Author's note: Well, I did it. I made myself cry writing about buddies and this song at the end of the chapter. So right for Lucas and little Jack. Hence, get the tissues. And, please, leave me a review.

Thanks to Avis Minter for suggesting the subject Joseph should preach about.

—--

Sunday morning came wearing a cloudless sky with a few golden suntracks decorating its blue dress.

This morning, the Main Street of Hope Valley was busy, crowded and loud. Journalists from all over were arriving at the peaceful little town at the frontier. Lucas' press team also arrived, much to Rosemary's chagrin. Saloon was getting ready by Lucas' team for the upcoming press conference that was scheduled for noon.

The excitement and anticipation could be felt in the air.

It was almost time for church service and Grace was waiting for Lucas in the restaurant area. She walked towards the doors of the saloon, opening them up a bit wider for Sally, Lucas' public relations manager and Dylan and Jim who were in charge of the equipment. The guys were carrying a large speaker and Grace rushed to open the double doors wide.

Dylan smiled gratefully at her.

"Good morning, Miss Grace. And thank you", he fixed his hold on the speaker "Come on, Jim."

As the guys took the speaker toward the central part of the saloon, Grace turned to greet Sally.

Sally was a few years older than her and was working as Lucas' PR manager ever since he took his position as a Governor. She had a husband and two little girls, and quite an attitude about her. She always made sure that Lucas' public appearances were impeccable, handling the nosy journalists with class and wit.

Grace and Sally became fast friends at the charity event that Lucas' cabinet organized for fundraising for the orphanage. Sally was annoyed to her wits end by the old Mayor's noisy wife when Grace decided to jump in and save the young woman from being questioned why she even thought of working in such a scandalous position for a lady!

Grace approached Sally and the old crow named Valerie by requesting to speak to Lucas' skilfull PR manager. Valerie completely changed her tune once Governor's chosen approached them and started to sing praises about Sally's skills.

Once the old crow went away, Sally exhaled and looked at Grace.

"I know we never met until now, but I like you already", she grinned, offering her hand "I am Sally."

Grace grinned back, accepting Sally's hand.

"Nice to meet you, Sally. I am Grace", she said, shaking Sally's hand.

Back to the present time Sally smiled as she saw her friend.

"Grace!", she quickly hugged her "Oh, aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Say, who is that nosy woman outside?! She just stands like a statue, holding her basket, watching like a hawk every little thing we do! I swear, if there weren't so many journalists around, I'd go on and deck her!"

Grace giggled.

"What woman?", she let Dylan and Jim go out to get another speaker and started to walk out herself.

And nearly burst to laugh.

Elizabeth.

Grace watched as Elizabeth tried to give directions and advices that nobody asked for and walked between saloon and the staff members until Jim, carrying a heavy speaker, grumbled:

"Excuse me, Miss, you are in our way. Will you please step aside and let us do our job?!"

Elizabeth slightly gasped and turning around, she stormed toward the jail, but not before shooting a dark glare in Grace's direction.

Sally made a disgusted face.

"Euw. Who's the witch?"

Grace bit her lower lip hard in order not to burst to laughter and shook her head.

"No one important", she glanced at Sally and smiled "Are you hungry? Breakfast is served, come on."

Sally let out a breath.

"And some coffee. Thanks", she looked around the saloon "Nice place", she looked at Grace "And where is Lucas?"

Grace took her friend to the table and as they sat down, she replied.

"He's at his office, just signing some papers. He should be here soon and then we're off to church."

Sally took a sip of coffee as she looked at the Menu.

"So, what do you recommend?", she asked.

But, before Grace could reply, Lucas' voice was heard.

"I heard that Oeufs brouillés are quite a treat", he smiled as his trusted PR manager looked up and grinned.

"Leave it to you to speak foreign languages before coffee kicks in", Sally snorted as she stood and shook Lucas' hand.

"Hello, Sally", smiled Lucas.

They sat down, Lucas glancing at Grace while placing a hand around her waist. Grace smiled at him and then looked back at Sally.

"He's right, you know. Oeufs brouillés is de-li-ci-ous!", Grace emphasized, making Lucas chuckle.

Sally rubbed her temples.

"English, people. Please", she whined silently.

Lucas let out a laugh as he and Grace stood up to go to the church.

"Scrambled eggs, Sally", he said with a smile.

Sally grinned.

"Now you're talking."

—--

As they walked toward the church, Lucas pulled Grace closer to his side, causing her to look up at him, concerned.

"What's wrong?", she silently asked.

He took a deep breath in.

"I have to ask you something. But, please, be honest in your answer, tell me if it bothers you", he silently pleaded.

Grace slightly creased her eyebrows.

"I will, I promise", she replied "Tell me."

Lucas took a deep breath in.

"Would you mind if I spend some time in church with Jack?", he silently asked.

Grace shook her head.

"Of course not. Why would I mind?", she gently squeezed her fingers against his side "I bet he's gonna be thrilled to see you!"

Lucas sadly smiled.

"He'll probably knock me off my feet once he catapults into me", mumbled Lucas, his voice coloured with emotion. He glanced at his love "Thank you, angel", he whispered, gently kissing her hair.

Grace gave him a comforting smile and they climbed the stairs that led to the church.

The townsfolk were already inside, talking with each other when Grace and Lucas entered.

Elizabeth was sitting with Rosemary and Lee, away from Nathan and Allie as she was still upset about last night. She listened as Rosemary chattered away when she heard Molly's voice.

"Lucas! Grace! Over here!"

Elizabeth's eyes widened.

"He brought her here?! In my schoolhouse?!", she hissed silently to Rosemary.

Her friend's eyes widened and she turned around to check is it true.

Rosemary huffed.

"I'm surprised he has time for church with all the preparations for the press conference today!", Rosemary all but spat the words "Of course, if I had organized it, everything would already be perfectly ready and the journalists would be able to come to see where Valley Voice …", she rambled on.

Lucas smiled gratefully to Molly as she and Bill moved a bit in their pew.

He looked around the church but didn't see little Jack. Elizabeth was there, along with Rosemary and Lee, but his little buddy was nowhere to be seen.

He creased his eyebrows in confusion and he looked at the corner where a few kids were chattering.

No Jack.

But before he could ask Molly or Bill about it, Joseph came in front of them.

"Good morning. My friends, neighbours, today I would like us all to remember the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do to you", he spoke in a calm voice "How can we follow that kind message? By accepting responsibilities for our actions, by reaching out to help the unfortunate ones, by minding other people's feelings. If you would be hurt by something you would say or do, why do you think that your neighbour wouldn't?"

Elizabeth stared at her hands.

So, the Canfields are also on his side.

She swallowed hard. It didn't escape her that Minnie got quite fond of that woman. Didn't Cooper say the other day that she will be at their place for lunch?

And she remembered how Angela excitedly talked to her friends in school about how Miss Grace taught her to find her way in the kitchen, teaching her how to cut dough for cookies.

Elizabeth fumed. She worked hard to earn Minnie's trust and now this woman thinks she can just waltz in and take everything away from her?!

Grace noticed Lucas' eyes searching the pews for any sign of little Jack. She didn't know a little boy, but assumed that he would be with Elizabeth once the service started.

She truly hoped that Elizabeth would be fine with her son reconnecting with Lucas. From everything she heard, she could tell that little boy was very important to Lucas.

As the service finished Grace was about to suggest to Lucas to go and check Elizabeth's pew for little Jack, but before she could utter a word, the woman herself rushed out from the church, Rosemary hot on her heels.

Lucas took out his pocket watch and sighed as he looked down at it.

"I have to go back to the saloon for a soundcheck", he glanced at the pews once again, then after Elizabeth and Rosemary "Guess it will have to wait until the press conference and interviews are done."

Grace nodded as they slowly left the church.

"Maybe it's better this way. You will be able to spend time with Jack without rushing to get back to work", she said as they went downstairs.

Lucas wrapped his hand around her waist and gently kissed her hair.

"You are right", he whispered "Thank you."

Grace snuggled into his side, hoping that Elizabeth will remember what Joseph said at the service and be kind.

For Lucas' sake.

And for little Jack's sake.

—--

When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new

It always winds up feeling more like a job interview

My momma used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone

Who wouldn't find out about me and then turn around and run.

I met the man I call my dad when I was five years old

He took my mom out to a movie and for once I got to go

A few months later, I remember lying there in bed

I overheard him pop the question and I prayed that she'd say yes.

And then, all of a sudden, oh it seemed so strange to me

How we went from something's missing to a family

Looking back, all I can say about all the things he did for me

is I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be.

I met the girl that's now my wife about three years ago

We had the perfect marriage, but we wanted something more

Now here I stand surrounded by our family and friends

Crowded 'round the nursery window as they bring the baby in.

And now, all of a sudden, oh it seems so strange to me

How we've gone from something's missing to a family

Looking through the glass, I think about the man that's standing next to me

And I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be.

And looking back, all I can say about all the things he did for me

Is, I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be

Yeah, I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be

Because he didn't have to be

You know he didn't have to be.

("He didn't have to be" - Brad Paisley)