They planned to meet with Lucas and James in a week's time after they had an opportunity to get an official buy-in from the Premier.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable evening. Lucas invited everyone to stay for an after-dinner drink but both James and Daniel declared that they would pass since they had had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner and would be driving home. They all said goodnight and that they looked forward to seeing one another at church the next day. Lucas told Daniel that he would drive Arawyn home before long, so she stayed behind. Marcus also said his goodnights and left Lucas, his parents and Arawyn to sit for a while in the parlor.

Arawyn spoke first, "I very much enjoyed meeting you both this evening. And apparently, I am invited back for lunch tomorrow after church. So, we will have a chance to continue our conversation and or interrogation if you choose," she said for Helen's benefit.

"It is Sunday, and I do not interrogate on Sunday. It is a holy day of rest you know," she smiled at Arawyn who grinned back.

"Martin, perhaps we should retire for the evening and leave these two alone. Lucas has to escort her home soon in any case," Helen said.

Martin rose, "goodnight my dear, we will see you tomorrow," and he held his hand out to help Helen from her chair and they walked out hand in hand.

Lucas smiled as he watched his parents leave. They had had their challenges, but they had come out stronger and more in love than ever.

"Come here," he told her as he indicated the space next to him on the couch. She did and then slipped off her shoes and curled up next to him leaning into his chest while he put his arm around her. "You smell heavenly," he told her.

"And so do you, I noticed your father was wearing the same cologne. Something about 'notes of vanilla', your mother's favorite. "

"A yes, it is supposed to be helpful in the romance department. Or at least that is what my father tells me when he wants to embarrass me," Lucas told her.

"Well, he is right; you smell divine," Arawyn told him.

He raised her chin and pressed his lips to hers softly. "You taste like raspberries," he told her.

"She licked her lips," and his gaze was fixed on her mouth.

"Kiss me, Lucas; show me what I have been missing," she whispered.

He did not need to hear more as he brought his lips to hers. This time he was not as gentle; he kissed her and gave her a sense of the hunger that he felt for her. She responded to him, eagerly circling his neck with her arms and tugging his hair as she felt he might retreat. He let her pull him in. Soon they parted just enough to catch their breath. Lucas teased the edge of her lips with the tip of his tongue. He could feel her shaking slightly; he sensed it was not fear but arousal. He gave her a soft kiss and then unwrapped her arms around his neck so he could hold her against him. He rocked her gently until he felt her calming and her heartbeat slowing.

He reached down to rub his cheek against hers and felt tears. "Arawyn, are you okay?" She nodded up and down. "Did I do something to upset you?" She shook her head. "Then why the tears my sweet? Look at me."

She leaned back to look at him. "I do not know what made me so emotional. Now you will think me a simpering girl."

"I do not. You are a brave, strong person. But you are also a woman, and I do not want you to suppress your emotions. Tell me what is wrong; remember, you can tell me anything."

She looked down so she could get the words out, "I was embarrassed. I feel clumsy because I do not know what I am supposed to do, how to please you. I am thirty-two years old; and I am having feelings inside that I have not experienced before."

He tilted her chin, so she was looking into his eyes. "Arawyn, there is no need to be embarrassed. You are perfect just as you are. I love how you respond to me; you are so natural, and it will all come to you. Believe me, you please me. But if you ever are uncomfortable with something I do, you must tell me, okay? We can take things more slowly if you want. We have time, I am hoping we have a lifetime."

She nodded that she understood. "Kissing you makes me feel things…. "she trailed off.

"You have read romance novels…. Perhaps a Victorian romance that involves these matters?" Lucas had not ever discussed this topic with a woman before. He had not been with an innocent, and he was not sure what she knew or how to go about this. Surely, she knew of certain logistics even if it was in a biology class. But being a lifetime reader he was sure she had more knowledge about intimate matters.

"Yes, I have read such novels before," she told him.

"Did they make you feel something inside when you read the most intimate parts?"

She hesitated but nodded.

"Is that something like you felt when we kissed?"

She nodded again. "But more," she barely whispered it loud enough for him to hear.

"Well, we have only touched the surface. Someday, when we marry, we will be free to explore all that is there for us. In the meantime, I want you very badly, but I will not compromise you. I promise you that. And if the passion that we share is ever too much, you just need to tell me. Do not be afraid to disappoint me. That is not possible. Do you understand?" he asked.

She nodded. "Thank you, Lucas for being so understanding. But I promise that I am a fast learner." Now she giggled to lighten the mood.

"Well, perhaps this is a good time to take you home, before I put that to the test." He kissed her nose and pulled her up to her feet.


They walked to her door, and he gave her a soft kiss. "I will see you in my dreams," he said.

"I will be there," she said. And she slipped inside the doorway.

Lucas walked to the car and sat for a while until he saw the light go on in her room. "Goodnight my love," he said aloud.