Chapter 27

Lucas entered the hospital and went directly to MaKayla's office. Unfortunately, she wasn't there. He went out to the nurse's station to find out if she was in surgery.

"Good morning, Governor. Dr. Donovan is on rounds but she should be returning shortly." The nurse told him.

"Thank you, Jane. If you see her, please let her know I'm waiting in her office." He smiled and went back to MaKayla's office.

When MaKayla entered her office a half an hour later, Lucas was on the phone. "Edwin, there is no compromise on this. I want it in Hope Valley not here in Capital City." Lucas put his hand over the mouth piece and whispered, "almost done." MaKayla laughed and sat down in front of her desk.

"Edwin, we can discuss this when I get back. I have to go." Lucas hung up the phone and smiled at the beautiful woman in front of him.

"Not, that I'm complaining, but what do I owe this mid-day visit to?" She said coyly.

Lucas stood and walk over to her, taking her hands as he pulled her to him. He cupped her chin with both of his hands and leaned in for a long, passionate, sensuous kiss. MaKayla leaned into the kiss, melting into his touch.

As they pulled apart needing to catch their breath, MaKayla looked at the man she loved. She gazed into his eyes, there was a light there that she had rarely seen. Once or twice, fleetingly but it hadn't stayed long. It seemed different this time though, he seemed different. He seemed happier, at peace. Had something happened, she wondered?

"Lucas, is there something going on? Do you want to tell me something?" She asked quizzically.

"We did it Doc, the legislature finally approved both the water preservation bill and the hospital complex in Hope Valley. I'll be able to keep my promise to the valley." He said with pure joy radiating from his eyes.

She smiled gently at him. It was such a relief to see him finally achieve his goal for the valley. "Lucas that is wonderful. I'm so happy for you." She said as she leaned in for another passionate kiss.

As they reluctantly pulled a part, he whispered, "I have you to thank." He released her from his embrace. "The hospital complex was your idea. I'll be going to Hope Valley in mid-October to make a formal announcement. I would like very much for you to be there with me. I'm hoping you can get away for the week?" He asked hopefully.

"When exactly?" She asked.

"We would leave on October 17th and be back on Sunday, the 23rd. What do you think?" He asked her.

"I would love to see Faith and Minnie; we have been corresponding you know. I think I can clear my schedule for that week." She told him happily.

"Fantastic! Now, I would like to treat my favorite doctor to lunch at the deli. If you can get away?" He said with a devilish grin.

"Lucas, did something else happen?" She asked. "You seem different to me. There's something you're not telling me." She looked at him perplexed.

Lucas looked at her, amazed at how this woman could seem to see into his soul. "You are very perceptive. Something is different. I didn't say anything yesterday when I spoke to you on the telephone because I wasn't sure I believed it myself." Lucas told her.

"Believed what?" She asked curiously.

"Let's sit down." He took her hand as he held her gaze. "Remember the first time we kissed on the hill at the end of March?" She nodded with a tremulous smile. "I told you I wouldn't go back to Elizabeth if she asked. But the truth is, despite all my outward and inward protests to the contrary my heart was still very much connected to hers. If she had… asked, I'm not so sure I could have resisted giving it another try." She nodded again giving him the courage to continue.

"But somehow, I sensed that you knew that and that you were willing to wait until I figured everything out. Much the same way as I tried to do with Elizabeth regarding Jack. Even if it meant that in the end, it was your heart that was now broken. That is what you were trying to tell me with that first kiss. That if and when I found the courage to say goodbye to Elizabeth, you would be there to catch me. I'm right, aren't I?" He asked.

She smiled softly as she gazed at the question in his eyes. "Yes, I knew your heart was still with Elizabeth and you were struggling with completely letting her go." she said quietly.

"It took me much longer to get to where you were but piece by piece, day by day, my heart started to heal till finally it was whole again… with you. But despite how much I love you, there was still some lingering despair and darkness that continued to hang over me. Then yesterday, I felt the last of those negative emotions that have dogged me relentlessly for the past year of my life, lift away. He smiled at her although his eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"When I asked you how you were able to move on from Trevor, you told me, that you didn't let go, it let go of you. And yesterday, on an ordinary Tuesday, just like you said, it happened for me. I wish I could explain it better but I don't have the words." He said with sheer joy.

The tears rolled down MaKayla's cheeks as Lucas wiped them away. "Please tell me those are tears of happiness?" He asked gently.

"Oh Lucas, I have dreamed of the day when our hearts would beat as one." She said as she melted into his embrace.

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After his conversation and lunch with MaKayla, Lucas was finally on his way back to his office. As he was sitting in his car, he made a decision. "Declan, instead of the office, can you please take me to the consulate building. Once inside, he found Seamus Donovan's office. He approached the receptionist desk and inquired if Mr. Donovan was available.

"Governor" the receptionist said, surprised to see the young governor in front of her. "I don't have you down for an appointment. I'm sorry I must have messed up somewhere." She said all befuddled.

"Please, there was no mistake. This is an impromptu visit on my part. If he's not available, I will set up an appointment." He told her calmly.

"Well, Governor, it's your lucky day. Mr. Donovan's previous appointment canceled so he is available. Let me tell him you are here." She smiled at him.

The receptionist came back to let Lucas know that Mr. Donovan could see him and escorted him into his office. "Governor, what do I owe this unexpected visit to?" Mr. Donovan asked good naturally as he stood to shake Lucas's hand.

"Actually, sir I'm not here on government business, this is a personal matter." Lucas said nervously.

"I see. Then let's dropped the formalities, shall we. I will call you Lucas and you can call me Seamus." He smiled at Lucas trying to put the young man at ease. He had a hunch what this visit might be about.

Lucas looked the older man in the eye, "Sir, I love your daughter very much. I would like your blessing to ask MaKayla for her hand in marriage." Lucas said with great emotion.

"I see." Seamus said as he looked at Lucas for a long moment. How long have you and MaKayla known each other, a year?" Seamus asked him.

"Yes sir." He answered.

"And like MaKayla you were previously engaged?" Lucas nodded in agreement. "An engagement that didn't work out, and not due to a death." He said solemnly.

Lucas lowered his gaze for just a moment, and felt the tension grow in his shoulders. He raised his eyes to meet his again. "That would be correct, sir." He answered nervously. Lucas was unsure what point MaKayla's father was trying to make about his broken engagement.

"Lucas, how old are you?" He asked simply.

"I'll be 33 in November sir." Lucas answered.

"Well, I would say you're old enough to know your own heart and mind. With one failed engagement behind you, I'm sure that you wouldn't enter into a second engagement if you were not absolutely certain that this was something you both wanted. I've had you checked out and I'm well aware of your history. All of your history." He said with a knowing look.

"I would expect nothing less, sir." Lucas replied.

"You were also a classmate of my son, Andrew, whom I have also asked about you. By all accounts, you are a fine young man, Lucas. Assuming, of course, my daughter says yes, I would be honored to have you as a son-in-law. That one has a mind of her own. I doubt there is a man alive who can tell her what to do. Good luck, son." He laughed heartily. "All I ask is that you make her happy and love her well."

Lucas smiled broadly. "Thank you, sir. I have every intention of doing that." He said as he let out the breath he was holding.

"Have you picked out a ring yet?" Seamus asked him.

"No, I haven't. I wanted to get your blessing first." Lucas told him

"As you know, MaKayla's mother passed away. She had a beautiful ring that MaKayla has always loved. If you would like, I can give it to you. You could have it reset and made into something symbolic for the two of you. I think MaKayla would love to have it." He told him.

"Thank you, sir. I would love to see it." Lucas told him

"I will have it couriered over to you later this evening. And Lucas, please stop calling me sir." He said with a jovial laugh.

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Ashford Hills, Alberta Canada

Saturday, September 24, 1921

Lucas picked MaKayla up at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning for the drive to Ashford Hills. Normally MaKayla would go on the 3rd Saturday of the month to do clinic visits in the quaint town but she had a previous commitment and opted for this weekend instead.

"You're sure you want to spend the whole day in Ashford Hills?" MaKayla asked him.

"I owe the townspeople a visit. After all, I never made it there last year. I think it is high time I made it up to them." He said happily. "Added bonus, I get to spend time with you." He said as he gave her a wink.

I think you would be interested to know that, I have been in discussions with the director of public safety about the roads. I haven't forgotten that I promised to do something about them. At least today is a beautiful sunny day so we shouldn't have any problems." He told her with a chuckle.

Well, that is exciting. Do you think something can be done before winter comes?" She asked

"Yes, this main road will be fixed sometime next month." He told her happily.

"Lucas, you are really starting to get things accomplished. I'm so proud of you and thankful that my drive to Ashford Hills will soon be much easier." She told him happily.

"My latest news is that I received a letter from Faith yesterday. She told me that she and Nathan are officially courting and have been for about month now." She said looking over at him to see his reaction.

"Faith and Nathan are courting. That is interesting. He said with surprise. "I never thought Nathan would get up the courage to ask her. I'm happy for them. Faith is a wonderful woman." He told her.

MaKayla wondered if he was thinking about Elizabeth and how she had handled the news. He didn't say anything so she wouldn't either.

As they entered the Ashford Hills clinic, MaKayla's nurse Susan was there getting the clinic ready for the day's patients. "Good morning, Dr. Donovan," Susan said and then looked up and saw Lucas and let out a gasp.

"Governor Bouchard." She said stammering. "I didn't know you would be here. It is a pleasure to meet you. I voted for you. My sister Sharon, she sometimes waits tables at the Queen of Hearts." She told him in a rush.

Lucas smiled at the young woman, "Yes, Sharon Morrison and her husband Gus. Right?" He asked.

"Yes, that's her. They miss you at the Queen of Hearts. Sharon said the place is not the same without you there." She told him.

"That is nice to hear. As it turns out, Dr. Donovan and I will be making a trip there in a few weeks. I will be sure to tell your sister that I had the pleasure of meeting you." He told her.

"Susan, do we have any patients scheduled for today?" MaKayla asked trying to get her nurse back on track.

She turned her attention back to MaKayla, "Yes, sorry Doctor. Mrs. O'Hara should be here any minute." She told her. "Would either of you like a cup of coffee?" She asked.

"I would love one, but the governor is not a coffee drinker." MaKayla answered as Lucas winked at her.

Just then Mrs. O'Hara entered the clinic. "Good morning, Dr. Donovan." The old woman stopped and stared in total surprise. "Saints preserve us. Aren't you Governor Bouchard, young man?" She asked.

"Yes, Mrs. O'Hara, I am. It is a pleasure to meet you. I thought since I never made it to your wonderful town last year that I owned Ashford Hills a visit." He said brightly.

"You know Governor, Harvey and I voted for you last year. I tried to get Dr. Donovan to attend your rally but she's not much for politics you know. Of course, you never showed up that day anyway and then there was that whole shooting business. But no worries you two did eventually meet anyway. In the end it all worked out. I must say you are even more handsome than your pictures in the paper." She said smiling at him.

"Thank you, Mrs. O'Hara, that is a very nice compliment. And thank you for voting for me and of course, thank Harvey too." He said with a genuine smile.

"Hmm, Mrs. O'Hara we need to get on with your appointment." MaKayla suggested to the older woman trying to suppress a laugh. Lucas was getting a first-hand look at some members of his fan club. She had not been kidding when she told him last year that he was hit in Ashford Hills.

"Sorry to hold things up, ladies. I have other people to see in town and need to get going. It was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. O'Hara. Dr. Donovan, I will see you later." Lucas then left the clinic and headed over to the mayor's office.

"So," Mrs. O'Hara asked, "are you and the handsome governor officially courting yet?" Susan leaned in wanting to hear this answer as well.

MaKayla started to blush, "Governor Bouchard and I may have gone on a few dates together. Although he hasn't officially asked me to court. Do men in their thirties still do that? Ask women to court?" She asked curiously.

"Absolutely, he is a refined gentleman. Regardless of age a man should ask a lady with whom he is smitten to court. I'm sure he will be asking you soon. I can tell, he has eyes for you." She patted her hand in reassurance. MaKayla just shook her head.

Lucas arrived back at the clinic around 3 p.m. "Any more patients left to see?" He asked.

"No, we are clear to leave whenever you want." She told him.

"Hmm, I believe there is something I need to do first." He told her.

"What is that governor." She asked coyly as she walked into his embrace where a long deep kiss awaited her.

As they broke away, Lucas said. "You were right, I do have a fan club here. Everyone I met was very friendly and engaging. They had plenty of suggestions and ideas. This was an excellent visit. And I should tell you that they were also singing your praises. Everyone is so grateful to you for coming out here every month. I'm really coming to see that healthcare needs more attention in our territory." He told her with sincerity.

"By the way," she said casually. "I was informed today by several individuals, especially Mrs. O'Hara and Susan, that men even in their thirties still ask ladies to court. They seem to be concerned that you have not officially asked me to do so." She said teasingly.

"Well, we can't have that now can we. Miss Donovan, will you officially be my girlfriend." He asked with a glint in his eye.

"Why Mr. Bouchard, I'd be delighted." She said while batting her eyelashes at him. At this they both dissolved into laughter.

"Come on Doc, let's go." Lucas told her as he took her hand. As they walked out the door together, all Lucas could think was that in three weeks, he hoped she would be more than his girlfriend.

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Capital City, Alberta Canada

Thursday, October 6, 1921

Henry entered Lucas's office with great excitement. "We got the sketches today from Darling and Pearson. I have to say they are fantastic." He told him happily.

"I'm surprised they have them ready so soon." He told him

"They had started on them in preparation if they won the bid. I really think we made the right choice with them." Henry stated.

Lucas looked over the drawings and had to agree. "These are wonderful, Henry. I'm really pleased."

"I heard from Hubbard Construction. They want to put ads in the Benson Beagle, Valley Voice, Jameson Herald and Buxton Chronicle as well as the Capital City Gazette advertising for workers. They want to start clearing the land and hopefully get the dormitory built before the snow flies so workers from other areas will have a place to stay." Henry told him.

"I agree with that plan. Can you schedule a phone call for me with Mayors Coulter and Hickam for tomorrow? I'll advise them of our plans so that they won't be blindsided by the advertisements for workers. Darling and Hubbard will both have representatives in Hope Valley for the presentation of our plans, correct?" He asked Henry.

"Yes, Mr. Hubbard himself will be there along with his foreman, Shawn Weatherby. Weatherby will be conducting interviews along with his assistant foreman Craig Lanning."

"Henry, it looks like we have everything set to go. I'll call Mike Hickam at the Queen and have him set aside rooms for our guests. I'll also have their rooms and meals comped so there will be no conflict of interest. I have to say, I feel really good about this Henry." He said with relief in his voice.

"I think we have a winner, Lucas. I really do." He said in agreement.

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The next day Lucas called Hope Valley to speak with Mayors Hickam and Coulter. "Mayors, it's good to speak with you both. The reason for my call today is to let you know I'll be coming to Hope Valley on October 18th and I would like to meet with both of you to go over my administration's new plans for the land that we purchased last year from Mr. Coulter." He told them earnestly.

"Governor, do we get to know what the land will be used for?" Lee asked.

"Mayor Coulter, I'll be happy to share that information with the understanding that this information is not to be shared with the press or anyone else for that matter. I'll be making the official announcement on Wednesday, October 19. There will also be a live radio broadcast at the same time. Are we clear on this?" He asked with an edge to his voice. As much as Lucas hated the estrangement between him and Lee, he found he was having a hard time letting go of the anger and disappointment he felt towards the Coulters.

"Yes, I understand." Lee said with a defeated tone to his voice. Lee wished that he and Lucas could put the past behind them but he wasn't sure how to do that.

"Good, thank you. The land is going to be a hospital and rehabilitation complex. The plan is to also build a dormitory type building for families who may need a place to stay while visiting patients. We also plan to have part of the land used to make a national park. We will make hiking trails, a stable, build cabins. We have already secured bids from respectable construction and architectural companies and contracts have been signed. They will begin advertising for workers in the next two weeks in all local area newspapers and here in Capital City. I should also tell you that everything has been passed by the legislature. I can go into more detail when I'm there the week of the 18th. In the meantime, do either of you have any questions?"

"Governor," Mayor Hickam said, "what made you decide on a hospital and rehabilitation center?" She asked with curiosity

Lucas decided honesty was the best policy. "Four months ago, I would have died if a skilled surgeon wasn't in Hope Valley at the time that I was shot for the second time. I never would've survived a trip to Union City or the wait for a skilled surgeon to arrive in Hope Valley. Although my circumstances are somewhat unique, the need became quite clear to me that the people of the valley deserve to have access to good healthcare. This venture will bring jobs to our region, support businesses and grow our communities. Not to mention provide state of the art medical care to the surrounding communities. I hope that my administration will have the support of both of you. But even if I don't, this project is going forward. It is a win for the valley communities and it is my sincere hope that the two of you will see that as well." He told them both in no uncertain terms.

Lee smiled, he thought it was a brilliant idea and one he could wholeheartedly support. He knew that Dr. Donovan had something to do with convincing Lucas of the merits of this venture.

"Governor, I can only speak for myself, but I think this is a brilliant idea and I do believe this will accomplish the goals you had set when you originally purchased the land." He said with enthusiasm.

"Thank you, Mayor Coulter, I'm happy you agree. Thank you both for your time today and I will have my secretary call to schedule a time that we can meet on the 18th. Goodbye for now."

As they hung up, Maise Hickam turned to Lee. "Are you and the governor on the outs? He was very formal with you just now." She asked with extreme curiosity.

"Unfortunately, we are and I can't blame him. I just don't know how to make things right between us." He said sadly.

"Have you spoken honestly with him; tell him you are sorry for your part in whatever it is that may have caused this rift?" She asked questioningly.

"No, not really. I wanted to but he went back to Capital City before I got the opportunity to visit with him. He told her. Truthfully, he had put it off because he wasn't sure what to say to Lucas.

"Well, he'll be here in less than two weeks, perhaps this time you can make the time to speak with him privately. I certainly don't know Governor Bouchard as well as you but I do believe he is a fair man. A man of integrity. I'm sure he would listen to you with an open mind." She told him thoughtfully.

"Thank you Maise, I certainly hope that is true." She smiled at him and left his office.

Rosemary came in half an hour later and found Lee staring out the window. "Lee, is there something wrong?" She asked concerned.

He turned around to look at her. "Lucas is coming to town on the 18th. You should call Edwin to verify and if he gives the OK you can print that in the Voice." He told her.

"Oh my, why is he coming?" She asked. It must be official business if you're telling me to call Edwin." She said to him.

"As a matter of fact, it is. Lucas has made a decision as to how he is going to use the land we sold to the government." He told her honestly.

"I certainly hope it's a better idea than the resort. So, what is he going to do with the land?" She asked with anticipation.

"I can't tell you. Lucas wants to make the announcement when he gets here. And before you ask me anything else. I gave him my word; I wouldn't tell you or anyone else." He said soberly

"Lee, I'm your wife. Certainly, you can tell me?" She said annoyed. "I hope Lucas isn't keeping secrets again." She said harshly.

"No Rosie he's not, but as a member of the press, you will have to wait for his formal announcement. I honestly doubt that you'll ever get another exclusive from Lucas as long as he is governor." He told her.

"Lee, honestly, I've learned my lesson. I wouldn't print anything you told me in the paper. Just tell me." She said starting to get angry with her husband.

"Rosemary, you have betrayed Lucas's trust before. Trust when lost is one of the hardest things to get back and I don't know if our relationship with our friend can be salvaged. I want to try and can only hope that Lucas wants to try as well." He said dejected.

"Lee, we didn't betray Lucas. Elizabeth kept us all in the dark as to what truly happened regarding their engagement." She told him vehemently.

"Don't you see Rosie; I should have reached out to him, gotten on a train, something after their engagement was broken. But I did nothing. But I think that he could easily forgive me for that. What I'm struggling with is how we run The Valley Voice." He told her honestly. "I need to take a walk. We will talk tonight; changes need to be made Rosemary." He eyed her with resolve and walked out the door.