Note: text in italic is dialogue being spoken in French

The Dreams We Share

Chapter 22 Travel Plans

Thursday Lucas was up early. He had dreamt of Arawyn… a soft dream that eluded him now, but he could feel a lingering sense of peace and contentment and knew she had been with him. He couldn't wait to see her. He thought he might stop by at lunchtime just to be with her for a few moments or persuade her to come and have lunch at the café they sometimes met at.

Arawyn also awoke early. She had a busy day but felt relaxed and well rested. She knew she had dreamt of him. She often did, but awoke in a state of heat, blushing even though she was alone. But this morning, perhaps it was the promise they had made to be one other's forever, she felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. Perhaps she could persuade him to go to lunch at the little café. She so wanted to see him, her soon to be husband. The thought excited her and made her grin. She thought she would call him at home soon. He generally left between 7:30 and 8:00.

Lucas headed down to breakfast at 7:00 to find Marcus already seated. Gustave had put his breakfast under a cloche to keep it warm.
"Good-morning Marcus," Lucas said.

"I take it by that smile that your evening went well?" Marcus replied as Lucas poured himself a cup of tea.

"Yes, it did. Thank you for helping me get ready. I was a bit nervous, which she picked up on at dinner when I started rambling because I had forgotten to offer her a glass of wine. I don't think I would have even made it that far if you and Gustave had not helped me," Lucas told him sincerely. "But I got more relaxed by the end of dinner and managed to dance without tripping even once," he chuckled and Marcus joined him in a laugh.

"That must have been the French part kicking in," Marcus joked.

"Yes, indeed. Thank goodness for the French half, Gustave would be sure of it," Lucas jibed.

"Well, we were happy to help. We like Miss MacKenna very much. She has brought you back to life. I didn't know what you were like before, but Gustave has told me that the slightly sad man that you have been, is not the Lucas that he knew at one time. And I can say that the Lucas I see before me now, is not the man I met a couple of years ago. From what I have gathered from being around the young woman, she is what you have been waiting for," Marcus told him.

"Yes, I can't say she is perfect, no one is that, but she is perfect for me. I am blessed," Lucas said. He began to eat his breakfast.

"Tell me what is on the agenda for today, since we didn't have a chance to review last evening," Lucas asked. Marcus proceeded to give him the rundown for the day. When he was wrapping up, Lucas heard the phone ring in the entry. He rushed to answer it as he had the feeling it was Arawyn.

He picked up the phone "Bouchard here," he said as he was used to.

"Mr. Bouchard, Miss MacKenna here. I was wondering if I might interrupt your day with a lunch engagement. I have a break at 12:30 and need to be back in my office before 2:00. What say you?" she asked.

"I would be delighted to pick you up at your office at 12:30. I am available per my esteemed aide's rundown of my schedule," Lucas told her.

"It is a date then. See you then, Bouchard," he heard the amusement in her voice.

"See you then, Miss MacKenna," he waited until she hung up first. She knew he wouldn't until she did and accepted that she would be the one to end their calls.


Lucas arrived a few minutes early, but waited in the hall until the time he had told her he would meet her. He respected her schedule. Right at 12:30 he was ready to knock when she suddenly opened the door. She grabbed his hand and dragged him into her office as he pushed the door closed. She pulled him by the lapels to help herself up to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and helped her by bringing his mouth down to hers. He held the door closed with his back so that they would not be caught in the passionate albeit brief kiss.

"I have been waiting for that all day," she said.

"Moi, aussi," (me too) he told her knowing she spoke French at least as well as he did.

"Shall we go, I am famished," she said.

"I had a big breakfast, I guess Gustave thought that I needed fortification after my mission last night, hungry business proposing," he chuckled. "But I want to spend lunchtime with you, I will eat something light while I gaze upon my fiancée," he told her with a bright dimpled smile. She smiled back.

They continued on in French as they made their way to the café.

"I dreamed of you ma cheri; I woke feeling a contentment I can't explain." Lucas told her.

"The same, I woke early and felt so rested. I am glad as Thursday is always a long one," she replied.

Once in the café, he switched back to English. "Arawyn, I need to make a trip next week. I need to be in Calgary on Thursday for a meeting and speech. I was wondering if you could make the trip as well and speak to the women's society there, to get them thinking about the project. I am fairly sure that we will be a go for a province wide launch by next year. I don't think it premature to at least garner some interest. You never know where good ideas might come from," he told her.

"Well, at present I just have lectures on Monday-Wednesday, and I can move Thursday office hours to Wednesday. Would we be back on Friday? Perhaps I can switch my Thursday with one of the Friday evening volunteers," she said.

"Well, there is a second part of this that I have yet to mention. I was wondering if you would join me on a three-day weekend in Banff. The wildflowers are beautiful during the summers. And you may have heard of the hot springs there? They are quite the attraction. It would be an engagement celebration," he said throwing in engagement as an enticement.

"So how many engagement celebrations are you going to suggest, my love?" She was astute enough to call him on his ploy.

"Every weekend until we marry?" He teased.

"That is what I thought. But seriously, I would need to find someone for Saturday and that is a much bigger ask since it is all day," Arawyn told him.

"Perhaps Emelia or Candace?" He suggested.

"Candace usually works that day too, but perhaps Emelia might be persuaded. I will ask her. She is dying to see the ring so perhaps if I stop by tomorrow after work at the Peterson's I can speak with her."

"Why don't I go with you. Of course, both the Petersons know of the engagement already, but it would be good to see Mary and the young ladies and be there for the admiration of my wonderful taste in jewelry," he told her.

Anyone else who might have heard him would have thought he was being boastful, but Arawyn knew her man and rolled her eyes dramatically for effect.

"Sounds good, I will ring up Mary and let her know we should be there between 5:30 and 6:00 if that works," Arawyn told him.

"Sounds fine. How about we get our order in?" he said.

On Friday evening, Lucas picked Arawyn up as they were expected at the Petersons. It had turned into a dinner invitation from Mary; he always enjoyed his visits there. They had stopped by a flower shop to buy some flowers for their hostess, and Lucas had brought along a bottle of wine from his cellar for their host. He included a bottle of champagne so they could share a toast to their engagement.

They were greeted by the Peterson's housekeeper Anna and escorted to the parlor where Mary and the young ladies were waiting for them. Anna went to retrieve James from the library.

They entered the parlor hand in hand and Emelia and Constance rushed over.

"Let's see," exclaimed an excited Constance as she grabbed Arawyn's left hand which Arawyn held out for her.
"Oh my goodness, that is the most beautiful ring," Emelia interjected.

The ladies continued their admiration for the ring as Arawyn and Lucas made their way to where Mary was seated. Arawyn sat next to her, and Mary gave her a hug.

"Congratulations to you both," she told them. "I am so happy for you."

Lucas came over and gave her a kiss on each cheek, "thank you, Mary."

Just then James entered and shook Lucas' hand. He had already seen him since the engagement, so he was abreast of the compressed timeline.

Mary announced, "so what is this I hear about the date being in early September."

Arawyn spoke up. "We had originally thought we might marry during the Christmas holidays since we will both be in Montreal. But after talking about it further we decided that we want to begin our life together as soon as possible. And so, we will be marrying in Montreal in a very small ceremony when the university and cabinet go on break. And then when we return to Montreal for the holidays, there will be a large reception for friends and family. We will host a reception here in Edmonton sometime; we haven't discussed a date but perhaps in October. But we are hoping that you will join us in Montreal at Christmas if you can; it is beautiful at that time of year."

"And what do your parents say?"

"Well, Lucas spoke to Papa and while he might have preferred, we wait until Christmas, he was easily persuaded. And Mama, although she is disappointed that there won't be a large wedding, is very excited that I am finally marrying as she so graciously put it. She seems quite relieved that I won't be an old maid after all." She grinned up at Lucas, "did you know that you are saving me from a horrible fate? My mother will love you."

He took her hand and bowed over it in an exaggerated gesture, "Lucas Bouchard, rescuer of damsels, at your service."

They all laughed at Lucas' antics and then James congratulated Arawyn on the engagement. "You know that Lucas saw the ring while I was in the shop selecting a gift for Mary for our anniversary? He was admiring it and I knew he was a drowning man." They all laughed while Lucas looked sheepish.

"Okay, I admit to love at first sight. Do you blame me?" He asked.

"Not at all," James said. "I wish you every happiness, both of you. Now, may I get everyone a drink?"

Lucas helped James get a round of aperitifs for the group as they awaited dinner, which would be served soon.

"So, Lucas, what did your parents say about the news?" Mary asked him.

"They are in transit to San Francisco, so I haven't been able to tell them yet. I think they arrive tomorrow, so I expect a call as they told me they would as soon as they made it there. I think they will not be very surprised. My father in particular could see right away that I was a changed man and very much in love. They were very impressed with Arawyn. Who wouldn't be, and they love her already because she has brought me happiness, something that has eluded me for years now," Lucas told them.

Mary turned to Arawyn, "if there is anything I can do for you to help you this next month let me know."

Just then, dinner was announced, and they were escorted to the dining room. They were served their starter and then Arawyn spoke, "Actually there is something that I am hoping Emelia is willing to do for me."

"Anything for you if I can," Emelia replied.

"Are you able to substitute for me a week from Saturday at St. Joachim's? It is a big ask because I volunteer all day," Arawyn told her.

"I would be happy to; it has been a while, but Constance is there that day and can update me as needed," she said as Constance nodded.

"Thank you. Lucas is on a trip to Calgary next week. Papa is also going. He has asked me if I could come with them and speak to a woman's group there. I will miss Thursday evening at the church, but I have that covered. He has also invited me to Banff for the weekend."

"Perhaps I can accompany James on the trip and join you in speaking to the woman's group there. I hear we are trying to prepare them for a push next year. But there might be time for them to arrange the late Fall root crop even this year!" Mary told her.

"I think that is a fine idea." James interjected.

Arawyn looked over at Lucas who replied, "I agree; the idea was always to have two members of the society to travel together but this came up so last minute we hadn't discussed it. Mary, are you able to go?"

"Yes, and not only do I want to go, but I insist I go. And not only that, I think that James and I should accompany you to Banff as well. I know that there is nothing untoward going on between you, but it might get tongues wagging if our handsome bachelor Minister were seen at a resort for the weekend with an unchaperoned young lady," Mary announced.

Arawyn blushed. "Oh Mary!"

Lucas interceded, "Arawyn, Mary is right. I hadn't thought about how it might look to others. I have become a curiosity of sorts, being unmarried at my age. What do you think James, would you come with us? We don't have to spend every moment together, but it would help Arawyn's reputation if anyone did recognize me."

"Sounds fine, it has been a while since we have been there and it has always been during the winter for the mountain views and snow," James said.

"Papa and Mama used to take us sledding when we were younger; I have such fond memories of our times there," Emelia said.

"I hear that it is quite magnificent in the late Spring and during Summer when the wildflowers are in bloom," James said.

"Then it is settled? You and Mary will come with us?" Lucas wanted to confirm.

"Yes, we certainly will. And I will take my job as chaperone very seriously," he said to Lucas with a wink.

Arawyn, who had just stopped blushing, blushed again.

Lucas looked at her with a grin and wiggled his eyebrows up and down with a cheeky smile. She giggled.


They strolled to her front door, and she asked if he wanted to come in. Now that they were engaged, they wanted to spend more quiet time together rather than just over the phone.

"I'd love to, but you do have to get up early," he noted.

"It is still not that late. Come in for an hour; we would spend that on the phone when you got home anyway," she told him.

"All right; an hour. Then I leave you to get sleep, okay?" Lucas told her as she nodded her agreement. Just to emphasize his point, he took out his pocket watch and checked the time.

Arawyn smiled. He was doing it to tease her as much as anything and she knew it. He had looked so serious.

He opened the door for her. It appeared that everyone had already retired as the house was quiet except for the ticking of the grandfather clock in the entry. She led him down the hall and into the library.

"Would you like a glass of brandy?" she asked.

"That would be lovely. But allow me," Lucas told her.

"No, make yourself comfortable on the couch and I will get it this time," she said.

He nodded so she walked to a sideboard and poured her father's best brandy into a sniffer. She walked back to Lucas and took a sip and then handed the glass to him.

"Thank you. Are you sure you don't want one as well?" Lucas asked.

"No, that's okay. If I want another sip, I will let you know," she told him as she slipped off her shoes and curled up next to him.

"Happy to share," he told her. "So, I hope you aren't disappointed that we will have the Peterson's with us next weekend. I knew that James was planning on going to the meetings we have with the mayor and others, but I thought we would take separate cars so the two of us could go on to Banff afterward."

"It's okay Lucas. I want to spend time with you even if it is with others. It makes sense, what Mary said."

"Maybe they won't be very cautious chaperones," he told her with a grin in his voice.

She jabbed him in his side. "I thought you were the one being cautious. I told you I am ready to throw caution to the wind."

"Perhaps having chaperone's is an excellent idea. They don't have any clue that it is me they will be protecting," he told her as they both laughed.

"No, they don't," she said as she got up from her spot next to him and then sat on his lap circling his neck with her arms and pulling his head down so she could press her lips to his. He put his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss. She moaned and he groaned at the feelings that instantly sprung up between them. He felt needy as she responded with the aching hunger that was developing between them. They broke the kiss, both breathless as he repositioned her and leaned his forehead on hers trying to catch his breath.

"I love you Arawyn," he whispered. "I can hardly wait for us to be married."

"I can't wait for you to show me what that will be like; being able to truly share these feelings," she whispered back.

"Perhaps we need a distraction for a while," he told her.

She reluctantly left his lap and walked to one of the bookshelves. She retrieved a book; it wasn't very thick but it was both tall and wide. She returned to sit next to him. He saw that it was a book about the Banff area, and it had illustrations. They opened it and slowly paged through the book, admiring the pictures that captured the essence of the area. They found a section on the hot springs and the resort that they would be staying at.

"I am so excited to see this in color," she told him. "The flowers must be breathtaking on the hillsides."

"Yes, and you will look breathtaking amongst them my sweet Arawyn," he told her with a kiss to the side of her head.

"Shall we bring our bathing costumes and 'take the waters' as they say?" she asked him.

"Are you trying to kill me?" he said teasing her.

"Well, you won't be any good to me dead," she teased back.

"I sometimes swim at one of the lakes near here in the summer. Some of the smaller ones aren't too cold. So, I do own a bathing costume and will bring it in case we decide to enjoy the hot springs," Lucas said.

"I will bring mine too. I have one that is modest enough that even Aunt Martha might approve," she said.

"Well, what is the fun in that?" he said again teasing her.

"Well, it is modest as far as bathing costumes is concerned, but it isn't a nun's habit," she countered.

Lucas looked at his watch. While he had been teasing, he was also serious about letting her sleep. They had ten minutes.

"It is time for me to leave soon; but before I go, just one more kiss."

He placed one palm against her cheek and pulled her closer with his other hand around her waist. He used his thumb to stroke one corner of her lips, and she moaned as he brought his mouth tenderly to hers. They deepened the kiss but kept it a gentle sweet exploration rather than the expression of hunger that I had swamped them earlier. It was a good night kiss, one that said we have so many tomorrows to look forward to. Lucas gently ended the kiss and gave her one on the forehead as he rose to go. He took her hand as he did, and they walked to the front door together and embraced.

Will you call me before you sleep? He asked. Just for a moment to say goodnight. I should be home within 15 minutes. She nodded and he slipped outside the door. She watched him drive away and then closed it gently.


The next day Lucas woke early so that he could arrive at the church about when he expected Arawyn. They worked side by side through the breakfast service and then after they had cleaned up the dining area, Mary and Emelia arrived.

"I am here to relieve you," Emelia told her.

"Whatever for?" Arawyn asked her.

Mary responded for her saying, "I want to introduce you to my seamstress." I know you need help making preparations for your trip to Montreal and you have so little time. So please indulge me; I want you to see how she might be able to help you. It is important you do something about the wedding dress right away.

"But Emelia you're covering for me next Saturday; I feel badly about having you do this today as well," Arawyn told her.

"Never mind that's what friends are for; I am happy to help; this is special circumstance," Emelia replied.

Lucas came over to greet this friend's wife. "Always good to see you. What are you doing here?"

"I have come on a mission to take your fiancée to visit my seamstress, and she appears to want to give me an argument," Mary told him.

Lucas turned to Arawyn, "if you want to go, I will certainly stay and help Emelia and Constance at least until you return. I have no plans for today other than to spend time with you here; but this may be what you need to help relieve the stress of preparing for the wedding when we also have travel plans this next weekend."

"I know you are right. Thank you, Emelia, it is so kind of you to help. I am afraid I am going to be leaning on you these next weeks. I need to start recruiting volunteers to cover my shifts while I am gone to Montreal," Arawyn told them.

Mary replied, "do not fret my dear, we will find someone or several ladies, if need be, to cover for you. This is your special time, and we want you to enjoy it. Now, take off that apron, put your dress shoes back on and come with me, the driver is waiting for us out back."

Arawyn followed her marching orders, and kissed Emelia on the cheek, then hurried after Mary with Lucas right behind her. As soon as they were outside Lucas kissed her hand. "Have a nice time my sweet. I will see you later. I will be going home after the lunch service but will be back at St. Joachim's for dinner. Just call me whenever you are done with your visit."

"Arawyn," Mary called to her, "we must hurry."

"I will call you as soon as I can," Arawyn told him as she hurried to the car. She waved to him from the window as they drove away. He turned and headed back to help prepare lunch.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They were greeted by Madame Beaufoy as soon as she heard the bell when the door opened. She greeted them with a tray of tea and cookies that she brought to a small sitting area to one side of the shop.

She motioned them to the couch but before they got there, she indicated to Arawyn that she should spin around for her.

"Turn, turn" she said. "You will be a beautiful bride; we will make sure. You have a model's figure and we will make you look like a queen."

She patted the spot next to her and had Arawyn sit withher on the couch as Mary sat on her other side. She poured them some tea and then she said to Arawyn, "do you have any ideas of what you like?"

"No, not specifically. I am Irish and Welsh and it would be nice to do something to honor my heritage.

"Oh, then you must have Irish lace; You will be a most elegant bride." She reached for Arawyn's hand and said, "I think that is good, your fiancée will like that you have carried out the tradition which he has honored in his selection of your ring."

Erwin nodded. "But I don't want anything too fussy I would like the gown to be simple in shape at least, especially if it is to be lace."

Madam Beaufoy agreed. "Yes, you will look very elegant in a gown that is simple in shape to highlight that model's form but yet intricate in fabric. Do you wish to wear a veil?
"The wedding is in a Catholic Church, so it is traditional for women to cover their head, so yes. My mother has a low tiara that she wore at her wedding and her mother before her. My mother is the one that is Welsh. I would like to wear that with my veil," Arawyn told her.
I have a catalog with photos that I can show you so you can give me an idea of what it looks like, and we will find the perfect veil. And for the dress, we don't carry any in the store, only some examples to give you some idea of shape and style of the neck and sleeves. We have to make everything custom unless we can order it from a catalog. Let me show you some ideas of what I think would look good on you. She went to a rack and selected 2 dresses very similar but with different necklines. They were fitted to the form and dropped to the floor in an A-line shape with a small train in back.

Arawyn told her, "Yes that is exactly what I had in my head in terms of the shape of the dress. I like the one with the more modest neckline."

Madame Beaufoy selected that one and held it up to show Mary. "I think that looks perfect So what do we do about the fabric?" Mary asked.

Oh, the Irish lace is a special order unless I can find a shop with a similar dress. We might be able to have it shipped and fitted here before you leave," Madame told her.

"But that is only three weeks away," said Mary.

Madam took one of the catalogs and flipped through the pages. "Voila," she exclaimed as she showed them the photo. "This is made of Irish lace and look at the veil, it is perfect. This supplier is based in the United States; they have a shop in New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Mary said excitedly, "didn't you say that Lucas's parents are in San Francisco right now. Surely they will be coming to the wedding."

"Well, they don't know about it yet, but Lucas expects them to call tonight or tomorrow as they should be reaching their home there," Arawyn replied.

"I will call the shop and see if they have it in your size or a size larger. It may not be until Monday until I can speak with them since it is the weekend."

"Madam I would be so grateful that you offer to do this for me," Arawyn told the woman.

"Let me take your measurements," Madam replied.

After she had done so, Arawyn thanked her and gave her her telephone number and asked that she call her as soon as she knew anything.


Mary had the driver take them back to St Joachim's so that they could drop Arawyn off and retriever her daughter.

"Thank you, Mary, for bringing me to see Madam Beaufoy; it is a relief to think we have a plan," Arawyn said. "I will send Emelia out to the car," she said as she kissed Mary's cheek and headed in.

Lucas was already there with his apron on and helping the cook with chopping vegetables for a stew. He saw her and smiled brightly. She headed to put on her apron and joined him.
"Did you have a nice time?" he asked.

"Very, I think we have a plan. But it will involve help from your mother," she told him.

"Now this I have to hear," he said.

"I will be right back, I have to let Emelia know that Mary is waiting in the car."
She returned and explained that if all went well, they would need his mother to pick up the dress at a boutique in San Francisco and bring it north with her. Madame Beaufoy would need two days to alter it to fit.

"Well, I haven't heard from them, but I haven't been home much today. Perhaps after dinner, we can go to the house and place a call to see if we find them in. I need to tell them about the wedding and then you can brief my mother on your plan." Lucas told her.

"That sounds good. We have so little time, and we need for things to fall into place as quickly as possible. I want to be able to enjoy our time together and not fret about the arrangements more than needed," she told him.

"Speaking of arrangements, I called your father to get your parents help in securing the priest and a time for the wedding," Lucas told her.

"I suppose I should call my mother tomorrow and discuss any other arrangements that need to be made. I would like there to be some simple flower arrangement for the church and a bouquet to carry. And what do you think about dinner? We should probably have one for those that attend," Arawyn told him.

"I agree. Would you rather go out or dine in? We could dine at my parent's house. I can take care of the arrangements with them to take that off your mind," Lucas told her.

"That would be wonderful if you are sure they won't mind," she said.

"They won't mind. They will be happy to be involved," he assured her.

Cook spoke up… "Hey handsome, if I am making stew, I need those vegetables."

Lucas spoke up, "sorry, we will concentrate on getting them to you." He looked at Arawyn and grinned. Cook loved him.

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They returned to Lucas' house and headed for the library to call his parent's. It was just past 9:00 but he was fairly certain that he would catch his parents in the library where they liked to sit in the evening.
"Martin Bouchard, speaking," he heard his father say.

"Hello, father," Lucas said, "I am so glad I caught you home."
"We tried to call you several times today, but we guessed you were probably at St. Joachim's," his father said.

"Yes, I was there most of the day. Arawyn and I just wrapped up there and came to call you," Lucas told him. "We have something to tell you, would you have mother come over to listen in?"

"Yes, just one moment. Helen, Lucas has some news," Martin announced. "Go ahead, son."

"Well, first we want to tell you that we are engaged!," Lucas told them with excitement as he drew Arawyn closer to him on the couch.

He heard his mother exclaim, "Oh, Lucas, I am so happy for you. Put Arawyn on the phone," Helen told him.

"Hello, Mrs. Bouchard, Helen," Arawyn said.
"I am so happy, my dear, this is marvelous news. I can't wait to see the ring when we return," Helen told her.

Arawyn said, "Lucas picked just the perfect one as you might expect. It has a heart shaped emerald with side diamonds set in a Celtic knot pattern. I love it. Now I am going to put Lucas back on the phone, he has something more he wants to tell you."

"Mother, Father, I know this will sound sudden, but we are marrying in Montreal the first week of September while we are on break."

He was met with a few moments of silence. Then he heard his mother, "I am not sure what to say. This is so sudden. Certainly not enough time to arrange for a wedding….."
"Now Helen, let's let him speak," he heard his father say.

"We thought about marrying over the winter break; that was our original plan when we first discussed the possibility of marrying someday. But, we are so sure that this is right, and if I have learned anything, it is to seize the precious moments. We want to begin our life together as soon as possible. I hope you will embrace our choice," Lucas told them.

"Of course we will," his father said. "So, what is your plan?"
"We will be marrying in the catholic church Arawyn's parents attend, on the first full weekend of September. The wedding will just include parents, siblings and Arawyn's aunt and uncle. We will have a week after the wedding before heading back here to Edmonton. During the winter holidays we will be returning to Montreal, and we are hoping that Mrs. MacKenna and mother will help plan a large reception so that we can celebrate with our acquaintances and extended families. We will also host a smaller reception here in Edmonton upon our return, perhaps sometime in October."

Helen interjected, "well I will certainly be happy to work with Arawyn's mother to give you the perfect celebration of your marriage during Christmastime."

"Thank you mother," Lucas told her. "Now I am going to return the phone to Arawyn, she needs your help, but I will let her explain…"

Arawyn, explained the situation with the dress and the general plan that Madame Beaufoy had for getting the dress fitted in time.

"I will be happy to help however I can. Just let me know the specifics once you have them. I will let Lucas and Martin discuss the travel plans from here to Edmonton and then on to Montreal in time. I am so excited my dear. I am going to have a daughter and I couldn't be happier that my son has found you," Helen told her.

Lucas looked up from his tea as he saw a tear slide down Arawyn's cheek.
"I am so happy he found me too," he heard her say as she held the receiver out for him to take."

"Mother… ", he said.
"Yes, I will turn you over to your father….. ", she told him.

"Yes, son…" Martin said.

"I will call you on Monday after I have looked over the train schedule. I have a number of calls to make once I speak with Mr. MacKenna to see if he secured the date for the ceremony. So, I will say goodnight now," Lucas told him.

"Goodnight son, and give my daughter to be a kiss on the cheek from me."

Lucas hung up the phone and pulled Arawyn close; he kissed her on the cheek. "From my father," he said and gave her a squeeze as he knew his father would have.


After the call to his parents, they continued to sit together on the couch in the library.

"We will have about a week or so after we are married before we must think about the train ride back. What would you like to do for our honeymoon?" He asked.

Arawyn blushed because her mind had drifted to the "after we are married" part. She had been thinking a lot about what came after, and it didn't involve any sightseeing.

He saw her reaction and wanted to laugh at his sweet fiancée who could not help but give herself away.
"Mmmm, I like what you are thinking but perhaps we will have to come up for air sometime," Lucas told her. That earned him a small jab in the ribs.

He could see that her blush had extended down her neck and across her chest. He traced the neckline of her dress with his fingertip, "I can't wait for our wedding night so I can see just how far this blush goes," he said with a throaty whisper. He nibbled on her ear, and she responded with a shudder.

"Lucas, you are not playing fair, again," she whispered to him.
"I am sorry," he told her. "I can't help but forget myself from time to time. It is getting ever more difficult to resist." He kissed her gently on the forehead and put some space between them again.

"I have booked a suite at the Mount Royal Hotel for three nights, including our wedding night. But I thought perhaps you might like to go somewhere for the rest of the week. Have you been to New York City? We could take in a show or two while we are there," Lucas said.

"I went sightseeing as a child with my parents, and then in college I went with friends to the ballet one time. I would love to go there with you. New York has so much to offer a visitor and I think it would be a fun place for us to spend a few days." She paused, "when we do come up for air that is."

He leaned into a kiss, trying to keep it gentle as he knew they needed to get her home soon. He ended the kiss and put his forehead on hers. "I love you Arawyn MacKenna. You delight me and I can hardly wait to be your husband."

"I love you too, Lucas Bouchard. You make my heart sing. And I can hardly wait to be your wife.

He kissed her hand and then pulled her to her feet so they could make the trip back to her house.

He opened the door and escorted her inside. The house was quiet when they arrived as everyone had retired for the evening. He placed his hand behind her head and pulled her in for a gentle yet passionate kiss.

"I should go now and let you sleep. Each day we get closer to the day I will no longer say goodnight on your doorstep. Dream of me tonight my love," he told her and then he left her to close the door behind him.

She leaned her back against the door and closed her eyes. She was tingling from head to toe from his kiss. She sighed and then made her way to her room to join him in their dreams.