Epilogue - Part Two

Saturday, April 30

The faint birdsong drifting through her open bedroom window gradually penetrated the lovely dream Lucy was having...

The Brady schoolhouse full of smiling, familiar faces dressed in their Sunday best...

The soft rustle of the beautiful dress dotted with tiny yellow roses she wore...

The delicate, sweet smell of the wild flowers wrapped in ribbons she carried in her trembling hands...

And most important of all, the solemn, blue-eyed man waiting patiently for Lucy at the altar...

Reluctantly opening her eyes as the birds' happy chirping grew louder and chased away the hazy remnants of sleep, Lucy blinked at the ceiling. What a wonderful, vivid dream that had been, she thought wistfully with a dainty yawn. Abruptly, she sat straight up in bed. Wait! It wasn't merely a dream...Lucy truly was going to marry Wyatt Logan–and in only a few short hours. Before the end of this very important day, she would be his wife and the man Lucy loved with all her heart would be her husband for the rest of her life. Shivering happily, she marveled at how completely a person's life could change in a short period of time.

Hard to believe only three short months ago, she'd been living over 100 miles away in Belton, employed as a teacher's assistant at the Female College and fervently hoping to secure a permanent teaching position in the school's history department for the fall term. It was a life she'd painstakingly built after leaving her childhood home in San Francisco behind following the death of her beloved father. With all of Lucy's attention diligently focused on her studies, a husband and children had barely been a consideration for the future–and even then, only in the vaguest of generalities.

But then, completely out of the blue, had come the meeting with Dean Christopher, and the path of her future was changed forever when Lucy literally fell into the arms of a dark-haired stranger upon her arrival in the tiny community of Brady. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined meeting an unmarried man like Wyatt Logan in the middle of the Texas plains. To her surprise, she soon learned the horse rancher was everything a woman could wish for in a husband...smart, kind, hard working, from a good family...and one of the handsomest men she'd ever met, Lucy thought, her cheeks pinking slightly.

Of course, as she recalled, her former beau, Noah Cooke, had been quite good looking also—and up until the day almost exactly five years ago when she made up her mind to decline his casually presumptuous offer of marriage, Lucy thought the young doctor to be kind and patient and respectful of her as well...

Flashback

San Francisco

Late April 1876

Standing at her bedroom window gazing down at the bustling street below, Lucy sighed wistfully. From her vantage point, it appeared as if everyone in the world had a purpose on this balmy Sunday afternoon, had somewhere to go and things to do (unlike her). Watching her Papa gradually wasting away day after day until his death, it seemed as if Lucy's world had gotten smaller and smaller until she wondered tiredly at times if there would ever be anything for her in this life outside the walls of her childhood home. But was it really a home any more? Now that the man who raised Lucy so lovingly was gone, the stately mansion on Nob Hill felt dark and isolated...and as hollow as her empty heart.

It had been a week yesterday since Henry Preston was laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Caroline, and each endless day since seemed much like the one before, the hours passing slowly without any respite from the oppressive weight of her loss. Though there remained nearly a dozen servants in the house going about their duties as usual, twenty-year-old Lucy was lonelier than she'd ever been in her entire life. Sadly, because of the infectious nature of Papa's lingering illness, aside from regular visits from the physician, there were understandably very, very few visitors to the Preston home. Apart from the servants, the only other person she came into somewhat regular contact with was her devoted beau, Noah.

As one might expect, Lucy often felt overwhelmed from tending her ailing parent nearly around the clock—and might've given into her grief and exhaustion if not for the kindness of the young doctor. Not only did he pay a call two or three Sunday afternoons a month, small, exquisite bouquets of flowers were delivered at least once a week, each accompanied by an encouraging note. While Lucy's broken heart was too numbed by sorrow to really feel much of anything at all, she had nonetheless become quite fond of Noah and was deeply grateful for the time he spared from his demanding position at the hospital for her.

Regrettably, though, no matter how she might occasionally secretly wish it were so, her sincere gratitude never seemed to transcend mere affection for stronger feelings of a more romantic nature—the sort that would presumably lead to a future together. Maybe there was something wrong with her, Lucy mused pensively. After all, Dr. Cooke was an extremely suitable match for any woman on every level—kind, intelligent, attractive, and possessing an impeccable lineage from a family wealthier than hers. Not that she cared, but Lucy was undoubtedly the envy of numerous young ladies of her acquaintance.

Yet, even in her grief, Lucy was all too aware she couldn't live like this forever...in all probability giving Noah false hope as the months passed she returned his clear feelings for her. Every man's patience had its limits. A decision must be made, and quite soon, about the coming days. She was an unmarried young woman living alone now—an unfortunate circumstance polite society strictly frowned upon. Beneath her natural preoccupation with Papa's worsening health, a part of her reluctantly understood it was very likely assumed by Noah and his family—not to mention the rest of San Francisco's upper class—that Lucy would marry him after a suitable period of at least six months in mourning was observed.

And why wouldn't they think such a thing? her guilty conscience reminded her wearily. Doubtless it was common knowledge within their shared social circle she and Noah had been discreetly seeing each other all these months (even if not properly "courting" due to her father's illness). And her parents' brief but happy marriage aside, being in love with a prospective husband was quite far down the list of reasons to marry for the wealthy elite, and so therefore, rarely did emotions such as love or desire have much to do with prominent families joining in marriage.

Looking inward, Lucy realized it was past time to face the harsh, unpleasant truth: she'd been selfish, with little consideration for the future or the sobering reality of life outside her Papa's sickroom. In her despair, she grasped for the tiniest bit of comfort under admittedly difficult circumstances, and in the process, had unintentionally taken advantage of Noah's regard for her. Lucy closed her eyes at the tinge of regret she felt for treating him so unfairly. She'd certainly been raised better than that.

Unfortunately, the kind of behavior she'd displayed would definitely lead most gentleman to have certain, well, expectations of the woman he patiently devoted so much time to—reasonable, serious expectations, of marriage and eventually children. While the sensible part of Lucy was fully aware there were countless worse choices for a young lady to make than becoming a doctor's wife and living a life of wealth and privilege, she couldn't seem to silence the rebellious spark deep within that chafed at the stifling idea. Did she possess the courage to abandon the expectations of everyone around her...and follow her heart?

Thankfully, Henry's wise business dealings over the years had accumulated a sizeable inheritance for his only child (even before the proceeds of selling their home if she so chose), leaving Lucy comfortably off, a wealthy heiress free to follow whatever path she desired in this life. The hard part was selecting the one that was right for her.

Her gaze was drawn to the elegant writing desk in the corner of her bedroom where the latest letter from the Dean of Womens Studies at Baylor Women's College in Texas had arrived only yesterday. From a young age, Lucy had longed to be a teacher, a choice her father reluctantly supported as he was loathe to let his only child travel halfway across the country on her own. Those plans had of necessity been postponed indefinitely (maybe for good?) when Henry fell ill. Plus, there was Noah and his intentions to consider as well, which only served to complicate the issue. Upon re-reading the missive this morning over breakfast, a daring idea had taken hold of Lucy that she couldn't seem to shake.

What if...what if instead of doing what was expected of her by marrying Noah and living the rest of her life on Nob Hill among those of her social stature, raising a family of beautifully mannered children, spending her days trapped within the monotonous confines of society...what if Lucy finally made the journey to Texas and enrolled in college instead?

Such a choice was bold. Perhaps scandalous. Extremely tempting. And practically unheard of for proper young ladies of certain means, despite Lucy receiving her father's approval before his death. It was conceivable a decision like this might possibly ruin her social standing for good, she reflected idly. Yet, did that truly matter after losing the most important person in the world to her? Without Henry Preston, life in San Francisco held no appeal whatsoever, and if Lucy did decide to leave for Texas, it was doubtful she'd ever return. So maybe the time had come for her to pursue something she wanted–and not meekly accept what others expected of her.

Crossing the room, Lucy picked up the letter and held it to her pounding heart, the promise of choosing a new and different direction in life filling her with hope and anticipation. The simple piece of paper in her trembling hands represented an opportunity to escape the boring, predictable life society would be all too eager to force upon her—but if only she were brave enough to take the risk. On countless occasions since she was a child, Papa urged his daughter to believe in herself, and if he had faith in Lucy, she should also.

Her eyes fell on the sentence, "A place for you is still open for the fall term if you decide to join us, Miss Preston." To Lucy's wavering mind, the words could be considered an affirmation of sorts. Pulling out writing materials to compose a response to the Dean of Women's Studies before losing her nerve, she had just started to write when a brisk knock on the door interrupted. "Come in," she called out, hastily pushing the letter in a desk drawer and closing it firmly. It was Mary, one of the downstairs maids.

"Miss Lucy, the young doctor is here to see you. Beckett showed him into the blue drawing room," the girl informed her cheerfully. Lucy thanked Mary politely and asked her to tell Dr. Cooke she'd be downstairs shortly. After the door quietly closed behind the maid, she got up to peer listlessly at the reflection in the large oval mirror above her dressing table.

She hardly recognized the somber young woman staring back at her. Always slightly built, at the moment, Lucy was thin to the point of gauntness, and far too pale, with faint shadows under grief-dulled eyes. The severe black silk gown she wore—while skillfully made in the latest fashion only weeks ago by her favorite modiste—seemed ill-fitting now and made her delicate skin look even more washed out.

Sighing in resignation, Lucy began to smooth back her hair, instinctively pinching her cheeks and biting her lips in an effort to look more pleasing. Even bad as things were, it seemed she still had a tiny bit of pride. Without warning, though, her hands stilled before dropping limply to her sides. No more excuses, Lucy. Time to gather her courage and decide once and for all about the rest of her life–though she had a feeling the man waiting downstairs was going to be very disappointed with her choice...

Standing outside the doors to the drawing room, Lucy inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself. While loathe to cause anyone pain, especially her friend, she consoled herself Noah would have little trouble finding a wife much better suited to the life he offered (though he might not see that right away). Be kind to him, little one, her father's voice suddenly whispered in her mind, and Lucy vowed to do exactly that. Instantly rising to his feet when she entered the drawing room and pressing a gentle kiss on her cheek, Dr. Cooke was the very picture of a successful, prominent San Francisco doctor who would make some lucky woman an excellent husband...just not her.

Oddly, despite being neatly groomed and as always, impeccably dressed in a fine suit, his appearance left Lucy feeling surprisingly indifferent, without even a single spark of attraction. My heavens, if I never saw this man ever again after today, I would be alright with that, she thought abruptly, the stark realization truly catching her unawares. Perhaps she'd felt this way about Noah for some time, but buried the feelings in order to concentrate on her father? Now, however, Henry was gone, and with no distractions, Lucy clearly saw for the first time that she would not be able to spend the rest of her life with the young doctor. However awkward and uncomfortable as the next few minutes were definitely going to be, what she was about to do (what she must do) was the only sensible decision for both of them in the end.

Barely returning Noah's warm smile, her guilt resurfaced for a fleeting second. "How easy would my life be if I could be content with being this man's wife and the mother of his children?" she asked herself ruefully. Pushing the traitorous flicker of remorse aside, Lucy deliberately sat in one of the wing chairs by the fireplace instead of the flowered settee wide enough for two persons to share where they usually sat. She pretended not to see the uncertain expression on Noah's face as he followed her.

"How are you feeling today, Lucy?" he asked kindly, taking a seat in the matching chair on the other side of the fireplace and watching her with concern. Wondering how to best break the news to Noah that she would not be marrying him, Lucy gazed down at her hands clasped loosely in her lap and answered that she was fine. Discreetly peeping up at him under her lashes, she saw Noah's brow crease in a faint frown. (Apparently she didn't sound very convincing.) As the atmosphere in the room grew uncomfortably quiet, the young doctor cleared his throat a bit self consciously to break the silence.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it," Noah said heartily. "I know how terribly difficult these past months have been for you, my dear. There's no one who could've been more devoted or taken better care of Mr. Preston." Unbidden, Lucy's eyes filled with tears at the unexpected compliment. Blinking furiously, she nodded jerkily. Politely giving her a chance to compose herself, he went on, "Actually, I have some wonderful news to share that might cheer you up or at least set your mind at ease." What did that mean?

Before he could try and clarify the remark, however, Lucy swallowed hard and began to speak hesitantly about the college in Texas. To her surprise, Noah merely smiled indulgently before politely but firmly steering the conversation back to his "news" once she finished speaking. It was if he hadn't heard a word she said...

"Knowing the tremendous burden you've been under, my mother has graciously taken it upon herself to engage the services of her widowed cousin, Beatrice, to stay here with you until your period of mourning is over and we can be married. Now that your father has passed, I'm sure you understand it's highly improper for you to live here all alone, dear. Not only will cousin Beatrice make a suitable chaperone when I visit, she is a lovely person who can offer you companionship while you prepare for our wedding. Mother thought it would be lovely for us to have the ceremony on the Friday before Christmas Day."

Tears instantly forgotten, it took every bit of poise and good manners Lucy could manage not to gape inelegantly at the man watching her expectantly. Had he actually just told her they were getting married? Could that even be considered a proper marriage proposal? Wasn't it simple courtesy to at least ask a woman to marry you? While his blithe words indeed confirmed Noah (and apparently his mother, at least) had taken for granted her eventual acceptance of becoming his wife, it was still a huge shock to be informed that his mother was making wedding plans without Lucy's knowledge or approval.

And who was this cousin Beatrice? The mere thought of being expected to share her home with a complete stranger for the next six months or so for the sake of "propriety" (before marrying a man she didn't love) made up her mind for good. Every bit of remorse she felt earlier about leading Noah on vanished as her long-dormant temper rose—at last giving Lucy the strength to speak the honest truth (difficult though it might be for him to hear). There would be no Christmas wedding because she was not going to marry him. Ever.

Alas, just as she'd feared, the resulting scene was rather unpleasant indeed, revealing a different (and frankly, unappealing) side to the previously kind and thoughtful Dr. Cooke Lucy had never seen before. Jumping to his feet to rudely interrupt before she could finish explaining about her long-standing dream of attending the women's college in Texas, Noah's face reddened and his voice, while quiet, was icy and precise as he bit off the cold words.

"What kind of utter nonsense is this, Lucy? While I can sympathize with the ordeal you've experienced while your father was ill, this plan of yours is madness! We have been spending time together for more than two years now, and I assumed we had come to an understanding about our future together, that we'd be married after your proper period of mourning was over. Never once in all that time did you ever indicate otherwise. But now, without any warning whatsoever, you inform me you've decided to travel halfway across the country to attend college. Why on earth would you make such a selfish, ill-advised decision without consulting me first?"

Ignoring the rather arrogant question, Lucy tried to contain her temper and be kind because she understood how shocked and upset the young doctor was by her announcement—but it was obvious from the tense set of his shoulders and angry frown, her conciliatory efforts were in vain. Already exhausted, her head starting to pound fiercely, she fell silent, sadly realizing there was nothing more to be said and that it was time for him to leave,

Ringing for the butler with a trembling hand, Lucy remained seated, discreetly pressing her fingertips against the nagging pain in her forehead and pretending not to see the resentful expression on Noah's handsome face as he paced back and forth. Naturally, it distressed her to know she'd pricked not only the man's pride, but his fond regard for her as well, and that they would be parting under considerably hostile terms (something Lucy would regret for some time to come). But she'd done what was necessary for her to move forward with a new life, and however unhappy that made Noah, so be it. Weary in heart and wanting nothing more at the moment than for her guest to leave, to Lucy's dismay, when Beckett arrived to politely show the man out, it appeared Dr. Cooke was determined to have the last word...

"I think you are making a terrible mistake. We could've had a splendid marriage, raising a family and enjoying many comfortable years together, but you are willfully throwing away the fine life I'm offering to go on some frivolous adventure." He paused, and in a softer voice, said, "Good luck, Lucy, because you are definitely going to need it."

And with that bittersweet parting salvo, Dr. Noah Cooke walked out of her life forever...

End Flashback

Throwing back the covers and padding over to the window, Lucy raised it a bit higher and took a deep breath of the cool fresh air, pleased the cloudless, pale blue sky promised fine weather for her wedding. Funny, but it had been some time since she'd given much thought to the last time she saw Noah Cooke. Perhaps one must banish remnants of the past to move on with the future? she wondered absently.

One thing she was quite certain of was how entirely different this day would be from what Noah's mother had planned (thank heavens). The Cookes were high atop the San Francisco social register, and Lucy imagined she and the young doctor likely would've exchanged vows in an elaborate service before hundreds of their fellow wealthy elite at the majestic Grace Cathedral sitting at the top of Nob Hill, one street over from the Preston mansion. She and Papa had attended the church faithfully every Sunday as far back as Lucy could remember, at least until his illness progressed to the point Henry was no longer able to leave the house.

No, much like her lovely dream earlier, Lucy and Wyatt's simple wedding ceremony would take place in the Brady school house, surrounded by family, friends and neighbors. And that sounded perfect to her. Every fiber of her being was eternally grateful she hadn't accepted Noah's marriage proposal five years ago because today Lucy would become the wife of a man she truly loved, someone who'd effortlessly stolen her lonely heart with his kindness and gentle ways. Her first beau was a good man, there was no doubt (and Lucy sincerely hoped Noah had found happiness of his own). As it turned out, though, he just wasn't the right man for her. Luckily, it seemed destiny had different plans for Lucy Preston, and she felt confident today was the beginning of a wonderful life with Wyatt Logan.

Lucy turned from the window at the sharp knock on the door. "Come in," she called out, reaching for her robe. She smiled fondly when Mrs. Sherwin came in carefully balancing a small wooden tray.

"Good morning, my dear. I hope you slept well," Betsy greeted her, placing the tray on top of Lucy's dresser. " I took it upon myself to have Martha prepare a light breakfast. I'm sure you're probably too excited to have much appetite, but still, probably better to have a little something in your stomach. It wouldn't do for the bride to get lightheaded on her special day, now would it?" Murmuring her thanks, Lucy sat on the side of bed and watched as the older woman poured a cup of tea for each of them after handing her a small plate with some toast and jelly.

They sipped in comfortable silence, with Lucy taking the occasional nibble of toast (though her stomach protested mildly). Eventually setting her empty cup on the tray, Mrs. Sherwin regarded Lucy expectantly. "To be honest, besides bringing you a bite to eat, I wanted to spend a few quiet minutes with just the two of us before we began getting you ready for the wedding."

When Lucy glanced at her inquisitively, she explained, "It occurred to me that perhaps you may have some questions about what to expect on your wedding night or maybe with the marital intimacies shared between a husband and wife. I had a similar talk with Wyatt's mother on her wedding day, so if there's anything you'd like to know, I would be quite honored to fill in for your late mother."

Though blushing profusely, Lucy was nonetheless touched by the thoughtful gesture. What a kind, loving lady Wyatt's grandmother was. While loathe to hurt the other woman's feelings, she had admittedly been thinking about tonight off and on for weeks now, naturally curious about what would happen, and ultimately come to a decision that felt right for her and Wyatt.

"Thank you, Mrs. Sherwin, that's very sweet and thoughtful of you to offer, but I think, if you don't mind, I would rather let my new husband teach me about marital intimacy and such and what pleases him." It was clear from the approving expression on Betsy's face that Lucy made the right choice.

"Well said, my dear. I believe you and my grandson are going to be very happy together. Goodness knows it has been painful these past couple of years watching Wyatt grieve over the loss of Jessica and Matthew, but thankfully, the Lord in his infinite wisdom sent you here to us to help heal his broken heart. James and I couldn't be more pleased that today you will become Mrs. Wyatt Logan. Welcome to the Sherwin family, Lucy."

There was a faint sheen of tears in Mrs. Sherwin's blue eyes, and Lucy's own throat felt a bit thick with emotion at the heartfelt words. The two women embraced warmly before Betsy drew back, gently cupping Lucy's cheek and smiling. When the door closed behind her, Lucy sank down on the side of the bed. Mrs. Wyatt Logan, she thought dreamily. Oh, how she loved the sound of that. Her eyes fell on the beautiful dress with tiny yellow rosebuds hanging on the closet door that she would soon be wearing on the most important day of her life—and suddenly, Lucy was filled with almost unbearable longing for the coming hours to swiftly pass until she would at last meet Wyatt at the altar, just like in her dream...

A/N: Oops, guess I got a bit carried away with the Lucy and Noah flashback, but I really wanted to explore further what a momentous decision it would've been in 1876 for a young lady in her situation to turn her back on a life of ease as a rich doctor's wife to forge a new life in Texas. And of course, as promised in the previous chapter, I just had to include the scene with Betsy and Lucy that Wyatt was worried about :p Next up is chapter three of the epilogue, which will cover their wedding ceremony (and possibly wedding night). As always, my sincere thanks to readers for your favorites, follows and kind reviews. See you at the church, Timeless friends :))