May 4, 1947
It was Elizabeth's wedding day.
"I can't believe this is it." Joy told Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled. "I can't either."
"You're getting married today. Jim Bob's getting married in 2 weeks. Jason's getting married in a month. I'll be all alone." Joy was in tears.
"Joy," Elizabeth said gently. She hugged her sister.
Joy sobbed.
"I know it will be different. I remember those feelings. But know that you are always welcome at our house. Drew adores you and he said that you're always welcome and I feel the same way."
"It's just hard." Joy sniffed.
"I know Honey." Elizabeth hugged her again. "But we'll only be gone for a week. Then we'll be back right here on the yard. You'll see us so much, you'll be tired of us."
"That will never happen." Joy smiled.
"It won't ever happen either." Elizabeth laughed, hugging Joy.
Cindy knocked on the door.
"Come in." Elizabeth smiled.
Cindy came in.
"Cindy, Oh Honey, you didn't have to come upstairs. You could've just called."
"That's okay." Smiled Elizabeth's due-anyday sister-in-law. "I wanted to help you if you needed any."
"We're almost done."
"You look beautiful." Cindy smiled. "Both of you."
"Thank you." Joy smiled.
"Thanks. You look amazing too. You're about to pop, yet you still look like a million bucks." Elizabeth smiled.
"Thanks. I hope I look presentable."
"Beyond presentable, you're gorgeous." Elizabeth smiled.
"Thanks." Cindy grinned, placing her hand on her stomach. "He or she is kicking a lot today."
"If we need to stop the wedding at any point, just tell me." Elizabeth said.
"Nonsense." Cindy said. "This little one is just gonna have to wait until his or her auntie and uncle are married."
Elizabeth laughed. "Well, I'm ready."
Joy held up Elizabeth's train.
An 8-month pregnant Mary Ellen was Elizabeth's matron of honor. Jenny, Toni, Joy, 7-month pregnant Erin, Cindy, Patsy, and Jennifer were bridesmaids. Virginia was the flower girl. Drew's older brother, Matthew Gene, was the best man. John-Boy, Jason, Jonesy, Ashley, Ben, Jim Bob, and John Curtis were groomsmen. Adam was the ring bearer. John Jr. and Isaac passed out wedding programs. All Elizabeth's other nieces and nephews were too young to participate and sat with their grandparents.
The attendants walked in. Everyone stood as Grandma played Here Comes The Bride. Everyone was amazed as Esther was once again able to play the piano after her stroke 7 Springs ago.
John and Elizabeth walked in. Elizabeth was smiling the whole way down the aisle.
"Who gives this woman in marriage?" Reverend Fordwick asked once the song had been played.
"Her whole family and I do." John smiled.
Everyone laughed, knowing the Walton clan was a large one.
"Thank you." Reverend Fordwick smiled before making opening remarks.
Drew and Elizabeth said their vows. Shortly after the vows were said, Corabeth got up and sang.
Cindy held her stomach for a long time. Olivia looked at her. Cindy nodded. Olivia and Cindy quietly left the church. John handed the truck keys to Olivia. Ben followed them. John smiled, knowing another grandchild was about to enter the world. He would soon have a new son-in-law and a new grandchild, perhaps on the same day.
Corabeth concluded the song professionally, without faltering despite the excitement.
Elizabeth and Drew smiled at each other. Rings were exchanged.
"By the power given to me by the state of Virginia and by our Lord Jesus Christ, it is my privilege to pronounce you husband and wife. Those who God has joined together, let no man separate."
Drew smiled. He leaned in and kissed Elizabeth.
"Now for the very first time, it is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cutler!"
Everyone cheered as Drew and Elizabeth exited the sanctuary. They stood on the lawn out front. Soon people came out and congratulated them. Olivia was going to be in charge of the reception, but since she left with Cindy, Toni and Patsy stepped in and serving cake, ice cream, and punch to the guests.
Guests didn't linger terribly long. They knew that Cindy was most likely in labor and wanted to let the family get home to them. Only Ike, Corabeth, and Aimee were still around, and they were extended family. Drew's parents and brother were there as well.
"Tell you what," John said. "Can I get everyone's attention for a minute?"
Everyone quieted down.
"Cindy's probably in labor and we will just be underfoot at home. How about we go to Charlottesville and eat supper there?"
"Do you want to call in advance, John?" Ike asked. "We can go by the store first if you'd like." He chuckled. "With a group this size, they may appreciate some advanced warning."
"That would be great Ike." John smiled. "To Ike and Corabeth's it is."
So everyone climbed in a car and drove to Ike's. After a brief stop there, they drove to Charlottesville. Drew's parents insisted on paying.
"You paid for the wedding, the least we can do is pay for the meal afterwards." Henry Cutler said.
John agreed.
After the meal, the family said goodbye to Drew and Elizabeth at the train station.
"I hate to leave now. We'll have a little nephew or niece before too long." Elizabeth said.
"We'll call you the minute he or she is here." John smiled. He gave his daughter a kiss. "Bye Honey. We'll see you in a week."
Elizabeth and Drew hugged all their family members.
"Next time I see you two it will almost be wedding time." Elizabeth said to Jim Bob and Patsy.
"We'll look forward to seeing you." Patsy smiled.
"Have a safe trip." Jim Bob said.
Elizabeth and Drew hugged them before boarding the train.
"Spoil that new niece or nephew for me." Elizabeth called. "And treat Patsy like a princess in the weeks before the wedding."
"We will." John smiled. "Enjoy yourselves."
"We love y'all." Drew smiled.
"We love you too. See you in a week." John smiled.
Elizabeth teared up as they went inside the train. "I miss them already."
"They'll take good care of our new niece or nephew. And they'll make sure Patsy gets everything that she needs."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
"How?"
"Because that's the family I fell in love with. They're always there for each other and help each other out. I couldn't be more proud to call a family my in-laws than I am them."
Elizabeth smiled and hugged her husband.
"Promise me one thing, Honey." Drew said. "Please stop worrying and have a great time."
Elizabeth smiled. "I will." She smiled. "It's just the two of us for a week. I'm with the man I love the most. I have nothing to complain about."
Drew smiled and kissed her. "I love you Mrs. Cutler."
"I love you Mr. Cutler." She smiled.
He began to kiss her all over and slowly closed the door to their honeymoon car.