Capital City, Alberta Canada
February 3, 1921
MaKayla was happy to be back at work. She enjoyed her time with her sister and all the wedding festivities but missed the hustle and bustle of the hospital. As she was coming down the hall, Jane came up to her and asked to speak to her.
"Dr. Donovan, I need to speak to you about Governor Bouchard." Jane had trouble looking her in the face.
"Sure, Jane, why don't you come down to my office now. We can talk." She told her concerned. The two women walked to MaKayla's office in silence. Once there, Jane took a seat in front of the doctor's desk.
"Ok, why don't you tell me what's on your mind. Did something happen while I was away?" She asked nervously.
"Actually, it's what didn't happen. You put so much trust in me and I feel like I let you down." The young woman was practically in tears. "The entire time you were gone Governor Bouchard only had three therapy sessions with me. He kept canceling saying he was busy. And the sessions we did have weren't very productive. Dr. Donovan, I'm so sorry." She said sadly.
MaKayla looked at the woman in total surprise. When she left, she thought that Lucas understood the importance of the therapy sessions. She was confident that he was in a better frame of mind, apparently, she was wrong about that as well. He may have been able to hoodwink Jane, she thought, but he wouldn't hoodwink her. He is in for a very big surprise. MaKayla turned her attention back to the young woman in front of her.
"Jane, please don't feel bad. I totally understand. Sometimes men like Governor Bouchard need special handling and I'm just the woman to handle him." she said with a sardonic smile.
MaKayla arrived at the Governor's mansion at 5:00 p.m. that evening. Edwin greeted her at the door. "Dr. Donovan, you're back. How wonderful." He said greatly relieved to see her.
"Where is he?" she asked, not even exchanging pleasantries.
"In is his office where he is most nights." Edwin told her. MaKayla went storming off. Edwin had a good chuckle; he knew Lucas wouldn't be talking his way out of a therapy session with her.
She reached his office and opened the door without knocking. "Bouchard!" Lucas looked up, his initial thought at seeing her was happiness which quickly turned to dread when he saw the look on her face.
"I want you dressed for a therapy session in 15 minutes, if you're not there, I will come looking for you! No excuses." She turned and walked out of the room. Lucas sat there in stunned silence.
He was in the therapy room 10 minutes later. When he entered the room, MaKayla took a good look at him. She was bewildered by what she saw. He was a mess, she thought. She softened her facial expression for just a moment but knew that was not what he needed right now. He needed to want to get better and coddling him was not the way to go in this moment.
"Lucas, please come here and lie down on the table." He did as he was asked. Once he was in position, MaKayla started doing deep tissue massage on his injured leg. She told him this was needed to try to keep too many adhesions from forming due to the surgery.
Lucas gritted his teeth, as the massage was incredibly painful. He wanted to explain himself but he would have to wait until this part was over. MaKayla on the other hand had no such restraints.
"Lucas," she said in a quiet reserved voice. "I know how painful the massage is, but do you realize how much further ahead you could be if you had followed through with the therapy sessions with Jane?" Lucas just nodded in agreement. He didn't talk the rest of the session and neither did MaKayla. When the session was over, MaKayla pulled up a chair.
When she sat down, she gazed at his sad countenance. "When I met you 4 months ago, you were this muscular, strong, confident, witty, handsome man. Look at you now. You're skin and bones. Are you eating at all? You look like you haven't slept in days and your hair and beard are in serious need of a cut and trim." She paused giving him time to say something but he was quiet.
"Is this about Elizabeth or something else? Please Lucas let me in, I want to help you." She pleaded with him.
Lucas looked into her eyes; he saw something there. He didn't know what it was but it calmed his racing thoughts. He wanted to tell her everything but what if he did and she abandoned him too? Elizabeth's betrayal had destroyed his faith and trust in people. He hesitated but he knew he had to unburden himself at least a little if he had any chance of righting his world.
He swallowed hard, "This job is bit overwhelming. Everyone wants something from me. They all think their opinion is the right one. I want to do a good job. I guess I'm having a hard time adjusting to the demands of so many people." He said as he ran his hand through his hair.
"In the past I never had to listen to so many opinions. I find it all very frustrating." He said in a flat dejected tone. "My counsel was once my own. I'm used to being in charge of my own destiny. I never wanted to be in this position. I did it…well it doesn't matter why. I'm here now and I owe it to everyone who voted for me to do what I promised. You're just one more person in a long list that I have the potential to let down." He said tiredly.
She looked at him and smiled softly "First, you haven't let me down. I'm just surprised that you lost faith in yourself. The man I first met is still in there, he's just a little lost right now, but he's not gone." She took his hand.
"You're struggling with the demands of this job, not because you can't handle it but because you're tired, both mentally and physically. You're still in pain from the shooting, and you feel like you're in this all alone. That is not how you thought it would be. You envisioned Elizabeth and her son by your side. You are handling things in the only way you know how, by withdrawing into yourself. If you weren't having some problems, then I'd be worried." She grinned at him.
He didn't respond but gave her a weak smile. MaKayla knew there was no easy fix for what ailed him. But she believed in this man. His spirit had been broken by the woman he loved and other circumstances beyond his control.
Finally, she said, "Ok, let's start by getting some food into you. I'm a pretty good cook, so what is your favorite meal? She asked him.
He gave her one of his classic dimpled grins, "pancakes with syrup, lots of syrup." He said with one eyebrow cocked, daring her to question his choice.
"Pancakes for dinner, you're sure?" She asked. He nodded in response. "Pancakes it is, come on Governor." She giggled at him as they walked to the kitchen.
They prepared the pancakes together then sat down to enjoy their labors. MaKayla proceeded to talk nonstop and told him all about her trip. The conference she attended; how beautiful her sister's wedding was. She just wished Andrew could have come home for the wedding. Lucas enjoyed listening to all her stories. For the first time in a month, he actually felt like he could breathe.
After they cleaned up the mess they made from dinner, Lucas walked MaKayla to the door. "Thank you for tonight, for listening, making pancakes and of course getting me back on track with my therapy. Will you be back tomorrow?" He asked hopefully.
"Yes, but under one condition." She said with a hint of mischief in her voice.
"And that is?" he asked with trepidation.
"That in addition to your therapy session, you let me cut your hair and trim up that beard. I worked in an army hospital and I was cutting soldiers hair all the time. I'm pretty good with a pair of scissors, if I do say so myself." She said teasingly as she reached over to touch his hair that had gotten so long that it curled at the ends.
Lucas gazed back at her with skepticism, "I guess I couldn't look any worse than I do now. See you tomorrow with your scissors, Doc." He said with wry grin.
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The next two weeks had gone fairly well for Lucas. He was feeling better. His nightmares hadn't stopped but they were no longer occurring every night. Gustave was back and was cooking all his favorite dishes. His therapy sessions had been going well and MaKayla OK'd his using only a cane to get around. After his therapy they often spent time just talking and sometimes would go the library and play backgammon. She was rather good at this game and Lucas was not use to be bested in a game of chance.
However, on Thursday February 17th his world was upended once again. Edwin came into his office carrying several newspapers.
"Lucas, we have a problem." Lucas sighed wondering what was wrong now. "The Valley Voice printed an article listing concerns that some of the citizens have about the resort and it was picked up by other newspapers in the area. It seems the townspeople are questioning if the resort would be good for the town." He said as he handed the newspapers to Lucas.
Lucas looked at the Valley Voice article first and was surprised to see concerns from people that he knew like Jed Campbell. He wondered why Rosemary hadn't contacted him to discuss these concerns before printing the article.
"Thank You Edwin, I will call the Voice now and let you know if indeed we truly have a problem." Edwin smirked, but left Lucas to make his phone call.
Lucas steadied himself and made the call to Hope Valley. "Hello Florence, Lucas Bouchard here. Could you please connect me to Rosemary at the Voice."
"Hello, Governor. It is good to hear your voice. I will connect you now." Florence said.
Rosemary picked up the phone. "Rosemary, I have Governor Bouchard on the line for you."
"Governor, how are you?" Rosemary said cheerfully, as they waited for Florence to hang up.
"Rosemary, I'm just reading the Valley Voice from last week and you printed an article that has been picked up by other newspapers questioning if the hotel and resort would be good for the valley. I'm confused as to why you wouldn't have notified me of these concerns or why my office wasn't given an opportunity to address these concerns." He said trying very hard to keep his temper in check.
"Lucas you know that the people have the right to let their voices be heard." She said staunchly.
"Rosemary, I'm not questioning the people's right to let their voices be heard. I'm just wondering why you didn't feel it prudent to inform me of these concerns." He asked again as even tempered as he could.
"Well, as Governor, I would've thought you had your pulse on the concerns of the people." She told him.
"I see, well thank you, Rosemary, for enlightening me. I'll be in touch." As Lucas hung up the telephone, he was seeing red. This wasn't the first time that Rosemary had published something that put him in a bad light with the townspeople. The last time she wrote about the mine re-opening after Elizabeth had shared confidential information with her. This left him no choice; he'd have to make a trip to Hope Valley.
Edwin and Lucas spent the next hour rearranging his schedule for the next two weeks as they were going to leave on the express train to Hope Valley that night. Lucas then called MaKayla and asked if she could come over earlier than normal today.
MaKayla was at the mansion by three that afternoon. Lucas was already in the therapy room when she arrived. She stood there and smiled as she saw him working on his stretches.
"Governor, good to see you so eager to get started." She smiled at him.
She was pleased to see the color returning to his face; he had gained back a little weight. The dark circles still persisted but she was hopeful that he'd soon be sleeping better as the discomfort and pain in his leg lessened. The haircut and beard trim she gave him looked great as well.
Lucas returned her smile. "Thank you for coming early today. I have some news. I need to make a trip to Hope Valley. It seems my constituents are having doubts about my vision for the resort and I need to get the 'pulse of the people' as the editor of the Valley Voice has informed me." He said with a wry smile. "I really hate to interrupt our therapy sessions as I feel we are making really good progress but it can't be helped. I was hoping you would tell me what I can do on my own while I'm away."
"How long do you think you'll be gone for?" She asked hoping that it would not be too long.
Almost from the moment she had met him, she felt something that she could not name but it felt special, important. She wasn't sure if he felt it too. He had worked his whole life to keep people from reading his thoughts, which is why he was such a masterful poker player. Even so, she felt at least where she was concerned, his carefully guarded façade was slowly letting her in. She was sad to think that they'd be separated again after making so much progress both medically and personally. His soothing voice took her out of musing.
"Only a few weeks, maybe less if everything goes well." He told her. She nodded and went over the exercises he could manage on his own.
"I will also call Dr. Carter to go over your therapy plan and she can help you as well if needed. Make sure you check in with her so that she can check on your progress. You are doing so well; I don't want you to back slide." She told him with slight reprimand accompanied by a bright smile.
He laughed, "Yes, Doc." He lowered his gaze. He would miss her. He felt they had a bond that he couldn't explain but just her mere presence calmed him. She gave him a peace he didn't know how badly he needed until she had left for that month.
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Hope Valley, Alberta Canada
Sunday, February 20, 1921
Lucas had arrived back in Hope Valley very late Saturday night, he managed to get into town with no one the wiser. On Sunday morning he went to his office at the Queen to try and get some work done. He went through the back door so as not to attract any attention just yet. Later in the day he heard a lot of noise in the saloon, which surprised him for a Sunday but whatever it was, was good for business.
Out in the main part of the saloon, Elizabeth and Allie were throwing a surprise birthday party for Nathan. It seemed like the whole town was there. Elizabeth and Nathan had not started officially courting yet, much to Elizabeth's chagrin. For reasons she didn't quite understand he seemed a bit hesitant towards her. She guessed this shouldn't surprise her as he wasn't as confident around a woman as Lucas had been.
Nathan was not really a party person or enjoyed being the center of attention. Part way through the party, he needed to step outside for a bit. Elizabeth soon joined him out in front of the saloon. They talked about whether he was surprised but of course he wasn't. He had figured out their scheme days ago. As they looked at each other, Elizabeth was hoping that Nathan would kiss her but they heard the crowd singing 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.'
"Sounds like your fans are calling you back in," Elizabeth said not wanting this moment between them to end so soon.
Nathan chuckled, "I guess we should go." They headed back into the saloon, as they looked at the crowd, they both turned and stared at each other in disbelief. They again turned back to the bar area to look at just who everyone was singing to. The Governor, Lucas Bouchard was back in town.
Lucas had no idea that a party was going on and certainly never expected the party was for Nathan. After the song, he was completely flummoxed and just wanted to get out of there. He acknowledged his thanks for the song and went immediately to the bar to give Mike his drink order and have him bring it to his office. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Elizabeth standing next to Nathan. He felt the pain touch his heart immediately. He quickly turned and returned to his office.
Mike knocked on his office door and Lucas told him to come in. "Lucas, I'm so sorry I didn't even know you were here. When did you get back into town?" He asked as he handed him his drink.
"Late last night. No worries, Mike. I didn't let you know I was coming; this was a last-minute decision. He told his saloon manager.
"How long will you be here?" He asked.
"I'm not sure yet. My assistant, Edwin, is staying in my suite and I'm staying at my house. Please comp all his meals and drinks. You'd better get back to the party before they miss you." He told him. Once Mike had left, he drank down his whiskey. All he thought was how in the world was he going to be able to see Elizabeth with Nathan and not have his heart shatter all over again?
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Elizabeth and Rosemary were walking back to their rowhouses together after the party.
"Why didn't Lucas tell me he was coming back?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Well, we both know he has an affinity for surprises. Are you happy he's back?" Rosemary asked
"Of course." Elizabeth said
"But it does make certain things a little more complicated?" Rosmary asked with a questioning look.
"Him being here really shouldn't make a difference at all, but somehow it does. I just hope we're able to go back to being friends, like we were before." She said gloomily.
"Oh, Elizabeth you two were never just friends because he always had eyes for you. That doesn't mean that it can't happen now if that's what you both want." Rosemary told her.
"It is. If I'm being honest, I just want to know that he's OK. That he isn't hurting." She said sadly.
"From what I saw he's having the time of his life." Rosemary told her with a giddy tone.
"As he should," Elizabeth said firmly.
"Well look at you so mature and if he's equally as mature there's no reason it can't work out that way. Friends forever." She told her.
Elizabeth could not understand how Rosemary thought Lucas was having the time of his life. He only stayed a few minutes at the party and from what Elizabeth saw he looked thinner than she had ever seen him. He looked pale and drawn and overall, she didn't think he looked well. But she told herself, Lucas was no longer her concern. She hoped he wouldn't be in town long and things could get back to normal. She didn't wish to be reminded of what she had done to him.
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Edwin came into Lucas's office the next morning. "Ok Governor, here is what I think you should do. Ask Mrs. Thornton if she will allow her class to go over to the resort site and have a photo session. We want to show that this resort will benefit the children. The best way to do that is to involve the children. We could set up the photo opt for this afternoon if she is agreeable."
Lucas sighed, the last thing he wanted to do was see Elizabeth again so soon. "Fine Edwin, I will go over to the school and ask her. What else do you have? You look to be in a pleasant mood about something." He told his assistant.
"We got our first bid and it's substantial. He told the governor excitedly.
Lucas's face lit up, "That's fantastic. Who is the bid from?"
Edwin hesitated, "Well, I want you to consider this bid seriously. And don't say no just because of personal feelings. It's Bernhardt Montague." He said giving Lucas a dubious look
"No! That man tried to steal our water not six months ago. I'm sure we'll reel in a better bid than his." Lucas said firmly.
Now it was Edwin's turn to sigh, "Ok, let's worry about fixing our public relations problem right now. Photo op with the school children and then you agreed to do a town hall meeting with residents and press present."
"That is at least palatable." Lucas told him.
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After meeting with Edwin, Lucas walked over to the school house. A walk he had made hundreds of times under much happier circumstances. He wasn't prepared to speak with Elizabeth yesterday and honestly was not any more prepared now but he had no choice.
As he arrived at the school, he slowly made his way up the stairs. The long walk had made him somewhat out of breath. That was the longest walk he had taken in quite some time. He opened the school house door as he felt his heart begin to race.
"Hi kids. I was hoping I might steal Mrs. Thornton for a moment." He said nervously.
"What brings the governor to our school house?" She asked him.
He slowly walked to the front of the room where Elizabeth was. "I have a question for you, more of a favor. I'm holding a press session at the resort site and I'm hoping; well Edwin is hoping that you and your students might umm…"
"Lucas what is it?" She asked knowing he was nervous.
"Would you and your students consider joining me for what Edwin calls a photo opportunity? It's so shameless. The truth is we need good press about the resort; and the children are the future of Hope Valley and this resort is for them. Now I realize it's a ridiculous waste of instruction time to do something of this nature." He looked at her anxiously.
Cooper Canfield came up to Mrs. Thornton, "Can we do it Mrs. Thornton, please?"
Elizabeth looked to the children then back to Lucas, "Of course we can go, it will be a wonderful learning experience."
Now that she had seen Lucas up close, she was even more concerned about his health. She had assumed he would bounce right back from his injuries. Apparently, his condition was more serious than she had realized when she left Capital City to return to Hope Valley. Everything about his demeanor and appearance told Elizabeth that things were not right in Lucas's world. Now she wondered how much of it was because of her.
Lucas met Elizabeth and the school children at the resort location at 2:00 p.m.
"Thank you for doing this, Elizabeth, I appreciate it." Lucas said to his former fiancée. Elizabeth smiled but this whole outing was making her very uncomfortable. Just then, cars carrying Rosemary and Lee Coulter came from one direction and from the other direction, was Randall Rockwell, from the Benson Beagle and Edwin Mitchell.
Rosemary was out of her car immediately. "What is he doing here? This is my exclusive." She said as she pointed to the reporter from the Benson Beagle. Edwin and Randall had now made their way over to Rosemary and Lee.
"Well, we can't count on your support since your article smeared the resort." Edwin told her.
"Yes, I like to print the opinions of all the people as any journalist with integrity would." Rosemary bellowed out.
Lee jumped in, "We want the resort, too."
"This is the site for the proposed new resort?" Randall Rockwell asked. "You do realize the base of the mountain belongs to the township of Benson Hills, not Hope Valley?" He asked those gathered.
"Benson Hills?" Lucas asked confused.
"Yes, along with the access road to the east." Randall told him.
"You didn't know?" Lee said looking at Lucas. "I know I mentioned it when we sold the property. Edwin, I know I told you." Lee said looking at Edwin with suspicion.
"It's simply a matter of negotiating with the mayor of Benson Hills. Nothing to worry about. Now let's get that photo." Edwin told Lucas and Elizabeth.
Lucas and Elizabeth stood close to each other and Lucas put his arm around her shoulder for the photograph. Both were very uncomfortable with the closeness but for very different reasons.
