This chapter is one of my favourites in this story. It would really mean a lot if you would let me know what do you think about it.
—--
Lucas closed the doors of the mansion garden and tiredly dragged his legs up the stairs. His head pounded, bringing in the headache.
He and Carson met with the director of the hospital and Minister of health. The four men discussed the possibilities of improving medical system, what could be done and offered for the citizens of Capitol City. They agreed on so many things and if the circumstances were any different, Lucas would be thrilled.
However, all those ideas and plans needed support from the Parliament, which meant approval of Lucas' bill.
And bloody John Jefferson stood in the way of all that.
Lucas exhaled sharply and shook his head before he knocked on the doors, fully expecting Simon to open them.
Scent of vanilla hit his senses, immediately soothing his agitated mind and he looked up in surprise, his lips curling up, his tired eyes crinkling on the edges at the sight of his beloved Grace.
"You're here", he whispered, his voice tired and soft.
Grace's eyes softened as she noticed how exhausted he was. Her facial expression turned from happy to concerned as she quickly closed the doors and took him in her arms. He leaned his head on her shoulder, burying his face in her soft hair and letting out a breath.
She wrapped her arms around him, growing even more concerned as she felt him not moving an inch.
Slowly, Grace started to caress his hair and back, trying to bring him some love and comfort. Lucas exhaled deeply and closing his eyes, he held onto her, taking a few deep breaths in.
"Thank you", she heard him whisper and her heart went out to him.
She slightly turned her head to her right and placed a gentle kiss on Lucas' hairline.
"What happened?", she asked quietly. She slowly pulled away, her hands still holding his forearms as she looked up at him with concern "The meeting didn't go well?"
Lucas shook his head, running fingers through his hair in frustration.
"No, it was great. We agreed almost on everything. Now we only have to get an approval of my bill from the Parliament", throwing his head back, Lucas let out a silent frustrated growl and mumbled "When will that idiot realize that there is no personal benefit in it for me and stop calling me corruptive?!", he looked back at Grace and exhaled deeply, rubbing his forehead "I'm sorry, sweetheart", he shook his head and inhaling deeply, he was about to apologize again, but Grace wouldn't let him do it.
"Hey", she gently called, her palms cupping his cheeks. As he looked at her, her heart ached as she noticed despondency and exhaustion in his dark orbs "There is a reason I waited for you. I wanted to hear how did it go and be here if you needed a support system", as Lucas smiled tiredly, Grace moved her fingertips to his temples and gently massaged them, making him sigh and close his eyes just for a moment. She placed a soft, short kiss on his lips and took his hand "Come on. You need to rest."
Slightly tugging his hand she led him upstairs, never letting go of his palm. She took him to the library where she knew dinner was waiting for him. Ordering him to sit at the sofa and pushing a plate in his hands, she told him to eat while she finishes something.
Rushing out from the library Grace looked around to find a servant and asked him nicely to draw a bath for the Governor and light up a fire in his bedroom, so it could get warm when he decides to turn in.
Rushing down the grand staircase, Grace went into Lucas' office and opened the bar. She quickly took out a bottle of red wine and two glasses. Hurrying upstairs, she met a servant who was just leaving the Master bedroom. He informed her that the bath was ready and that the fire was lit.
Grace thanked him with a soft smile and opening the doors of the library with her elbow, she went inside.
Her heart ached as she saw Lucas' exhausted form hunched over, his hands on his face, a plate of food on the table. He barely touched his dinner.
Pressing her lips in determination, Grace closed the doors, alerting Lucas to her presence. He took his palms away from his face and watched as she came toward him. Sitting down, she placed glasses and a bottle of red wine on the table in front of them. Uncorking the bottle, she poured some wine in a glass and nudged it gently in his hand.
"Come on. You did everything you could", she said, her voice warm and comforting "Now it's time to rest. Tomorrow is another day and who knows", she shrugged "Perhaps Mr. Jefferson will see the things from a whole other perspective."
She was bursting with desire to tell him about Catherine's reaction, but didn't want to risk it in case John doesn't change his mind.
Instead, she scrambled up on the back of the sofa and her palms went to Lucas' shoulders. She slowly started to massage his shoulders and upper back, her forehead creasing in concern as she felt how tense he is.
He sighed, his eyes closing as her fingers moved to his neck, then back to his shoulders, her gentle, loving touch chasing away the stress from his upper back and calming his mind down.
She worked on his shoulders and upper back for a few moments in silence, letting him relax. When she felt the knots on his upper back disappearing under her touch she leaned in and quietly said:
"Lucas, why don't you go to sleep? I asked Colin to draw a bath for you", she gently kissed his temple and added "You need to rest. You are working too hard. And you shouldn't beat yourself up. It is not your fault that John Jefferson is an idiot."
He closed his eyes, letting out a breath.
"Can't I just stay like this?", he whispered and took her fingers in his palms as she held them on his shoulders. Bringing their joined hands down on his chest, he inhaled deeply, her beautiful scent soothing his nerves into complete relaxation "I think you will help me more than sleep."
He felt her lips curling up in a smile against the skin close to his right eye and he opened his eyes, his lips curling up at the sight of Grace's beautiful face that was so dear to him.
She locked her gaze with his and placing another gentle kiss on his temple, she gently murmured:
"Soon, my Lucas", and with those words she slowly pulled away and got up from the sofa.
He was up next and stepping slowly into her personal space, he leaned his forehead on hers and whispered:
"Soon can't come soon enough", he watched as her eyes sparkled like diamonds and his heart soared as she giggled sweetly, making him chuckle lovingly before he took her palm in his fingers. He brushed his lips over her knuckles and smiled gently at his love "Come on. I'll take you home."
Grace shook her head.
"The only place YOU are going now is your bed. Stephen will take me home", she pressed her palm on the left side of his chest and murmured gently, but determinedly "You are going to SLEEP".
Lucas exhaled tiredly and nodded.
"Alright."
—--
To say that Lucas was in shock was putting it mildly. For months John Jefferson objected to his bill, calling him names, practically insulting him at every Parliament assembly without any proof.
To see him raising his hand begrudgingly, but raising it whatsoever made Lucas almost gape with his mouth wide open. He reigned himself in at the last moment, hoping that his best poker face was on, hiding his utter surprise.
As the loud murmur of approval went among the Parliament members, Lucas got up from his seat and accepted handshakes and congratulations, relieved and happy in his disbelief.
John Jefferson himself nodded curtly as he approached him and gritted his teeth as he murmured:
"Congratulations, Governor", and with a short handshake he was off before Lucas could say anything.
He turned to look at Michael, one of the biggest supporters of his bill as he came toward him and gave him a friendly slap on his upper back, his grin blinding everybody who looked at him. Lucas grinned himself before letting out a short laughter of disbelief as he asked:
"What on Earth just happened?!"
Michael also laughed before grabbing Lucas' hand for a friendly shake.
"You are marrying one hell of a woman, Lucas!", said Michael and the small group of the bill's faithful supporters that stood around Lucas murmured in approval.
Lucas slightly creased his eyebrows in confusion.
"What?"
Realization dawned on Michael's face and he laughed again.
"You don't know?!", upon seeing Lucas' blank look Michael grinned widely before continuing "Your fiancée gave one hell of a speech at that dinner last night about how much this bill would help so many people. Apparently, Jefferson didn't tell his wife that he is against your bill. She was furious when she heard that he was blocking it!"
"Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned!", quipped David sending all men into fits of laughter.
Mark shook his head.
"Jefferson should know better. Our ladies hold assemblies of their own! They should never be kept in the dark", he commented.
Peter grinned as he shook Lucas' hand.
"My wife couldn't stop praising your lovely Miss Bennet for standing up to what is right against those hypocrites!", he said and all men nodded in approval.
Stephen chuckled as he huddled closer and said conspiratorially:
"I heard that Mrs. Jefferson threatened to get rid of the cat John is so fond off if he continues to block the bill!"
Men burst to laughter once again. Lucas watched the scene unravel in front of his eyes, feeling his heart swelling until it felt like it floated out of his chest.
A wide, happy smile lit up his lips.
My lovely Grace… How much I love you!
You never cease to take my breath away!
—--
Grace folded the last of the laundry and put it away. Breathing out in relief, she turned on her heels and started to walk toward the kitchen to get a glass of water when there was a knock at the doors.
Opening the doors Grace's entire face brightened as she saw Lucas standing there with a big, happy smile on his face. Her own lips curled up and she said:
"I don't know what brought this kind of smile on your face, but I sure am glad to see it!"
Lucas moved quickly, crossing the threshold and pulling her lovingly into his arms.
"Oh, yes you do know!", he said warmly as he leaned down, his face inching closer to hers.
Grace slightly creased her eyebrows in confusion and opened her mouth to reply…
But, before she could utter one word, Lucas dived in, kissing her passionately, stealing her breath and robbing her mind of any coherent thought. His lips were warm as the summer sun and he kissed her with such urge that her mind turned into mush. She kissed him back, every part of her body tingling from his love. As his tongue entered her mouth, she mewled in pleasure, arching into him. His palms pressed into her back as he tried to pull her closer to him.
Closer.
She gasped slightly in excitement at feeling him like this. Heat pooled deep down inside her and she sneaked her fingers into his hair, causing him to groan in pleasure as she gently pressed her fingertips into the glorious blackness.
He pulled away just for a second, just to get some air in his lungs and then kissed her again, his hands pulling her closer to him.
Closer.
Grace's mind was a blur, a fog as she burned in the fire of Lucas' love, kissing him back, trying to match and follow his excited, loving, passionate kisses. Whatever was the reason for this unexpected call, she was enjoying it immensely.
He tightened his hold on her and pulled her body flush against his, making her gasp in pleasure. The sound caused their lips to pull away ever so slightly, but enough for Lucas to whisper in a deep, warm, velvety tone of voice:
"You are unbelievable. Amazing", he kissed her again, slowly and gently this time, eliciting the most beautiful sigh from her lips. His palms pressed into her back and he smiled against her lips "You never cease to surprise me. You never cease to take my breath away", he kissed her slowly, lovingly, sensually, making her head spin before he pulled away and with a small, mischievous smile he quietly said "Come on. I am taking you somewhere. Go change, I'll wait for you", at her creased eyebrows and confused smile he smiled, his dimples shining out "Trust me. You don't have to dress fancy. Just something warm", his smile widened as he added "But not too warm. I'll keep you in my arms all the time."
Grace felt her lungs constricting from the joy at hearing him talk like this and seeing him so happy.
"And you won't tell me why?", she asked as she tried to calm her breathing down.
If possible, Lucas' smile grew even wider and he quietly said:
"Not until we're out, my beautiful bride."
Grace felt her breath hitch and she smiled widely, her eyes sparkling.
She stepped on her tiptoes and lazily kissed those lips she adored with all that she is.
"I won't be long", and with those words, she rushed upstairs to get ready.
Lucas took a deep breath in as he watched her leave and smiled.
You are going to be adored forever and always, my beautiful Grace.
—--
Mm, mm
Mm, in your arms
Oh
I can hear your heartbeat now
I can hear it beating loud
In your arms
I can still feel the way you want me when you hold me
I can still hear the words you whispered when you told me
I can stay right here forever in your arms
And there ain't no way
I'm letting you go now
And there ain't no way
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day
'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face
Always
Mm, baby
In your heart
I can still hear a beat for every time you kiss me
And when we're apart, I know how much you miss me
I can feel your love for me in your heart
And there ain't no way (And there ain't no way)
I'm letting you go now
And there ain't no way (And there ain't no way)
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day
'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face
Always
Oh, yeah
Wanna wake up every morning, yeah
Oh
In your eyes (I can still see the look of the one)
I can still see the look of the one who really loves me
(I can still feel the way that you want)
The one who wouldn't put anything else in the world above me
(I can still see love for me) I can still see love for me in your eyes
(I still see the love)
And there ain't no way (And there ain't no way)
I'm letting you go now
And there ain't no way (And there ain't no way)
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day
'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face
I'm keeping you forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face
I'm keeping you forever and for always
Oh
I'm keeping you forever
Got to keep you, baby
Oh, forever
In your arms
("Forever and for always" - Shania Twain)