CHAPTER 12

Hope Valley, Alberta Canada

March 25, 1921

MaKayla stepped out of the Queen of Hearts taxi and looked around. It was a quaint little town. People were bustling about, children playing. The air was clear and fresh. For early spring the weather was rather mild and the sun was shining. She turned her head to the left and there it was, The Queen of Hearts Saloon. Lucas's pride and joy, she chuckled as she thought of the reverence of which he had spoken of 'The Queen.' She was excited to be seeing it for herself. She picked up her suitcase and walked across the street to the saloon.

Upon entering the saloon/hotel she was a little surprised. It was rather rustic not the refined establishment she was expecting. Although she had to admit it seemed to fit the town perfectly. And it actually fit Lucas perfectly as well. Although Lucas was well acquainted with big city life and liked it, he also had an affinity for the less refined charming side of life. The Queen was a nice mix of both, she thought.

A young man approached her, "Welcome, can I show you to a table or are you looking to rent a room?" MaKayla smiled at the man.

"Actually, I'm here to see Governor Bouchard." She said cordially.

Mike looked at her, and his first thought was oh no, not another woman from Lucas's past to stir up trouble. "Hmm, do you have an appointment to see the Governor?" He asked her with trepidation.

"No, but I'm sure he won't mind seeing me." She told him. Mike didn't know what to do. Luckily, Edwin entered the saloon just then.

"Dr. Donovan," he said as he approached MaKayla and Mike. "What are you doing here?" Edwin said surprised to see her.

"I came to see Lucas. I was just asking this nice man where I could find him." She said looking at Mike. "I'd like to surprise him." She told Edwin.

Edwin looked at Mike, "Hickam, this is Doctor MaKayla Donovan from Capital City. She is the surgeon that saved the governor's life." Edwin told him while smiling at MaKayla.

Mike was greatly relieved. "Dr. Donovan it is indeed a pleasure to meet you. Let me show you where Lucas's office is." Mike carried MaKayla's suitcase and walked her around to the back of the saloon where Lucas's office was located.

"Mike, thank you very much. I will take it from here." She smiled sweetly at him. Mike returned the smile, put her suitcase down and walked away.

MaKayla straightened her skirt and knocked on the door. "Come in" came Lucas's velvety voice.

She gently opened the door and peered in. There he was looking dapper sitting at his desk. She just stood there waiting for him to look up. Finally, he looked over at the door expecting to see Edwin or Mike. MaKayla giggled seeing the shocked looked on his face was pure delight.

"Good afternoon, Governor." She said softly. Lucas immediately got to his feet and went to her.

"What are you doing here? I called your house last night and your housekeeper told me you had taken a trip. I had no idea it was to come here, or are you just passing through?" He said all in a rush, so surprised to see her.

"No, I'm not passing through, I'm here to see you." She smiled gently at him.

"I don't understand, why would you come to Hope Valley to see me?" Even as he asked, a realization came to him. "Faith called you." He said somewhat brusquely.

"Dr. Carter and I may have spoken, that is true. But also, I missed you. You were only supposed to be gone two weeks. You're my patient. I needed to check up on you for myself." She told him with an irresistible smile. "Don't be angry with Faith. I'm extremely grateful that she called." She paused as she saw his features tighten. "Aren't you a little glad to see me?" She asked teasingly.

"Of course, I am." He said, "but this is a long way to come to check up on a patient. What about your duties at the hospital?" He asked suspiciously.

"I have other doctor's covering my patients. I'm only concerned with one patient right now." She said seriously. "Now, I've had a long trip, would you please show me to your house so I can get settled in?" She asked him.

The shocked look returned to Lucas's face. "You want to go to my house to settle in?" He asked incredulously.

She smiled genuinely up at him, "Yes, of course. I'll be staying with you while I'm here." She said confidentially.

"MaKayla, I own a hotel. You can stay in one of my finest rooms." He countered.

"Yes, I know you own a hotel, but I'm staying with you…at your house." She took him by the hand and led him to the sofa. As they both sat down, MaKayla gazed at the stress she saw written all over his face. "Lucas, let's not be diffident about this. You're having problems right now, especially with sleeping at night and the only way I can be of any help to you regarding that is to be near you… at night." She told him in no uncertain terms.

"Now if you're worried about propriety, don't be. You told me no one has ever been to your house, not even Elizabeth. You also told me that no one even knows where your house is located. So, governor, I highly doubt anyone will be hanging around watching what you and I are doing." She laughed softly as he continued to stare at her in disbelief.

"We are two adults in our 30's. For heaven's sake, Lucas, it's the 1920's. Now, if you would please be so kind as to escort me to your house, I'd really like to freshen up after my long journey." She gave him one of her no-nonsense looks and stood up indicating that this conversation was over.

Lucas knew better than to argue with her when she had that look. He got his car keys and they headed out the back door with her suitcase in hand. Lucas's house was a mile outside of town, just off the main road. As they drove up to the house, MaKayla liked what she saw. The house had a wraparound porch, which she loved. It was surrounded by trees but looked out over the valley. It was somewhat secluded, no one probably knew this house was even here.

"Before we go in" Lucas said nervously, "I should warn you, this will probably not be what you're expecting or what your use too."

"Let me be the judge of that." She said with a soft laugh as Lucas opened the door. MaKayla walked in slowly. He was right, she thought, not at all what she was expecting. This man was full of surprises.

The front door opened directly into the living area. Lucas had a large couch, a small rug, one side table, a lamp all facing a huge stone fireplace with a long rustic mantel. That was it, nothing on the walls, no curtains, no personal items of any sort. They walked down a long hallway where the bedrooms were located. One on each side of the hallway. Lucas opened the door to the guest room. This room was also sparsely furnished. A double bed, one side table, a lamp, a rug and again nothing hanging on the walls and no curtains. Lucas put her suitcase on the bed.

"I know it's not much, maybe you would be happier at the hotel." He said hopefully.

She smiled, "No, this will be just fine. Where's the kitchen?" Before heading to the kitchen, Lucas's opened another door in the hallway.

"This is the water closet," he told her. MaKayla peeked in. The water closet was basic as well, although it did have a large claw foot tub. This made her smile, it seemed this was the one luxury he had afforded himself. Next was the kitchen, it had a table with four chairs, an ice box, stove, sink. Honestly the room looked like it had never been used. Off of the kitchen was a pantry, which was entirely devoid of food and an area that held a washing machine. Another luxury, she thought.

"Any other rooms?" she asked. They went back out to the front room. There was a door next to the fireplace, which Lucas opened.

"This is my library" he told her. When she stepped inside, she smiled brightly. Here was where she could see the man. The library was the only room in the house that was decorated, just as his office at the saloon had been. This room reflected the Lucas she knew. There were pictures on the wall, a huge mahogany desk, surrounded by several bookshelves packed with books, framed pictures and keepsakes of his travels. There was a leather reading chair and a lamp in the corner. There were dark navy curtains adorning the windows.

As she walked around the room she turned to him, "I like this room; it reflects the man you are." She smiled at him. "I'm going to get settled in. I had intended to cook for you tonight but seeing as you have little to no food here that will have to wait until I can go to the mercantile to buy some." She gave him a slight jab in the ribs. "Can you come back to get me around 5 and we can have dinner at the saloon together?" She asked him.

"Yes, of course. I usually eat most of my meals there anyway." He told her.

Looking at how thin he was MaKayla highly doubted he did much eating there or anywhere else for that matter.

"I'll be back around 5 to take you to the saloon for dinner." He told her.

Once Lucas was back at the Queen of Hearts, he told Mike that MaKayla would be staying in room 6 and would be in later to get the key. He would tell MaKayla about this at dinner. It was the best he could do to keep up the appearance of propriety should anyone be paying attention. After all he had already given the townspeople enough to gossip about lately.

Edwin came up to him, "Lucas, good your back. Lee and Henry are in your office waiting to discuss the Benson Hills issue with you. Lucas nodded and they walked to the back to his office.

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"Ok gentlemen, what seems to be the issue with Maise Hickam and why can't we get this resolved?" Lucas asked the men before him.

"Maise is being an obstructionist on purpose. I think she's trying to get us to pull the plug on the resort because she knows that the people of Benson Hills want this project and she doesn't." Lee told Lucas and Henry.

"So, this negotiation isn't really a negotiation at all." Lucas stated the obvious. "Henry what do you think?" Lucas asked

"She's trying to paint you into a corner. You've got to take the paintbrush away from her." Henry said succinctly.

"How do we do that?" Lee asked

Henry smiled, "I've got an idea."

The men all smiled when they heard Henry's plan, it could work they thought.

"Edwin, call Maise Hickam and request a meeting with her in an hour. Gentlemen, let's give this our best shot." Lucas said with some of his old zest.

An hour later the men gathered in Judge Avery's office. At the meeting with Lucas was Lee Coulter, Henry Gowen, and Mike Hickam. Maise walked in extremely confident that the men had gathered to capitulate to her way of thinking and the resort idea was dead in the water. She gave a slight chuckle that it took all these men to take on a one woman.

"Welcome, Mayor Hickam," Lucas said. "Have a seat." Maise gave a nod and took a seat at the head of the table opposite the governor.

"How nice to have the governor in attendance for our little meeting." She said smugly.

"Yes, well I thought my presence might help the negotiations. We've come up with a solution that we feel will be beneficial and fair to both parties. Henry, would you like to let Mayor Hickam in on your idea?" Lucas smiled and gave Henry the floor.

"We accept all your demands." He said with a half grin. "We feel that we have an idea that can benefit both Benson Hills and Hope Valley." Henry told her.

"And what might that be? Maise asked eyeing the men dubiously.

"We merge the towns." Lucas said plainly.

"You can't be serious?" She asked with a laugh that held no mirth.

"Oh, we're very serious." Lucas told her with a cocky grin.

"If this is an attempt to push me out of office, well…." Maise trailed off

Lucas held her gaze, "No, not at all. Until the next election is held, we'll have co-mayors." Lucas told her.

"Maise, there is something I need to tell…." Mike tried to get his sister's attention.

"Mikey, please stop talking. I'm speaking with the governor. So, if one of these 'co-mayors' manages to let's say… persuade the other to oppose the resort…" She said looking triumphantly at the governor.

"That would be most unfortunate. But I can't see moving forward unless we have the full support of at least one mayor." Lucas told her as he eyed her directly with a smug grin.

Maise gave wry grin, "Then I agree." She told them.

"Thank you, Madame Mayor." Lucas said with an affable smile. "Oh, and by the way, Michael is no longer mayor, Lee Coulter is." Lucas said grinning.

Maise's mouth dropped open. "I tried to tell you Maise," Mike said to her. Lee then came up to her.

"I look forward to working with you Mayor Hickam." Lee said with his most winning smile.

Lucas was relieved. The next step was to present it to each of the town councils to get their buy in on the merger of the towns. Lucas knew that would be a harder sell in Hope Valley than Benson Hills but that was a battle for a different day. Today he at least had one small victory.

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Lucas went to his house to pick up MaKayla for dinner. She was sitting on the front porch waiting for him. When he drove up, she stood and smiled at him. She got into the car and immediately had a question for him.

"Lucas, your house has this fabulous porch. You are surrounded by all this natural beauty. I could imagine you sitting on your porch having your morning or evening tea enjoying this spectacular view. But there is nowhere to sit properly other than the stoop. Why no rocking chairs?" She asked curiously.

Lucas gave her a flabbergasted look, "Hmm, rocking chairs. I guess I never thought of it, just being me and all. Something to consider." He told her. "Did you get all settled in?" He asked.

"All settled in." She smiled at him. They arrived at the saloon five minutes later. As usual Lucas parked in the back of the saloon.

As they came inside, Lucas stopped at the hotel desk. He went around the counter and picked up the key for room 6, that he had put aside earlier. He handed it to MaKayla.

"What is this for?" She asked.

"Just because." He told her with an impish grin. "I told Mike to set this room aside for you. That way any nosey people, and trust me Hope Valley has its share, will think you are staying at the hotel." Giving her a dimpled grin. "Take it. For me, please." As he poured on a pitiful puppy dog expression.

She couldn't help but laugh as she took the key from him. "Yes Governor, we wouldn't want to have tongue's wagging all over Hope Valley." Lucas gave her an appreciative smile.

They took a table near the back of the saloon, giving Lucas a good view of everyone's comings and goings.

"So, what's the best thing on the menu?" MaKayla asked him.

"My favorite is the Coq au Vin and the Beef Wellington in mushroom sauce is also excellent, if you like mushrooms. I myself detest them but it does get high praise from our customers." He told her happily. She continued to look over the menu, when Lucas saw Elizabeth come in with the Coulters and Jack. He sighed, they had to be here tonight, he thought.

"I'll go with the Beef Wellington it sounds delicious." She told him.

The waiter came and took their food orders and Lucas also ordered red wine for both of them. "So, Doc what do you plan to do while you're here in Hope Valley? Also, how long are you planning to stay? After all you can't babysit me twenty-four hours a day." Lucas said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Tomorrow I'm going to pay Dr. Carter a visit. Then I need to stock your kitchen with some actual food. After that we'll see. And as for how long I plan to stay, well that will depend entirely on you." She said with a wink.

"MaKayla, I have a favor to ask." He asked nervously. "Several days ago, a woman from my past, perhaps you even know her, Jeanette Aucoin came to town." He told her not quite looking her in the eyes.

"Matthew Aucoin's widow, I never met her but I have heard my brother speak of her." She told him. Of course, MaKayla already knew that Jeanette had been to Hope Valley from Faith, but was glad that Lucas had told her himself as well.

"Yes. Unfortunately, she decided to tell Elizabeth and anyone else within earshot that she and I were once engaged. Of course, it isn't true but it has none the less put me in a bad light with some of the townspeople especially Elizabeth. I explained everything to her although I believe she has chosen to believe Jeanette and not me. Maybe she believes me, I don't know. But she didn't acknowledge my attempt to set the record straight so…" He said morosely.

"Why would Jeanette want to hurt you like that since it wasn't true?" She asked him.

"Let's just say she is angry with me regarding something that I cannot change. I thought we had made our peace with it but after the other day, it would seem we have not." He said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Anyway, Elizabeth just came in with some friends for dinner and here I am with another beautiful woman. Not that she cares who I'm with. Which was obvious when I went to her house to explain about Jeanette. But, hmm, would you be OK…," he paused, rubbing his hand down his face. "I mean if you don't mind, while we wait for our dinners, could we go over and say hello. I know you and Elizabeth have met and all but there will be speculation as to why you're here and…." He trailed off not sure what else to say.

She gave him the kindest smile, "Of course, Lucas. Let's go." They both got up and went over to Elizabeth's table with MaKayla leading the way.

"Hello Elizabeth, how wonderful to see you again." MaKayla said with the brightest smile she could muster. "I bet you thought you would never see me in Hope Valley, am I right?" She said with a soft laugh.

"Yes, I can honestly say that is true," Elizabeth said surprised to see the young doctor in front of her.

"Hey buddy," Jack said looking at Lucas with unbridled enthusiasm. "Can you read me a story again tonight?"

"Hey buddy," Lucas responded in kind. "I'm afraid not tonight, but soon. I promise." He told the little boy while tousling his hair.

MaKayla turned her attention to Lee and Rosemary, she extended her hand to them. "Hello, I'm Doctor MaKayla Donovan. And who might the two of you be and who is this beautiful little girl." She asked conversationally.

"I'm Rosemary Coulter and this is my husband Lee, and our daughter Goldie." Rosemary smiled at the woman.

"Ahh yes, I believe Lucas has spoken of you both. You live next story to Elizabeth I believe." Rosemary wondered what else Lucas had told her. She started to speak but Makayla didn't let her get started.

"Lucas was my patient in Capital City as I'm sure Elizabeth must have told you. I was attending a medical conference in Union City and I thought that since the governor has been in Hope Valley longer than he originally intended…" MaKayla turned and gave him an impish look, then returned her gaze to Lee and Rosemary. "I would go a little out of my way and check up on him. I must say, from what I have seen of your town so far it is absolutely lovely. Well, I hope that I'll see all of you again while I'm here." She said as sweet as sugar.

Lucas had to put on his best poker face not to break out in uncontrollable laughter. She had totally flummoxed Elizabeth and the Coulters, not letting them get a word in.

"MaKayla, there is another couple I would like you to meet." Lucas told her. They said their goodbyes and moved to the next table, where the Canfields were sitting.

Rosemary leaned towards Elizabeth as soon as they left. "That's Lucas's doctor from Capital City? Not quite what I was expecting. She's beautiful. Why do you suppose she is really here?" Rosemary asked conspiratorially

"And entertaining." Lee added with a bemused smile. Considering all the gossip regarding Jeanette, Lee figured Lucas was trying to get ahead of it this time. Good for him, he thought.

Elizabeth looked at her friend perplexed, "I have no idea and frankly, it is no longer any of my business." Elizabeth told Lee and Rosemary. Although Elizabeth thought, another woman has come to town looking for Lucas. What was going on indeed, she mused to herself.

When they stopped at the Canfield's table, it was Lucas who did all the talking. "Joseph, Minnie, I would like for you to meet, Dr. MaKayla Donovan. She was my surgeon in Capital City. She was at a medical conference in Union City and decided to pay me a visit. She wanted to check up on my recovery before heading back to Capital City." He told them cheerfully.

Joseph stood and extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, doctor. Thank you for everything that you did for Lucas after he was shot." MaKayla nodded and smiled politely.

"Joseph is our pastor and all-around handy man and his lovely wife Minnie owns The Café across the street." Lucas told her.

"So did Lucas attend Sunday services often?" She asked Joseph.

Joseph started to laugh, "Well, Lucas what would you say to that?" Everyone turned to look at Lucas. MaKayla laughed softly at the sheepish look on his face.

"I'm going to take it from Governor Bouchard's silence, he is not a regular church goer. Well perhaps I can get him to attend this Sunday. It has been a pleasure to meet both of you." She told them. MaKayla was glad to hear they had a pastor and even more pleased that Lucas was friends with him. Given everything, she felt Lucas was experiencing, Joseph could be helpful in Lucas's recovery.

When they returned to their table their dinners were just arriving. They enjoyed their meals although MaKayla noticed that Lucas didn't eat very much of his. The conversation between them was easy and stress free.

"Doc, would you like to have dessert at my house, perhaps over a game of backgammon?" He suggested.

"Lucas that sounds wonderful. I saw on the menu they have red velvet cake; I will take a piece of that with me if you don't mind." She said with a smile. Lucas chuckled; she sure did like red velvet cake.

They arrived back at Lucas house and engaged in a rousing game of backgammon, which MaKayla won. Again.

"I will beat you one of these times," he told her with a laugh.

"You can try." She said with a cocky tone. "This has been very entertaining Lucas. Thank you for a wonderful evening, but I've had a long day. Time for this girl to go to bed. Are you going to bed?" She asked

"No, not yet. I am going to read for a while." He told her.

"Ok, I'll see you in the morning. Good night." She said sweetly.

"Goodnight," he said softly. He was terrified to go to bed. It had actually been a really good day and he wanted the peace and happiness he was feeling right now to continue. Maybe the joy that MaKayla had brought with her would carry over to his having good dreams tonight. He couldn't believe that she was sleeping in his house in the room across the hall from him. This woman, he thought, was a force of nature and he was glad that she was his friend. He was exhausted and decided to give sleeping a try and headed off to bed as well.