Chapter 1: Stay.

Fiona had only intended to return to Hope Valley for a week but now that she was here, she was incredibly tempted to stay. This town had been her home for years. She had so many dear friends here. In many ways, she had found herself here. If she was honest, it was more than that. Thoughts of the newly single Lucas had often crossed her mind while in Nashville but with so many miles between them, it was easy to push that notion aside. Now, so close, it was impossible for her to deny.

The dance they shared at Mike and Mei's wedding, it was special. They flowed together. They felt right. And being so close to him and made her feel both comfortable and happy but also tingling with excitement and nervous. It was butterflies. Something she was sure she was too old and too mature to experience but there they were.

She had found herself seeking out extra moments with him in her few days back in Hope Valley but now that her train was leaving in the morning, here she was laying in bed unable to sleep. Was it foolish to stay for a man? A man who may not even be interested in her? Fiona had always considered herself a strong, independent woman. Was it weak to desire to be loved? Or did that kind of vulnerability take the ultimate strength?

Lucas knew Fiona's week long visit home was wrapping up quickly. They had seen each other nearly every day. Not just that but the dance they shared at the wedding reception had shown up in his dreams most nights since. There was something undeniable between them. At least he sincerely hoped she felt it too.

Ever since they met Lucas had found Fiona captivating. She was intelligent, industrious, inventive, modern, feisty but she was also sweet, kind, and, if Lucas was being really honest, she was stunningly beautiful. The mix of brave and bold with beauty and grace was sure to be his undoing if he kept allowing his mind to fixate on her. Especially with her train leaving in the morning. Did she want to leave or hope to stay? Was she laying awake tonight too? He knew his heart was hoping she'd stay but did he dare ask?

He could go stand in the street below her window above the cafe surrounded by candles. He could stop her at the train station with dozens of roses. Somehow those things just didn't feel right. And how embarrassing if she wasn't feeling the same. Especially with the town already well aware of the details of his past love life. But maybe it was worth the risk. Maybe love was worth it.

Love. He hadn't even considered that word in a while. When Elizabeth broke off their engagement she spoke of great love. She had her great love. He was happy for her. But he had a growing desire for his own great love. And maybe it had been here all along. But it wasn't about to be here much longer if he didn't do something and the thought of Fiona leaving tomorrow was more than he could bear.

Fiona desperately tried to get rest before her long journey but even in her dreams, she couldn't escape her growing feelings for the handsome governor across town. Finally, long before dawn, she gave up on sleep and decided on some fresh air to soothe her restless thoughts.

Hours after unsuccessfully trying to sleep and hours before he should have been awake, Lucas was driven from his bed. Maybe a short walk would calm his mind.

Fiona dressed quickly and pulled a wrap around her shoulders. The night was cool. Fall would soon be arriving. Change was in the air once again.

Lucas pulled a sweater on as he headed out the door and slowly began his walk through town. There was a chill in the air but the sky was clear and full of stars. A full moon lit up the main street.

Fiona stepped out of the cafe and onto the boardwalk. The town was peaceful and quiet as she expected at this hour. Surely no one else would be out at this time. But then her eyes caught movement in the shadows across the street. Someone else was walking too. She considered ducking back inside as quickly as possible and was about to when the figure stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight. Lucas.

"Didn't expect to see anyone else out here tonight." Fiona's voice startled Lucas for a moment but he couldn't believe his fortune to run into her. "I couldn't sleep. Anxious about travelling tomorrow I guess." Fiona had nervously continued speaking. She knew that wasn't really what was keeping her awake. Not entirely at least.

"Me neither." Lucas said with a bit of a grin. Or maybe she had imagined that. What had kept him up tonight too?

Lucas quickly considered shifting the conversation another direction or maybe just continuing his walk alone but with time against him and this middle of the night hour removing any last inhibitions, he spoke again, "I guess I was thinking about you leaving tomorrow too."

Fiona was surprised by his confession but a twinkle of hope sparked inside of her. Before she could think of how to respond, he was speaking again.

"It's been really nice having you here again," he said honestly, not giving away too much. He gestured to her to begin walking again and they both slowly made their way down the middle of the road.

"It's been really nice being here again too. Really nice to see you again." It was Fiona's turn to be brave. "But I have things to get back to," she finished lamely.

"The suffragettes. I heard." Now he was definitely smiling, no doubt about it. "That's pretty incredible work. I'm sure you're missed there too."

There was a pause. One could hardly call it a comfortable silence with so much left unsaid. Both wanting to say more but afraid of how it would go. Finally, after a deep breath, both spoke at once.

"Lucas…"

"Fiona, I…"

Both laughed. It was a nervous laugh. Lucas had never really felt nervous like this before. He was always so sure and confident. But he couldn't let her leave without saying something. He stopped walking again and reached for her arm.

"Fiona, may I speak first?" She nodded in the moonlight and looked at him intently.

"I have really enjoyed having you home again this past week. In fact, I've always enjoyed having you around. I could never expect you to stay here if you've found your purpose there but I will truly miss you if you go."

Fiona was speechless. She had went for a walk hoping to soothe her mind and now she wasn't sure it would ever settle down again. She pushed herself to answer him.

"Lucas, I've really enjoyed being back here too. To be honest, I've especially enjoyed every moment with you this past week." It was at this moment she realized his hand was still on her arm. She reached her hand over and touched his. Tears filled her eyes. This was a decision she hadn't really considered having to make yet at the same time had hoped could be possible. "I do love my work there. I feel like I'm really a part of something important. But I know I'll miss you too."

Both stood for a moment, and then Lucas turned and offered his arm. Fiona slipped her hand through and held on to his arm and they began walking again.

"Then let's enjoy tonight," he finally said, resigning himself to her leaving. He felt her hold onto him more tightly as she now held his arm with both hands. The feeling made his heart nearly burst. What was it that even the simplest interaction with her could have such an effect on him?

Quietly they strolled through the town together and then turned back and walked the length of the main street again. Each lost in their own thoughts yet together. They talked now and then, just short attempts at conversation. Neither quite ready to fully share their heart nor to accept that this was soon to be goodbye.

Eventually they found themselves in front of the door of the cafe. The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon and it was time.

"I'll never forget this night, Lucas. Thank you." Fiona spoke sincerely and reached for him.

Lucas embraced Fiona in a hug he wished could last forever. "Keep in touch, alright?" He said into her hair. She gently brushed a kissed on his cheek in response and then she was gone. The door to the cafe closed behind her and Lucas was left alone in the street.

Slowly making his way back toward his home, Lucas struggled within himself. He should have said more. Should have risked it all to keep her here. But he couldn't keep her from her dreams. Couldn't hold her back.

He must have fallen asleep because when he opened his eyes again, the sun was shining into his room. He made his way over to the saloon. The town was awake now and bustling, so unlike their private moonlit walk just hours before. Usually his day started with a cup of tea but after very little sleep, he needed something more. The coffee at the saloon was strong and would help him get through this lonely day.

He sat in a booth alone, slowly sipping the dark, hot brew when Bill slid into the bench across from him.

"You look awful." Bill stated matter of factly.

"I didn't get much sleep last night. I was…" How could he possibly admit what was going on to Bill when he could hardly accept it himself.

"Her train leaves soon, you know." Bill once again wasn't mincing words. Lucas' head shot up. How did he know? "And if it were me, I'd be headed there to tell her just how I feel before she left."

Lucas couldn't keep the smile off his face. His shook Bill's hand and headed quickly outside. Normally he preferred cars but this was urgent and he thought a horse may more be suitable just this once.

Henry helped him quickly saddle a horse without asking too many questions. Lucas took off toward the station. As he tied the horse outside he heard the distinctive sound of the train beginning to roll away as the whistle sounded. His heart fell. He was too late. He'd missed his chance.

A giggle from nearby made Lucas look around and there she was. Fiona sat on a bench outside the station, her luggage around her feet. She got up and slowly walked toward Lucas who was still standing next to his horse, too shocked to move.

"I stayed," she said simply. A sweet smile on her face.

"You stayed," Lucas answered with a broad smile.

Lucas caught her in a long and tight hug, not quite brave enough to kiss her like he was wanting to.

Fiona relaxed into his arms, feeling his strength in their embrace. She found herself wishing for a kiss but held herself in check. She was in his arms and that's right where she wanted to be.

She stayed, his heart rejoiced. She stayed.