It was a cool day in late October 1924, three weeks after an election he'd chosen to sit out, and Lucas Bouchard was packing the last of his belongings into a crate bound for his final destination—home.
Four years ago, he'd been lying in a hospital bed, his future uncertain. But here he was. He had survived his term in office—despite several attempts on his life—and had even managed to pass most of his agenda.
It hadn't been easy. The resort project fell through, and the National Park had been a struggle. But in the end, he was leaving on his own terms, and by most accounts, he'd been a success. The railway now ran faster thanks to strategic changes he'd made to the routes. The education system had been modernized while still allowing local communities to shape what was taught to their children. And a new regional hospital in Buxton meant the towns of the Valley no longer had to travel hours to reach Union City General; now they had something closer for emergencies and surgical care.
It had been hard-fought—but at the end of the day, the soon-to-be 39-year-old governor had done what he came to do. He had saved the Valley he loved and preserved a heritage for its children for years to come.
Stepping to his desk, he opened the drawer, checking to see if he'd left anything behind. He paused and smiled, spotting something nestled against the side—a magpie feather, its iridescent sheen shifting between black, green, and blue. Jack had sent it to him once as a bookmark. Lucas lifted it gently between his fingers.
"Hope is a thing with feathers." The familiar, affectionate voice of Claire Allen gently teased, breaking the quiet.
Lucas raised smiling eyes to meet her. "Yes. Yes, it is," he said warmly.
Claire stepped further into the room, her eyes sweeping over the bare bookshelves, the vacant desk, the stillness that had settled in like the closing of a final chapter.
Just days ago, this space had brimmed with quiet authority—a confident presence, always composed, always in command without ever needing to raise his voice. But now, it was over.
He had said his farewells to Parliament, to a standing ovation. And then, he had walked away.
It felt final. Because it was.
The world needed more Lucas Bouchards. He was one of a kind.
She lingered a moment longer, then turned to him with a soft smile.
"Shall we be on our way? Bosworth has already sent our luggage to the station, and the chauffeur is waiting."
"Yes," Bouchard answered. "I think I've packed everything." He reached for the crate and lifted it, smiling at his companion as they walked toward the door. With a pensive look, he examined the room one last time. "Are you ready for our next adventure?"
Claire leaned forward and then gently placed her hand in the crook of his arm as they continued to walk. "Of course! With the buildup you've given it, I'm more than ready to see what this magical place has in store."
###
The next day in Hope Valley, Elizabeth Thornton stood in front of her full-length mirror, looking at the outfit she had chosen to wear into town. If she were being perfectly honest, she hadn't felt this nervous since her first date in high school. Smoothing down her skirt, Elizabeth did a quarter turn to make sure that the modest but stylish fall dress that she had picked out was laying smoothly, and then she looked into the mirror at her makeup – which was always tastefully done.
"Calm down, Elizabeth. It's just Lucas. Everything will be fine," she scolded herself.
Within seconds of saying that, she heard the sing-song voice of her best friend calling her from downstairs.
"Elizabeth…are you here?"
Thornton immediately looked toward her bedroom door, then took one last look in the mirror before turning to go.
"Coming."
###
A few moments later, Elizabeth came down the stairs and found herself face-to-face with her longtime friend.
She embraced Rosemary briefly, then stepped back and asked, "Does this look alright?"
Rosemary blinked, slightly taken aback that Elizabeth hadn't even said hello. But she quickly brushed off the omission. "I think… I think it looks practical and—"
"Oh, Rosemary! It looks awful!"
"No, it doesn't," Rosemary insisted gently. "You look lovely, Elizabeth. Honestly, I don't know why you're getting so worked up. The man worships the ground you walk on."
Elizabeth shook her head. "I'm not so sure about that. It's been four years since we were together, and when I ended things, I hurt him deeply."
"It couldn't be helped."
"No, Rosemary. It could have been helped. I was wrong. So wrong."
"You had doubts."
"Yes. But not about him." Elizabeth's voice trembled. "Don't you see? The closer we got to the wedding, the more I was haunted by what happened the first time I got married—and the more anxious I became. Lucas had only ever been wonderful to me, and I pushed him away out of fear and confusion. And then there was Nathan… Things were so simple, so easy with him. I convinced myself I'd chosen the wrong man."
She paused, her expression clouding. "Do you remember the night before Lucas left for Capital City, when we were looking through old photographs at my house? Do you remember how distraught I was?"
"How could I forget?" Rosemary said softly.
"You knew something was wrong—you tried to talk to me about it. You thought I was second-guessing Lucas because I'd made the 'safe' choice. And at the time, I agreed. But there was something I never told you. A little while before that, I thought Nathan had been injured, and I panicked. I ran to the library because I literally couldn't catch my breath—I was so terrified. All I could think about was Jack and what I went through when I lost him."
Rosemary nodded, trying to take it in.
"That same night," Elizabeth went on, "Lucas confronted Balfour. And when my aunt started talking about how he was destined for something bigger, it hit me—hard. It was fear. I told myself that my life was here, in Hope Valley. That I couldn't go with him because we wouldn't be happy. That I'd only hold him back."
She shook her head again. "But that wasn't true. Lucas never wanted to leave me behind. I pushed him toward that life because he was our only hope—and…because I was afraid. The more I loved him, the more terrified I became of losing him… like I lost Jack."
"But you didn't feel that way with Nathan?" Rosemary asked gently.
"No," Elizabeth said. "That panic—like I felt with Jack—only hit me that one time, when Nathan had gone on a mission and someone had been shot. I told Henry I couldn't go through that again. That should have been a clue. I thought I meant I couldn't go through it with Nathan. But I was wrong. I was reacting to my past—equating Nathan with Jack - again."
Her voice steadied. "I know that now. Since that time, Nathan went on several dangerous missions, and I was fine. Of course, I would have been heartbroken if something had happened to him—but it wasn't the same. Not like that day. Not like it was with Jack."
She took a breath. "But when Lucas was shot—I dropped everything. School was in session, and I didn't even think twice. I had to be there when he woke up. I couldn't let him slip away. And when he pulled through, I was beyond grateful. I put up a good front because, well, I had made my choice – or so I thought. But it still hurt. It hurt so much."
"And when you thought you lost him again recently," Rosemary said softly, "you fell apart."
"Because I knew I loved him," Elizabeth whispered, "and I'd pushed him away. I thought I'd never get the chance to tell him. Or to make it right."
Rosemary reached for her arm. "Does Lucas know how you feel?"
"I tried to tell him, a couple of years ago," Elizabeth said. "But he said we both needed space to figure things out. And he was right. I did need time—to understand why I made the choices I did. But now…" Her voice faltered. "Now I'm afraid it's too late."
"Why would you say that?"
"Because I haven't heard from him in weeks. He used to write regularly—he and Jack would even send each other little gifts. But for the past three or four months, there's been nothing. Just one postcard, hastily written, saying he'd be returning to Hope Valley soon and to give his regards to Jack."
She looked down. "It was so… formal. Rosemary, I'm afraid he no longer feels the way he used to."
Rosemary considered that for only a moment before reaching out again. "I'm sure it's nothing. He's probably just been busy—wrapping up the duties of office, preparing for the transition."
"But what if it's not?"
Rosemary guided her gently toward the door. "Then we'll worry about that if it comes to it. But I don't think it will. Lucas loves you. You love him. And surely, he wouldn't be coming back to Hope Valley if he didn't want to see you again."
Elizabeth hesitated, hope flickering in her eyes. Rosemary was right… wasn't she? It wouldn't make sense for him to come back—unless he still cared. Unless he still loved her.
Would it?
###
Making their way into town, Coulter and Thornton immediately looked for Lee, who was standing near the entrance of the Queen of Hearts Saloon. He smiled when the two of them appeared.
"I was afraid you weren't going to make it," Lee said. "What kept you so long?" He leaned forward and hugged Elizabeth, telling her it was good to see her as Rosie explained they had been talking.
"Have you seen Jack?" Elizabeth asked.
Lee nodded to an area across the street. "Over there with Bill and Jamie St. John."
Elizabeth glanced toward them and smiled. "I never would have thought that Bill would want to try parenting again at the age of sixty-five years old, but I swear having Jamie in his life has somehow made him younger."
"It's amazing. I think Goldie is turning my hair gray," Coulter joked.
"Oh, Lee. You're just saying that because you can't keep up with her," Rosemary said. "She's always so busy. Which reminds me…where is she?"
"She's inside the saloon playing with Mike and Mei's little girl."
Rosemary sighed. "Then all is well."
"Speaking of…I think he's coming," Lee replied.
At once, the crowd, who had been mingling, lined up along the street as their favorite son pulled into town in a late model burgundy Dodge Automobile, its back seat stuffed with luggage and Bouchard, smiling broadly as he pulled up in front of the porter's station for the Queen of Hearts Hotel. Elizabeth's heart jumped when she saw him but soon thudded when she saw who was with him. Stepping out of his car was Claire, a beautiful woman with bobbed auburn hair, beautiful features, and a presence that rivaled any Hollywood star.
Thornton swallowed. "Who is she?" she whispered, with Rosemary listening.
Coulter shook her head. "I don't know, but it may be time to worry."
###
As the crowd gathered round him, Bouchard was all smiles, hugging some and shaking hands with others as everyone seemed to want to welcome him. Elizabeth and the Coulters stayed in place watching the spectacle.
"Would you like to introduce us to your lady friend?" Molly Sullivan asked, eyeing the pair with all the subtlety of a cat examining a can of tuna.
Lucas cleared his throat and apologized. "This is…"
"Claire Allen," the beautiful woman said, sticking out her hand for Molly to shake it. "Lucas's biggest fan."
Elizabeth expressed a deflated sigh, and Rosemary stepped forward to comfort her.
"I need to take a walk," Thornton said hastily.
"I'll go with you," Coulter replied.
###
A short time later, Thornton regained composure- but by then, the party had gone inside. Stepping into the Queen of Hearts, her eyes scanned the area, first for her child, who was sitting on the floor in the back playing with other children, and then for Lucas, who was standing next to the bar with Claire by his side. The men in town all seemed to be interested in the spunky woman.
"Well, I grew up near Boston and received my Bachelors from MIT…"
Lee raised his eyebrows. "That's quite exclusive. Especially for a woman."
"It is. But then again, I've always been a bit of a bookwork, so academics came naturally."
Unexpectedly, Little Jack appeared at his mother's side and began pulling her toward Bouchard.
"Let's go see Buddy," the soon-to-be nine-year-old said.
Before she could protest further, Thornton found herself standing feet from her former fiancé and his lady friend. She plastered on a smile.
"Elizabeth!" Lucas said with a nervous grin. He was immediately interrupted by Jack.
"Hey, Buddy!"
Lucas's eyes grew wide, and he reached down to pick up the boy. "How are you doing, Buddy? I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too," the boy said. "Are you going to come over to our house for dinner sometime this week?"
Lucas looked at Elizabeth, who stumbled over her words.
"Um, Jack…I'm sure Lucas is busy having just gotten into town and all. Let's give him time to get settled."
Lucas's eyes registered something that she couldn't quite discern. Hurt, disappointment? But then, the mask was on again.
"I do need to check on some items and unpack my things. Perhaps soon? At your convenience?"
Elizabeth smiled nonchalantly. "Whenever you're available..." she looked over at Claire. "I mean, when you have time."
Lucas nodded, then reached toward Allen who still had the other men enthralled with her persona and, of course, good looks.
"Claire," he said. "May I interrupt you?"
Elizabeth stiffened and then swallowed, knowing that this moment had to come sooner or later and telling herself as long as he was happy.
Claire broke away from the group and approached Thornton and Jack, then looked to Lucas for the introductions.
"Claire, this is our town's illustrious schoolteacher and my very good friend, Elizabeth Thornton," he said, causing Elizabeth's heart to sink further. "Elizabeth, this is Miss Claire Allen. She lives in Capital City and…."
"Lucas!"
Mike Hickam's voice interrupted the introduction as he came waving a piece of paper. "Telegram for you."
Bouchard immediately took the piece of paper and read it then looked toward Allen. "This is it."
"Really?" she said, clasping her hands in front of her.
He nodded, then turned toward Elizabeth. "I apologize, but we need to go."
Thornton responded with a vigorous nod as Lucas took Clair by the arm and led her toward his office. He had taken just a few steps when he stopped and turned around to find Elizabeth still in her place. Holding one finger up, he shook it briefly.
"We need to talk later. There's something important I'd like to discuss with you."
Thornton swallowed. "Alright?"
"Friday night? Here?" he asked.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
###
Early the next morning, Corinne Grant stood next to her granddaughter, teaching Allie her secret to making fluffy homemade biscuits.
"Now, you don't want to overwork the dough. Just cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it comes together," she said, watching as Allie used a fork to combine ingredients. "That's right. You've got it."
The cooking lesson was interrupted by a tap on the door.
"Wonder who's visiting us all the way out here?" Corinne asked.
"Want me to go see, grandma?" Allie responded.
"No, child. Just keep combining, and when it holds together when you press it between your fingers, you're done. You may still see some chunks of butter, but that makes 'em good."
Another tap came on the door as Nathan's mother took off her apron. "I'm coming. Hold your horses."
Opening the door, she looked up with surprise at the face of Bill Avery, who smiled when he saw her.
"Judge Avery! I'm surprised to see you. Won't you come in?"
Bill took one step into the house and looked around. "I've come to see Nathan. Is he here?"
Allie appeared from the kitchen and walked to the judge, greeting him with a slightly anxious smile. "He's in back with Newton chopping up some trees for fuel for winter."
Bill nodded once. "Ol' Newton's helping him haul it?"
"Yes. Would you like me to get him?" Allie asked.
Avery shook his head. "No. I'll go find him. I have an offer for him for a little Winter work."
"Really?" Allie asked. "Try in the back of the barn, maybe four or five hundred feet into the woods."
"Will do," he responded.
Making his way to the back, the judge looked around at Grant's peaceful surroundings and thought to himself what a perfect place it would be to retire. Hearing the sound of an axe hitting wood, Avery followed its beat until he saw Nathan's lean form splitting a log like an expert. A small smile tugged at Bill's lips."
"See, you're making yourself useful."
Nathan smiled, then glanced up at his former mentor. "Gotta do something."
Bill's heart felt sad when he saw him. He had aged, the result of life's choices and one year in prison, he supposed. But he had made it through. "Would you rather be doing something else?"
Nathan laid down the axe on the log and walked toward him. "Need some help on your land?"
"No," Bill replied. "Tim and Cooper are working that, I was thinking more law work."
Grant narrowed his eyes. "Law work? Bill, you know the Mounties don't want me."
"Not as a Mountie," he responded. "But Sheriff Mounce down at Clover Ridge lost his deputy this summer to a couple of Smugglers, and he's been doing double duty ever since. With winter coming and the harvesters and railway construction crews returning from down south, he's expecting his workload is going to increase beyond capacity. I know things slow down here around the same time, and you and your family will be looking to make ends meet – so when he mentioned it to me, I told him I knew just the man."
"But you didn't mention who. With my history…"
"He knows about your history and is willing to give you a chance. You won't be a Mountie, but it is law work, working patrol, some investigation work, and you'll be helping people again rather than sitting here stewing over what's in the past."
"Is it in the past?" Grant asked. "Between you and me, that is."
Bill reached out his hand, grabbing Nathan's shoulder. "I wouldn't have recommended you if it weren't. Listen, Nathan. You did a terrible thing, and for a while, I could barely look at you. But I didn't stop caring. We can't change what's done, but you've served your time, and you've paid a heavy price. Time to move on. What do you think?"
Grant swallowed. An opportunity like this was beyond his imagination at this stage in his life. "When do I start?"
"Two weeks sound okay?"
Nathan smiled. "Yeah. That'll give me time to finish battening down things here."
"Great!" Bill said. "I'll let him know," he said, turning toward the house.
"Hey. Wait up a minute, I'll walk you back," Grant said. Bill stood still while Nathan grabbed hold of Newton's reins, and the two men began to walk.
"I, um…I heard Lucas got back yesterday."
"He did," Avery responded, unsurprised by Nathan's curiosity.
"I suppose he and Elizabeth will be getting back together?"
Bill stopped. "Whether they do or don't remains to be seen. You needn't concern yourself with them."
Nathan shrugged. "Oh, I'm not…at least not how you mean. While I was in prison, I had a lot of time to think – about what I got wrong – about what I got right.
You know, I came to Hope Valley because of what happened with Jack."
"Yes. You said Southwick arranged it."
"That's right. But what I didn't realize until I was in prison was that I kind of sent myself.
All of my life I've been trying to live down what Dad did. They called us the jailbird's kids back in school and I even heard one of the parents say, when we were picking up some feed for the horses, that we were bad blood. So, I decided from an early age that I was going to be the opposite of what they said I was. I guess you could say I thought too highly of myself – or too little."
Nathan took Newton by the bridle and led him into the barn, and Bill stood silently as Grant continued speaking.
"When I became a Mountie, I thought I proved that to the world and myself, and that's all I ever wanted until I came to Hope Valley. It was Elizabeth who sparked within me the one thing that it has taken me all of these years to learn – and I'm still learning. It was the first time that we met, and, like I said, I was primarily there to get out of Hargreaves' grasp but she had come to introduce herself to me. When I heard she was Jack's widow, I stood out of respect, and I told her that I had never met him, but by all accounts, he was an excellent Mountie, and she responded that he was an excellent man. So, since he was an excellent man, that's what I decided I'd try to be. Only, I never quite got there."
"Nathan, each of us has things in our lives that we're less than proud of. You live, you learn, and you try to forgive yourself and move on," Avery finally said.
"I have," Grant replied. "At least, I think so. When I came to Hope Valley, I thought I was a judge and not a Mountie. I had met rich guys like Lucas who could pour on the charm, and I thought I knew what he was all about based on my experience with others. Only, I was wrong. He's turned out to be a really decent guy, and if Elizabeth can find happiness with him, then that's what I want. For so many years, I pegged myself as her protector, even to the point that I stepped in the way of her making her own choices and exerted my influence in ways that weren't appropriate. I'm sorry about that, and I know there's nothing I can do to fix what I've done in that regard, but I do care – about both of them. I did both of them a disservice, and I hope they can get past it and be together now. I really do. They deserve to be happy."
Bill shook his head. "As do you."
"I don't know about that. But I am at peace," Grant said. "Although…I think I can say I'm out of the romance business for the foreseeable future," he replied, a slight crooked grin making its way to his face.
Bill pursed his lips. "Famous last words."
Nathan chuckled. "How's that?"
"It's usually when you're not looking for it that romance comes along."
Grant continued walking. "I'm really only interested in seeing Allie off to college and taking care of the farm. And even if I were interested, we're out here in the middle of nowhere. Not exactly a place to make a match."
"You're not so far away from civilization," Bill replied as they stepped toward the house. "In fact, that new hospital that Lucas dedicated is only about ten miles from here in Buxton. And I've heard a rumor that a certain lady doctor is making moves to transfer there."
"Faith?" Nathan asked, his eyebrows raising as he stepped onto the porch.
"Yes. Carson and his new wife are moving back to the area, and he wants to start a neurology department."
Grant furrowed his brow, "What about her practice in Hope Valley?"
Bill smiled. "Mei's taking it over. She's been working on her medical degree the past year and a half. The board gave her provisional agreement."
"Wow," he responded, leading Bill to the living room. "Guess you miss a lot being out of town. Hickam's okay with this – I mean, didn't they just have a little girl?"
"Hickam's fine. He's planning on quitting the Queen of Hearts and being her assistant – as long as it doesn't involve drawing blood. And if it can work out for him, it can work out for you."
"And you? How are you and Jamie doing?"
"Great," Bill responded. "Madeleine sent him to me to save him from a tragic life, but I think he's saving me as well. I didn't realize how lonely it was around the house without someone there. He's a fine young man."
"That's great. At least something good came out of this mess."
Avery looked toward Grant thoughtfully. "At the end of the day, I think many good things will have come out of it."
Nathan laughed. "Now who's the optimist."
"Banish the thought," Bill replied with a smirk.
###
It had been two days since Lucas returned home with the mysterious Claire in tow, and Hope Valley was no wiser concerning the identity of Bouchard's mysterious guest. Although she was staying at the Queen of Hearts, she had scarcely been seen there, and the only time she was seen in town was when she and Lucas picked up some boxes from the Mercantile. For Elizabeth, this was a heartbreak.
"I just have to accept it, Rosemary," she said as her best friend walked with her down Main Street. "He's with someone else."
"I wouldn't come to that conclusion," Coulter replied. "There could be some other reasonable explanation."
"I suppose."
"Oh, Elizabeth! Rosemary!" Molly's voice rang out, coming from the direction of the café. The ladies waited for her to catch up.
"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked.
"Oh, no. I just wanted to see how you are doing, with Lucas and his new lady friend and all."
Elizabeth schooled her expression to neutrality, knowing what Sullivan was up to. "How I'm doing? Fine. Why wouldn't I be?"
"So you're okay with it?"
"Of course," she replied. "We're both adults. Lucas can see who he wants."
Molly shook her head. "I'm so glad to hear you say that because I was worried. You know, even Henry knows nothing about this woman – or at least if he does, he's not saying. But they were in the mercantile just yesterday and seemed awfully chummy."
"Oh?" Rosemary said. "How so?"
"They were picking up a delivery from one of the specialty stores in New York City. I don't know why they just can't buy Canadian, but I do suppose the latest trends are available in America. For example, dresses…"
"How so?" Coulter repeated.
"What?"
"You said they were chummy – Lucas and Claire?"
"Oh!" Molly chuckled. "I did. They were in there together, picking up a box addressed to both of them – actually several boxes. But one was from a linen supply store, and Miss Allen opened it in front of him to ask what he thought of it."
"And?" Rosemary asked. "What was it?"
"It was a bedspread! Lucas told her that he loved it and that it would look wonderful in 'our' bedroom…"
Elizabeth inhaled, her heart speeding up.
"…and that he knew he made the right decision when he chose her."
"Oh," Rosemary responded. "He said all that."
"He did," she replied. "Or at least that's what Florence told me – and Florence isn't one to gossip."
Coulter looked at Thornton who appeared to be quite forlorn, and decided to get her friend out of there. "Well, thank you for sharing. If you don't mind, Elizabeth and I need to talk about some matters and then I need to hurry back to Benson Hills to relieve Goldie's babysitter."
"Oh. Of course," Molly smiled. "Sorry to have interrupted."
"No," Rosemary replied. "Your words were quite enlightening. Have a good day."
Sullivan went her way, and Rosemary took Elizabeth by the arm and began walking her toward the rowhouses.
"Just hold it in a while longer. Don't let them see you."
But when the pair reached the gas depot, Elizabeth stopped and stared at the ground. Tears filled her eyes. "I have lost him, Rosemary! He's found someone else. Why was I such as fool?"
Coulter immediately reached out her arms and embraced Thornton with a hug. "There, there. It's not the end of the world. We knew this was a possibility. Maybe he just wasn't the one for you."
"But he was. And I threw him away," Elizabeth cried. Everything around her was now a reminder of what she had, of what she'd taken for granted. Yes, she'd been a fool.
###
Meanwhile, Lucas and Claire stood in the doorway of his newly decorated bedroom at his new home on a ridge on the North Road. With its light and airy feel and a balcony that opened to a spectacular view, it was everything he'd hoped for, everything he'd imagined.
"You've done a remarkable job," Bouchard stated. "It's exactly how I imagined it, only better."
Claire smiled. "Well, I have been told I have an uncanny ability to get into my client's heads." She then stopped and touched his arm. "I'm sure she will love it."
Lucas smiled bashfully. "It's that obvious?"
"For both of you," she replied. "You're a good man, Lucas Bouchard. Pursue what makes you happy and never look back."
###
By the time Rosemary left, Elizabeth was more composed than she'd been before. They had talked, and she'd resolved that no matter what, Lucas would always be her friend, and she wanted him to be happy above all else. Still, it hurt. She wondered, as she put away supplies from the Lavender cake she'd made him – a recipe supplied by Gustave and the cake they were to have a their wedding, why he felt it necessary to call her out on a Friday night to speak to her. She had her suspicions that he was going to explain to her about Claire – a fact she respected him for since the word of their relationship should come from his lips first. But she wondered about his timing. Couldn't he have just pulled her aside sometime in the past couple of days or talked to her after school? Why did he have to make it a special get-together?
Looking at the clock, the schoolteacher realized that it was time for her to get ready. But just as she was going upstairs to freshen up, a knock came on her door. She turned to answer it, but when she opened it, no one was there. Looking toward her right, a notecard taped to the doorframe with his writing on the outside caught her eye.
"You are most graciously invited to join me for dinner and discourse this evening at six o'clock. The theme shall be purple. Your conveyance will call for you at a quarter to six."
Elizabeth smiled nervously, wondering why the formality. Quickly, she went upstairs and opened her closet, picking up the simple frock she'd planned for the occasion and holding it up to herself in the mirror. Suddenly, her inner voice spoke to her more audibly than words. Fight for him. She shuddered. Lucas Bouchard was who her heart loved, and she had wasted her time with him. If she wanted him back, she needed to fight. It might not work, but she had one thing Claire didn't have, and that was a deep history and a love for this simple life. Nodding to herself, she opened the wardrobe once more and smiled. She knew exactly what to wear.
###
At precisely 5:45, Henry Gowen's cobalt blue Buick pulled up to Elizabeth's door. Their mutual friend smiled at her knowingly as he stood there in a black suit with a purple tie.
"Looks like he got you all gussied up as well," he said, walking to the passenger's side door to let her in.
"He did. Do you know what this is all about? Are he and Claire having a party or something?"
Gowen shrugged. "Guess you'll have to wait and see."
It took only five minutes for him to reach the North Road, which wound around gently with its peaceful atmosphere and superb views for around five miles. About midway down the path, Gowen's car slowed and he turned off onto a gravel road that looked freshly laid.
"Where on earth are we going?" she asked. Then she saw it – a Victorian-style house with a lavender facade and dark purple trim glowing softly in the early evening light. A conical tower with a pointed roof crowned one corner, while a wraparound porch, complete with a swing, stretched invitingly across the front. The house was quite large, but nothing about it screamed 'grandiose .'Instead, it sat nestled on a field of green with views of the Mountains and the fields, beckoning her and inviting her home.
Before she could speak, Gowen had opened the passenger side door and Lucas appeared on the porch, in a grey vest and trousers with a purple tie. He smiled at her warmly.
"You found me," he said, walking to greet her with a hug and then thanking Henry for playing chauffeur.
"Yeah. You owe me," Gowen grinned.
Stepping away from the car, Lucas led Elizabeth up the front steps and into the house.
She gasped as she took it all in. The foyer was elegant with lavender walls and white woodwork and a crystal chandelier that provided a warmth in what might normally have seemed formal.
"Welcome," Lucas said, his eyes taking her in even as she took in the beautiful surroundings.
"Lucas, this is spectacular."
He smiled. "Would you care to take a tour?"
"Please," she said, her heart beating wildly in his presence, both with excitement and with fear over what she believed was to eventually come.
"This is the living room," he said, walking her into a nicely decorated room with lavender velvet chairs and cream colored walls and a beautiful fireplace made of wood and tile. "The sofa hasn't arrived yet. They are custom-making it to be just a little longer."
"In case you would like to take a nap?" she asked with a knowing smile.
"Indeed."
Walking further into the building, he showed her the dining room and then led her to the kitchen.
"Oh, my. All the modern amenities!"
"Yes. There's the stove and that, of course…"
"Is a refrigerator," she responded. "Julie said they purchased one for the mansion in Hamilton. You must have spent a fortune!"
Lucas scrunched up his face. "Probably about half of what they paid for it in Hamilton."
"Really?"
He smiled. "It pays to have a cousin in the restaurant business. Shall I show you the library?"
"Please do!"
Taking her out into the hallway, they went behind the staircase into a room that was part of a round tower that was one of the unique architectural features of the home, rising three stories to a pointed spire. The library was on the first floor. There, she saw a wall lined with books and several very comfortable-looking seats placed around it. She imagined herself, Lucas, and Jack reading in that very room, but then her heart grew pensive, knowing it would likely never happen.
"I'm afraid I've taken up all of the shelves for now, but I plan on going through things and donating a lot. Perils of being the son of a book editor," he smiled sheepishly.
"I love it," she said.
He smiled. "Shall we visit the upstairs?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Lead the way."
Climbing to the second floor, he first showed her a feature that was a vast improvement from her current accommodations – a real bathroom with indoor plumbing. And from there, he took her to a child's bedroom, decorated with a medieval theme – the bed being shaped like a castle with a second story from which the child could read or play. It was also accented with lavender.
"That's adorable," she said, wondering internally if he and Claire planned to have children. She swallowed back emotion as she saw him excitedly explaining the vision.
"There's one more room," he said.
"I understand your theme comment now."
He grinned. "It is a lot of purple but you'd be surprised how quickly you get used to it. It's quite serene."
She nodded, then her heart skipped as he walked her into the master bedroom.
"There are two additional bedrooms up here, but they aren't finished yet. This, however, is the master. I wanted to keep it light, given the ambiance created by the lighting coming through the balcony doors. Taking her by the hand, they stepped outside, and she breathed in the early evening air, closing her eyes and imagining, if only for a moment, standing there with him on a cool evening, his gentle touch upon her arms, his breath against her neck.
"Elizabeth?"
Thornton's eyes snapped open, and she turned her face toward him, then swallowed. "Were you saying something?"
Lucas nodded with concern. "Yes. I wanted to know if you would like to join me for a little aperitif on the veranda.
"It has a veranda?" she asked, already blown away by the magnificence.
"Just a small one," he winked. Walking to the end of the balcony, he led her to the outside stairs, which took them to a sitting area on a wooden porch. From there, he invited her to sit down on a swing, one of two that the house featured. They both sat down.
"This is the place I was telling you about, the one that I had picked out to build our house – our purple castle."
Thornton flinched slightly at the beautiful sentiment in Lucas's words. In building this dream house, he'd remember her son.
"It's lovely," she replied. "And the view, simply gorgeous. I can see why you love it so."
He nodded nervously. "It turned out exactly as I wanted it to. It's where I want to start a family."
She nodded. "I would imagine Claire likes it."
Lucas leaned back, looking at the outside of the structure. "Yes. But of course, she should. We designed it together."
"I see. Where did you meet her? The whole town is wondering."
Lucas chuckled. "I suppose they are. It's not a terribly exciting story, really. We met after a session with Parliament. Several of us had dinner afterward, and she told me all about her time in Boston and also New York. It was very impressive."
"Yes. She seems impressive. Beautiful. Intelligent. And you're happy with her?"
Lucas smiled. "She's been great. Easy going. Fun to be with. Imaginative as heck. And she has this uncanny ability to know me more than I even know myself at times."
Elizabeth's heart sank. This was no passing fancy. After everything she'd put him through, he'd found solace in another – solace he deserved more than anyone. She would not interrupt that.
"Well, I hope the two of you will be happy."
Lucas shook his head. "Yes. We're very happy with it…what? What did you say?" he squinted.
Elizabeth looked at him. "I wished you every happiness with Claire. You've waited so long to find someone like her and…."
"Elizabeth."
"Yes?"
Lucas paused, amusement rising within his being. "Um…I'm afraid there may be a misunderstanding here. Claire is my architect and designer. She's not going to live here."
Elizabeth froze as excitement began to fill her. Was she hearing him right?
"So she's not…."
Bouchard shook his head. "She's just a friend. In fact, she's engaged to marry one of the gentlemen in Parliament, Roy Thompson from Canmore. The two of them kind of took the lonely bachelor under their wings and kept me from getting into too much trouble. Her degree is in architectural design, and I saw examples of her work and thought she'd be perfect. But, other than being the fiancée of my friend, our relationship is purely professional."
Thornton exhaled in relief.
"Wait," Lucas said. "You didn't think that she and I…."
Elizabeth's eyes snapped toward him as a fervent heat flooded her cheeks. "I…I…uh…no. Noooooo! Of course not! I, um…I just thought that…I thought."
"You little liar," he chortled. "The house was never for Claire and myself. I built it for us. For you, me, and Jack."
Thornton gasped slightly. "For us?"
"Of course, I built this house for a reason," he said. "Not to impress anyone. Not for status. But to build a home – a real home where I can start a family. With you. And Jack. If you'll have me."
Elizabeth's lips parted. "Lucas, I…"
"Please. Allow me to finish," he said, holding up his hand and then taking hers with it.
"I know how much you love your rowhouse and all of the memories held within its walls," he continued. "And I would never ask you to leave it lightly. But I need to tell you something, and I hope you'll hear it."
She nodded, heart pounding.
"When we were engaged, and I talked about moving, you refused me—without discussion and without any consideration for how I felt. I let it go because I didn't want to lose you. But the truth is… I felt ashamed like I'd done something wrong.
Then, when you sent me to Capital City alone, breaking our engagement – you confirmed to me that, at least at that time, my needs were not among your highest priority and anything and everything aside from me, be it the town, your neighbors, friends- they were all more important than being with me, the one you promised to marry. I felt… discarded."
He took a breath as Elizabeth's inevitable tears of shame began to build. He paused and took another breath before continuing, knowing it needed to be said for them to move forward.
"But I've had four years to ruminate over the events of those days, to heal, and to look for any lessons I might learn to keep it from happening again. I believe I've learned something that I should have known a long time ago, which was obscured to me because of my own upbringing and experiences – and that's the fact that my worth doesn't come from what I do for other people. It comes from who I am. I am a good man, Elizabeth. I have flaws—heaven knows—but I've worked hard all my life to become someone worthy of love. Not just the giving of it but the receiving. And while I can't promise that there won't be scars from what I've been through, I can tell you my heart's desire is to give that love again. But I need to know I'll receive it as well, or it just won't work. Not for you or for me."
His voice softened. "So, If we're going to try again—not pick up where we left off because it's too late for that, but truly begin anew—then I need to know something."
Elizabeth swallowed. Her hands trembled slightly.
"I need to know that you're with me. Not fifty percent, not ninety. One hundred. I need to know that my happiness matters to you, the way yours has always mattered to me. Because marriage… marriage is compromise. It's communication. It's putting someone else above yourself at times. And I can't go forward if I don't know we're building something together, you and me, for better or worse. Something stronger than this house – a lifetime of love and laughter, of sharing sorrows, and, if God so wills it, watching each other grow old but still bearing a torch for one another that lights every moment, every memory, and holds us together as one."
He stepped back slightly, giving her space. "I'm not asking for an answer tonight. I know it's a lot. But I had to let you know the terms of a renewed relationship. Because if you can say yes… then I'd like to start again. No expectations. No timelines. Just… us. I still love you. I never stopped, not even for a moment, and the truth is I don't want anybody else when the perfect woman still has breath."
A long silence followed, causing a doubtful dread to arise in the pit of Bouchard's stomach.
Elizabeth reached up, brushing away a tear from her face with the back of her hand. She swallowed and then looked at him. "I already know my answer," she said softly.
Lucas's expression faltered—just for a moment—as if bracing himself. He nodded his head in anxious anticipation.
Her voice broke, and a tearful smile appeared on her face. "Yes. I choose you, Lucas. I choose you in your highs and lows, in laughter and tears, in a rowhouse or," she swallowed and laughed, her eyes glancing at the magnificent structure as tears flowed down her cheeks. "In this beautiful purple castle with its ridiculous views and an overly modern kitchen with all the amenities because you built it for me. You built it out of love, and it is an expression of your love, and I wholly embrace it and you -because you are my home. You are my heart. And wherever you find yourself, I want to be there right by your side."
Lucas blinked, eyes shining. "You really mean that? Truly?"
She leaned forward, cupping his face in her hands. "I do. I'm so sorry that I didn't see it before now, so sorry for…for everything. But you are my true love, Lucas Bouchard, and I want to spend the rest of my days with you, loving you, growing old with you, and, if God wills it, watching our children grow up together until our very last breath."
He exhaled slowly, like he'd been holding that breath for four years, and his chin began to quiver as tears rolled down his eyes and cheeks. "If that's the case…Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, will you marry me? And will you at last allow me to be a father to your son."
"Our son," she said, holding his hands. "He will be our son, yours and mine. Lucas, I love you. And yes. I absolutely will marry you without hesitation or reservation. I will be your wife."
###
A fresh coating of snow had fallen during the late morning of November 29, 1924 – the day that Lucas Bouchard and Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton became man and wife. Theirs had been a story of triumph over tragedy, of patience, forgiveness, and perfect love casting out fear. To be certain, neither Bouchard nor his bride would have considered themselves perfect, for the groom struggled with self-doubt and a need to belong, and the bride struggled with often losing focus of what mattered the most. You see, it wasn't a building, though imbued with many memories, or even the friends she had come to adore. Nor was it just a matter of making her happy, which was typical of Lucas's approach. Rather, it was two souls who had been brought together, each broken and each lovingly mended through trial, triumph, and the Potter's hand.
Such was the wedding sermon that Pastor Joseph preached that morning when Lucas and Elizabeth said their vows.
He said, "There was a reason when He came down the first time that Jesus became a Carpenter. Carpenters are skillful; good ones take great joy in their craft, but carpenters are often called upon to do something else - repair that which is broken. Lucas and Elizabeth have had much to challenge them, and yes, at times, they've been broken – unable to see the promise of joy that would come in the morning. But through it all, the Carpenter has had his hand on them – and in time, He healed them. He healed their pain from their original separation. He healed the fear which kept them from moving forward. And He rebuilt them, stronger than before and able to be the useful vessels, now more than ever, that He has called them to be.
In Solomon's song, we read, "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned." Lucas, Elizabeth, God has brought you through many waters in which you were tossed to and fro. At times, it may have even looked like He had abandoned you. But I know that He was with you throughout that tumultuous period and will be with you 'til He carries you home. It is, therefore, my honor to unite you as your pastor, knowing both of you so well and the love that you've shared, which has endured.
Lucas, I understand you have a few words to say?"
Bouchard nodded, looking toward his love with glistening eyes. "Mon Amour, I fell in love with you almost from the moment I saw you—not just for your great beauty, but for the strength of your spirit and the goodness in your heart. Even when it seemed we might never be, I held on, lingering in the hope that you might one day choose me again. I'm beyond thankful you did, giving us this second chance.
My darling, as we begin our lives together, I want you to know that you are my one true love and will always be. You are the one I want by my side every day – yours will be the face I seek most when I come home each evening and the one I'll struggle to leave each morning. I promise to be your lover, your protector, your friend, your shoulder when times are hard, and your companion in every celebration.
I'll be a faithful father to our son, Jack, whom I love as my own, and to any children God might see fit to grace us with. My love for you will never falter. For the rest of our lives, I am yours and theirs—bound to you until death alone parts us."
Elizabeth smiled through tears. "My darling, Lucas. You have been so patient, so loving, so forgiving, so honest, so good, and so true from the day that I met you. Truly, I do not deserve the second chance you've given me - given us. But I am so thankful that you did. I promise that from this day forward, I will stand by your side and never leave – just as you stood by me. My love will not falter and I will give of myself unreservedly to you as my husband. I will be your lover, and your friend, your champion, and your support when all the world seems against us – and, if God be willing, I will be a faithful mother to our children – thanking the Lord daily for giving me such a wonderful man to be my lifetime love. When times are hard, I promise to share what is on my heart, and together, I know we will work through each and every challenge – for you are the one whom my soul will love forever and for the rest of our lives until death parts us, I am exclusively yours for always, without fear, only love."
With their vows completed, Joseph officiated over the exchanging of rings – something common for women in that day but not as popular with men who wouldn't adopt the practice en masse for another fifteen to twenty years. Rather than have Joseph handle the symbols, Jack, as ring bearer, carefully carried Lucas's ring to his mother and placed it in her hand, then just as carefully, but with the biggest smile either had ever seen out of the boy, relinquished Elizabeth's with an exuberant "Here you go, Buddy!" causing everyone to laugh.
A short time later, after a blessing was pronounced over the two, Lucas and Elizabeth became husband and wife.
###
It was a small wedding and somewhat private, not the opulent affair that the Thatchers and Bouchards had originally expected, but exquisite, sacred, and sublime – consisting of the Bride and Groom, their parents, their son, Rosemary and Lee, Henry, Joseph, and his family. Unbeknownst to them all, a former Constable and newly deputized peace officer stood watching – his heart paradoxically full of regret and gladness. A soft smile graced his face as he watched them say their vows and, at long last, kiss. It was their day, and he nodded with satisfaction. Things were as they should be, and the future looked bright again – for them and, hopefully, for him.
"Let's go, Newt," Nathan said, turning to his steed, who was retired since his injury at the mine and saved by Bill for when Nathan got out. With a single glance behind him, Grant looked once more toward the bridge. "Congratulations, Elizabeth. You've wound up with a really good man."
Three years later, Grant would find his own lifetime love in a woman aptly named Patience Kelly – but that story is for another time.
###
And so it was that Lucas and Elizabeth began their life as husband and wife, returning to town where a larger reception was given for them at the Queen of Hearts.
The Coulters were there, of course, with Rosemary having planned it, and Henry, Bill, and Lee all celebrated the event with a couple of pints and a card game, so representative of the groom. Elizabeth's school children, the Yosts and the Hickams, Faith and Carson Shepherd and his wife were there as well - the fine doctor later raising a toast to both he and Lucas for finally obtaining that brass ring. And then there was Parker Scott with his new wife Jeanette along with their daughter Sadie - the former Ms. Aucoin having been granted parole six months after the events of 1922 in recognition of her help in the affair. Once she was free, it took no time for Park and her to start their relationship, eloping after three months of dating - their first child arriving a year later. Lucas was named Sadie's godfather, and at that event, Jeanette had a chance to thank him for always being steady and believing she could be more, even when she didn't believe it herself. Now it was her time to congratulate him, and she and Park couldn't have been happier.
But the surprise guest was Lucas's old front man, Edwin Mitchell, who, though unable to walk due to the crash, was as perceptive and talkative as he had ever been and planning Lucas's future.
"You really should consider running for mayor. You have the talent, and Bill Avery, well, you know he always says this is his temporary role…I could think of no better way for you to serve. I would even offer my services as your assistant if you like."
Lucas looked at Elizabeth and laughed. "I'll have to think about it and consult with my wife," he smiled.
"I like the sound of that," Elizabeth cooed.
"Me being mayor?"
"No, referring to me as your wife."
"Likewise," the groom replied with a kiss.
EPILOGUE
September 1939
Elizabeth Bouchard sat in a chair by the window, her hand absentmindedly twisting the fabric of her teal jacket, watching as fall rains flooded the driveway and dark skies loomed overhead. Her breath was steady as her mind remembered that day, nearly twenty-four years before, when she comforted him as he cried his first cry. But now, he was a man. Strong, tall, and so much like both of the men she married. She couldn't be prouder. From his adoptive father, he received a kind spirit, an adventurous mind, and the art of being a gentleman. Bouchard's influence over his life was profound, and their love for one another as father and son was unrivaled. He had gone from 'Buddy' to 'Papa" and 'Papa' to 'Dad,' and in every way that mattered, Lucas was as much of a father to Jack Junior as Jack Senior would have been. And yet, there was something innate that he didn't get from Lucas that reminded her of Jack. Both men had a dry wit, and Lucas had a sweet cockiness that she still found immensely attractive now that they were each in their mid-fifties, and Jack Junior had that too. But it was his sense of duty, a keen interest in serving a broader cause that stretched outside of Hope Valley, that Elizabeth knew came from her first husband. And so, it was no surprise, when England declared war on Germany earlier that month, that Jack would take great interest.
Up until this point, he worked at a resort that Lucas had helped him open on his father's land. It was small in comparison to Bouchard's 'Grand Vision' for a large resort in the area, but with the stream for fishing trout, an expansive amount of land for hiking and camping, and a cordoned-off area at the back of the property for hunting game, it became a popular attraction for sportsmen and a nice small business for Jack to begin his future. But it wasn't long before it wasn't enough.
Lucas recognized it first -that wanderlust, that will to achieve – possibly because they spent so much time together and possibly because between her teaching and spending time with their other three children, fourteen-year-old Abigail and eleven-year-old Charity and David, she and her son were oft like two ships passing through the night. But it was one day after breakfast when Lucas wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the side of her forehead as he did every morning before work; he alerted her to the change.
"He's reading the newspaper."
Elizabeth noted a certain tone in her husband's voice, an indicator that there was more.
"Anything specific?"
"Yes. He seems keenly interested in Churchill's negotiations with Hitler."
"Really?"
Lucas nodded. "We have had a few discussions. He's very spirited about wanting to stop him, asking if there is anything we can do to help."
She exhaled. "Oh, my."
"Steel yourself. If there's war, I think he will be the first to sign up."
Elizabeth crossed her arms and looked in at her son, sitting on a chair in their still-purple living room reading intensely. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
But it did.
And now, as at last Jack's mother saw her husband's automobile pulling into view with a soldier in the passenger seat, she exhaled. Her little boy was not a little boy anymore but a man.
Lucas stepped out of the car, his old leg injury bothering him with the change in the weather, but other than that just as strong and healthy as he'd ever been. And he stood in front of the car while Jack exited in his uniform and stopped, then saluted his mother. He would ship out in two days.
"Are they here?"
Abby's voice called from the hallway, and she rushed toward the window to see. "Hey, you two, look alive! He's here," she continued, putting her arm around Elizabeth as Jack and Lucas walked toward the door.
As the front door opened, Elizabeth heard the clomp of rushing feet on the wood flooring as her two younger children bound down the stairway and she stood. Time to stop grieving and put on her mean mother face.
"Charity, David, slow!" she ordered.
"Yes, mama," Charity said, immediately running to embrace Lucas as he stepped inside.
"Hi, papa!" the pretty little girl with dark hair and eyes said as she hugged him around his waist. Lucas held her close. "Hello, Princess. Your Brother has an announcement to make."
Jack took off his hat, revealing a buzz cut so close that it almost made Elizabeth laugh. "I did it! I'm in the army. I leave for training in two days."
Elizabeth gasped. "Two days! My heavens, so soon?!"
Jack crossed the room and took her by the hands. "Nazis are moving west, and we have to be ready to counter them."
Elizabeth tensed but found comfort when Lucas wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to his side.
"My gosh, you look like a cue ball!" David said, jumping up and feeling Jack's partially shaved head.
"What does it feel like?" Charity said. "I want to pet him!"
"He's not a dog, silly," Abby said. "You don't pet him."
Lucas chuckled as good-natured Jack invited them all to the kitchen for a Coca-Cola to celebrate, and their lively crew followed. Jack's parents were a bit slower.
"Are you okay?" Lucas asked.
Elizabeth sighed, resting her head on his shoulder as she wrapped her arm around his waist. "Yes. I'm fine. We knew this was coming."
"Still, it's not easy," he replied softly.
Elizabeth stopped and looked at him. "Are you okay?"
Lucas smiled his dimpled grin. "I'm…fine."
"That good?"
Lucas laughed. "You know me too well. I'm just going to miss him. But I couldn't be prouder. Your boy has grown into such a brave and good man."
"Thanks to you."
"No, not thanks to me. Thanks to you. You were the first to love him, the first to hold him, the one who was both mother and father to him until he was nine. You had all of the heavy lifting."
"Lucas, don't underestimate your value. You always do that."
"In this case, it's true. I came along late. You've been with him all of his life."
"But you weren't late. You were around him when he was just a baby if you remember. And you always took an interest. You had fatherly instincts even then, and I couldn't have asked for a better father and better man to help raise him."
Lucas looked at their children. "I think we did good, Mrs. Bouchard. What do you think?"
Elizabeth looked adoringly up at her man and ran her fingers gently through his greying hair. "I think we did splendidly," she responded.
Lucas smiled, then leaned down for a kiss, which despite the presence of the children naturally wanted to deepen as it so often did.
"Eewwww," Charity said.
"What?" David responded.
"They're doing it again."
Lucas and Elizabeth laughed, then rolled their eyes, moving toward the table to join them, but then Lucas stopped her. Looking toward the back door, he got a mischievous look on his face. "I think they'll be fine without us for a few minutes."
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. "Really? What are you up to?"
Bouchard raised his eyebrows. "You'll have to wait and see. Take a walk with me."
Looking across the kitchen, he captured Jack's eye, and the young man nodded to his father and winked. They walked outside. And though it was raining, Lucas put his arm around his wife and took her out to the veranda, down the stairs and began walking her toward the woods.
"Lucas! Where on earth are we going? The children…Jack?"
"Jack has agreed to watch them for a bit. I have something to show you."
"What?" she said, slightly flustered but mostly excited.
"Always the impatient one," he said, receiving a gentle smack on the butt. Lucas stopped, his eyes growing wide. "Mrs. Bouchard, are you getting fresh with me?"
"Lucas Gabriel, if you don't tell me where we're going…."
"Just over here," he said, continuing the walk.
"Toward the barn?"
"Close."
"What? Lucas, where are you….?"
Elizabeth stopped and her lips parted when she spotted a shed-like building that was new, just behind the barn. She tilted her head. "What have you done?"
Lucas reached into his pocket and pulled out a key, passing it to his wife and bowing with a flourish. "After you, my lady."
Elizabeth smiled slightly, full of curiosity, as she took the key and unlocked the door. Her mouth gaped more when she saw what was inside.
There, illuminated by lanterns, was her old writer's desk and typewriter, something she'd not sat at since their children were toddlers. A small wood stove sat to the side to keep the building warm, and bookshelves filled with books adorned the walls.
"Step inside," he said excitedly, following her in as she glanced around.
"When did you have time?"
"It's actually from your son and myself. I knew when he left, you would feel sad, so the two of us got together and came up with this idea. Lee pre-fabricated it at the Mill and brought it in on a truck two days ago while you and Rosemary were shopping at Benson Hills."
"Oh…I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything. I thought, with the war effort coming up, given my experience in oil and mining, the Prime Minister will inevitably tap me to be the regional contact for the Department of Munition and Supplies that they are creating, which would mean I will be quite busy, driving from place to place inside the territory – and you will need something to keep you worrying about what's going on with him. What better way than writing? It's been so long."
"You're right. It has," she said softly, walking to him and wrapping her arms around him. "I love you so much, Lucas. You're always so thoughtful. This is perfect."
Bouchard smiled, resting his cheek against her forehead. "You're perfect. Our life is perfect. Elizabeth, you've given me everything my heart ever desired and then some, and each day that I'm alive, I can never thank God enough for bringing us together."
"I thank God for you too, my darling. After Jack died, I never thought I could love again, but I did. And with each passing day, I love you more and more. I just don't know how to express it."
Lucas touched her hair and whispered in his low, silken voice. "Whatever our souls are made of, yours and mine are the same."
Elizabeth's heart fluttered as she looked into his molten eyes, then gazed at his lips. "A better use of Bronte I've never heard."
Lucas smirked. "I try."
"Kiss me, you rogue!" she ordered.
"Last time, I was a scoundrel," he responded just before he was pulled into her passionate embrace.
###
Later that evening, after the children were asleep and they'd retreated to their room, the two sat nestled together in the library nook she'd had him install for her—their favorite corner of the world, where they read to each other each night. On this particular evening, he was finishing The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery.
Valancy smiled through her tears. She was so happy that her happiness terrified her. But, despite the delights before her—' the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome'—lure of the ageless Nile—the glamour of the Riviera—mosque and palace and minaret—she knew perfectly well that no spot or place or home in the world could ever possess the sorcery of her Blue Castle.
"And that is the end," Lucas said, gently closing the book.
"That was beautiful," Elizabeth murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she slipped her finger through the open collar of his shirt, tracing soft circles over his chest. "It reminds me of our purple castle."
"Ah," Lucas said with a smile, "me too."
She looked up at him. "Do you still believe in happy endings?"
He touched her chin, tilting her face toward his. "Of course," he said. "I'm living one—here, with you. For now and ever after," he said, reaching down to kiss her again as he turned out the light.
THE END
Author's Note: Thank you all for riding along with me on this journey. This story was a pleasure to write. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for your reviews so far. I look forward to hearing what you think now that we've reached our conclusion. Many blessings are wished for my readers. You've been wonderful!
I will start writing on Hearts Heal Stronger in the next couple of weeks and finish that one soon. Please Follow and Favorite so you don't miss its publication.