Fiona took a few slow, deep breaths enjoying the stillness of the early morning before this very busy and very special day began. It was New Years Eve. Right at the edge of a new year, a fresh start, a story yet unwritten. And right at the beginning of the start of her life as Mrs Bouchard.
Lucas and Fiona had quickly and easily settled on the fact that he had no interest in returning to Capital City without her by his side and Fiona agreed entirely that she had didn't want to kiss him goodbye at the train station again. So it was decided that they would marry December 31, New Years Eve, and begin 1922 as husband and wife.
The week had been a flurry of planning and sewing and deciding and decorating. Rosemary was quick to offer her wealth of experience to help. "We politician's wives…and wives to be…have to be there for one another!" she announced with one hand in the air and the other around Fiona's shoulders, squeezing her in a quick hug, a bright smile on her face. "But do you really want an outdoor wedding? At this time of year? It's a bit…chilly," Rosemary concluded with over dramatized concern.
"Yes, we want to get married where we got engaged. The National Park project was also the first official work we did together since Lucas became governor so it's a special place for us," Fiona replied confidently, already dreaming of her snowy walk down the aisle and the man who would be waiting for her there with love in his eyes.
"Well it's settled then! And I think it's a delightful idea," Rosemary assured her, mentally planning her layers to stay warm yet fashionable for the occasion.
Now, everything was planned and prepped and ready for the wedding. Excitement to begin this day and a desire for a hot cup of tea drove Fiona from her cozy bed. She realized as she straightened the covers that this would no longer be her bed or her room. From now on, she would wake up next to Lucas and they would stay at his apartment whenever they were back in town together. She smiled at the thought, a becoming blush on her cheeks.
The rooms over the cafe had held such treasured memories for Fiona. Much girl talk, wisdom, and love were shared here. Laughs and tears with the dearest women she had ever known. But in her heart, she felt a peace about leaving that behind for her new married life. She was so ready to be Lucas's wife.
Fiona descended the stairs to find Faith already awake, helping Minnie prepare breakfast. It would be a special morning together with her closest friends before the late afternoon ceremony. She glanced outside and was greeted with a clear blue sky as far as the eye could see.
"It's a beautiful day to get married," Minnie said from beside her, sweetly wrapping her arm around Fiona's waist and pulling her close for a moment. They spotted Mei walking toward the cafe and waved.
Across town, Lucas was awake as well. He laid in bed dreaming of what was ahead today. It was impossible to keep the smile from his face. Fiona would be his bride before the day was done. They planned to spend the night at his apartment before boarding the train on New Year's Day to head to Capital City where they would enjoy a few days to honeymoon and see the sights of the city Fiona would now call home before his return to work.
While he always kept his home neat and tidy, Lucas took special care to rearrange his bedroom, emptying space in some of his drawers and shelves for her clothing and things. While they may only be staying one night for now, this was her Hope Valley home now too. The thought of returning here for visits and work with Fiona on his arm made his heart swell with pride but more than that, with a deep and confident love.
After many years as a bachelor and a few months alone in Capital City, Lucas relished the thought of no longer living alone. It may take a little adjusting but it was a wonderful reason to make some adjustments, he thought. He had grown used to the quiet but lately, quiet just felt lonely. The governor's mansion that was his dwelling in Capital City felt far too much for one man. Lucas was convinced that Fiona's vibrancy would bring the place to life much like she brought his heart to life.
Looking around the room, Lucas was content that his little home off main street was ready to be shared tonight with his wife. He quickly got ready to head over to the saloon and lend a hand with preparations for their ceremony. Chairs were being loaded onto wagons headed out to the site of the wedding when he arrived.
"Here comes the groom!" Nathan announced with a laugh and patted Lucas on the shoulder before lifting a stack of chairs and carrying them outside.
Henry and Mike came over to say hello and provide a little good natured teasing to the groom to be.
"I just came by to see where I can help," Lucas said, hoping to turn the attention away from himself. While he was used to attention in his position as governor, this kind of attention was bringing an unwanted redness to his cheeks.
"Well we're just loading chairs to take to the park. An outdoor wedding in the Winter." It was somehow both a statement and a question. "At least you've been blessed with good weather," Henry remarked with a grin.
"I've been blessed with a lot," Lucas replied with sincerity, placing a firm hand on Henry's shoulder. Henry only nodded with a small smile before finding another stack of chairs to load up.
At the perfectly picturesque view point where Lucas had gotten down on one knee only a week before, there was now a bustle activity. Rosemary led the charge, delegating tasks and giving commands.
The chairs were set up overlooking the beautiful landscape with an arch of evergreen bows and holly berries marking the place the happy couple would be joined in matrimony. Matching arrangements lined the aisle Fiona would soon walk to her groom.
To one side, booths where guests could choose from hot tea or apple cider to sip on during the ceremony were set up. A delicious scent of spice and sweetness wafted through the air.
"This is really quite charming," Rosemary said to no one in particular, her hands clasped over her chest.
Bundled up guests began to arrive. Some by horseback, some on wagons, and some in cars. Joy was in the air. Everyone found their way to their seats, with steaming drinks in hand.
Lucas and his groomsmen arrived. Handsomely dressed in deep navy suits with grey wool scarves draped around their necks, Henry, Lee, and Mike took their places along side Lucas and Pastor Joseph. Everyone waited for the bride.
Over the hill, a sleigh came into view drawn by beautiful dark horses, bells jingling as they approached. Finally the sleigh slowed to a stop behind the crowd and Fiona and her bridesmaids stepped down. Faith, Mei, and Minnie slowly made their way up the aisle while Fiona stood by the sleigh, waiting for her moment.
The crowd of friends and loved ones rose to their feet as Fiona gracefully began the path toward her love. Lucas was sure he'd never seen anything so beautiful. A long, fur trimmed, white cape brushed the snow around her feet and trailed behind her. A string of pearls rested atop her head, around her hair like a crown. She looked like a queen. And she was. The Queen of his heart.
The late afternoon sun warmed the Winter air and made the snow twinkle. Fiona was so captivated by her groom who was so enraptured by her that they scarcely noticed the crowd watching them or even the pastor who had begun to speak.
"I do," Lucas managed to replied at the right time, he deep brown eyes never leaving Fiona's.
"I do," she said at her turn, her rich brown eyes misting with happy tears.
Before long and after sharing their lifelong vows, it was time to kiss his bride. Lucas pulled Fiona in close and then dipped her back in a romantic, fairytale kiss. The crowd cheered and clapped as the pastor declared them man and wife, Mr and Mrs Lucas and Fiona Bouchard.
Lucas stole an extra kiss before take Fiona's hand and walking with her back down the aisle. He helped her up into the beautiful sleigh and then sat next to her, putting his arm around her waist and holding her close. They waved and then the driver clicked to the horses and they began the ride back to town.
Enjoying these few minutes alone, Fiona turned and cuddled into his arms.
"This was a perfect day," Lucas said between kisses.
"And it's just getting started," Fiona responded after another kiss. Snuggled together, they talked quietly sharing private vows and words of love as the sleigh made its way toward town.
"Lucas, you know this isn't just a second chance for each of us to find true love," Fiona began, referencing each of their previous broken engagements, "it was a second chance to love each other. When we met 6 years ago, to say you caught my attention would be an understatement, but when I came back for Mike and Mei's wedding this Summer, it was like seeing you for the first time all over again."
Fiona's wide-eyed gaze filled with love, awe, and sincerity captured Lucas's full attention. He took both of her hands in his and spoke. "Fiona, since the first time I laid eyes on you I knew there was something incredible about you but I never could have guessed just how good it would be to love you and be loved by you. You've made so many of my dreams come to life but truly, you are my favorite dream come true."
Like snow in the Spring, Fiona melted at his sweet and genuine words. They had never known a love like this apart from one another and now they would have the rest of their lives to enjoy this love together. Fiona placed a tender and loving kiss on Lucas's lips and before they knew it, the sleigh was stopping in front of the saloon.
After a community dinner style reception, Lucas and Fiona danced away the evening with their friends. Many found themselves hesitant to leave and end this celebration as this reception also represented a goodbye party for the happy couple who would now be living 22 hours away from this town that had brought them together.
Finally, after the last guest left, Lucas and Fiona walked hand in hand down the quiet street toward their Hope Valley home. Each was lost in their own thoughts thinking back over their momentous and incredible day of love and joy when Lucas suddenly stopped walking.
"What is it?" Fiona questioned, feeling the tug on her hand.
"May I have this dance?" Lucas gave her a gentlemanly bow.
Fiona's lips curved into the sweetest smile, "You may."
So in the middle of the empty street, they danced. And the moon shone just for them and the stars twinkled in celebration. Big snowflakes began to slowly fall around them like confetti as Lucas twirled Fiona around and then pulled her in close.
"Let's go home," she suggested, her lips nearly touching his as she spoke.
Lucas leaned in the rest of the way to kiss his new bride. "Lead the way, Mrs Bouchard," he said with a grin.
The next morning, Fiona awoke with a smile, finding herself waking up next to her husband for the first time. She cuddled in close to him, putting her head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. Slowly becoming aware of her movement next to him, Lucas stirred.
"Good morning, Governor," Fiona said with a kiss on his cheek.
"It is a good morning," Lucas smiled and wrapped his arm around her.
After breakfast and some last minute packing, Lucas and Fiona made their way to say a final goodbye to a few friends. He offered his arm which she gladly took. Walking the main street as husband and wife made them feel on top of the world. They positively glowed.
Arriving at the cafe, they were greeted by many beloved friends who had gathered to send them off. Expecting only a small group but finding themselves surrounded by a large and loving crowd filled their hearts. It seemed no one was missing and everyone was immeasurably happy for them. With warm hugs, misty eyes, and many well wishes for the newlyweds, they were on their way.
Climbing the steps of the train, Fiona's hand tucked into Lucas's, rather than waving goodbye from the platform was the best feeling. No more tearful goodbyes, no more miles between, no more phone calls late into the night. They were together. Forever.
Hope Valley would always hold a special place for the Bouchards and they looked forward to visiting there together as often as possible, but Fiona had realized that home was wherever Lucas was. And so it was with joy that she settled into the seat next to her new husband, eager to begin their long train journey and their life together.