Author's note: Thanks to Avis Minter for her idea with talk between Minnie and Angela.
—--
A few minutes later, Grace broke the kiss, one of her hands in Lucas' glorious hair, the other resting against his back.
He leaned his forehead against hers as both of them fought for a breath.
"I love you, Grace", she heard his whisper and her heart sent a loving smile straight to her lips.
"I love you too, my Lucas", she whispered back.
Her hands moved to his shoulders and upper arms and she smiled gently at him.
"Why don't you go get some rest from your trip?"
Lucas smirked lovingly at her.
"Who says I'm tired?", at Grace's pointed look, he yielded "Fine. I'll go to unpack, take a shower and get some rest, but on one condition", he gave her a playful, boyish smile.
She couldn't help but smile back.
"What's that?", she asked as she got up, pulling him up from the settee as well.
Lucas took his suitcase and opened the doors for her.
"That you have lunch with me", he said warmly.
Grace's smile grew wider.
"I'd love to", they parted at the stairs, Lucas going to his room and Grace deciding to go and see Minnie.
She watched him go upstairs and noticed how tired he looked. He tried to hide it, but his posture gave him away.
Grace truly hoped that he will take her advice and get some rest.
An idea popped up in her mind and her lips curled up in the cutest little smile.
She's gonna need Minnie's help. And another visit to the Mercantile.
With spring in her step she quickly left the saloon.
She was walking quickly down the saloon porch, rushing to get out of the cold.
Grace noticed a few people looking at her and most of them had smiles on their faces and watched her with warmth. Which meant only one thing - that they were happy for Lucas. And that was more than enough for her to nod at them with a smile on her face.
She was nearly reaching the end of the porch when she heard somebody calling her name.
"Grace!"
Stopping, she turned around and saw Florence and Molly rushing down the saloon porch grinning like two Cheshire cats.
Grace stifled a giggle.
I should have known that the FloMo power duo would approach me first.
"Florence, Molly, hi", Grace smiled warmly.
"Oh, you are such a little cutie!", said Molly, smiling.
"And sneaky little cutie!", Florence playfully poked her shoulder with index finger "Why didn't you tell us the other day?", as Grace opened her mouth to reply, Florence waved her off and squealed "Oh, never mind! Who cares! I am so happy for the two of you!", she pulled Grace in a tight hug while Molly quipped:
"Not to mention how you two made someone's head boiling to the point if exploding!"
Grace chuckled at that, knowing perfectly well that they were talking about Elizabeth.
Oh, if they only knew what else had Elizabeth saw!
Would you be so kind and close the doors when you leave?
Grace swallowed hard, trying not to burst to laughter.
Talk about telling someone off with class.
Touché.
Florence pulled away, her voice turning into a confidential whisper.
"Oh, you should see her face! And she had a nerve to whine to Rosemary that he never kissed HER like that!", Florence grinned like she just won a lottery.
"Imagine the nerve! Oh, and it only got worse once Lee showed that he was glad because of the two of you!", hissed Molly.
Grace was looking from Florence at Molly, then back at Florence, then at Molly until she crossed her eyes goofily, producing a wide smile and shaking her head.
"Oh, I feel like I am watching a tennis match!", she caught her head to stop it from changing directions causing Florence and Molly to chuckle conspiratolly, holding tight to each other. Grace couldn't hold back her own giggles anymore and she joined them
Florence grabbed her hands and whispered, suddenly more serious:
"Why don't you two come to Ned's and mine place for dinner? We'd love to welcome Lucas back to Hope Valley without prying eyes and ears lurking around. Show him that he still has friends in Hope Valley", she said warmly.
"Bill and I will be there too", said Molly.
Grace was lost for words and so moved by this act of friendship.
"Well, I have to check with Lucas first. Can I get back to you on that? He's resting now and I really wouldn't want to disturb him", Grace spoke silently, her throat tightening with emotions.
"Oh, of course, dear! Let that handsome man of yours get some shut eye!", Florence quipped, grinning "You just send a word to the Mercantile."
Grace smiled, her cheeks warming up at Florence's use of words.
That handsome man of yours.
"Alright, I have to go to see Minnie, but I will get back to you as soon as I speak with my Lucas", she nervously rambled, not even realizing what did she say.
Oh, but Florence and Molly definitely noticed that slip.
My Lucas.
After Grace greeted them and rushed toward the cafe, Molly squeezed her fingers on the crook of her friend's arm, practically melting on the spot.
"Ooooh, did you hear that?", Molly all but squealed.
Florence put a hand on the left side of her chest.
"Oh, isn't love divine?", Florence sighed.
Suddenly, Molly's eyes widened.
"Sssh, sshh!", she hissed, causing Florence to shut her mouth and open her eyes widely, completely alert "Elizabeth is coming!"
Molly and Florence watched as Elizabeth came out from the Infirmary and seeing them, nodded slightly, a stiff smile plastered on her face and walked away.
"Boy, did he ever dodge a bullet getting away from her!", mumbled Florence.
Molly let out a breath.
"Well, she is getting a taste of her own medicine now!", said Molly.
Florence nodded.
"Touché", she tugged at her friend's arm "Come on, lets go".
—--
Grace knocked at the back doors of the cafe, hoping that Minnie was there.
The doors opened and little Cooper Canfield's face smiled up at her.
"Miss Grace!", Cooper greeted her joyfully, rushing to hug her, causing Grace to laugh warmly.
"Heey, tag partner!", she hugged him back "Is your Mama here?
Cooper nodded enthusiastically.
"Yeah, she's in the kitchen", he pulled Grace inside, causing her to chuckle at the little boy's enthusiasm "Mama! Miss Grace is here!
Minnie looked up at her new friend and smiled.
"Grace, come on in", she wiped her hands on apron.
Grace took her gloves off and smiled.
"Minnie, I need your help", she said, a happy smile shining on her lips.
—--
Lucas fixed his cufflinks as he went downstairs, looking around the restaurant area for any sign of Grace.
But, she was nowhere to be seen.
Lucas creased his eyebrows.
That's odd.
He reached the last step and looked over at the reception to find Mike writing something down in the hotel's book.
"Mike", he called out "Have you seen Grace?"
Mike nodded.
"Yes, she was here about 40 minutes ago. She said that I shouldn't wake you up and left something for you", said Mike as he pulled out a paper bag and an envelope.
He handed it over to Lucas.
"Thank you, Mike", said Lucas, looking down at two items in his hands, he went over to the table and sat down.
He put the paper bag down on the table and opened the envelope.
"I hope you had a good sleep. Here's a light appetizer until you get a real lunch - which is waiting for you along with me at the cafe. P.S. Dress warmly."
Lucas could feel his lips curling up. He folded the note and tucked it in the inner pocket of his suit and then reached for a paper bag.
He opened it, looked inside and let out a soft laugh.
Blueberry cookie.
Lucas took a bite and rushed back upstairs to get his coat, scarf and gloves.
—--
Grace's fingers gently placed Angela's fingers holding a glass over a thinned dough and slowly pressed her hand down.
Angela's face shone with excitement as Grace spoke:
"Now, feel the cut one with your fingertips and slowly put it on the left side. There's a tray", she quickly circled behind the young girl's back to help her feel the tray with her left hand. As Angela lightly touched the tray with her fingertips, Grace spoke again "Good. Now touch the dough gently with your fingertips until you find the edge. That's it", gently putting glass back in Angela's hand, she said "Now, press it down… there you go, you did it!"
Angela's face shone with a smile.
"I did it, Mama!", she smiled happily.
Minnie looked at Grace who was smiling widely as she continued to help Angela with cutting the dough for cookies.
"Where did you learn to do that?", whispered Minnie, her eyes full of tears.
Grace continued to guide Angela's hands while she explained:
"We had a boy who couldn't see at the orphanage. My sister Lillian consulted with some specialists and we went for training to learn how to help kids like her", Grace softly smiled "The point was to include them to every day life. Yes, they can't see, but that's why their other senses are very alert. We learned how to include them in simple, harmless tasks, like this", she glanced at Angela's hands that held a glass "We always use glass instead of cutters because they are not sharp and there is less danger of getting hurt".
At that moment there was a knock at the back doors. Minnie wiped her teary eyes and went to open them while Angela and Grace huddled together, giggling over something Grace said.
Minnie smiled as she opened the doors.
"Lucas, hello", she sniffed silently, wiping her cheeks "Please, come in".
"Minnie, is everything alright?", Lucas asked, concern colouring his voice.
Minnie smiled through her tears.
"Oh, Lucas, your Grace…she is something else", she whispered as Lucas came in "Look."
Lucas turned around and his eyes immediately found her.
She was obviously gently teasing Angela about something because the usually meek girl took a bit of flour and threw it playfully in Grace's direction. Grace squealed, jumping away, making Angela laugh.
His heart felt like it just grew a little bigger at that sight.
"She's been teaching Angela how to cut dough by herself", whispered Minnie.
It was at that moment that Grace looked up and saw him. Her smile grew wider at the sight of him.
"Would you mind if I just finish this and then we'll go?", asked Grace.
Lucas shook his head and smiled as he came closer to the table in the center of Minnie's kitchen and stood at the other side of Angela.
"Hello, Angela. What are you making?", he softly asked.
"Blueberry cookies. Miss Grace's been teaching me how to cut dough", Angela replied excitedly.
Lucas smiled at young girl's happiness.
"Wanna show me how you do it?", he watched as she carefully touched the dough, Grace by her side ready to react if something went astray.
But, Angela did it perfectly, earning herself an applause from Lucas.
"Brava, Angela! Brava!", Lucas cheered, softly caressing Angela's shoulder "Great job!"
Minnie turned from the stove and watched the three of them, just in time when Lucas said "Oh, I want to have some of those cookies!", which made Angela's smile grow wider as she happily nodded.
Minnie's eyes filled with tears; she was moved beyond words.
Both of them were remarkable. So good-hearted and ready to help, so easy to be around and talk to, never being haughty or looking down their noses at somebody. Both of their nature was warm and caring, comforting for people who had it hard in their lives.
And when they were together - the Earth moved.
It was at that moment that all the dough was cut and future cookies were ready to go to the oven. Lucas said that he will put it in the oven while Grace fluttered away to get clean and get her things.
Minnie helped Angela to the sink where she washed her hands. At that moment a customer came in and called for Minnie. She was about to tell him to wait until she gets Angela to the settee, but Lucas stopped her.
"Go. I will help Angela", he said in his calm voice and talking Angela's palm, he put it in the crook of his arm, slowly walking with her toward the settee, watching that there were no obstacles in her way.
Minnie took the coffee pot and glanced at Lucas helping Angela then upstairs where she knew Grace was.
They will be amazing parents one day.
Grace came down, tying her coat and smiling at Lucas.
"Ready to go?", she asked, grabbing the basket from the counter.
"In a minute", said Lucas before sitting for a minute beside Angela and said "Don't let Joseph and Cooper eat all those cookies, okay? I will come back to try some", he quipped, smiling as he heard Angela's laugh.
"Don't worry, Mr. Bouchard. I will hide a few for you", she replied with a smile.
"Excellent. Thank you, Angela", he stood up and went toward the doors where Grace was talking with Minnie "Ready to go?", he asked, taking a basket from her hands.
Grace nodded.
"Thank you for your help, Minnie. I'll see you later", said Grace, smiling at Minnie.
Pastor's wife smiled back.
"It was my pleasure. I packed a few of your blueberry cookies as well. Go, have fun", she playfully shooed them through the doors and closed them with a warm smile on her face.
"Mama?", Angela's voice was heard.
"Yes, baby girl?", replied Minnie, coming toward the settee and taking a seat beside her daughter.
"I like Miss Grace. She is so nice, patient and helpful. She has such a soothing voice", said Angela with a happy smile on her face.
Minnie's heart warmed at Angela's happiness.
"I agree, baby girl. Grace is lovely and such a wonderful person. I have never seen Lucas smile like this before", Minnie's voice was thoughtful "They really deserve each other and they make a perfect couple. Those two will change the world."
—--
Grace and Lucas reached the car that was parked near cafe and once they entered and he started the car, she gasped:
"Lucas, wait! I have to get back to Florence! She invited us over for dinner", she explained "Could you make a stop at the Mercantile?"
Lucas sighed, pretending to be frustrated.
"Well, that depends", he deadpanned, causing Grace's eyes to widen.
"On what?", she asked.
Lucas' dimples started to show, slowly but surely.
"On what my undercover agent says", quipped Lucas.
Grace's facial expression turned mischievous and she quickly looked around to make sure nobody was watching.
At next moment she leaned toward him, her lips warming his with her breath as she whispered, every syllable brushing against his lips.
"Oh, she says yes", she slowly brushed her lips against his, making him sigh "Trust me. I will tell you everything once we get to…", she pulled away a bit "Where do you want to go? You know this place better than I do.".
Lucas thought for a moment and all of a sudden, Grace noticed his eyes sparkling like the stars in the night.
"I know the perfect place", he smiled and started to drive away.
He made a short stop at Mercantile and Grace rushed upstairs to let Florence know that they accepted her dinner invitation.
She leaned in her seat as Lucas drove, and relaxed. Her eyes were taking in the beauty of the scenery around her, but even more in the sight of a man she loved with every little piece of her heart.
Suddenly, it felt like they had left this world when he stopped the car at the small clearing. Grace gasped as she watched the sight in front of her.
Mesmerized, she left the car and walked toward the edge of clearing to take in the most beautiful ridge she had ever seen.
"Lucas", she silently gasped "It's beautiful".
He walked slowly and stopped behind her, wrapping her in his arms. She let out a shaky breath and caressed his hands with her palms, leaning into him.
Lucas closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply, the scent of roses in her silky hair bringing him a vision of future…with Grace by his side.
—--
I'm gonna be here for you, baby
I'll be a man of my word
Speak the language in a voice that you have never heard.
I wanna sleep with you forever,
And I wanna die in your arms
In a cabin by a meadow where the wild bees swarm.
And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you
And I'll earn your trust makin' memories of us.
I wanna stand out in a crowd for you
A man among men
I wanna make your world better than it's ever been.
And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you
And I'll earn your trust makin' memories of us.
We'll follow the rainbow
Wherever the four winds blow
And there'll be a new day comin' your way.
I'm gonna be here for you from now on
This you know somehow
You've been stretched to the limits, but it's alright now.
And I'm gonna make you this promise
If there's life after this
I'm gonna be there to meet you with a warm, wet kiss.
Yes I am.
And I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you
And I'll earn your trust makin' memories of us oh-oh
I'm gonna love you like nobody loves you, baby
And I'll win your trust makin' memories of us
Oh baby.
("Making memories of us" - Keith Urban)