Chapter 36

Union City, Alberta Canada

Saturday, December 31, 1921

"Reservation for Bouchard, the honeymoon suite," Lucas told the desk clerk. Lucas gave a slight laugh as he was sure that the clerk could tell that it was their wedding night since MaKayla was still in her wedding dress and Lucas in his tuxedo.

The porter took them up to their room on the third floor, as they entered the suite together, MaKayla was in awe. The room was aglow from the roaring fire in the fireplace. There were multiple vases of roses that adorned the room. On a table by the sofa was a bottle of champagne that was chilling in an ice bucket along with a dish of chocolate covered strawberries. Lucas tipped the porter and they were finally alone.

Lucas turned to face his bride. "Welcome to the rest of your life, Mrs. Bouchard," Lucas said as he went over to her and gave her a gentle kiss.

"Lucas everything is so beautiful," she said as she gazed around the room one more time.

"Just as you are my love," Lucas replied as he took her into his arms for another kiss.

MaKayla looked up at him as their eyes met. "Let me change into something a little more comfortable and then we can sit in front of the fire and have some of these delicious looking strawberries and a glass of champagne. But I do need you to unbutton the back of my dress for me first." MaKayla said shyly.

Lucas unbuttoned the back of her dress but he was surprised at how his hands were shaking as he did so. He was more nervous than he thought. While MaKayla was in the bathroom, Lucas also decided to change into something a little more comfortable. He changed into a pair of lounging pants and put a robe on but did not put on a shirt.

Lucas wanted to make sure that Makayla was comfortable with everything so he decided he would take things slowly. He was sure that she was as nervous as he was, maybe more so. He had waited for this night for so long; to make love to his wife. He wanted it to be everything they both had dreamed of. He did not want to rush it in anyway.

After MaKayla had taken off her wedding dress and hung it up she decided to take a quick bath before changing into her bridal evening attire. She took out the clips that had held her hair off to the side and pinned it up for her bath so as not to get it wet. As she sunk into the luxurious bath, she couldn't help but smile thinking of the night that lay ahead.

Once she was done soaking, she slipped into her negligee which was white lace and silk and went just to her mid-thigh, with a silky chiffon peignoir with a white satin sash that went to her ankles. She then took her hair down and let it be loose and flowing as it cascaded down her shoulders and back. She wanted to be with Lucas in a physical way so badly but she could not believe how nervous she was. After all, this was not her first time and she was a doctor. Yet her stomach was filled with anxious butterflies.

Because she had been Lucas's doctor, she had seen him in varying stages of undress although this was obviously very different and there was absolutely nothing clinical about what they were about to do. Still, she had not been with a man in this way in a very long time. She did not know how long it had been for Lucas but she suspected it had been quite a while.

But he had never seen her in this way ever. MaKayla knew she was being silly but what if Lucas did not find her as exciting as she found him? She wanted tonight to be so special between them and hoped that it would be. She took one last look at herself in the mirror, took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom.

As she entered the bedroom, Lucas rose from the sofa. MaKayla smiled at how adorable he looked in his robe, the firelight shimmering on his handsome face setting off his eyes and giving them a soft glow around them. Lucas stood there in stunned silence, as MaKayla did a twirl.

"What do you think?" MaKayla asked with a radiant smile, trying to keep her nerves at bay.

Lucas walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist as he kissed her deeply. "You are stunning, my love."

He took her hand and walked her over to the sofa, "Let's sit, relax and enjoy some of the succulent chocolate covered strawberries and a glass of champagne." They took a seat on the sofa sitting close together, chatting about the wedding and how everything was just as they dreamed.

MaKayla finally put down her champagne glass, and turned to look at her new husband. She reached up and gently brushed his hair out of his eyes. "Lucas, make love to me. I want to be one with you. I have dreamed of this night with you for so long." As she leaned in to kiss him.

Lucas put his glass down, and stood up pulling MaKayla up with him. He looked at her with such love. He took off his robe and threw it on the back of the sofa. He then reached delicately down to untie the satin sash from her peignoir opening her robe. He then tenderly removed it from her shoulders and let if fall slowly to the floor revealing the silky negligee beneath. His hands gently caressed her arms as he slowly moved over and felted the softness of negligee. His hand deftly moved up to her breasts just skimming them lightly till he reached her neck.

She put her hand on his face and traced his cheek, then his jaw as her hand then trailed down to his chest as her fingers made circles in the hair on his chest. She then sensuously traced the outline of his scar from just below his breastbone down to the top of his lounging pants.

He took her hand then and walked her slowly over to the bed. He faced her and started kissing her forehead, down to her temple over to behind her ear. He brushed her hair behind her back then kissed her shoulders as he slowly removed the straps of her negligee from her shoulders and let them fall down her arms. Lucas then scooped her up in his arms as he kissed her deeply and he laid her down on the bed….

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Union City, Alberta Canada

Sunday January 1, 1922

Lucas awoke the next morning with MaKayla sleeping beside him with her head on his chest with her mass of hair surrounding them both. He kissed her gently on top of her head. Although they had both been nervous last night, they let themselves freely give in to their passion for each other. Lucas smiled as he recalled how wonderful their loving making was, it was beautiful in every way. MaKayla was a very passionate woman and let herself go and be at ease in his arms. Lucas had never felt this happy. He was finally married, lying beside his wife. MaKayla was everything he would ever need or want. He was home, he would never be alone again, all he had suffered before was worth it to be in this moment, here now with this woman.

MaKayla awoke a little while later and started moving her hand across Lucas's chest. "Good morning, my love. Happy birthday." Lucas said. MaKayla raised her head to look up at him, sighing with contentment as she placed her head back on his chest. Lucas gazed down at her with wonder, taking his fingers and combing them through her hair as she wordlessly snuggled closer and placed a kiss on his bare chest.

MaKayla closed her eyes again, not to sleep but to remember last night. His feel, his smell, his touch, the rise and fall of his broad chest as her fingers softly touched the dusting of dark hair on his chest, the soft feel of his beard against her skin. The way their bodies harmonized together. It was beautiful in every way, the first of many such nights with the man she loved.

"Lucas, did last night really happen?" She said quietly in her melodious British lilt. Lucas smiled.

He hugged her closer "Yes, it did." He told her in that soft velvety voice of his that made her melt deeper into his touch.

MaKayla rolled over onto her stomach to see him better. Their legs intertwined and their feet playfully brushed against one another as she rested her chin on her hand, which was on his chest. Using her other hand she gently brushed her fingers through his gloriously disheveled hair. "Can we do it again… now," she said in a whisper.

Lucas laughed as he rolled her over on to her back. Looking into her beautiful hazel green eyes, "that is what honeymoons are for, my love." He said as he started kissing her lips then moved to neck, her shoulders…

Later that morning, Lucas and MaKayla had brunch in bed, as they feasted on eggs benedict, French toast, orange juice, and coffee. "This is all so delicious," MaKayla said, "But I cannot eat another bite." She said with a laugh.

"Yes, everything was wonderful. What would you like to do this afternoon?" Lucas asked.

MaKayla smiled at him. "Stay in bed all day?" She giggled as she snuggled closer to him.

Lucas laughed. "Sweetheart, as a doctor I believe you realize that you need to give a gentleman some time to rest in between." He then kissed her sweetly as he moved the breakfast tray off the bed. He reached over to take a gift out of the night stand drawer. "Happy birthday, my love." He said as he handed her the wrapped gift.

"Lucas, you didn't need to give me anything for my birthday. Your wedding gift was more than enough." She said as she sat up in bed, pulling the sheet up to cover her breasts.

"That was for our wedding, this is for your birthday. Open it, I want to see if you like it." He said with a smile.

MaKayla slowly unwrapped the gift, revealing a music box. It was beautifully decorated with stars and when she lifted the top it played Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. "Oh, Lucas, I absolutely love it. Thank you." She said as she kissed him as only a wife could.

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Union City, Alberta Canada

Monday, January 2, 1922

Lucas and MaKayla boarded the train in Union City bound for America. "Are you going to tell me exactly where we are going?" MaKayla asked

"Well, I know this might seem a bit unconventional for a honeymoon, but since we both have traveled throughout Europe extensively, I thought it would be interesting to do something a little different." Lucas said uneasy. Now not sure if MaKayla would like his idea. It certainly seemed like a good idea at the time.

"Lucas just tell me," MaKayla told him anxiously. "I promise I will love it no matter where we are going because I will be with you." She said with a gleam in her eye.

"Well, our ultimate destination is The Grand Canyon in Arizona but our first stop will be in Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park. They have a geyser there that is supposed to be quite spectacular. America is opening all these new national parks and I thought it would be interesting to visit some of them." He said, sheepishly thinking how good it sounded in his head when he came up with the idea. But now he was second guessing himself thinking she might have liked something grander for a honeymoon trip.

MaKayla threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Lucas, I absolutely love the idea. With my mother being American, getting to see more of her country is fabulous. I have been reading about these parks as well. This is so exciting." She told him enthusiastically.

"You're absolutely sure?" He asked once more.

"Lucas Bouchard, if there is anything you should know about me is I only say things I really mean." She smiled at him as Lucas finally relaxed his countenance at her words.

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Capital City, Alberta Canada

Wednesday, January 25, 1922

MaKayla leaned against Lucas's shoulder, daydreaming of all the fabulous memories they had made together over the past three weeks. Together they had traversed areas in the western part of the United States that were a delight to the senses. They had enjoyed moonlit walks, viewing beautiful sunrises and sunsets coming over the mountain tops, hot springs, horseback riding, fishing, hiking to picturesque waterfalls and viewing some of the most picturesque landscapes they had ever seen. Not to mention the endless hours of lovemaking and just lying in each other arms. They were not on any schedule and they stayed in each place for however long that they wanted. It was the most relaxing and romantic time of her life all with the man that she loved.

Lucas gently tapped her on the arm. "Doc, it's time to wake up. We will be pulling into Capital City in about 10 minutes." Lucas quietly whispered.

MaKayla sat upright once again. "I was awake, just daydreaming about our honeymoon." She said as she smiled over at him.

"It was fabulous, wasn't it?" Lucas said as he returned her smile.

"It was. Oh, Lucas it was better than anything I could have dreamed of." She said happily. But now, it is time to get back to our everyday lives. My father said he had all my stuff brought over to the mansion. He had the workers just leave everything in a spare bedroom until I can sort through it and decide where everything fits. I will have time to get myself organized before I have to go back to work on February 6th."

Lucas kissed her on the forehead. "I love you MaKayla Bouchard and I can't wait to begin our everyday lives together." He said as he gave her a wink.

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Hope Valley, Alberta Canada

Friday, July 7, 1922

As they pulled into the Hope Valley train station, MaKayla could hardly contain her excitement. "I can't believe we haven't been back here since April." She said turning to Lucas. "I can't wait to see our house. I'm so excited that is finally finished and we can move into it."

"Joseph said it is fantastic, and that we will love everything about it." Lucas said happily.

"When can we go out to see it?" MaKayla asked.

"Tomorrow after the dedication ceremony for the National Park. Tonight, we have dinner with Nathan and Faith." He told her.

Once they arrived in Hope Valley, Declan dropped Lucas off at the saloon while then taking MaKayla to their old house. They would meet up at the saloon for dinner at 5:00 with Faith and Nathan.

Once entering the saloon, Lucas found Jack waiting for him. "Papa," Jack said as he ran over to Lucas and gave him a big hug. "I've been waiting all day for you to come." The little boy said excited.

"Sorry, Lucas. Jack couldn't wait and asked if we could have lunch at the saloon so he would be here when you got in." Elizabeth told him.

"That's fine, Elizabeth. Hmm, I did want to talk to you about something perhaps we can do it when I bring Jack home later?" He told her.

"Is everything OK, Lucas?" Elizabeth asked concerned.

"Yes, everything is fine. We'll talk tonight." Lucas said as he turned to Jack.

"You ready to go get some ice cream buddy?" He asked Jack.

At 5:00 Nathan, Faith, and Lilly came in to the saloon. "Hi Uncle Lucas." Lilly said happily giving him a hug. "Did you know that Auntie Faith and Mountie Nathan are getting married?" She asked very seriously.

"Yes, I did Lilly. Are you happy about that?" He asked her just as seriously.

"I am because then we are all going to be a family. I will have a mommy, daddy and a big sister." She said very matter-of-factly. "I'm going to be a flower girl at the wedding, just like I did for you and Auntie MaKayla." Just then MaKayla came through the front door and Jack and Lilly both ran over to hug her.

The couples and the two kids sat down for dinner. "Faith with your wedding next weekend as your matron of honor I am here now, put me to work." MaKayla told her.

"It is just going to be a simple wedding in the church with a reception afterward here at the saloon. You and Lucas have offered us the saloon and your chef's services for no charge. Plus, you are taking Lilly while we are on our honeymoon. Covering for me at the clinic. I think you and Lucas have done more than enough. We are just so glad to have both of you here to celebrate with us." Faith said as Nathan nodded in agreement.

"And Lucas, I've told Bill as my best man and now I'm telling you as my groomsmen. No stag party. I'm good." Nathan said with a warning look.

"Ok, ok." Lucas said as he held his hands up. "No stag party." He chuckled. "I do have one piece of news that you both will probably be interested in. Carson has accepted the chief of staff position at the hospital. He has already begun recruiting physicians and other staff for the hospital. Although he probably won't be moving back until the hospital opens in early 1923."

"I'm glad that he took the position." Faith said. "Nathan and I have talked about it and with you and MaKayla as our role models we know that ex's can live in harmony in the same town." She gave a soft laugh, as Nathan squeezed her hand.

Lucas smiled at both of them, glad that Carson's reappearance in town would not be a problem for them. "I have to get Jack home. I'll be back to pick you up." He said to MaKayla as he kissed her goodbye. "See the two of you at the dedication ceremony tomorrow."

At Elizabeth's rowhouse, Jack and Lucas climbed the stairs as Lucas knocked on the door. Elizabeth opened the door. "Come in. Jack did you have a good time with your Papa?" Elizabeth asked with a smile.

"The best." Jack told her with a smile.

"Please go upstairs and put your sleeping clothes on and wash your face and brush your teeth." Elizabeth told her son. She then turned her attention to Lucas. "Lucas, you said you wanted to talk to me about something. What is it?" She asked quizzically.

Lucas gave her a smile. "MaKayla and I are watching Lilly while Nathan and Faith are on their honeymoon to Europe. We are leaving for Saratoga Springs, NY to spend a few weeks with MaKayla's family and Lilly is coming with us. I was wondering if you would consider letting Jack come as well." He asked with trepidation.

Elizabeth looked at him forlornly. "Lucas, that's long time for him to be away. Would you and MaKayla really want to have two kids tagging along with you?" She asked questioningly.

"I wouldn't have asked if we didn't both want him to come. MaKayla's cousins will be there with their children as well. I thought Jack would have a good time. You don't have to answer me now. We aren't leaving until July 31; you have time to think about it. Well, I have to get back. I hope to see you at the dedication ceremony tomorrow." Lucas said as he went out the door.

Elizabeth sighed as she closed the door. She knew that Jack would love to go on a trip with Lucas. Little by little she was losing her son to a world bigger than Hope Valley. A world they both could have been a part of if fear had not stopped her. She would always regret the decision she made on that October night almost two years before.

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Hope Valley, Alberta Canada

Saturday, July 8, 1922

So many people had gathered at the new National Park for the grand opening and the unveiling of the park's name. There was excitement in the air. The horse stables were up and running. A lot of the hiking trails had been mapped out and had been cleared as were trails to some of the hot springs. A few of the cabins had been built and the park already had reservations for this summer. The monument was not erected yet but Lucas hoped that would be completed by the fall. The hospital grounds were coming along nicely as well. The hospital was on track and ready for a late January, early February opening. The rehabilitation center would not be far behind.

The saloon along with the café had tables set up with free food and drink for the dedication ceremony. Lee and Rosemary walked over to Lucas and MaKayla. "This is a really wonderful turnout." Lee said.

"I'm happy to see the townspeople supporting this initiative." Lucas told them happily. "We should probably get started." He told Lee.

Lee walked up to the podium. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are pleased to have all of you here today along with Governor Bouchard as we gather for our grand opening. This National Park has been a long time coming and at times seemed like it would never come to fruition. But with dedication and teamwork along with donations from Sir John Ellerman and Samuel Holt, that dream is now a reality. I'd like to invite Governor Lucas Bouchard up to the podium to unveil the name of the new park." The audience broke out into loud applause.

Lucas walked up to the podium with a broad smile. "As Mayor Coulter has already said, this park was a long time coming and I hope that it will serve the valley communities well for many generations to come. Without further delay, I am pleased and honored to present to all of you here today, Hope Springs Eternal National Park." As the men holding ropes pulled down the tarp covering the sign.

This name was chosen by a committee from both Benson Hills and Hope Valley townships from over 200 submissions. The young lady who submitted the winning name, I am proud to say I have had the pleasure of knowing since she was 10 years old. On our very first meeting, she got me in trouble with Hope Valley's school teacher, Mrs. Thornton." Lucas said with a chuckle as he sought out Allie in the crowd and gave her a big grin.

"She has always had a way with words and has just graduated from the Jack Thornton School. The winner of the National Park name submission contest is Allie Grant, daughter of Constable Nathan Grant. Miss Grant has been awarded a years' worth of tuition at the university of her choice." Lucas looked out into the crowd and saw Nathan hoisting his daughter high into the air.

"There is free food and refreshments over on the tables. And again, welcome to Hope Springs Eternal National Park." Lucas was once more greeted with loud applause. Lucas, Lee along with their wives posed for pictures as the press was out in force today. They took pictures of the sign with Allie standing next to it. It was an absolutely wonderful day.

Lucas and MaKayla stayed and socialized with all their neighbors and friends. MaKayla whispered in his ear, "another good day to be governor." She said with a cocky smile. He kissed her temple and smiled.

As the crowds were thinning, Lucas and MaKayla made the rounds of goodbyes as they had a personal matter to take care of. "Papa, can I come with you and Auntie MaKayla?" Jack asked with those pleading blue eyes.

"Not today, Jack. Auntie MaKayla and I are going to see our new house all finished for the first time. Tomorrow if it is OK with your Mama, I will take you up there to see it, OK?"

"Ok, Papa have fun." Jack said as he waved goodbye and run off with his friends.