Chapter 2
Hope Valley, Alberta Canada
Tuesday, July 15, 1924
Lucas and MaKayla arrived back in Hope Valley or as the town was officially renamed Hope Springs. Although everyone still called the two towns by their original names. The couple was excited for all the festivities for the upcoming weekend. MaKayla's brother, Andrew was marrying Jenny Windham, the school teacher for the former Benson Hills School which was now known as Hope Springs School district. Andrew had been officially courting her for almost a year now. Plus, the new airport was going to have its grand opening as well.
Andrew had finally arrived in Hope Valley in April 1923. He was supposed to arrive in September 1922 but it had taken him longer to extricate himself from the RAF then Lucas had originally thought. But they had been diligently working for over a year now to get the small airport in Hope Valley up and running. It had proven more difficult than they had anticipated to clear the trees and created a runway. Then they had to build hangars for the airplanes. Lee Coulter's lumber company was a big help but at long last the airport was to officially open.
Once Lucas had everyone squared away at his house, he was eager to go over to the airport to check out everything before the opening tomorrow. Flying had become one of Lucas's great joys, he thought piloting a hot air ballon was exciting but flying a plane surpassed that. "I'm just going to check to make sure that everything is ready for the grand opening tomorrow. Also, the weather is perfect and Andrew promised me another flying lesson." Lucas told his wife. "Any objections?" Lucas asked.
MaKayla laughed, "And if I had any, would that stop you?" She asked coyly.
Lucas looked at MaKayla, not sure if she was teasing him or not. "Of course, if you needed me to stay home." He told her.
"It's just that the twins are down for their nap and here we are all alone. I can think of ways to spend the afternoon." She told him seductively.
"Oh Mrs. Bouchard you are a temptress. I always enjoy a little afternoon delight with you." He told her as he took her by the hand and led her upstairs to their bedroom.
An hour later as they lay in each other's arms both completely satisfied MaKayla kissed him on the cheek. "Well governor that was fun but I know you want to go play with Andrew now." She told him with a giggle.
"No, I'm perfectly happy laying here in your arms." He told her as he kissed her forehead.
"We can continue this tonight if you like, but you are itching to go off with Andrew and I could use a little nap since the twins are still sleeping. Go have fun. We will meet you at the saloon for dinner later." She told him as she practically kicked him out of bed.
He smiled at his wife, "I love you Doc." As he kissed her and then went into the bathroom to wash up and get dressed to meet Andrew.
Once at the airport, Andrew gave Lucas a tour of everything. The three planes that Andrew had purchased were the latest in technology. With Andrew's RAF training and some financial help from Seamus Donovan they were able to purchase three JN-4D bi-planes from the Royal Canadian Air Force. The planes were affectionally called Jenny. The planes were specifically built for training new pilots.
"Are you ready to go up again, Lucas?" Andrew asked with a grin.
"Absolutely." Lucas told him.
Lucas had flown with Andrew on many occasions but this was the first time that Andrew let Lucas take total control of the plane. As they flew over Benson Hills and Hope Valley, Lucas was mesmerized by the view. The towns looked so different from the air. He then flew over his house and could see MaKayla outside with the children. Lucas tipped a wing to her as she and the children waved back. Once they were back at the airport, Lucas managed a perfect landing.
"How much longer before you think I'll be ready to go up by myself?" Lucas asked Andrew excitedly.
"A few more good flights like that and you might be ready. But so far, we haven't encountered any issues when we've been up and although I certainly don't want any, I would feel better if I saw how, you handled things when conditions weren't perfect." Andrew told him honestly.
"I understand, safety first." Lucas told him. "You and Jenny are meeting us at The Queen for dinner later, right?" Lucas asked.
"Yes, I'm anxious to see my niece and nephew, it's been way too long." Andrew told Lucas with a smile.
"Ok, good. See you in little bit. I have some things to go over with Mike regarding the saloon." Lucas told his brother-in-law as he headed back into town.
Lucas was behind the bar when MaKayla and the twins came into the saloon. The twins ran over to their father shouting "Dada" as Lucas scooped both of them up in to his arms.
"Were you good for mommy when I was gone?" He asked them as they both nodded yes. Just then Elizabeth and Jack came into the saloon. Once the twins saw Jack, they wanted down to go see their big brother. Jack smothered them in hugs. Lucas walked over to them and Jack gave Lucas a hug as well. "I missed you buddy." Lucas told him.
"I missed you too Papa." Jack told Lucas.
Next, Nathan and Faith came in with their 11-month-old son Thomas, their 7-year-old daughter Lilly and 18-year-old Allie. Allie was home for the summer having just finished her freshman year at the University of Edmonton. The Grants were followed soon after by the guests of honor Andrew and Jenny.
The group had a wonderful evening of conversation and laughs. Allie was wonderful about keeping the little ones entertained so the adults could talk.
"So, Lucas, everyone was very surprised to hear that you were running for re-election. I thought you were only going to do one term?" Nathan asked wanting to know why Lucas had changed his mind.
"Hmm, well, as you probably heard Balfour is out of jail and also running for governor again. The party had no one else and I just couldn't let him sink his claws into the territory again without a fight." He told everyone.
"Do you think you have anything to worry about where he is concerned?" Nathan asked.
"I have a lot of security this time around. I won't be that foolish again, besides he would be crazy to try something." Lucas told them hoping he was right.
"Well, if you need anything be sure to let me know." Nathan told him with sincerity.
"Thank you, Nathan. I think it's about time we get these little one's home. See you all tomorrow at the airport's grand opening." Lucas told everyone with a smile as he scooped his daughter up into his arms.
Lucas and MaKayla went through their bedtime ritual with the children and before story time was even over the twins were asleep. They put them into their beds and quietly walked out of the room.
As they were getting ready for bed, MaKayla looked over at her husband. "Lucas, I have something to ask you." She told him as Lucas turned around to look at her. He did not like the look in her eyes.
"I know what you're going to ask. You never entertained the notion that I could be in danger again from Balfour, right?" He said softly as MaKayla nodded.
"Do you really think he would try something?" MaKayla asked nervously.
"Doc, we have nothing to worry about. I'm prepared this time. Declan and William are trained CSIS agents plus I requested additional security from the prime minister and it was granted. We have plenty of security. I honestly don't think Balfour would try anything but if he does, we are prepared. Do you want me to drop out of the race?" He asked her as he pulled her into an embrace.
"No, I don't like bullies and I refuse to let this man try to scare us into withdrawing. I'm behind you one hundred percent. But if you hear any rumblings about danger, I want to know immediately. Are we on the same page?" She asked as she looked him squarely in the eye.
"Absolutely, I promise to tell you everything I know." He told her as he sealed it with a kiss.
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The next day the airfield was packed. They had food and drinks, and some games for the people to play. Plus, Andrew and a friend of his from the RAF were going to put on an air show for everyone. Most in attendance had never been to an air show or had even seen a plane up close before. Lucas and Andrew made their way to the stage that they had set up to get things started off.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I want to welcome everyone to the official opening of the Hope Springs Airport. This has been a very long time coming and I'm extremely proud that Hope Valley and Benson Hills are the first towns to have an airport in this area. We are hopeful that this will open a lot of opportunities for both towns or as they are collectively now known as Hope Springs. Everyone is in for a real treat today as Andrew Donovan, a former pilot for the RAF and another former member of the RAF Alex Cottington will be performing for you this afternoon. But first I will let Andrew, the majority owner of the airport say a few words." Lucas said as he stepped away and let Andrew be front and center.
"Thank you, Governor. Governor Bouchard pitched me the idea of creating an airport in the valley when I came to town in December 1921 for his wedding. At that time, I couldn't imagine leaving the RAF but he finally wore me down and here I am. Of course, it didn't hurt that I fell in love with one of your beautiful school teachers, Miss Jenny Windham, who I will be making my bride on Saturday." Andrew said to great applause. "It took a lot of work and two and half years to bring this dream to a reality but we did it. So, without further chatter, Alex and I are going to take to the skies. I hope you all enjoy the show." Andrew told them as he left the stage.
Andrew and Alex put on a show that the townspeople had never witnessed before as Andrew and Alex did spins, dives, barrel rolls and loop-the loop. The show was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Jack came over to Lucas, "Papa, can I learn to fly a plane when I get bigger?" He asked excitedly.
"Well, when you're eighteen we can talk about it." Lucas told him as he tousled his hair. Jack was almost 9 years old now and growing up way too fast thought Lucas.
Townspeople were coming up to Lucas telling him how excited they were to learn that he was running for a second term as governor and how much they enjoyed the airshow. Carson and Elizabeth came up to Lucas to congratulate him on the opening of the airport. Elizabeth was holding Ciara in her arms.
"Where is the rest of my family?" Lucas asked.
"MaKayla is talking to some students about a career in medicine. Jack is keeping Matthew entertained. Ciara and I were more interested in ice cream." Elizabeth said looking at the toddler with great affection. "Lucas I can't believe that your idea of opening this airport has finally happened. You must be so happy." Elizabeth told him.
"Well, it's thanks to Andrew. He did all the work. I just planted the seed." He told them.
"Between this, the hospital and rehabilitation center, and the national park. You have certainly kept all your promises to this community and then some." Carson told him. "But I was really surprised to hear that you were running for a second term since you seemed to have accomplished all your goals for the valley." Carson told him.
Just then Ciara leaned towards Lucas for him to hold her. He happily took his daughter into his arms. "Well, there are a few more things I'd like to accomplish." He told them not seeing the need to go into the details about Balfour. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I should check if Jack needs any help with Matthew. That boy can be a handful" Lucas told them with a laugh as he began to walk away. He looked back for just a moment, curious about Elizabeth and Carson; they seemed to be very close. He would ask MaKayla if she had heard anything.
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Hope Valley, Alberta Canada
Saturday, July 19, 1924
It was a beautiful summer day for a wedding. Andrew and Jenny were being married at Lucas and MaKayla's house. Jenny had been so taken with the beauty of Lucas and MaKayla's wedding that she asked if she and Andrew could be married there as well. The Bouchard's were more than happy to obliged. They had the wedding arch up and decorated with summertime flowers. It was just a small intimate wedding. Elizabeth was her matron of honor and Lucas was Andrew's best man. Jenny's own father was deceased so Seamus agreed to walk his future daughter down the aisle. Matthew was the ring bearer and Ciara the flower girl. At nineteen months the twins did very well. These two had no problem being the center of attention. Nathan again played the guitar.
After a lovely small reception, Andrew and Jenny were getting ready to leave for their honeymoon, so it was time to throw the bouquet. When she threw the bouquet, Elizabeth caught it, catching her totally off guard. The bride and groom were taking a honeymoon trip to New York City then would meet the rest of the Donovan clan in Saratoga Springs for the family's annual summer gathering.
Lucas loved the time at the horse farm in Saratoga as MaKayla's immediate and extended family gathered. He also enjoyed that he and Jack got to spend some more extended time together. Jack enjoyed all of the Donovan cousins. As had also become their tradition, just Jack and Lucas would take the train down to New York City for a few days to take in a NY Yankee game. MaKayla and the twins would stay back with her family. Jack had grown to love the Yankees as much as Lucas did. This time together, just the two of them was precious to both of them.
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Capital City, Alberta Canada
Friday, September 12, 1924
It had been a long work week for the Bouchard's. Lucas had a few campaign stops along with his regular meetings and MaKayla had several difficult surgeries this week. But it was finally Friday and the family was looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend together.
"Lucas, the children have a new game we learned today that we want to show you." She told him as she turned her attention to the twins. "Are you ready to show Daddy our new game?" The twins both giggled and nodded in agreement.
The whole family was sitting on the floor with the twins facing MaKayla. "Ok, point to your nose?" She told the twins which they both did. "Where is your hair?" Both twins put their hands on top of their heads and giggled loudly. "Hmm, where are your eyes?" Again, both twins pointed to their eyes.
Lucas sat back and was enjoying how much fun the twins were having with this game. Then Makayla said, "Where's Daddy's belly?" The twins ran over to Lucas and tickled his stomach. MaKayla then said, "Where's Mommy's belly?" The twins now ran over to MaKayla and tickled her stomach. Finally, MaKayla said, "What's in Mommy's belly?"
Both twins said very loudly, "Baby" as they rubbed her tummy gently. Lucas stared over at the three of them.
"What did they just say?" Lucas asked incredulously. The twins did not miss a beat.
"Baby" They giggled again. Lucas stared at his wife in disbelief.
"Are you telling me we are going to have another baby?" Lucas said with tears in his eyes.
MaKayla smiled at her husband. "Are you ready for baby number three, governor? Dr. Jorgenson feels pretty confident that it is only one baby this time." She told him with a hopeful smile.
Lucas went over to sit closer to MaKayla as Ciara climbed in his lap and Matthew climbed in MaKayla's. "Baby" the twins said again. Lucas leaned in and kissed his wife.
"This is wonderful news. When will our new little one be arriving?" Lucas asked.
"Baby Bouchard should arrive in mid-March." She told him.
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Union City, Alberta Canada
Friday, September 12, 1924
Bixby Balfour was pacing around his office waiting for Johnny Barker to show up. He had not heard from him in a while and Bouchard was still alive. Finally, Barker showed up at his office with a cocky grin on his face.
"Where have you been. I've been asking for a progress report on what your plan is to get rid of Bouchard. All I see is with the opening of that airport in Hope Springs, the man is even more popular if that was even possible. The election is only five weeks away." Balfour said disgusted.
"Don't worry, I have a plan. I have a dame in the governor's office who is quite smitten with me. I get her to tell me the governor's schedule even the outings not made public. Bix, you just have to be patient a little while longer. Trust me, Bouchard will not be a problem." The man said as he puffed on his cigarette.
"I'm counting on you. I hope to hear something soon." Balfour told him with a scowl.
"I promise. You'll be very happy, very soon." Barker laughed.