Chapter 3: Together.

Saturday morning, Fiona woke up with the sun, butterflies already in full effect. It wasn't a dream. Lucas had asked her on a date. This evening, they would enjoy dinner together. She laid in her bed, curly hair across her pillow, staring out her small window at the clear blue sky with a dreamy smile on her face. Maybe it was their turn for a little of the Hope Valley, true love magic.

They had watched so many of their friends find love here and heard more stories of great loves finding one another in this little town. She tried to slow this train of thought. It was only a first date. But boy, it was hard to keep those butterflies at bay.

Fiona struggled all morning to fill the hours until a reasonable time to begin preparing for their date. She tried her best to eat a slow breakfast, ran a couple errands, and took a walk around the orchard. Warm from the noon sun, she stopped by the saloon for a cool drink.

Lucas was sitting at the bar when Fiona walked in. From his view point, he was able to see the exact moment she noticed him there. Her already pleasant face lit up into a captivating smile and her pace quickened just slightly as she approached him. He stood, allowing her to take his seat and leaned against the bar next to her, one arm resting on the bar top and the other desperately wanting to wrap around her once again.

They talked for a moment before Fiona placed her order. "One sarsaparilla please!"

"Make that two." Lucas added.

"I only have a moment. I have to get home to get ready. I have a date tonight." Fiona played coy.

"Oh do you? And who's the lucky guy?" Lucas asked with a grin.

Fiona placed her hand on his arm and laughed flirtatiously, then answered with a smooth voice, "Well it just happens to be the governor."

Lucas looked down and laughed. He loved that his position as governor gave him the chance to do more, to affect change, to help people, but it still sounded odd to be referred to that way.

A buzz rose from the nearby booth making Lucas and Fiona suddenly aware of the people around them. Nathan and Elizabeth were sitting with Rosemary and Bill, an old telegram was being passed around between them. Whatever that telegram read, they appeared to be hopeful. Fiona sent up a silent prayer for a swift and complete resolution to their troubles with Hargraves and this awful accusation against Elizabeth's first husband. Then she turned her attention back to her drink and her soon to be date.

"I'll pick you up at 6. Does that sound good?" Lucas asked.

"That sounds splendid," she replied, squeezing his arm gently. "I'll see you then."

Lucas watched her walk out of the saloon with a smile on his face. Their first date was just hours away. He hoped very much that it would be the first of many.

Lucas had been doing a lot of thinking lately. Thinking about Fiona. From the moment they met, there was fireworks. Then they had worked together for a time. She had been such a big part in getting the radio and broadcasting working. She had been a great support as he ran for governor. It seemed she was always there. Always a part of his story. Always making his dreams come true. Somehow in all of that, the sparks of romance had never taken off. Of course for much of that time, he had been pursuing another but now it was as though someone had fanned that spark into a great flame.

True, they were still only on the verge of their first official date but after years of knowing one another, it was hard for Lucas to not feel like they were already well on their way to something very real and true and lasting.

But first, he needed to make supper. He realized what he really wanted was a quiet evening alone with her. And something heartfelt. Something she would remember. Lucas stopped at the mercantile and produce stand on his way home to grab a few fresh ingredients. He wanted to make a memorable evening for Fiona from beginning to end.

At 6 o'clock, there was a knock at the back door of the cafe. Fiona was ready and waiting. It seemed no matter how hard she had tried to be patient, she was still ready early for their date. She opened the door and there stood her handsome date, a bouquet of the most lovely yellow roses with red tips in his hands. She took them, burying her face in the blooms for a moment to enjoy their fragrance, and thanked him.

Lucas was speechless at the sight of Fiona. Sure, he had seen her many times over the years but tonight was entirely different. She was stunning. And knowing she had prepared especially for their evening together made his heart beat faster. She wore a beautiful, dove grey dress. The modern silhouette spoke of her recent time in Nashville. She reached for a shawl to wrap around her shoulders to keep away the early Fall chill and then they walked together down the street, her hand tucked into his arm.

They could feel the eyes of many in town on them as they made their way toward their date. Whispers and smiles surrounded them. When two well loved members of the community come together, it always gets noticed.

Fiona began to pull toward the saloon door but Lucas reached for her hand and drew her back.

"Oh I thought that's where we were going tonight," she questioned.

"No, not this time." Fiona smiled at the implication there would be a next time and a time after that. "I made us dinner." Lucas finished, feeling a little nervous but also proud of himself. He had never cooked for a date before but this created the perfect chance to be alone together and for him to do something special for her.

At the end of the street, they turned and arrived at Lucas' home, a small apartment just off the main street. Fiona took it all in. It was relatively small and simple like all the homes in town but it was decorated with unique and charming pieces from all around the world. Little bits of Lucas's life story surrounded them like tangible memories of his adventures and travels. The furnishings were comfortable yet elevated and more formal than some in town. Fiona looked around and smiled. It felt just right for Lucas. And it smelled delicious. Dinner must be ready.

Lucas took her shawl and hung it before leading her over to the small dining table. An empty vase waited for her roses to dress the table where they would share their first date. "You can take them home later of course but I wanted these roses to be part of your memories of this night," he explained. She was sure she wouldn't forget a single detail.

He came close to sharing with her the reason for this unique color of roses. It symbolized friendship and falling in love. Right where they stood, between the lengthy friendship they had shared for years yet on the cusp of their love story. But he wasn't quite brave enough to say that. It was too soon for love. Too soon to say it out loud at least. He wanted to be sure. Not to rush in and not to push Fiona. So he held back his thoughts and served the food instead.

Lucas had thought long and hard about what to serve. It had to be perfect. Something delicious but fool proof. He had settled on spaghetti with meatballs and a homemade tomato sauce made with fresh ingredients from the town's harvest.

Fiona graciously accepted her plate and soon Lucas sat with his own. They enjoyed their meal together. Fiona complimented him on his cooking and thought she saw Lucas blush at her appreciative words. The conversation was easy and light as they ate.

After dinner, Lucas served a chocolatey pudding cake. The rich flavour was the perfect finish to their meal. They savoured each sweet and saucy bite.

"I must say, I'm impressed Governor." Fiona reached for Lucas' hand. "Thank you for this beautiful meal. I can't believe you made it all."

Anything for you, he replied silently. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it," he answered, taking her hand in his. "I usually go to the saloon if I want a nice meal but I wanted to make this one myself for you, for us." He put extra emphasis on the last word, his deep brown eyes never leaving hers. He watched as her eyes dipped, stealing a glance at his lips, and then met his gaze again. She made his heart skip a beat.

Eventually, after clearing the table, Lucas suggested a walk. The streets were quiet this late in the evening, reminding them of their night time stroll just a week ago. Fiona was so immensely happy she had stayed.

Finally, Lucas broached the subject he had been avoiding. "I'm sure you've heard that I'm expected to take up residence in the governor's mansion in Capitol City. My train leaves in a week."

She had heard. Everyone seemed to know all the latest information about each other in this town. She continued walking quietly for a moment before turning to look at him.

"Wasn't it just last week you were hoping I'd stay here? I suppose I can't ask the same of you."

"I can't stay. And I can't ask you to wait for me. But I can tell you, I'll be thinking of you every moment I'm away and I'll visit every chance I get."

Fiona wondered in her mind if it would be enough to keep them with all the miles separating them but her heart shouted that would be worth the effort.

"I'm sure it won't be easy but I can't give you up over a few hundred miles." Fiona replied, gently teasing.

Lucas stopped walking. They were at the edge of town with no one around. He turned to face Fiona, placing his hands on the sides of her face gently, he dipped his head down and kissed her. A long, sweet, tender kiss. Fiona's hands moved to hold onto his waist. They couldn't be sure exactly how long they stood there, lost in this moment together. Fiona was right, it may not be easy but it was so worth it.

Over the next week, Lucas and Fiona spent every spare moment together. They were often spotted taking long walks, hand in hand, completely oblivious to the rest of the world. They enjoyed supper together every night. Sometimes at the saloon, sometimes the cafe, and the night before his train was scheduled to leave, Fiona cooked for Lucas to return the favour of their delightful first date.

They enjoyed quiet evenings together at Lucas' cozy apartment. They talked and talked, sharing their dreams, their thoughts, their fears. They truly shared their hearts in a way neither had experienced before. Lucas wanted her to have his past, his present, and his future. To place it all in her hands, not holding back. Fiona did the same, opening her heart in a way she was never able to before.

It was only a week but they had truly made the most of it and when the time came for Lucas to board the train to Capitol City, Fiona was there to see him off.

"I'll visit as soon as I can," Lucas said for the tenth time that day.

"I know you will. And I'll be right here waiting," Fiona replied with tear filled eyes.

They heard the announcement for the train to Capitol City. It was time to say good bye. Lucas pulled Fiona close to him and held her tight. She hugged him and then pulled back just enough to kiss him. One final kiss to see them through the weeks ahead. She had to make this one count.

Lucas boarded the train with a smile on his face. It was hard to leave Fiona but she had made saying good bye so enjoyable. Making his way to his cabin, he looked out the window and caught a glimpse of her standing there, as lovely as can be, watching for him. He caught her eye with a wave and blew her a kiss through the window. She responded with a wobbly smile, caught his kiss and placed it over her heart.

Goodbye was hard but somehow both knew this was far from over. It was just beginning and it felt so right, so worth it, so good.