Fiona stood in the very location of her happiest hellos and saddest goodbyes, the train station. She glanced about the festively dressed platform, Christmas not even a week away now, willing the train to make its appearance.
Lucas would soon arrive for a 2 week stay over Christmas and head back very early in the New Year. Her heart already dreaded their next goodbye but she determined in her mind to enjoy every single minute they had together. After months apart broken up only by one very short visit, she was oh so anxious to see him step down off the train and be back by his side.
What was it about his love that made her feel both brave and vulnerable? Capable yet cared for? Like she had the strength to accomplish anything she set her mind to and the joy of knowing she didn't have to do it alone? She determined it was this exquisitely contradictory combination could be brought about by true love.
Lucas sat on the train as it made it way closer and closer to Hope Valley and his love. This trip was a mix of business and pleasure but without any doubt, it was the pleasure of Fiona's company he was most looking forward to. Their first Christmas together. The first of many he hoped.
For all the successes he had experienced in Capital City since his official move there in the Fall, none of them felt as fulfilling as he imagined when he came back to his empty house each night. Hearing Fiona's beautiful voice over the phone made him feel a little more whole but it would be so good to see her again.
As for business, the details and negotiations of the National Park were finally complete. Lucas would be looking them over to take back to Capital City in the new year and make that initiative official. He had a meeting on his calendar to do that tomorrow and then planned to spend the rest of his two weeks as a Christmas vacation; celebrating the season, catching up with friends, and most importantly, enjoying being just down the street from Fiona at most and right by her side as often as possible.
At long last, the train made it way into view. Fiona's heart fluttered. As it slowed to a stop, a small swarm of photographers, journalists, and supporters made their way toward the door. Obviously the governor's Christmas travel plans had been made public. She smiled from a distance watching him gracefully handle the crowd, wishing them a happy Christmas, but when his eyes locked with hers, he quickly dismissed them and made his way through to her.
Both moving to close the gap between them quickly, Lucas offered Fiona his arm and whispered playfully into her hair, "Let's get out of here." Fiona giggled and nodded in agreement. Briskly they made their way through the train station and toward the waiting car. Rather than just letting it sit while he was away, Fiona had driven Lucas's car when needed and today was one of those times.
Lucas threw his luggage in the back and then made his way around to get Fiona's door. He desperately wanted to kiss her but this wasn't the moment. While the journalists with their cameras were generally respectful, he wanted to he sure to protect Fiona from their potential scrutiny as much as was possible. And he thought Hope Valley was the place you couldn't change your socks without the town knowing. Turns out everywhere was like that when you are the Governor. Lucas started the car, and headed toward town. Once on the road, Fiona slid over in the seat next to him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"It's so good to see you," she said quietly, her voice full of love.
Lucas put his hand over hers and replied, "It's so good to see you too, my love."
Fiona sighed contentedly, taking in these sweet and simple moments together when suddenly Lucas pulled the car over.
"What are you doing? Is something wrong?" Fiona sat up and looked around but Lucas had already pulled free from her cuddle and was opening his door. Fiona sat watching him walk around the front of the car, more than a little perplexed. He opened her door and offered his hand. She accepted and stepped out, confusion still all over her face.
"I can't wait any longer," he said in a low, smooth voice.
Still holding her hand, he led her a few steps from the car before turning, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her thoroughly. Fiona responded by running her hands up his arms and across his shoulders until they met behind his back at the collar of his jacket, kissing him with the same intensity. They had certainly missed each other equally.
After a minute or two or three, they couldn't be sure, they pulled apart just enough to rest their foreheads together, broad smiles on each face.
"It's really good to see you," Fiona said with a flirtatious giggle.
"I agree," Lucas said and laughed, pulling Fiona into a hug and spinning her around.
They made a quick stop at the cafe where Minnie greeted Fiona at the back door with dinner wrapped in a brown paper bag to bring back to Lucas's. Fiona had already made the arrangements with her, wanting to keep the Governor all to herself for the evening. Minnie smiled demurely, "Anything for love."
Over dinner they talked and when Lucas mentioned taking the finalized proposal for the park venture back to Capitol City with him, he couldn't help but notice the change in Fiona's mood. Was it the end of her work on that project that had her down?
If Lucas had learned one thing, it was to not leave questions unasked. He had no desire to sweep any misgivings under the rug. Slowly, he reached his hand across the table and placed it over Fiona's hand, otherwise occupied pushing mashed potatoes back and forth.
"Fiona, what's wrong? Are you disappointed your work on that project is over?"
"No…I mean, yes. I really enjoyed being involved in such a beautiful initiative. But…it's just that…I miss you, Lucas. It's so good to have you home but I know it's a matter of days and you'll be gone again."
Lucas hung his head and then looked back up and met her sad gaze. He squeezed her hand, leaned closer to her, and reached to gently hold the side of her face, his fingers combing through her beautiful curls.
"I miss you too. So much. Every day. But I have no choice. Part of being governor is living there." And then he pulled her in for a tender kiss. "Let's enjoy this visit. I'm so happy to be here with you."
With that she smiled and tried again to push aside her sadness, not allowing it to overtake these precious moments together.
The next afternoon, while Fiona was busy at work, Lucas found himself sitting alone at the bar on the saloon, deep in thought. He didn't notice when Nathan sat down next to him. Lucas never even turned his head.
Finally after a few moments, and upon realizing how lost in thought Lucas seemed to be, Nathan spoke up.
"You look like you could use an ear."
Startled upon realizing he was no longer alone, Lucas grinned a little and nodded.
"Is it about a girl?" Nathan asked in his trademark, teasing way, gently jabbing his elbow in Lucas's side.
Lucas chuckled. "It is. We aren't all happily married, you know," he said, returning the same humour.
"Well you could be." Nathan said, smirking. He watched closely as Lucas grinned again, staring at the drink in front of him. Sensing he may be open to a little more conversation, Nathan began again carefully.
"Listen Lucas, there was a time when I thought I knew nothing of love but I've come to realize a few things…"
Lucas's eyebrows raised and he let out a silent laugh. "Well there was a time when I thought I knew it all so please share." Lucas looked at Nathan and grinned, letting him know there was still a good dose of humour in his dry words.
It was Nathan's turn to chuckle. "My best advice, is when you know, you know. And I think you know you've found someone special with Fiona."
Lucas smiled, a sincere and happy smile. "I think you're right about that. The distance is so hard though but I don't want to rush her into something she's not ready for, not looking for." He had looked away and begun to mumble, something entirely not like Lucas. Looking up again he asked, "Can I be candid?"
Nathan nodded, allowing him to continue.
"I've never loved anyone like I love her and I've never felt someone love me the way she does. I felt so sure on the train ride here. But now…What if she says no? What if she says yes and then no?" He added the last question with some emphasis.
Nathan understood all at once exactly what he was contemplating, and what was holding him back. The end of his engagement to Elizabeth had shaken Lucas's confidence. While he was able to see that their love was not the great love either of them were deserving of, it was still hard to trust that he wouldn't be rejected once again.
"Then let me share one more thing I've learned, Lucas. What happened in the past has no control over the future." With that Nathan squeezed Lucas's shoulder, gave a couple firm pats and made his way back out the door.
The words were simple but Lucas felt like a weight had lifted from him. The past didn't dictate the future but his broken past had made a way to a beautiful future with a woman who made his dreams come true, who loved him with a great love, and who he had already given his whole heart to. Fiona Miller. There was just no one like her.
His mind and heart feeling lighter, he pushed aside his untouched drink, and headed back into the Winter sunshine. Maybe he could steal a few moments with his love between customers.
As they already spent every possible moment together, including a lovely evening at the Community Christmas Dinner, Fiona was surprised when she awoke on Christmas Eve to a note from Lucas inviting her to join him that afternoon for a special outing. The simple letter informed her to make sure to bundle up and to be ready by 2pm.
Fiona tingled with excitement, feeling butterflies yet again. What could he have in mind to send such a special invitation?
Meanwhile, across town, Lucas was in his kitchen. He wanted today to be a grand surprise in every way. Lucas had never baked for anyone. He'd never really done much baking in general but when he considered purchasing some baking for today, it didn't feel right. He wanted to put his heart into these cookies. It wasn't enough to offer her someone else's efforts.
By the time they were baked, Lucas's home smelled like Christmas and spice and sweetness. The kettle on the stove sang letting him know the water was ready to steep a pot of spicy chai to go with the gingerbread cookies.
Lucas placed the cookies in a tin and poured the steaming tea into a tall travel mug, and then packed all of it plus a couple tin mugs into a large basket. He took a deep breath, patting his pocket and feeling the small box. It wouldn't do to forget that. He grabbed a heavy blanket and carried everything out to the car.
Making his way across town to pick up Fiona, he noticed Nathan leaning against the rail on the step of the RCMP office, a cup of coffee in hand. Lucas nodded and gave a quick wave as he drove past. Nathan smiled, a mischievous look on his face. "I wonder where he's off to." He mumbled to himself with a snicker.
At precisely 2pm, Lucas knocked on the back door of the cafe. Fiona answered quickly, she reached for a cozy, fur trimmed, soft grey coat that matched her headband and gloves. Lucas thought it made her look like a dream against the crisp white snow.
He helped her down the stairs and to the car.
"So where are we going?" Fiona questioned, excitement dancing in her voice.
Lucas smiled broadly, grateful that his plan to make this day memorable was already working. Thinking back, Fiona had always been excited or at least intrigued by his surprises. She seemed to enjoy the thrill and suspense of it, and today was no exception.
"You'll just have to see," he replied with a wink.
Driving into the country, past snow covered trees and frozen fields, they eventually reached their destination.
"The National Park land?" Fiona asked.
"Yes, I hear the views are something special this time of year," he glanced over and grinned and as pulled the car to a stop.
Reaching into the back seat, Lucas got the blanket, tea, and cookies. Fiona's face lit up at the sight of the cozy treat. She reached to unfold the blanket, the chilly air already nipping at her, and spread it across their laps. The simple, yet intimate gesture stopped Lucas in his tracks. He looked down at her hands as she smoothed at the blanket and then up at her beautiful face, totally entranced.
"I knew it smelled good in here. What is it?" Fiona seemed entirely oblivious to the effect she had him. Lucas tried to pull himself together and think of the right answer to her question.
Feeling slightly self conscious, he opened the tin to show his work, gingerbread man cookies. Fiona took an appreciative sniff, joy all over her face. "Did you make these?"
"I thought they were the right choice because you have well and truly caught me."
Fiona blushed and smiled, gazing into her favorite brown eyes. How did he make cookies so romantic?
Lucas poured cups of steamy chai and Fiona helped herself to a cookie, nibbling on the still warm baked good. She gazed across the beautiful, snowkissed landscape. But even as she tried to enjoy the day, being here, in this location, reminded her that Lucas would soon be gone again, to take back the proposed National Park plan, leaving her lonely once more.
Lucas watched the shift in her expression, from joy to sadness. She picked at the cookie, popping tiny pieces in her mouth.
"Fiona, tell me what you're thinking about. I want to know."
"I was thinking about you leaving again. You'll always be leaving," she sighed deeply. "I wish I could be at your side. I wish I could go to Capital City. I would, you know. But I don't think that's the kind of press you need. Imagine the headlines - Governor's Girlfriend Moves to Join Him in the Capital. Scandalous," she said with a mock serious voice that reminded him slightly of Florence. Fiona managed a laugh and then her face fell again.
Lucas reached for her mug and set both his and hers on the dash, creating little circles of steam in the frosty glass of the windshield. "Come with me." He said simply, reaching for his door. A questioning look crossed her face. "…on a walk," he finished.
Fiona laughed to herself and slid across the seat to step out his side of the car. They walked a short distance hand in hand to a beautiful look out point. Stopping to admire the view, Fiona heard Lucas take a deep breath of the cold, crisp air.
"That wasn't the headline I had in mind," he said breaking the lengthy silence and turning to face her. "I was thinking more like "Governor Bouchard Weds The Most Beautiful, Spectacular Woman."
Fiona's breath caught. Shock and then delight covered her face as Lucas got down on one knee in the snow.
"Fiona, I want to spend the rest of my life dreaming with you. Will you join your life to mine? Will you marry me?"
He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening it revealed a ring that sparkled like freshly fallen snow.
Fiona knelt on the ground, tucked in close in front of him, tears freezing on her eyelashes. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with love and passion and all of her heart.
When they finally ended their kiss, Lucas helped Fiona to her feet and held her close, her head resting against his chest. Both were temporarily lost in their own thoughts.
I don't have to say goodbye to her again.
I don't have to be lonely for him anymore.
Pausing for a moment from his revelry, he leaned back and asked to confirm, "Was that a yes?" with a soft laugh.
"Yes. A thousand times yes."