Chapter 11

Hope Valley, Alberta Canada

Friday, October 10, 1924

Rosemary and Lee Coulter walked into the Queen of Hearts feeling very sad and dejected. They walked over to Bill who was standing at the bar. "Bill, do you have any idea what MaKayla is going to talk about on the radio this morning?" Lee asked.

"None. Maybe she is going to say she is going to run for governor in Lucas's place. I honestly don't know." Bill said. "I just can't believe Lucas is dead. He survived those two shootings a few years ago to now die in a plane crash. It's unfair. Rosemary, have you spoken to Elizabeth? How is she doing?" Bill asked.

"Not really." Rosemary said in a huff. "She hasn't been out of her rowhouse since we found out about Lucas. She won't talk to me about it. I feel so bad for little Jack, to lose another father." Rosemary said sadly.

"It's strange. I haven't seen Nathan either." Bill said suspiciously.

"Well, MaKayla and Faith are best friends. Faith is probably heartbroken for her friend and Nathan is being a good husband staying with her." Rosemary said. Just then Florence and Ned Yost came over to them.

"I spoke to MaKayla last night. She wanted to speak to Edwin Mitchell." Florence told them.

"That explains why Edwin left town late yesterday. MaKayla must have asked him to meet her in Union City." Mike told the group.

"Which brings up the question, why do the radio address from Union City?" Doesn't that seem strange?" Bill asked. "Why wouldn't she stay here in Hope Valley?" Bill asked as Minnie and Joseph Canfield entered the saloon and walked over to the group.

"Joseph, did MaKayla say anything to you about funeral arrangements before she left town?" Bill asked the town pastor.

"I did speak to her on the telephone the night they found Lucas's body and she said she had not given funeral arrangements any thought. Lucas was only 35, it is probably not something she thought she'd have to be thinking about. She had one thing on her mind, getting back to her children." Joseph told them.

"Oh, those poor babies. And the child she is carrying that will never know his or her father." Florence said as the group all became very quiet thinking of the young Bouchard children.

Mike adjusted the radio to bring in the station clearly as everyone took a seat to listen to what MaKayla had to say.

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Union City, Alberta Canada

Friday, October 10,1924

MaKayla walked up to podium, she took a deep breath as she looked over into the shadows and smiled before turning back to the crowd in front of her.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to come here this morning given the short notice. I also appreciate everyone that is listening on the radio, especially our family and friends in Hope Springs. But I assure you, it will be well worth your time. As you are all aware my husband, your governor, was involved in a plane crash outside of Hope Springs a week ago today. The crash involving my husband and brother was not an accident but was rather an assassination attempt to keep Lucas from possibly winning re-election as Governor of Alberta." MaKayla said forcefully as the press members gathered gasped at her statement.

"The only man who wanted my husband out of the way was his opponent, Bixby Balfour. He wanted a clear path to the governor's mansion and Lucas posed a threat to that in his mind." She said clearly as some press members were nodding in agreement.

"You're probably wondering how I know this? Behind me is Daniel Sterling." MaKayla turned to look at Daniel and gave him a soft smile. "Whom I assume you are all familiar with. He is the Minister of Public Safety with direct control over the CSIS and RCMP." Daniel raised his hand to acknowledge his presence for those that had gathered at the hotel.

"Minister Sterling will be more than happy to answer all of your questions shortly as I know there will be quite a few. But first I must right a terrible wrong. Bixby Balfour wanted my husband out of the way so he could once again get his hands on Alberta to continue his nefarious activities from four years ago. He didn't care that by putting a contract out on my husband, he would leave me a widow and our children without their father. Nor did he care that the baby I'm currently carrying would never meet his or her father." MaKayla said as tears pricked at the back of her eyes thinking of what could have happened if Balfour's plan had indeed been successful.

"But what Mr. Balfour didn't count on is that my husband is not easily bested. It would take a much smarter man than Bixby Balfour to accomplish that. Lucas has always believed that honor and integrity will rise above cheating and hate. I never lost faith, not even for one minute, that Lucas wouldn't come back to me. And I don't want the citizens of Alberta to lose faith either. MaKayla lowered her gaze for just a moment as a smile once again appeared on her face as she faced the audience.

"So, it is my pleasure to tell you that things are not always as they seem. Please welcome back, my husband, Matthew, Ciara and Jack's father and your governor, Lucas Bouchard.

Lucas stepped out from the shadows as those gathered audibly gasped then stood in stunned silence. Lucas smiled at the crowd as he limped to the podium and gave MaKayla a kiss. Finally, someone in the crowd shouted, "Governor Bouchard"

Suddenly the room broke out into loud applause as several people shouted "Governor Bouchard, thank God your alive." Lucas smiled again and then raised his hands for everyone to quiet down.

"Thank you for that wonderful welcome. As you can see, to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated. I may be banged up but I am very much alive. It is true that the plane that myself and Andrew Donovan were flying did crash in the woods outside Hope Springs. The crash was no accident as my wife has stated, the fuel line was intentionally cut. Andrew and I were lost in the woods for five days as we tried to find our way back to civilization. Once we were reunited with our loved ones it was my decision to try and flush out the men who tried to kill me." Lucas paused as the reporters were throwing out all sorts of questions.

Lucas raised his hands again to get everyone to quiet down. "Minister Sterling will go into more detail about the actual crime and the steps that were taken to bring those men to justice. To find myself once again the target of vindicative men, had me rethinking if being governor was worth the pain it has caused my family. I was more than willing to withdraw my candidacy if my wife no longer wished for me to pursue this venture." Lucas said as he smiled over at MaKayla.

"However, the people of Alberta are blessed to have a wise and caring woman as their first lady. She hates bullies and didn't want me to hand the leadership of Alberta over to those that are not in politics for the good of the people but rather for their own selfish gains. As such, together, we decided to see this through. I am, therefore still running for re-election. I have no idea who the other party will put up against me but it really doesn't matter. If you believe in my vision, then vote for me. If not than you will vote for the other candidate. Now, I will let Minister Sterling speak with all of you as I know there are many questions. My wife and I are leaving on the next train to Capital City so that we can be reunited with our children. Thank You." Lucas waved to the crowd and gave them his most charismatic dimpled grin as he put his arm protectively around his wife and walked off the stage. As he did, he whispered in her ear, "let's go see our babies."

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Hope Valley, Alberta Canada

Friday, October 10, 1924

Elizabeth and Nathan stood outside the doors to the Queen of Hearts. "Are you ready for this?" Nathan asked.

Elizabeth gave him a weak smile. "No, but it's the least we can do for Lucas. We both owe him a bigger favor than this." Elizabeth said.

"I don't know about that. I think everyone will be pretty mad and they will be yelling at us not him." He said with a teasing grin.

Nathan opened the door and they entered the Queen of Hearts; it was eerily silent as everyone turned to look at them.

Finally, Bill spoke up. "You both knew Lucas was alive this whole time. Didn't you?" Bill said with a touch of anger in his voice.

"Well, I never…" Florence said.

"Elizabeth, I'm your best friend. How could you not tell me?" Rosemary said hurt as she stared at Elizabeth.

Suddenly Lee and Joseph stood up and started clapping. "You've got to hand it to Lucas, he sure knows how to surprise people." Joseph said with a hearty laugh.

"I'm sure the two of you knew about this scheme and are here now to fill us in." Lee said with a wide grin.

Nathan looked at their friends. "Yes, Lucas trusted both Elizabeth and I with the plan to catch Balfour. I think it's pretty obvious that the circle who knew the truth had to be kept very small." Nathan said.

"I was only told because of little Jack." Lucas and MaKayla didn't want Jack traumatized with that kind of news." Elizabeth told them sincerely.

"It was the only option they had and it worked. We should all just be grateful that Lucas is alive and he caught Balfour. The one thing we are not going to do is judge him. This town has done more than enough of that. Now it may only be 10:30 in the morning, but I think a toast is in order. Mike, please open a bottle of champagne to toast that our governor and friend is alive and well." Elizabeth told them with a happy smile.

Capital City, Alberta Canada

Saturday, October 11, 1924

As they drove up to the governor's mansion, Lucas and MaKayla were both extremely anxious to see Matthew and Ciara. It had been a long week for MaKayla and an even longer two weeks for Lucas. They had missed the twins dearly.

"We have never been away from them for this long before." MaKayla said a bit teary as Lucas squeezed her hand tighter.

"I'm sure they were having so much fun with Mrs. Cleveland that they hardly had any time to miss us." Lucas told her but he didn't miss the side-eye glance MaKayla gave him causing him to chuckle.

As they got out of the car, MaKayla practically leapt out of the car and went running up the front stairs. Lucas opened the front door to the most precious sight in the world. Standing in the foyer were Matthew and Ciara each holding a bouquet of flowers. They excitedly jumped up and down, "Mama, dada home." Matthew boomed out as the children ran over to their parents. Lucas scooped up Ciara while MaKayla picked up Matthew. They were each smothered in kisses. Mrs. Cleveland and Henry watched happily as the young family was once again reunited.

Later that night after giving the children their baths and having read them five bedtime stories, as the children could not seem to get enough of either parent. The children were now sleeping soundly in their beds as Lucas and MaKayla retired to their own bedroom. The couple sat on the settee in their room feeling the warmth of the fireplace as it glowed in front of them.

"It feels so good to be home, with you in my arms as our children sleep in the other room. This is what kept me going, knowing I had to get back to you and our children." Lucas told her as he gave her a gentle kiss on the temple.

"Lucas we are so very blessed. No matter what happens on the 20th this is all that is important to me." MaKayla told him as she cuddled closer to him.

"I have an important question for you?" Lucas said suddenly. MaKayla sat up straight looking him in the eyes wondering what important question he had for her.

"Do tell, governor. What important question could you possibly have for me? I feel like all the important questions have been asked and answered." She said with a perplexed look on her face.

"No, not all of them. So, tell me will it be the same this time as last time?" He asked with a devilish grin on his face as he reached over to place his hand gently on the swell of her abdomen. "Will you name the baby if it's another boy and I get to name a girl? Or are we going to switch things up with me naming a boy and you naming a girl or possibly try to somehow agree on a name together for our new little one?"

MaKayla burst out into giggles. "Hmm, that is a very important question indeed. Do you have a preference this time governor?" She asked quizzically.

"I have no real preference, so the final decision will rest with you, my love." Lucas said with a bright smile.

"Oh good. Then I would like to choose the name for a boy. A name came to me while you were missing and if we are blessed with another son, I would like to be the one to name our child." MaKayla said happily.

"Hmm, I'm intrigued. Jack is hoping for another little brother. He wants to field a baseball team of his own. Are you giving out any hints as to what this name might be? He said with a chuckle.

"No, you will just have to wait. I know how much you love surprises. Whichever this baby turns out to be, doesn't matter. It will be loved and very much wanted." MaKayla said nestling herself back into her husband's embrace. The place she loved most in the world.

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Capital City, Alberta Canada

Monday, October 20, 1924

"Matthew Seamus Bouchard, don't you dare throw any more of your eggs on the floor." Lucas told his young son as his daughter laughed at her brother. "Ciara, no laughing from you, Matthew is being a bold boy this morning." Lucas said trying to suppress his own laugh.

"CC funny." Matthew said while pointing to his sister.

"No. Mattie funny." Ciara said while pointing back at her brother laughing.

"Ok you two, neither one of you is funny. Now eat your breakfast, otherwise, I won't take either one of you with me this afternoon when I go meet Mommy to have lunch and vote. Lucas told them as the twins stared at each other not sure what Lucas was talking about.

"Seems like you have a couple of disgruntled constituents this morning governor." Henry said with a smile as he entered the dining room.

"I guess you could say that. They are both preferring to throw their eggs on the floor instead of eating them." Lucas told him.

"Did you make them?" Henry asked

"Yes, but…" Lucas started to say.

"Lucas, you are a good governor but other than pancakes, cooking is not your forte." Henry laughed as he poured himself a cup of coffee and grabbed one of Gustave's delicious scones.

"Down" Ciara told her father. Lucas shook his head at his daughter and admitted defeat. He picked up his daughter and put her down on the floor. The little girl then walked over to Henry. "Up, please." Ciara said sweetly.

"Ciara, Uncle Henry is eating his breakfast, unlike you." Lucas told her while tickling her tummy.

"She is absolutely no bother." Henry told him as he picked up his goddaughter to put her on his lap.

"Henry, you spoil her." Lucas said with a wry smile.

"Absolutely, that is what Uncle's do. Disciplining is for the parents." Henry said with a loud chuckle. "Now I have already cast my vote this morning and the lines were long. What time are you and MaKayla going to vote?" Henry asked.

"MaKayla had an early surgery this morning. The children and I are picking her up at lunchtime then going to vote as a family. Although I know two little munchkins who shouldn't get lunch since they didn't eat breakfast." Lucas said while looking sternly at his children.

"Edwin, of course, wants a photo opportunity at the polling station. And since I didn't let him in on the ruse, he is making me do his bidding for a little bit with no complaining." Lucas said good naturally.

"Done." Said Matthew not wanting to be left out of the fun. Lucas picked up his son and put him down as he too went walking over to Henry. "Up, please." Matthew said to Henry. Henry smiled as he lifted Matthew up on to his lap as well.

"Can you watch the twins for 10 minutes while I finish getting ready?" Lucas asked as he saw that Henry was very content with his two charges as Henry waved him away.

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Hope Valley, Alberta Canada

Monday, October 20,1924

We have had an excellent turn out so far." Rosemary said to Elizabeth as they worked the voter sign-in table. "I doubt we will have to chase down as many people as we did four years ago."

"I hope not." Elizabeth said wistfully

"Elizabeth, what is the matter? Are you afraid that Lucas is going to lose?" Rosemary asked confused.

"No, the people of Alberta would be crazy not to re-elect Lucas. I was just thinking about how we; I sent him off by himself four years ago to try and win the election all on his own. If I had been there, I doubt everything would have played out as it did. He suffered so much for this town. I know it's water under the bridge now but I still regret so much of what happened. I know that I always will. And because of Balfour he felt the need to run for a second term to protect Alberta and our little corner of it. Again, with it almost costing him his life in the process." Elizabeth said sadly.

"Elizabeth, while all of that is true, in the end he found exactly what he was looking for. MaKayla is the perfect wife and life partner for him. Sometimes things are just meant to be and we must accept. Actually, it is you that I'm more concerned with. Lucas found his happily ever after but you are still searching for yours. Any chance that you and Carson are more than just friends?" Rosemary asked curiously.

"No, we are just friends." Elizabeth said with a soft smile. "He kissed me one night not too long ago. But we both know that although we like each, we are not meant for more than friendship. We enjoy each other's company and for both of us that is good enough for now. I think after Jack, my best chance at a second love was with Lucas and I threw it away. I just wish…" Elizabeth trailed off as residents came in to vote.

"Hello ladies. I'm so excited to be casting a vote for my brother-in-law." Andrew Donovan told them as Jenny Donovan, Nathan and Faith Grant and Alex Cottington stood behind him laughing at his excitement.

"Well, hurry up Donovan, the rest of us would like to vote for your brother-in-law as well." Nathan told him teasingly.

Finally, it was Alex Cottington turn to sign in. "So, Ladies, when will we know the results of the election?" He asked looking directly at Elizabeth.

"The results should be announced tonight at 7 p.m. If you come to the saloon, we will have the radio on and Lucas has made it an open house, with free food and drink for all who want to join in." Elizabeth told him with a cordial smile.

"I will be there." Alex said as he went to the booth to vote. Rosemary observed this exchange. Alex seemed like a nice enough man. She didn't know him well but Andrew Donovan did. He was handsome with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Rosemary thought he was perhaps little older than Andrew and Lucas. Maybe, Alex could be a potential love match for Elizabeth, since Carson was only in the friend zone apparently. Afterall, Rosemary was partially responsible for helping Elizabeth and Lucas's relationship to implode. She did not want her friend to be alone forever. Yes, she decided she would see what she could do. This could be promising.

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Capital City, Alberta Canada

Monday, October 20, 1924

Lucas and MaKayla voted as each took one of the twins into the voting booth with them. They happily posed for Edwin's photo extravaganza as promised. They were an extremely photogenic family and photographers loved capturing them on film. Readers loved seeing the handsome governor, his beautiful wife and adorable children on the front page which often proved to sell out quickly.

"Governor, what do you think about the fact that the opposing party put up Chairman Reynolds as your opposition? He has a lot of support despite not having time to run any type of real campaign. Also given the fact that many voters are upset with you over the ruse you pulled regarding your fake death. Do you have a rebuttal to that?" The reporter asked.

Lucas chuckled at the question. "I don't know what you mean by a lot of support. But it is well known that Chairman Reynolds and I don't see eye to eye on very many issues but over the years we have developed a working relationship of sorts. If the people feel they want to hold the fact that I orchestrated a sting to catch the man who tried to murder me, as a reason not to vote for me, there is very little I can do about that. In all honesty, I will not apologize for doing what I knew was the appropriate action to take against a man who would stop at nothing to get his claws into Alberta again. A vote for Chairman Reynolds is a vote for Bixby Balfour and I think the citizens of Alberta are much smarter than that. I will let my record speak for itself." Lucas said confidentially as he walked away with his family.

Once back at home, Lucas and MaKayla went through their bedtime ritual with the children then got ready to head over to the Mount Royal Hotel to hear the results. "Are you nervous?" MaKayla asked as they were riding in the car to the hotel.

"No, actually I was thinking of how different this time is from four years ago. Then I was all alone, bewildered, scared and brokenhearted. Today my life is filled with love, children, friends. Being governor doesn't define me. Win or lose, I'm a happy man as long as you and our children are by my side. That is truly all that is important to me." Lucas told her as he kissed her gently.

"I love you Lucas Gabriel Bouchard." She told him as she gave him a deep passionate kiss. "Now let's go find out if the citizens of Alberta are as smart as I think they are." MaKayla said with playful smile.