Stepping out onto the patio, Jenny looked for Tilly but discovered she'd already gone inside. She knew where to look next - the parlor. A favorite place of Tilly's when she was feeling distressed, Jenny recalled times before her reconciliation with Lucas when she and Rasmussen would sit by the fire, drink hot chocolate, and talk.

Turning a corner down the hallway, she spotted her familiar form. "Hey there. Mind if I join you?" she asked softly.

Her comment merited a slight chuckle from Tilly, who looked toward her sister-in-law with tearful eyes and nodded. "As long as you bring the cocoa."

A few minutes later, the two ladies each sat on the couch, sipping the sweet, comforting liquid. And for a while, they did so in silence with Grant allowing Rasmussen the time she needed to open up. When she did, her first thoughts were toward Lucas.

"I'm afraid I scared your brother to death," she began. "Poor guy. He was just trying to help."

"Lucas cares for you very deeply," Jenny responded. "Can you tell me what's wrong?"

Tilly exhaled and shook her head. "That's just it. I don't know what's wrong. I just feel so sad, and useless, and ugly."

Jenny nodded with understanding, reaching over and touching her shoulder. "Tilly, this is normal."

"It is?"

"Yes, sweetie," Jenny smiled. "You've got the baby blues. I had them. My foster mother said she had them. Your body has just been through a major trauma and is trying to adjust to motherhood and not having a little one growing inside of you, so it's a bit confused. Plus, you're tired -with Gracie's feeding schedule and all, and you're likely feeling anxious. You might not even have an idea why you feel sad, but you just do."

"That's exactly how I feel," Rasmussen said hopefully.

"All normal."

"How do I fight it?" she asked. "There's so much to do. I can't just lie around all day and do nothing."

"Time," Jenny said. "You need to listen to what your body is saying, and you need that rest. Give it a bit of time and it does pass, even though it might not feel like it. With Luke, I was as big as a house and felt sad for maybe the first two months after he was born, and then one day, everything brightened. And with Josephine, it only lasted three weeks. But I promise you that it will pass, and you will begin to feel like yourself again very soon."

Tilly sighed with relief. "I…I can't tell you how glad I feel at hearing this. My mother never discussed such matters…I didn't know."

Jenny smiled. "There's a lot that you don't know now that you'll find out – particularly with your first. It's part of the joy of motherhood. My advice is to just take it one day at a time and don't try to do it alone. We are all here to help you, especially Lucas."

Tilly looked away, and Jenny twisted her mouth to the side, curious as to the shift in her demeanor. "Did I say something wrong? Did Lucas do something?"

Tilly closed her eyes and shook her head. "No. No. Not at all, it's just…I feel like he's …well, he's doing everything. He's not letting me do anything a parent should do other than feed her. And that maybe he's been pulling away from me a bit?"

Jenny nodded, having had a similar discussion with Nathan about Lucas overworking, but from what she could see, any pulling away was Tilly's imagination. He was madly in love with her. "Have you tried discussing it with him?" she asked, avoiding the last topic which her words would not heal.

Tilly looked at her with wide eyes. "No. Oh, gosh, no. I don't want to hurt him or turn him away."

Jenny smiled. "You haven't turned him away, and you won't hurt him, Tilly. In fact, you'll relieve him. He only wants to do what is best for you and Gracie, and there is nothing wrong with letting him know that he's maybe, being a little overbearing."

"Overbearing might be saying too much," she replied. "He's his same sweet self. But I can do some things by myself, and I need to. I know he's picked up an extra burden he didn't count on."

"Tilly!" she interrupted. "He's happier than I've ever seen him, and Gracie is no burden. Don't you see how much he loves her?"

Tilly nodded.

"Talk to him! Tell him," Jenny replied. "I promise he will be happy you did, and so will you."

Ottilia nodded with appreciation, then took a sip of cocoa.

Around an hour later, a worried Lucas sent Nathan to go check on the women to see if everything was okay. As Grant made his way down the hallway, he met his wife coming the other way.

"Everything fixed?" he asked.

Jenny stopped. "She's better. It's up to Lucas and her to actually fix things, though – which I have no doubt they'll do. My brother is very good at resolving conflict when it crops up," she said, patting Nathan on the chest. "I'll go tell him she's ready to talk."

As Jenny walked away, Nathan considered her words and supposed that there was a hidden message lying therein; namely, Lucas was good at conflict resolution, but Nathan was not. And even though a competitive spirit caused him to bristle a little at that thought, he also genuinely was interested in finding out how Bouchard would fix things. And so, he slipped into the library, where he could hear what was happening in the parlor across the hall.

While Lucas was speaking with Jenny, their mother came home and returned Gracie to her father.

"I believe she needs another diaper change," Helen said. "And I need a nap."

Jenny and Lucas smiled at one another, knowing that infants were not Helen Bouchard's forte – but at least she was trying.

"Go! Talk to her," Jenny said.

'You're certain he wants to see me?" he asked.

'Would I be pushing you if I weren't?"

Lucas shook his head no but then considered what would make Tilly most happy. One cute little sound told him. He'd bring Gracie with him as his contingency – to lighten the mood.

Poking his head into the room, he knocked on the doorframe.

"Someone is here to see you." He said softly. His tone was kind, but the apprehension in his voice barely masked.

Tilly turned toward them and smiled. Offering her hand, she invited him to the sofa, patting the cushion next to her. "Come, sit with me."

Bouchard complied, then laid the baby down on his lap, keeping his arms at his side. He was unsure if she would want him to touch her.

"I'm sorry," he said softly.

Tilly shook her head. "No. Please don't apologize. You did nothing wrong. It's just my emotions. They're all over the place. Jenny said I have the 'baby blues' and that it's normal."

Lucas considered that thought. "Do you want to talk about it? I want to help."

"I know you do," she said softly, reflecting on how she could get him to understand that she didn't need so much help. She just needed him. "And I appreciate it, it's just…"

Lucas looked at her hopefully and she reached out and touched his hand. "I'm more than a nursemaid."

Lucas's brow furrowed. He knew that. Is that what she thought he thought about her?

"I can help to take care of Gracie, too. I am her mother."

Bouchard shifted. "I know that, Tilly."

"So, let me?"

Lucas felt a little hurt by her inference but held that thought back as he realized emotions were at play here. "I have only been stepping up because I know you're tired, and your body hasn't fully recovered."

"And it's very sweet of you. But I am feeling stronger now and want to take on more. Do you know I haven't even changed her diaper yet? You've been doing it all, or Jenny."

Lucas raised his eyebrows at the revelation, and then his eyes twinkled. "You want to change her diaper?"

"Yes!" Tilly said with a smile. "I want to change her diaper, and hold her, and feed her, and burp her and rock her to sleep and watch her grow and do all of the things a mother does to show my love for this little one the two of us made. And I want for the two of us to just enjoy being together like we always have."

Lucas looked at his daughter and smiled softly, a slightly amused but unsure expression appearing on her face. "Well…if you really feel that way…I happen to know she needs changing right now."

Tilly's expression opened up. "Really? How do you know?"

Lucas shrugged. "I can just tell."

"Does she smell?" she asked.

Lucas shook his head. "No. Not yet. But…her diaper… starts feeling…squishy and heavy, like there is something down in there. Here…feel."

Lucas lifted his daughter's hind legs, supporting her back while Tilly touched the diaper, squeezing it a little but not knowing what she was feeling for. She looked at him and shook her head.

"Well, trust me. She's soiled her diaper and needs to be changed. Why not let's go to the nursery and you can be the one to do it."

"Really? You'll let me do that?!" Tilly asked, excited.

"Of course."

Standing, Tilly, Lucas, and Gracie left the parlor and moved toward the stairs. Nathan stood in the library when he heard their voices.

"You know, I've never changed a newborn's diaper before. Is it hard?" she asked.

"Not once you get the hang of it," Lucas replied. "I can show you how."

"I would like that."

Oh!" he stopped with excitement. "And just in time to see the new development!"

"Development?" Tilly asked, listening to every word as they slowly climbed the steps. Nathan leaned closer to the door.

'We've gone from black to yellow."

"I don't understand."

"Her…um…output…" Lucas explained.

Tilly was still confused.

"Her…feces."

"Oh!" she said, excited. "Do tell me! What is it doing?"

Just then, Jenny approached the library and saw her husband standing there spying on her brother and Tilly.

"Nathan, what are you doing?" Jenny asked, walking up beside him.

"Listening. I wanted to know what happened," he whispered.

"It's none of our business," she scolded.

"Hey…we helped in this matter. Don't you want to know how they worked it out?"

Jenny rolled her eyes as her brother and Tilly's voices carried through the hallway.

"Yes, just this morning, it began to change colors," Lucas continued.

"It did?" Rasmussen said. "You said it was black before?"

"Dark green, almost black."

"I wonder what causes that?"

Nathan made a face and looked at his wife, who suppressed a laugh.

"I don't know, but now, " Bouchard stopped and bit his lips. "It is mustard yellow!"

"Fascinating! I wonder why that happened?" Tilly asked.

"She's a magician, just like her daddy," Lucas suggested.

"Is that so," Tilly laughed.

"Absolutely, our girl has talent!"

Downstairs, Jenny began to laugh as they watched the other couple disappear around the bend, then she turned to Nathan and observed him making one of the most disgusted faces he'd ever made.

"Well? Did your nosiness get satisfied?"

"They were talking about poop!" he said.

Jenny laughed again. "So? Everyone does it. You did it."

"I doubt that. It's repulsive."

"It is not! It's natural," she responded. "It's part of being human and how God created us. Always something new. Now hush up and come with me to the kitchen. I'm making the children some hot dogs."

Nathan began to follow but suddenly snarled his nose and stopped walking as a thought hit him.

Jenny turned, putting her hand on her hip. "What now?"

He looked at her with the same nauseated face as before. "You aren't going to put mustard on them," he said. "Are you?"

Grant rolled her eyes, then grabbed his arm. "I swear, Nathan Grant, sometimes you're a bigger baby than Gracie Bouchard."

"I can't help if babies are icky."

"Icky?" Jenny said, stopping and staring at her husband. "They are not!"

"Gross, then."

"Our niece is not gross."

"Not most of the time, but you have to admit…"

"Didn't you say that you used to change Allie's diapers all the time when Colleen was alive?"

Grant's eyes shifted. "Yyyyeah…"

"Then why is this different?" she asked.

Nathan shrugged his shoulders, his every movement indicating his search for words. "Well, it's different because…."

"Because?"

"Because…I…um…"

"You never changed her diaper. Did you?"

"Well, sure…I…um…"

"Nathan?"

Grant sighed. "Alright. I may have embellished."

"Embellished?"

"Exaggerated."

"You mean, you lied."

He stopped and looked at her. "Lying is a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"Did you?"

Grant loosened his collar as they entered the kitchen. "Alright. I may have let the facts get a little out of hand and made something up in the heat of the moment. But I did help Colleen with the diaper laundry….after it was clean."

Jenny twisted her jaw as they entered the kitchen. "Sounds like a lie to me, Nathan."

Grant shook his head and then let out a huff. "Alright. I lied. I didn't want to sound inexperienced like I couldn't handle it. You know, I wanted to impress you. I didn't want to feel stupid."

"I see," Jenny said, reaching up to brush his hair from his forehead. "And how do you feel now?"

"Pretty dumb," he responded, lowering his head.

"Uh-huh. Which just shows it's always best to tell the truth. You're not stupid; you're just inexperienced, and there is no shame in that. So, the best way to fix inexperience is by getting experience."

"You want me to change Gracie's diaper?"

"Or at least help Lucas and Tilly. Maybe you could help take the laundry to the laundry service or fold them yourself. She's a quiet baby now, but when she gets active, they're going to need help. Besides, you never know when that'll be you talking about Mustard poo," she said, rubbing her tummy.

Nathan chuckled, considering the thought as he reached for an apple at the kitchen counter and then froze. He looked up at his wife.

"Um…you're not…."

Jenny furrowed her brow in confusion, then caught up with his thoughts. "No. Oh, no, I'm not. But…would you like me to be– seeing now that you know babies are icky?"

Nathan looked down and chuckled. "Our baby wouldn't be icky. Just Bouchard's baby," He looked up at her.

"Um….you did marry a Bouchard."

"Yeah, well. It's a risk then, but I think I'd love it."

Jenny smacked him playfully, then took the apple from his hand and took a bite of it. She handed it back. "Well, come on, Valentino. Help me get lunch on for our older ones, and maybe then we can go somewhere and…talk…about adding to our brood."

Grant lowered his head and smiled. He liked that idea very much.

A week passed, and Tilly's emotions, while not entirely under control, were nevertheless something they were working through. Physically, she was feeling stronger- strong enough, in fact, to venture out of the house with Lucas and Gracie to purchase some baby items for their growing little one. Lucas had still maintained a distance from her for propriety's sake, but she wouldn't press him as to why. Part of her feared the answer.

Taking it slowly, the couple walked peacefully through the streets, resting when necessary and observing the stores and the people. Amid this, Lucas stopped walking and pointed to a building nestled among the others. It was inviting them in.

"Look there," he said excitedly.

Tilly stopped to see what he was pointing at. "A photography studio?"

"Yes," Bouchard smiled. "Let's get her picture made. What do you say?"

Rasmussen smiled and then nodded, taking his arm as he rolled the stroller across the street. A family photo would be lovely.

It was slow at the time they entered the store, and when they did, they thought the place was closed. In reality, the photographer was busy in the back, developing some photos. Observing a Wait Here, Back Soon sign left at the front counter, the couple understood and resolved to wait, looking around the shop at the various portraits on display.

"Oh, Lucas, look at this one," Tilly said, pointing toward an image of a young couple with a baby not much older than Gracie.

"Very Sweet," Bouchard replied, reading a brochure on photo packages.

"Do you think we could have one made with that pose to send back to my family?" she asked.

Lucas paused and looked at her. "Do you really want to do that?" he asked, to Tilly's surprise.

"Do I really want to…?"

"Have a photograph of the three of us together?" he asked, hesitation in his voice. "Wouldn't it be better to just have photos of the baby?"

Tilly's expression fell, though she tried to school it into neutrality. Did he not want to be seen with her? "I …suppose," she responded. "I guess it would be silly to have the three of us together. What was I thinking?"

Lucas looked toward her with confusion, but before he could probe further, the photographer arrived, and the parents became busy watching their daughter being set up in various poses. Ottilia tried to put the matter out of her head. This was just part of what happened between men and women. Helen said so. At least they were still friends, she thought sadly.

After leaving the store, Lucas walked them toward the beach, where he thought the invigorating salt air would help lift them. While there, the three stopped at an ice cream shop, where Bouchard noticed Rasmussen being unusually quiet.

"Penny, for your thoughts," he asked, reaching across the table to touch her hand.

Tilly looked at him and then the Sundae that sat between them. "I'm not thinking of much."

"No?" he replied. "Are you feeling okay?"

"No, Lucas, I'm fine."

He paused, then looked at her with one eye squinted. "No, you're not feeling okay? Or you are, and you're fine?"

"I am feeling fine," she said. "It's a lovely day out. There won't be many more before Winter comes."

"A few," he said, dipping his spoon into their shared confection.

Tilly nodded, and then her mind drifted again.

This time, Bouchard was sure that something was going on, so he put down his spoon. "Alright. What is it? I know I have done something."

Tilly looked over at him. "It's nothing."

"No. It's something. I know that look." When she shook her head and took another bite of ice cream, he decided to try to guess. "Listen, If you're upset over the three of us not being photographed together, you needn't be."

"I'm not upset," she responded. "It was a silly thought. I shouldn't have assumed that you would want our picture made." After all, you have barely touched me since the baby was born, and I would rather sleep on that cramped sofa than in my bed. she thought to herself.

"It was not silly," he replied. "In fact, it was lovely. But I wanted to err on the side of caution – for your and Gracie's security."

Tilly frowned, thinking through his words. "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that Michael Melrose is still out there, and the fewer pictures we have of you and Gracie, or, heaven forbid, the three of us, together, the safer it will be. Imagine if that villain knew you were in San Francisco staying at my parent's estate."

Tilly considered his thoughts. "So, you didn't want the photo because you thought it would make us unsafe?"

"Precisely."

Tilly put down her spoon with a sigh and looked at him. "Well, then, you're just being silly."

"What?"

"Lucas, we aren't in any danger because of Michael Melrose. He's probably hiding out in Europe somewhere, avoiding the law."

"We don't know that for sure," Lucas replied. "The security team in Dashma told Nathan that there is a chance he may have escaped – a small chance, but a chance."

"I didn't know that," she replied.

"Well, now you do," he then looked at her with apprehension. "Which is why I have hired private security to guard the two of you."

Rasmussen stopped speaking and slowly looked up at him, her expression displeased. She raised her eyebrows. "You did what?"

Bouchard took a deep breath, determined to stand his ground. "I hired a special security team to protect you and Gracie from Michael or anyone else who might want to harm you."

"And what about you?" she asked.

"I can take care of myself."

"Lucas!"

"Tilly. This is only temporary, and you'll never know they are here. In fact, they are here now. Did you sense them?"

Tilly's eyes widened as she looked around the shop. She noticed nothing unusual. "No. But that doesn't matter. We don't need them."

"You don't know that."

"Yes, I do. Every border agent in Europe is on the lookout for him. We're probably the last thing on his mind."

"I sincerely doubt that, and besides that, having just the border agents looking isn't' good enough. We need something local. Now, Nathan has the Pinkertons on standby."

"Nathan, too?"

"Yes, Nathan too. This is a threat we are taking seriously."

"There is no threat in my eyes. You need to cancel them."

"I disagree," Bouchard responded. "As long as there is the least bit of a possibility he could be around, I want my girls protected."

"Lucas! I have lived my entire life in a cage where I didn't have the freedom to go anywhere without being watched. I left that world. I'm not going back to it."

"I know that. But, as I said, it's temporary. We can reevaluate it later. But for now, I insist…"

"You insist? Lucas. You need to let them go."

"I can't do that."

"I insist that you do!" she responded. "Nothing is going to happen to us."

"Tilly, I'm not going to do that. Do you think I thought something was going to happen when Drake took Jenny? My life was devasted because I didn't think anything was going to happen."

"That's different."

"No, it's not," he said point blank. "Bad people exist, Tilly. And a very bad man who has it out for both of us is still roaming about. Now, you may have lived in a fishbowl, but at least you lived. For my entire life until recently, I struggled over what happened with my sister, blaming myself that I didn't do enough to protect her, believing she was dead.

I cannot and will not allow it to happen with my child. I promise you I would die for you and Gracie, and, if need be, I would kill for you, but what I cannot do and won't do – and you must not ask me to do – is to do nothing – especially when I know there is a danger. Please try to understand."

Tilly was about to protest until she saw the pain in his eyes, barely concealed hurt that still existed, and yes, fear. Lucas was afraid of losing them, just like he'd lost Jenny for a time and just like he lost Elizabeth. Closing her eyes, she reconsidered her stance and then relented. She reached across the table and took his hand, giving it a squeeze. "Alright. I won't fight it. But only for you."

"Thank you," he said softly. "That means everything."

Tilly nodded, taking another bite of ice cream. "But it's only temporary. Only until they capture Michael. Do you promise?"

"Once the danger is over, and Michael is no longer a threat, We will revisit the matter and things will likely return as they were. I know that living in a 'cage,' as you put it, could not have been fun. I want our daughter to live as freely as she can. She is going to have the life that both of us never had. I promise."

And what about us?" Rasmussen thought, her mind teasing a slight insecurity that had been plaguing her since he'd returned. Why hadn't he proposed?

Rolling out of bed, Alice kissed her lover before going into town to withdraw some money from the bank. He had come and gone for the past several days and was going to return to the lodge to get the rest of his things so he could move in - or so he told the widow.

While she was gone, a newly groomed Melrose searched her place for anything that might be of value in case he needed to sell it. He slipped her late husband's solid gold pocket watch and signet ring into his pocket along with some rare jewels he doubted she would miss, but it was when he looked under the bed that he hit paydirt – a Webley Mark VI pistol of the kind only given to officers.

"Ah, what have we here?"

Melrose checked the chamber for bullets, removing the rounds inside, and then aimed it at the wall, enjoying the pull of the gun as his finger depressed the trigger.

"Excellent!"

"Michael, I'm back…."

Quickly, Melrose put the bullets in his pocket and wrapped the revolver in his jacket before making his way down the stairs to join his mistress in the living room.

"I withdrew one thousand Grivnas. Will that be enough?"

Melrose smiled, "Yes. That should be more than enough for now. Now, there is one more thing I need for you to do. "

"What is that?" she asked.

"I need you to drive me south to Andreevka."

"Andreevka? Why there?"

"It avoids taking a cab where I'd likely be recognized – since you insisted on me losing my disguise," he said, stroking his clean cheeks.

"Alright," she replied. "When will I see you again?"

"Give me a couple of days," he responded.

Returning to the mansion, Lucas and Tilly seemed happier, having aired out what was bothering her and settling back into their routine as happy parents. But as a couple, the fact he'd made no moves toward proposing to her worried Rasmussen. It was a curiosity to his family as well – at least his parents, who had discussed it privately.

At around nine that evening, Lucas emerged from their bedroom to go to the library to pick up a book to read to his girls. When he entered the room, he was unsurprised to see his mother sitting at a desk, working.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said, slipping into the room quietly and walking toward a shelf. "I came down to get Briar Rose to read to Gracie."

Helen put her pages down, looked at him, and smiled. "Excellent choice."

He leafed through the volumes, finally laying his hand on the well-worn spine.

"I take it that you still have your unusual sleeping arrangement?" Helen asked, referring to him sleeping on the settee.

Lucas nodded. "Yes, Mother. We do."

Helen shook her head. "Well, I don't know why. You have a child, for goodness' sake. In God's eyes, you're married!"

Lucas chuckled. "I'm not sure that's how that works, and truthfully, I owe it to Tilly and our relationship not to push that boundary. I'm going to do it right this time, even if it means waking up with a stiff neck in the morning."

Helen paused and considered his words.

"Well, you know, there is one way to rectify this situation," Helen said to her son. "You could always get married. Is that still in your plans?"

Lucas grinned slightly. "Yes. Of course - if she'll have me."

"Of course she will, dear. She loves you. Do you doubt that?"

"No. I don't," he replied. "But I've put her through so much. I would never want to push her into anything that she didn't want."

"And why wouldn't she want to marry you?"

Lucas shrugged. "I have been a lot of trouble to her. She's a modern woman. She may wish to take it slow."

Helen laughed. "All men are a lot of trouble," she smiled. "But we love you anyway. Lucas. I know that you have never been one to assume but listen to your mother. Ottilia adores you. And being around her for the time I have, I know that she is perfect for you. Don't waste time with wondering. She will say yes."

Lucas smiled shyly. "That easy, huh?"

Helen reached out and touched his cheek. "Just that easy."

Bouchard looked toward the floor and looked back toward his mother with an uncertain grin. "Then, perhaps…might I ask a big favor of you?"

Michael Melrose looked around the small village of Andreevka, where he had spent the night after Alice dropped him off. He had made his way to the pub the moment he'd arrived to warm himself before catching a taxi back to the lodge. But when he saw a motorbike shop, he had a better idea. He'd buy himself one when the shop opened up the next day, therefore avoiding the risk inherent in taking taxis back and forth. Between his goggles and cap, he figured he could pretty much travel as he wanted.

Stepping out of the small hotel where he'd stayed, he looked across the way, spotting a small café. He'd eat breakfast and then be on his way. As he walked across the street, he looked around. Andreevka really is a perfect place to hide out, he thought. The people were so backward he was sure they wouldn't know him. His thoughts, however, were interrupted by the approach of one of the two town beggars that he'd noticed on the street the day before.

"Can you spare a few Kronets, sir?" the man asked, holding out his hands.

Melrose scrutinized the lowly man and judged him to be a bum. He frowned. "Not today," he said, raising his hand to his face to block the smell as he pushed passed him and entered the café.

The beggar's friend watched the interaction and came to join him, mainly to complain about the treatment. "Well, that one's a little full of himself, I'd say."

His friend did not respond but instead looked toward the street with contemplation. It was clear something was on his mind.

"What is it, Rudo?" he asked.

Rudo looked at the man with his brow furrowed. "Ulrich, I've seen that guy before."

Ulrich looked toward the café and then pointed his head down the street. "Yeah. He was at the pub last night."

"No. Not there. Somewhere else," Rudo replied, turning and walking down the street toward the small plywood shelter the two shared. The structure was in the back of the main street, hidden between two buildings, and was insulated with newspapers. It certainly wasn't fancy, but it kept them dry. Rudo reached into the structure and began looking at the ceiling."

"What are you doing?" Ulrich asked.

"Looking for something," Rudo responded. A couple of seconds later, his eyes lit up, and he pulled down a piece of 'wallpaper.'

"I knew it! That's him! That's the guy!"

The man's companion looked at the page. "You're right. It looks like him. What's it say?" he asked, not being able to read.

"He's Michael Melrose. He was that rich guy that the Princess was supposed to marry."

"Princess Ottilia? That can't be the same guy. You're nuts."

"No. That was him. They're looking for him!"

"Who? "

"The coppers!" he said, stepping out of the structure and walking down the street.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Ulrich asked.

"To go get me a reward!"

The second beggar stood for a second in their shelter until his mind caught up, then he jumped up and began to run down the street. "Wait up, Rudo! I'm coming with you!" He wouldn't let his friend take the reward alone.

By the time the police took him seriously, Michael was long gone.

Gracie had been home for two weeks when Joseph Canfield received a call from San Francisco. He had been expecting it since the Coulters had informed him of the fact that Lucas and Tilly had reunited and that they had a newborn. Knowing how much Bouchard had endured emotionally over the past year and a half, he was prepared, above all, to be a support for this young man he loved.

"I guess Lee told you we have a little girl," Lucas told him, his throat sounding tight and the pride and joy within his voice palpable even through the telephone.

"I'm happy for you," Joseph replied. "And she and your young lady are doing okay?"

"Wonderfully. Joseph, I never knew I could feel this way. She's just the most beautiful little thing…I keep pinching myself to remind me this is real."

"Parenthood is real, alright," Joseph smiled. "There's nothing like it. Now, you know what you need to do next."

"Yes, Pastor. I know exactly what needs to happen next…or at least almost next. I'm trying to make a few preparations – getting a place to live, things like that, before I ask her."

"All good things. I trust you won't wait long?"

"No. It will happen soon. But first, I need to ask something of you.

"Certainly. How may I help you?"

Lucas leaned against the wall, looking at the interior of his family's home and knowing that as beautiful as it was, it wasn't the kind of place he wanted to raise a family. "If Tilly will come with me, I'll be moving back to Bellingham. It's where our business is and it's a small enough place that I believe that Tilly and Gracie will be safe and comfortable there."

"That sounds nice. Plus, you'll be near Jack."

"Exactly. And since we're moving there, I'd like for us to attend the church the Coulters are attending, to be near Jack, and…well, they're a welcoming people – only they aren't the same denomination as in Hope Valley."

"You're okay with that?"

"I am. There are two differences, however. They don't baptize infants, and I'm not sure yet how Tilly will feel about that. And to join, I'll have to be rebaptized since, I guess, my christening doesn't count for church membership in their denomination."

"That's normal for the Baptists," Joseph responded. "On all of the major doctrines, however, we're the same."

"That's what I have gathered, too," Lucas responded. "So, I'll need to discuss it with Tilly, of course, but I'd like to join and, at the same time, have them dedicate Gracie to the Lord in one of their services. If she's okay with that, which I imagine she will be – I was wondering if you might help officiate at both events. I've spoken with the pastor, and he's open to it."

Joseph smiled. "Of course, I would. You know I grew up a Baptist back in St. Louis."

"You did?"

"Yes," he replied. "More like a Bapti-costal. My mother was a sweet Pentecostal woman who almost got kicked out of the Baptist church we attended for shouting – but that's another story. I'd be honored to take part in the event."

Lucas breathed a relieved sigh. "That's wonderful! Then I'll break it to Tilly about going back to Bellingham. I think she will love it there. And if all goes well, we'll be sending out invitations in the next few days. I'd like to invite all of my friends from Hope Valley – not assuming they can all come, but I can't express how happy I am – how happy Tilly and I both are over Gracie's birth, and we want to share it with you all."

Canfield smile. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, my friend. You've been through a lot, and God's been good.

"He has been," Lucas replied. "Even when I couldn't always see it was so."

That evening Lucas took Tilly to a restaurant, just the two of them alone, to talk. When he suggested dressing up, she couldn't help but get excited. Was tonight the night?

"I wanted to talk to you to let you know it's time to return to Bellingham," he said, sending Tilly's emotions plummeting. "Lee has been working hard at getting new clients, and I've kind of left him holding the bag."

Rasmussen held back tears. "I see. That makes sense. So…me and Gracie?"

Lucas looked at her warmly. "Are coming with me – unless…"

Tilly's thoughts brightened. "Oh. Yes! I just didn't want to presume."

He took her hand. "I couldn't go anywhere without you and our daughter now. So, never think it's presumption. We can stay with the Coulters until things get settled and I'd also like to join the church there. It's been something I've been meaning to do anyway. But now, with Gracie here, I think it's an important step. It's a Baptist church, so they don't baptize infants."

"I'm familiar with them," she stated.

"And that's okay? It won't cause issues in Dashma, will it?"

Tilly thought about her family's position and what it would mean for the Princess of Dashma and if that would cause a problem. "It shouldn't. Grandmother was a Mennonite when she married my grandfather, and there wasn't an issue at that time. The people, in fact, welcomed her. I think it would be okay."

Lucas nodded. "Good. There is no pressure for you to join," he said. "This is an individual decision, so don't think you must just because I am."

Tilly nodded. "I appreciate that. When do we leave?"

"Later this week?" he said. Tilly smiled.

Lucas's news was a shock to the former residents of Hope Valley as each received an invitation in the mail. Seeing they were being invited to an adult baptism was surprising but then reading that there would also be a baby dedication was beyond their comprehension. But all hint of scandal was quelled when Florence talked to Rosemary and found out that Lucas's new lady friend and mother of his child was an actual Princess. After that, she and the others were all excited for the couple and to meet their little one – after all, it wasn't every day one met royalty, and Europeans did do things differently, after all. They shouldn't expect the same moral standards of Europeans as those in North America. Florence and Molly explained. Hickam and Ned really didn't understand the ladies' logic but went along with it just the same, happy to see their friend again, this time in a better state.

It was a tearful goodbye with the Bouchards but with a promise to soon return as Lucas, Tilly, and Gracie began their trip north. Having had his car returned to him the week before, Lucas drove them from San Francisco to Washington State, showing Tilly the redwoods and taking in other sights along the way. At night, they stayed at the best accommodations available, deliberately taking time, as traveling with such a young infant could be hazardous. Finally, three days later, Lucas's car pulled into Bellingham, immediately making its way to the Coulters.

"Rosie! Jack! They're here!" Lee called out from the living room sofa as he saw the vehicle come to a stop. He laid his newspaper down and stood to greet them. It had been nearly a month since Lucas left, and everyone was excited about his return, with Tilly and the baby in tow.

Rosemary hadn't stopped cleaning since they received the call the day before that their guests would be arriving that afternoon. Lee had seen her dust the same end table three times in the last hour but knew it was futile to ask her to stop. And so, he sat as a sentry waiting for their arrival. Betsy was napping at the moment and would have to meet everyone later.

Removing her apron as she entered the room, Rosemary anxiously looked around and then shoved it under a couch cushion, smoothing it back in place. She turned toward her husband, her expression filled with anxiety, her hands busy smoothing down her own hair and clothing.

"You look wonderful. The house looks wonderful," Lee softly said as he kissed her cheek just as the knock came.

"Can I open the door?" Jack asked excitedly, running into the room.

"Yes, of course, Jack," Lee responded, grateful that things had been peaceful with Jack since Lucas had gone and the family was finally feeling like a family, with Jack as their son. He smiled when the boy flung the door open.

"Uncle Buddy!" Jack cried out, bounding into Lucas's arms and being lifted into the air for a hug.

"Hey, Buddy! Long time, no see!" Lucas replied as he tickled the child's ribs, bringing giggles, then pulling him in for another embrace. Bouchard stepped aside, motioning with his hand toward Tilly.

"Everyone, this is Ottilia Rasmussen, Tilly for short, and this…is Gracie," he said, reaching out and putting his hand on Tilly's back as the woman walked forward with their child in her arms. "My love, I'd like to introduce you to Lee and Rosemary Coulter, my dear friends. And this is my best buddy, Jack, who I have told you all about." He lowered the boy to the ground.

"I'm so pleased to meet all of you," Tilly smiled, shifting the baby in her arms to shake their hands. She then looked down. "And especially you, Jack. I've heard wonderful things about you." Tilly said, touching his blonde hair and smiling at him.

"Nice meeting you too," the boy said with an uncharacteristic shyness. He walked to Rosemary and hid himself partially behind her skirt.

"Please, come in," Lee said. "Do you have bags?"

Lucas turned to his friend. "We do, and you are NOT to lift them. I will get them later."

"Very well," Lee replied.

"Can we see her?" Rosemary asked, reaching for the baby. A nervous Bouchard looked at Tilly. They both nodded, and Coulter took Gracie into her arms.

"Be careful with her little head," Lucas said, stepping forward and making sure, along with Tilly, that the little girl was being held just right.

"Oh, Lucas, she's just darling!" Rosemary cooed. "She looks just like you."

Bouchard shook his head. "She has my coloring. But she looks like her mother."

"I don't think so," Tilly replied with a smile as the conversation continued. "She has your dimples, your cleft…" A few seconds later, Tilly felt a tug on her dress. Looking down, she saw Jack motioning with his finger for her to stoop down. Kneeling to his level, she touched his shoulder. He looked toward her head.

"Did you need something, sweet boy?" she asked.

Jack stared at her for a moment. "Are you really a princess?" he asked curiously, Tilly loving this child already.

"Yes, Jack, I am really a princess. Is there anything else you would like to know about me?" She knew how important he was to Lucas and wanted him to like her, too.

Continuing to gaze, he smiled widely. "You're pretty." Lucas pretended not to notice but couldn't help but grin inside. He continued to engage the Coulters in conversation.

"Thank you," Tilly responded. "And you are quite the handsome gentleman."

"Thank you," he responded bashfully.

Rasmussen sensed he wanted to say more and was finally rewarded with her patience.

"If you are a real princess, where is your crown?"

Lucas bit his lip and slipped away from their side, leading Rosemary and Lee further into the house, leaving Tilly and Jack to talk.

"I left it in Dashma- that's the country I am from. I can show it to you on a globe if you like."

The answer seemed to satisfy his curiosity, and then his eyes were drawn to the baby in his mother's arms. "Is that your baby?"

"Yes. Gracie is our daughter. Mine and Lucas's. She is three and a half weeks old."

Jack looked at the child with curiosity and then nodded, then told her again it was nice to meet her before going to his toys in the corner as Tilly joined the adults. There, he remained in silence while the adults talked.

About twenty minutes later, the house had begun to settle down and Bouchard went outside for their luggage while Rosemary showed Tilly to her and Gracie's room. When he reentered the house, Lucas glanced over at the boy who had withdrawn into himself.

"Would you like to help me with these bags?" he asked, hoping to draw Jack out. The boy looked up toward him and nodded.

"Sure, Uncle Buddy," he said quietly, but then he said no more. Bouchard wondered what he must be thinking.

In Dashma, the scene was far less tranquil as the door to the lodge came swinging open.

"Melrose! Where are you?! Get in here this instant!"

Michael stepped out of the kitchen nonchalantly with a drink in his hand.

"I'm back here. Why are you yelling?"

The man picked up Melrose's jacket. "I'm yelling because we're through!"

"What?"

"You have one hour to gather your things and get out of here."

"Out? This is a bit abrupt, wouldn't you say? Why are you kicking me out?"

"Who gave you permission to go into town?"

Michael looked surprised. "Who told you I was in town?" Had Alice spoken to him?

"The Police! Of all people! What were you thinking?!"

"I was bored."

"Bored! Do you know how reckless you are?"

"You try living here for weeks on end and see how you feel. I was going stir crazy."

"Yes, well, crazy is a good word for you. Too crazy to bother with any longer."

"What are you saying?"

"What I'm saying is I refuse to be a part of this scheme anymore. Our partnership is over, and now you must go."

"You refuse?"

Michael's benefactor reached into his pocket and pulled out a small cloth bag filled with gold coins, tossing them to him. "Yes. I was wrong. I see that now. In my zeal to keep Dashma within my control, I lost sight of what was important. Gregori is a fine king; it's time he has the throne – not you. I've arranged a transport to meet you at the dock in Brensk. There will be a man there named Stephanos – a Greek. He will provide you with new clothing and a new identity, but I expect you to leave the country and disappear."

"And, if I don't?"

"I am not making myself clear enough. This is not your choice. It was your idea to escape, not mine. It was your idea to betray this kingdom…and don't say you didn't. I've seen the paperwork. It is conclusive. It's only mercy that you do not hang for what you've done, and only out of my former affection am I giving you this one chance. I will not protect you anymore. You leave tonight."

"I see," Michael responded, knowing the king would not be dissuaded.

"Now, a coach will be here in twenty minutes to pick you up." Alexei turned to go but stopped at the door, making a quarter turn back toward Melrose. "Oh, and Michael. Step one foot near Gregori, Tilly, Lucas Bouchard, or any member of the royal family, and I'll hang you myself."

Melrose stood stiffly staring at the door for several moments after the former king left. Alexei was mistaken if he thought this was the end of the matter.

Another month had passed since their arrival in Bellingham, and Tilly had found the Coulters most hospitable. Rosemary amused her with her animated personality, and Tilly could see that she had a very good heart. But it was the dynamic of their relationship that captured Rasmussen's attention, their affection, the pet names, the little touches – things that she and Lucas were now lacking.

While she was thinking about this, sitting in the family living room with Lucas, Gracie, Lee, and Jack, Rosemary came to the door. Looking over toward her son, who was quietly playing on the floor, Coulter gave out a few instructions.

"Jack, isn't it time for you to do your homework?"

Jack frowned. "Can I play a little longer?"

"Five more minutes. But then you have to work."

"Yes, ma'am."

Rosemary picked up Betsy from inside her playpen, the baby giggling as her mother tickled her belly. "And you, little one. It's time for our bath. Ready, Tilly?"

The two had begun bathing their little ones after an early dinner, a time Tilly had come to enjoy with her newest friend.

Taking Gracie from Lucas, who was standing talking business with Lee, Tilly waited for a moment and was finally granted a squeeze on the shoulder from her beloved. The gesture brought a sad look from the princess, which Rosemary took note of before the two women ascended the stairs. Bouchard continued his conversation without missing a beat.

Once inside the bathroom, Rosemary chatted as they readied the bath for Betsy, noticing that Rasmussen was quieter than usual.

"It looks like little Gracie has grown quite a bit since you two have been here," Coulter said as she took a washcloth in hand.

"Yes. She has," Tilly replied, pacing back and forth, soothing her daughter.

"Tilly, tell me what's bothering you," Rosie requested, fairly certain she knew the answer. Tilly walked over and sat in a chair near the bathtub, where her friend was kneeling.

"Rosemary, does Lucas seem...distant to you? Towards me, I mean. You have known him much longer than I have, but I feel he is drawing away from me."

Turning to face Tilly with a somber expression, Rosemary kept a protective hand on Betsy, who splashed in the water. "I'm glad you brought this up because I have wanted to speak of it for a while. I've noticed he is attentive to Gracie and obviously loves her very much, but yes, I have also observed his demeanor toward you. It's more like a friend. I know enough time has passed and I hope you don't mind my asking, but when you are alone at night, are the two of you...how do I put this delicately...intimate?"

A blush was her first answer from Rasmussen. The two of them were sharing a room, so the question was valid but unbeknownst to the Coulters, Lucas was sleeping on the small couch near the crib. The two hadn't even shared a proper kiss since they arrived in Bellington.

"No...we aren't...intimate. The only time we have ever... was when I got pregnant with Gracie.

I guess you have noticed the friendly cheek kisses I've been on the receiving end of lately. He's a perfect gentleman, perhaps too perfect. He keeps his distance so much that I've started wondering if he even finds me attractive since the baby was born."

Rosemary hated the sadness in her friend's eyes, not wanting to admit she had wondered the same thing. "Have you spoken of marriage?"

Tilly's face fell as she stared at the floor. "No. I know he loves his daughter, but at this point, I'm not sure he is still in love with me." Tears filled her eyes.

"Oh, Tilly, I'm sure it isn't that! Perhaps he is just distracted with all this business with Lee. Everything has happened so fast, fatherhood, a major international business. I'm sure he hasn't had time to think straight."

"Thank you for being such a good friend, Rosemary. You have been nothing but kind since we arrived. I appreciate your friendship. But I don't know where Lucas is anymore. I would hate for us to part ways."

At the words, tears fell.

Rinsing her daughter, Rosemary let out the water and wrapped a towel around her, lifting her from the tub. Reaching up, she gently wiped Rasmussen's cheek. "Let's not lose hope. Men can be clueless at times, and we can jump to the wrong conclusions. Lucas is a good man. I'm sure he loves you and will do what's right," she encouraged as she dried off Betsy. "Now, let's get Gracie bathed so I can go get Jack."

A silent nod was Tilly's only response as she readied her daughter for a bath.

Downstairs, Jack had followed his mother's instructions and had moved to Lee's office to do his homework while the two men continued to talk. But soon, Coulter noticed that Bouchard was no longer listening. The other man's eyes were glued to the stairs that Tilly had just ascended.

"Earth to Lucas," he said, waving his hand in front of Bouchard's face.

"Oh, sorry, Lee. You were saying?"

"I think maybe something more important is on your mind besides business. Care to talk about it?"

Lucas twisted his hands together nervously and leaned closer. "Maybe I should. Does Tilly seem different to you recently?"

"I've only known her a short time, but different, how?"

"I don't know. Quieter, perhaps."

"Well, she did just have a baby a few weeks ago. She has to be exhausted. New mothers always are."

"That could be it. Only..."

Lee hoped he wouldn't regret asking. "Only, what?"

"She looks... sad. And it makes me uncertain about..."

A chuckle escaped Coulter as he shook his head. "Spit it out. They won't be up there all night."

Taking another quick look up the stairs, Lucas removed a small velvet box from his pocket. Once opened, a beautiful antique diamond ring was revealed. "It was my grandmother's."

Lee let out a relieved sigh. "So you DO plan to ask her. Rosemary and I were wondering if you would ever get around to it."

"See, that's the problem. I have almost proposed several times, but something keeps stopping me."

After a deep exhale, Lee put his hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I don't think Tilly is your problem."

"What do you mean?"

"Tilly loves you. I see it every time she looks at you," pausing only a moment, Lee then continued, "Do you think perhaps you are dealing with some fear because of what happened with Elizabeth? It would make sense if so. It was a terrible loss for all of us, but especially for you. It would only be natural to be more cautious this time around."

The words rolled around in his head as Lucas paced the room for a moment. "You think I'm deliberately sabotaging my proposal because of fear?"

"I'm not saying I think that. I only wanted to see if you had considered it."

"I hadn't, but I am now," Lucas replied, his expression now troubled.

"I wasn't trying to give you something to worry about, and I think you really should be talking to your girlfriend about all of this. I simply wanted you to do some soul searching and try to figure out why you haven't asked the woman you share a child with and obviously love to marry you." Picking up some paperwork, Lee patted his friend's back. "Perhaps that sadness you are perceiving from Tilly all has to do with your hesitation to act. Something to think about."

As Lee left the room, Bouchard ran his hand through his dark locks and nodded. "Yes. Something I need to ponder."

That Friday, Bouchard arranged for the Coulters to take care of Gracie while he took Rasmussen on a proper date – this time for an early dinner because he had other plans for their evening. He had considered Lee's words and found wisdom in them, realizing that he'd been making excuses about when and how to propose, and it likely had something to do with his earlier experience. But the feeling he had inside was hard to get over. He prayed for a sign from God that this was what he was supposed to do, even though intellectually, he knew that it was. The Lord answered in that Wednesday's message which highlighted how Perfect Love Casts Out Fear. From that point forward he knew it was right, even though the fear stayed with him for a time. He needed to just ask her, and he hoped she'd say yes.

For Tilly's part, she was so excited when he asked her on a date that she made Rosemary go into town with her to pick out the perfect dress in hopes it'd spur a little romance. Coulter, of course, was all too thrilled to do it.

But when Lucas and Tilly arrived at the small Italian restaurant by the ocean, things were different. Bouchard was distant as he battled the twin fears of loss and rejection, and he struggled to even make basic conversation.

"Are you tired tonight?" Tilly finally asked, hoping to draw him out.

"What?" Lucas said, having been staring off in a daze. "Oh…um, no. I'm fine."

He took a bite of his food. "This Marsala is good."

She nodded. "As is this," she said concerning her fettuccini.

It was quiet for several long moments until both tried speaking at once. "Did you…?" Lucas asked. "Was your….?" Tilly said.

"You, please…" He responded.

"No, you go first," she said. "I interrupted."

Lucas set his napkin down. "I was just wondering how your trip with Rosemary went to town."

Tilly swallowed, emotion starting to pool within her. He had been so nervous that he didn't even mention her dress. "It was…just fine…." She said, beginning to cry.

Bouchard's eyes widened with concern. "What's wrong?" he asked, reaching across the table to take her hand. She immediately snatched it away.

"I'm sorry," she cried. "You don't have to do this."

"What?" he asked, confused.

"You don't have to pretend to feel something for me when you no longer do…"

He shook his head and tried to speak, but she continued talking. "I know that you didn't sign up for a baby and a life like this…you're a free spirit, and you like to travel and see the world, and I know that things change, and perhaps I'm not attractive to you like I once was…"

His jaw dropped open. "Tilly," he said. "You're breathtaking."

"I am not," she responded, standing. "And you don't have to pretend. You just don't love me and….I need to go…"

Standing, she jumped up from the table and walked quickly out of the restaurant.

"Sir…your bill?" The maitre'd said, stopping him from following. Bouchard hurriedly reached for his wallet and passed the man more than enough money to cover, then searched for his girl. Looking toward his automobile, he could see she wasn't there, so his eyes traveled toward the waterfront. Taking a step forward, he saw her running some distance away and took off after her.

Tilly was wearing high heels, which worked to Lucas's advantage in catching up to her, but when he called her name, she turned and tried harder to get away. Running toward a rock wall, she tried to climb it but fell onto the rocks. Before Tilly knew it, he was by her, helping her to stand as she fought him.

"Leave me alone!" she wept. "You don't want me."

"Tilly, I do! Where is this coming from?" he asked, withstanding her weak blows to his chest. He held her close to still her. "What's wrong, darling? Talk to me. Why would you think I don't want you?"

"Because you don't want to be near me. We hardly ever talk about anything other than the baby. You don't kiss me. You don't touch me. You won't sleep in my bed. At first, I thought you were trying to be gentle, but every night you would rather sleep on that cramped little couch, and then when you get up, you show me as much affection as my brother…and I bought this dress, and you didn't even notice it, and you go away every morning but won't say where you've gone…Lucas, I know you love our daughter, but I am afraid."

"Of what?" he asked.

"That you no longer love me."

Lucas clamped his mouth shut, trying to imagine which of his actions had given her the impressions she now had. It didn't take long for him to figure that out. He hadn't touched her and had even stopped kissing her because of his own struggles with the flesh and indecision. Noticing her shiver, he took his jacket off and put it around her shoulders.

"Tilly, you have it wrong. All wrong," he said softly. "And I don't blame you for jumping to those conclusions. I love you very much. You mean everything to me. But I have been distant, but for none of the reasons that you mentioned."

She looked at him tearfully. "Why?"

He stopped for a moment, then nodded. It was time. "Would you care to take a walk with me? I have a surprise for you."

Tentatively, Rasmussen held onto his arms, observing his beautiful, kind eyes and shy smile and feeling the safety therein. "Alright," she stated.

He walked them up onto solid ground and then along the coastline for about half a mile, away from the street and closer to the edges of the beachfront.

"Okay, I need you to close your eyes," he said as they turned the final corner. "Just hold onto me."

By now, Tilly was intrigued, though her heart was still in turmoil.

"Are we almost there?" she asked.

"Almost there," he replied. "Just hold onto my arm and keep your eyes closed."

"Lucas! You know I'm not as patient as you are."

"Oh contraire, my lady. If you have put up with me this long, you are the epitome of patience," he smiled as he walked her a little further down the beach to a property with a white picket fence with a silver lock on it.

"Okay, stand still," he said. "I need to do something." He reached into his pocket and unlocked the gate. It made a sound as he opened it, and Bouchard bit his lip. "Just one more second."

"What was that creaking sound?"

"Take my hand," he responded, reaching for hers. "And follow."

He led her through the gate and onto a cobblestone walk, and then they stopped. "Alright. You can look."

Opening her eyes, Tilly looked up at the large building in front of them. "Oh! Where are we?" she asked in surprise.

The house was a large white wooden structure with beautiful Victorian details adorning its exterior. And though it had fallen into a state of minor disrepair, it still displayed the attributes that, at one point, had made it one of Bellingham's most beautiful mansions.

"Do you like it?" he asked. "I…I know that it needs work, but I could just picture sitting on the porch looking out at the ocean while Gracie and Jack play in the yard with the other children or swim in the water."

Tilly smiled softly at the image, still feeling an emptiness inside. "It's lovely," she said, honestly. "A little paint…a few nails."

Lucas smiled broadly, happy that she liked it. "Come, let me show you the inside."

Holding her hand, he led Tilly in through the front door into the spacious foyer flanked on either side by large empty rooms with beautiful woodwork and tall ceilings. It seemed he'd had some work done in there already as the fireplace was going and there was a small loveseat and coffee table in the middle of the room, letting her know this was the living room. A room to the right featured built-in ceiling-to-floor wooden bookcases, and a grand piano had been left behind.

"They chose not to move that. Too heavy," he said, pointing it out. "I figured if Gracie was interested in learning to play as she grew older, I could have it repaired."

Tilly nodded, looking at her surroundings and feeling a warm feeling like one she'd never felt before. It felt like home.

"It's beautiful," she said, her heart yearning for the words he would not say.

"Come this way," he said, leading her to the second floor.

"There are five bedrooms on this floor…."

"Five?" she said in surprise.

"Yes, each with their own bathroom – WITH running water. That was a must! I thought this could be Gracie's room," he said, opening the door to a large, simple bedroom with a view of the backyard, whose expansive space would be a wonderful place for children to play.

"Beautiful!"

He led her by the hand further. "And this is the master suite. It features a spacious bathroom with both a shower and a bath and marble accents. Oh…and this! You have to see this…."

She giggled as he took her to another adjoining room with two other rooms to its sides, too small to be bedrooms. She shrugged.

"His and hers closets," he said. "A must for all of my suits."

She laughed but privately wondered, Was one of them hers?

He then led her to the balcony off of the main bedroom, where there was a table set out for them, along with candles, roses, and what appeared to be champagne. But Tilly was more mesmerized by the view.

"Oh, my goodness!" she said, walking to the balustrade overlooking the beach. "How marvelous."

"This is where we can sit at night and watch the stars and sip champagne. I have non-alcoholic right now because…well…"

"I'm nursing?"

"Correct," he replied. "Anyway, I've been leaving mornings to find just the right home. It's got its own built-in privacy since it's only accessible through the main road, and we can certainly block out intruders and have our own private sanctuary."

"So, you do envision me staying here with you?" she asked forwardly.

Lucas looked at her lovingly. "It wouldn't be home without you."

Tilly smiled softly as her heart warmed, but there was still something missing – and just as if he'd read her mind, he answered her remaining question – by asking one of his own.

"I put some money down to hold it, pending your approval…but there's just one more thing I need in order to seal the deal."

She looked at him with confusion. "What's that?"

Immediately, Lucas turned toward her.

"Tilly, I love you with all of my heart and every fiber of my being. You are the sun that lights my day, and in every breath I breathe. I admit I did distance myself from you recently and only recently realized myself that I've been doing so for two reasons. First, I know I want for us to be together, and yet, after what happened with Elizabeth, I suddenly find myself being irrationally apprehensive. It has nothing to do with you – and yet it has everything to do with you because you mean everything to me – and if I ever lost you, it would absolutely be my undoing. Elizabeth's death nearly took me away. I would not come back from losing you."

Tilly looked at the sadness again in his eyes, wishing that it would never be there. She touched his cheek. "And your second reason?"

Bouchard stopped and twisted his mouth to the side, then closed his eyes. He was going to be honest. "I have distanced myself from you and won't sleep with you because I fear I'll be unable to control myself if I do." He opened his eyes, and Tilly's expression was one of surprise mixed with realization.

"You're saying you won't touch me because…"

He bit his lips. "You, um…get my heart racing and, um…my blood pumping."

She giggled. "So, you're saying I am a medical hazard?"

"Most definitely," he chuckled, turning red and then looking down. "In truth, I've always found you beautiful, but since you had Gracie, there's something that has changed that makes me…well, I want…that is….um…"

"You want to make love to me?"

"Very much, so!" he said a little too eagerly.

Tilly's heart soared until his next words.

"But we can't!" he responded.

"We can't?"

"No," he said. "It wouldn't be right. The timing…it's not right…it's…It's a God thing. I know what we did before, and despite the blessing that came out of it, we should have waited, and that was my responsibility, and I'm determined to restrain myself from, um…acting on baser instincts. You should be treated with love and respect, and I need to do this right."

Tilly nodded, realizing he was serious. "Okay. But we can't continue going this way forever."

"I know that. Which is why I'd like for you to move here with me and Gracie and live with forever…" He dropped to one knee, producing the ring box from his pocket. "…As my wife."

"Oh!" Tilly's hand flew to her face.

"Otillia Rasmussen, will you marry me?"

Tilly's eyes teared up and she began to shake as she watched her true prince, not of heritage but of love, reaching out his hand to her. She lowered her hand towards him, her smile beaming. "Yes, Lucas Bouchard, I will marry you. I will be your wife and live with you forever."

Lucas slid the ring on her finger and immediately embraced her, giving her a kiss filled with such love and passion that all of Tilly's fears melted away, and for the rest of their date, the pair spent their time loving and caressing and imagining their life together in the days to come. That evening, Lucas also moved from the settee to her bed, enjoying her warmth once again, but with an agreement to remain chaste until their wedding night. With his daughter and future wife by his side, Lucas was finally home.

The news of the engagement quickly made its way throughout Dashma, with King Gregori announcing a royal wedding was to occur on the day after Christmas in the royal chapel – news that brought happiness throughout the realm. King Alexei privately lamented his selfish actions, and when he received a picture of his granddaughter being held by both of her parents, he immediately decided to make amends. Using a private wire to contact her, he connected with Tilly through special arrangements with the U.S. Navy who allowed the call aboard one of their ships. He apologized for being a fool and told her he couldn't wait to meet her young man and walk her down the aisle. Everything was finally falling into place.

But in a coastal town on Dashma's banks, all was not well. The Grecian named Stephanos was killed with Aleric Milenkovic's revolver, and Michael disappeared. Living in a small hovel on the far edge of the realm, news of Tilly's nuptials reached him by way of one of the rebels who was giving him shelter. And as Tilly watched Lucas being baptized and stood with them as his new pastor and Joseph said a blessing over their daughter, Michael seethed, deciding how and when he would try to undo it. There would be no happily ever after for Tilly and Bouchard if he had anything to say about it.