A Hope Valley Tradition had been started the past Christmas by Sam. He gave gifts to everyone and helped spread Christmas Cheer. This year it was the people of Hope Valley AND the Settlement that did the gift giving. Elizabeth wondered how her Christmas could possibly get any better. She had Jack by her side again, everything felt complete to her. Rosemary showed up that morning and knocked on Elizabeth's door. "Elizabeth, I need you to put this on" she stated handing Elizabeth a box "and come with me". "Where are we going?" Elizabeth asked bewildered "No time I will explain on the way" Rosemary replied "Well let me explain to Jack at least Rosemary he just got home." "Jack will be there just come on, let me help you into this. Rosemary helped Elizabeth out of her dress and into the MOST beautiful dress Elizabeth had ever seen. "What is this?!" Elizabeth asked bewildered "OH Rosemary my wedding gown? It's BEAUTIFUL"
She had just lifted the veil out of the box. It was made of the most delicate lace she had ever seen and the dress was VERY exquisite. "I'm glad you like it silly, nown come on we are on a time crunch after all" Rosemary said.
"But it's not my wedding day" Let me change out of my dress lest my fiancee sees it before we are married". Rosemary grabbed Elizabeth by the shoulders and steered her out of the house before she could protest any further.
They walked out of Elizabeth's row house and towards the school house. On the way, Elizabeth was joined by Abigail, Molly Sullivan, and her sister Julie.
"What in the world is going on"? As Elizabeth approached the church she saw several "Take a walk with me" pieces of paper. Each had a photo attached that depicted each time Jack had asked her to "Take a walk with me"
As they got to the front door there was another with her name on it. "Elizabeth," It read inside "I have asked you several times to 'Take a walk with me'. Now I ask it of you again, but this time it will be on the journey to forever. Take a walk with me down the aisle and Merry Christmas sweetheart". Elizabeth was still somewhat confused but as the church doors opened she understood. She saw all of her friends sitting there waiting.
The wedding march started to play and her father joined her. "Please allow me to walk you down the aisle daughter, and you look beautiful" Her father said "Jack wired me a few months ago, right before he left for the war asking me if he could have your hand in marriage. While I don't agree that Jack is a socially acceptable match, I have seen how happy he makes you. I agreed and told him that the only condition was that I get to come to Hope Valley and walk you down the aisle my Elizabeth." Elizabeth teared up but tried not to cry as she didn't want to mess up this perfect day. Suddenly she looked up and saw Jack standing at the head of the church. Standing with him were Lee Coulter, Tom Thornton, and Bill Avery. Seeing all of her beloved friends and family there wishing her well on the journey she was about to embark upon was too much for Elizabeth and she began to cry. She knew she had to walk down the aisle to her beloved Jack, so tears flowing she willed herself forward. Pastor Frank was at the front of the church waiting for Elizabeth and Jack to join hands. Before he spoke Jack leaned over and said "Elizabeth you look beautiful you absolutely take my breath away. I can't wait to make you my wife sweetheart". Pastor Frank did the normal "dearly beloved we are gathered here today to celebrate this man and this woman as they join in the bonds of Holy Matrimony. Jack and Elizabeth have prepared their own Vows today.
"Elizabeth (whispered), you are my light and my compass, my hope and my reason. When I was gone to war, what kept me alive was you. I can't describe what I am feeling this day my sweet, sweet Elizabeth.
I will tell you what I promise. I promise to keep you safe and warm. I promise to kiss you frequently. I promise to cherish you for WHO you are. I promise to teach you "proper firelighting" (both chuckle).
I promise to always keep my sun, moon and stars close to my heart. I promise to ALWAYS love you."
"Jack, I promise to be your loving and faithful wife. I promise to shower you with kisses too. I promise to be everything yoy deserve and more. I promise to let Abigail teach me to cook a bit better.
I promise to love you forever. I will always be you. I feel lost and alone when you are gone, I know I will feel that frequently. I promise to HOPE and have FAITH my love will come home safe to his family. I promise that IF we are blessed with children, I will TRY to be a good mom to our children."
Both together: "I promise before God that I will love you and cherish you forever. I promise that I will stand by you no matter what."
Pastor Frank then said "If anyone objects to this union speak now or forever hold your peace". As he was about to pronounce them husband and wife, Charles walked in with Viola and said.
"Elizabeth, if you go through with this marriage you are dead to me. I will not continue to be your friend and watch you throw your life away on this, this MOUNTIE!"
Elizabeth looked at Pastor Frank and said "Please continue pastor, I refuse to let a man I do not love ruin this day for me". Pastor Frank then said "By the power vested in me, I do now pronounce you FINALLY husband and wife. Jack you may kiss your bride". Jack and Elizabeth kissed sealing their union, Elizabeth still in shock how everyone managed to pull this off without her knowing. "The Lord works in Mysterious Ways" Pastor Frank said "and congratulations to the happy couple". "Ladies and gentleman allow me to present you Mr and Mrs Jack Thornton" Pastor Frank announced as Elizabeth and Jack headed back up the aisle. Everyone headede over to Abigail's Cafe which was decorated with the most beautiful decorations anyone had seen in a long time. Jack headed over to the reception while Elizabeth changed her gown to a more suitable party dress.
"Merry Christmas Elizabeth" Abigail said. "Merry Christmas Miss Thatcher I mean Mrs Thornton" Cody and Becky said in unison. During the reception, Jack got called away on Mountie business. Opal had disappeared, someone had kidnapped her. "Jack you have to find her, but PLEASE be safe. I don't want to be a widow ON my wedding day" Elizabeth said. The Tulliver Gang and Garrison Gangs had broken out of jail and teamed up.
They kidnapped Opal as a diversion and while Jack was searching for her, kidnapped his bride and Abigail Stanton.