The Dreams We Share

Chapter 15 A Weekend with Jack

Lucas was glad that Friday was over and done with so he could spend more time with Jack. He was also happy to have a chance to spend some hours with Arawyn. Jack had shown no reluctance to share him with her. In fact, he had spent a good part of his day working on his two drawings of her. They were quite good for a second grader. He could tell of course who was in the photo because he had her fiery orange red hair and sea blue eyes featured in his drawing. He had even put her in a green colored dress as he had seen her in the night before. He was also featured in one of the drawings. Lucas imagined that that was the one he meant to keep for his memories.

He took Jack on a shopping expedition. He wanted to buy a present for his mama. They browsed through a couple of small shops until he saw what he wanted. It was a silver chain with a polished pink pebble. It looked very much like the ones Arawyn had found at the beach and that he had given Jack from that day. Elizabeth had given Jack some money to spend during his visit. He held it up to the shopkeeper. Lucas winked at the shopkeeper who took the money and returned part of it.

"Thank you, you have made a fine choice." He put the necklace in a small white box and wrapped it with flowered paper and a pink satin bow. "I am sure she will like it very much."

"It is for my mama. She likes pink," he told the man.

"Come now Jack, it is time to go pick up the Professor," he told him. The boy turned and Lucas handed the shopkeeper a sum of money that was double what the shopkeeper was expecting for the necklace.

"Thank you, Mr. Minister. Most generous of you."

"Thank you for your kindness; you made a young man very happy today." Lucas told the man as he turned to leave.


Arawyn was waiting for them just outside the church soaking up the warm afternoon sun. She had remembered her hat. She had taken her hair out of the braids she had been wearing. She wore a pale green dress; It suited her hair color and those green eyes of course. Jack was sitting in the back with their picnic basket, so Lucas opened the front passenger door and she slipped into the seat.

"Hi there Jack. Are you ready to find some pretty stones for your collection?"

"Yes. I bought my mama a necklace with a shiny pink pebble," he told her.

Lucas told her, "We went to that little shop on Rose Street that specializes in collectibles. He also carries some jewelry made here locally."

"I am sure she will love it," Arawyn told the boy.

"She likes pink," Jack replied.

Lucas remembered one of his visits to Hope Valley six months or so after their breakup. She had always favored pastels and had maintained her same clothing style for as long as he had known her. But she was wearing a brighter pink colored dress that was of a much more fashionable length. And she had cut off all that long beautiful hair to sport a modern bob. He had stopped in Fiona's shop and had his hair cut and beard trimmed, and she had made note of it. "Breakup hair" she had called it. He once again thought how he was glad that Arawyn still kept hers long. He wanted to be able to run his fingers through it, especially after the night of the tango when he had gotten to feel its softness. This was a fantasy he wanted to live.

They reached their destination and found "their place" again. They laid out the blanket and the cloth. A simple bouquet of daisies was the selection today. The lunch fare was far less refined so as to suit Jacks palette. There were several types of delicious sandwiches along with some dried fruit. Jack loved the apple rings in particular. For dessert there were three types of cookies and a tin of truffles similar to the ones that she had loved. Lucas asked Gustave if he would make another batch again because "Mademoiselle liked them very much." This time Gustave had finely chopped dry cherries that paired so well with the dark chocolate he had used.

"Simply divine," she announced.

"Yummy," said Jack.

"Indeed, they are very yummy," she told him. "Now how about we relax for a little while and then head down to the beach? Perhaps your buddy will tell us a story about one of his trips." She had heard them using the endearment and she found it very sweet. She looked at Lucas who was staring at her but seemed to be in a daydream.

"Lucas?" she said. "Are you with us? We would like a story about one of your travels," she told him.

"I am sorry my mind had drifted off." He was not going to tell her that he was lost in a fantasy about her hair. Not in front of Jack anyway.

"Sure, let me think a moment." Lucas told her. He then began a story about one Christmas that they had spent in San Francisco. He was about Jack's age. They had snow on Christmas Eve which was rare for that area and his father had fashioned a sled. No cars could travel in the snow so the children in the neighborhood had sled on one of the famous hillsides. Of course, Lucas told the story with lots of details and gestures and joy at the memory. Arawyn was as captivated as Jack. At one point they were clinging to one another as he dramatized what seemed to be a crash coming. Even though they could see that he was quite fine.

"Let's go down to the lake. Is it boats or pebbles first? He asked them when he had finished his tale.

Jack thought for a while before he finally decided on a boat rental. This time they chose a rowboat so that all three could fit nicely. Lucas sat in the bow of the boat facing them while Arawyn and Jack sat together on the other bench. They were all wearing life jackets as the attendant had insisted. Arawyn and Lucas both were strong swimmers, but Jack was a new swimmer without a lot of experience. They kept to the edge of the lily pads again as Jack marveled at all the ducks. He was accustomed to the pond at home which was large but not on this scale. He heard frogs, there was a bullfrog amongst them, and he imitated its call with great drama. Arawyn laughed until she cried, and Lucas was amused by the two of them. When Arawyn would laugh it would just encourage Jack to make his "RRRIIIIBIT" louder. Finally, a group of swans that they had seen on their last visit distracted him. He had seen plenty of ducks and geese but nothing as graceful as swans.

Jack had asked to row so Lucas put him, not on his lap, but in front of him and kept his hands on the oars to let Jack practice. The boat was much too heavy for Jack to row by himself but when they would get their momentum going Lucas would let go for a bit to let Jack get the feel of it.

"Now me!" declared Arawyn. Lucas looked blankly at her imagining her all but in his lap rowing. His stricken look had Arawyn guessing. "No silly, you two come over here and let me row." He rolled his eyes realizing what an idiot he had been.
They traded places and Jack joined him. He was not quite certain what to expect but he wasn't surprised when she expertly rowed them the rest of the way back to the boat rentals.

"I was on a four-woman crew when I was at the University of Montreal," she told him. We did it for fitness as there were not enough woman for competition.

"I am impressed but not surprised," he told her.


Next, they headed over to the spot where Arawyn had first seen the pink and white pebbles. She was hoping they might find yet another color if they searched. Lucas allowed Jack to pick a half dozen pebbles. He explained to the boy that they belonged to the beach and that could only take a few. He seemed to understand. After a time, Arawyn and Lucas took a seat in the sand while Jack was intent on finding at least one of a different color. Arawyn removed her shoes so she could sink her feet into the sand. She had no idea the effect it was having on him; just as the night she had slipped out of her dress shoes and into a more comfortable pair at the church. He tried not to watch as she wiggled her toes.

She had taken off her hat a while before and he could see that her nose was getting pink. "Arawyn, your nose is turning pink, and it might be wise to put your hat back on," he told her. He grabbed it from where she had placed it and handed it to her.

"You are right, I will burn. But it also makes my freckles more pronounced if I stay in the sun too often," she groaned.

"Your freckles are delightful. Just a dusting that you sometimes cover up with powder, but I love it when you leave them, so they show. It makes me want to kiss each and every one," he told her. "You do not know how beautiful you are when you are like this…. unadorned. You really do remind me of a sea nymph," he told her.

Just then they were interrupted by Jack, who might as well have struck gold for all his excitement. He ran to show Lucas and Arawyn his find. Beautiful sea glass in shades of green and blue. "Pretty, like your eyes, "Jack told her holding one up.

"She selected another one in a light blue shade, "pretty like your eyes," she told him. He smiled brightly at her.

Lucas felt a pang around his heart as he watched them. He was ready; he wanted to catch the brass ring. He wanted the family of which he had always dreamed. And he knew he wanted it with her.


They made their way back to the church and helped with dinner service. This time he asked Arawyn if she would read for the story hour. He promised the children that he would read when he returned from his trip. By now the parents realized who he was. They found it impressive that a minister would be feeding them, but they could see that he was enchanted with the professor. He was performing an act of kindness but also, he was in love.

Lucas had casual clothes on, fancy by most standards, so he got down on the floor with the children. Jack settled in against him as Arawyn began the tale of the Ugly Duckling. She had selected it because of Jack and the fact that they had just seen the ducks and swans. Lucas could have listened to her all night. Her voice was mesmerizing as she added a bit of drama for effect. While his stories had captured their imagination, hers enchanted them.


He and Jack, both walked her up to her door when they dropped her off. Lucas gave her a sweeping exaggerated bow and thanked her for joining them on their adventure to the lake. Jack got a big hug; Lucas wanted one too. "Now I am jealous of an eight-year-old," he told himself.

"I will be bringing Jack to church tomorrow. He attends each Sunday," he told her. "This will be a unique experience, however, since our little church in Hope Valley is non-denominational.

"Well then, I will see you there. I am glad I will get to see you since you will be out of town next week," she reminded him.

"Why don't you come back to my house after the service. I am sure we can find something to amuse you. You will get one of Gustave's Sunday lunches. It is the biggest meal of our day on Sunday; in the evening we just have something light. And I am sure that we can find some entertainment afterwards, even if it a long stroll to work off Gustave's feast."

"That sounds wonderful. I will let my aunt and uncle know that I will not be home for the afternoon. Sometimes that prompts them to dine out. A date of a sort."

"Well, we have a date then. I should be getting this young man to bed. Good night, Arawyn."

He took Jack's hand, and they made their way back to the car. She had gone in but held the door ajar until they got in the car. Jack waved back at her before he got inside.


Gustave was in a tizzy once Lucas had informed him that Arawyn would be joining them for lunch. Suddenly, nothing he had planned was good enough as it catered to Jack's tastes. He murmured in French; some of it was not for the faint of heart. He was sure that Lucas' romance depended solely on the outcome of his gourmet preparations. Lucas did some eye rolling as he listened to him, but he did not do it while Gustave was watching. He apologized profusely hoping to calm Gustave down. Gustave had already done his marketing, but Lucas was enlisted to return to the market which was open only for a few hours on Sunday. The fried chicken was now canard à l'orange, now they needed duck, oranges, quail eggs for the tartare starter, flat parsley not curly, capers which came from one stand in particular. He had planned green beans for Jack, but decided those were acceptable but he would change fried potatoes to whipped. The dessert was a decadent chocolate cake with raspberry sauce and was declared fit even for Mademoiselle la Professeure.

Lucas and Jack were invited to sit in the pew next to the Hastings. The Petersons were just in front of them. Lucas and Arawyn sat separated by Jack who sat It was probably for the best. After the service, the two families gathered out front after the service. They paid their respects to the priest and then chatted for a while.

Lucas announced that it was time for them to leave as Gustave was already in a tizzy and being late was not an option. Everyone had had a chance to meet his cousin at least once over the years, so they knew Lucas was not exaggerating. Arawyn said goodbye to her aunt and uncle and waved to the others as she left with Lucas and Jack.


Despite all the initial drama, the lunch turned out to be a huge success. Arawyn oohed and aahed over all the dishes. Gustave had made Jack a different starter, replacing the beef tartar with homemade cheese ravioli. The duck was served whole and just announced as "a l'orange". Jack just assumed it was a chicken. No one had the heart to tell him it was a duck after the visit to the lake yesterday. The dessert was chocolate which Lucas knew Arawyn enjoyed. She declared it a masterpiece much to Gustave's pleasure. He was sure that his dessert alone had won Lucas her affections. Lucas knew that he would hear all about it from his chef later, but for now he just agreed with her.

After lunch they decided to take a stroll. They walked along the sidewalk to a nearby park. At one point they had to cross the street and Lucas had taken Jack's hand on one side and Arawyn's on the other before crossing. Once they reached the other side, Jack ran ahead to the park entrance where he waited for them. After a time, Lucas realized that he still had Arawyn's hand but decided not to let it go. Jack did not seem to think anything of it and Arawyn made no move to withdraw it. They strolled through the park and came upon a clearing where a group of children were playing kickball. Lucas watched Jack looking at them and encouraged the boy to ask if he could join. He ran over and then waved back at them. While he played, they sat on one of the park benches. He had released her hand but kept his arm lightly on her as he leaned it on the back of the bench. He wanted to wrap his arms around her. It was getting increasingly difficult to keep up his gentlemanly behavior, while his very fantasy was near him.

"So, you said you will be returning Thursday evening? She asked him. "Four days suddenly feels like a long time," she added.

"Yes, and yes," he said. "Being away from home often becomes tiresome but being away from you will make it all but impossible. I will miss you my sweet Arawyn."

She noticed "my sweet" of course, and she felt special to him. He said it without realizing that she was indeed already his. These days with him and Jack had pulled at her heartstrings. She suddenly realized how much she wanted a family of her own. A love like her parents had and children to hug. It had always been in the back of her mind…for some day. But she realized someday was suddenly here.

They watched the children play in silence. Finally, Lucas spoke up. Arawyn, you are so good with Jack and the children at the parish. I was wondering if you wanted children of your own someday?" He turned to look at her for her answer.

"It has always just been a theoretical question for me. A vague notion for some time far in the future. But funny that you ask that as I was just thinking about it. These past few days with you and Jack have made me realize how much I want a family. I was raised in a wonderful one, and I want that too. Someday seems a lot sooner now," she told him openly.

"When I get back, I hope we can discuss this further. I have feelings I want, no need, to share with you. But I must run off for a few days and I want to wait until we have much more time and no little boy with us." He stroked a finger down her nose and paused at her lips. He traced her lower lip with his thumb, then placed his palm against her cheek and she leaned into it. He felt her nod her agreement.


They returned to the house and decided to work on a jigsaw puzzle before it was time for her to return home. Lucas still needed to pack for his trip and to get Jack's things packed as well. Marcus said he would watch Jack while Lucas escorted her home.

"I will be back very soon. Did you give Miss MacKenna the picture you drew for her?" Lucas asked the boy who then scrambled to his room to retrieve both drawings. He gave her the one of just her with she was delighted with.

"This is beautiful, Jack. Thank you so much." She leaned and hugged him. "Oh, you made two," she said.

"This one is for me," he told her. It was a picture of his buddy and her with trees in the background. "Lucas, he has captured you too," she told him.

"Yes, his daddy was a very fine artist. I think he has gotten it from him," Lucas squeezed Jack shoulder.

"My daddy went to heaven," Jack told her.

"I am sure he is very proud of you," she said. She knew that his father had been a Mounty and that he had died in the line of duty.

"Marcus, he is yours for a little while," he told him.

"Bye Jack, I hope we will see each other sometime soon." She hugged him and passed through the door that Lucas held open for her.


They stood on the porch, neither wanting to say goodbye.

"I had better go," Lucas told her.

"May I have a favor first?" she asked.

"Anything, well almost anything," he told her.

"Will you hug me, so while you are gone, and I miss you I can remember…...?"

He pulled her into his arms; he held her around her waist with one hand and held her against his chest with the other. It felt so good. He kissed the top of her head. And then released her before he forgot to keep his composure.

"One more thing before you go," she said. She got on her tiptoes and wrapped one hand around his neck while running the other through his hair. He shivered. She stepped back and said, I could not just savor the idea of it any longer. I needed to touch that beautiful head of hair."

"Any time you get the urge…" he trailed off.

"Good night and have a safe trip. Perhaps you wouldn't mind ringing me tomorrow night to let me know you arrived?" she told him.

"Absolutely. Good night, Arawyn. I will be dreaming of you." He turned reluctantly and left.