Finally

Elizabeth woke up first the next morning to a still and quiet house. Today was their day. Their wedding day. She felt jittery with excitement. Before climbing out of bed she grabbed her phone from the night stand, opening the photo app and began flipping through her photo reel. She wanted to see Jack, to feel his warm embrace, but for now the pictures would have to due.

Later with coffee in hand, she grabbed a blanket from the hall closet and walked out to the patio. There was a light mist gliding over the lake as she sat. She loved everything about this place. The only thing that would've made the moment better would have been sharing it with her person. Pulling out her phone she texted the one person that was occupying her thoughts.

E: Happy wedding day, babe!

She giggled as her phone dinged. It was as if he was up and missing her too. Just waiting for her text.

J: Happy wedding day, gorgeous!

J: You ready?

E: So ready!

J: Good! I can't wait to see you.

E: No second thoughts?

J: Are you kidding?! Today is going to be the happiest day of my life. It's all because of you, babe.

J: You can breathe easy, our life is about to get real good :)

She let out a girlish giggle as she read his texts. Jack was right. Their life was taking a wonderful turn today.

"May I join you?" Grace spoke softly as she sneaked up behind her daughter. Elizabeth jumped slightly.

"Mom! Of course. I was just taking in a little quiet time."

"That's a good plan." She took a seat in the chair next to her daughter. "Lord knows you won't get much of that once the day gets underway," she chuckled. "Beautiful morning, though. I think we're in for a lovely day."

"I think so too." Elizabeth pulled her knees up to her chest under the blanket as she sat in the big Adirondack chair.

"How are you feeling, Beth?"

"Honestly?"

"Of course."

She smiled, "I'm so at peace right now. Never in my adult life have I felt such peace, Mom. I'm not looking back, or regretting anything today. Everything, bad and good has led me here. Led me and my children to Jack. So yeah, I'm at peace."

"And full of joy, I can see," Grace teased.

"Immeasurably, yes," she giggled. It was a sound Grace loved so much. Elizabeth had always been a giggly child. It was nice to have that side of her back and in abundance.

"Well, dear, let's get inside. The house will be awake soon and Abigail is already busy making breakfast."

"She is?"

Grace laughed, "I tried to tell her to take a break! She never leaves that cafe of hers! She should relax before the wedding. She says she loved it though."

"Well, we'll just have to show her how grateful we are!"

"Exactly, my dear!"

…..

Up the hill at the lodge Jack stood in his room practicing his vows. He wasn't nervous, he just wanted them to be perfect. To convey all the love he felt for Elizabeth and their life together. She deserved it. A soft knock on the door broke his focus.

"Who is it?"

"It's Jesse." Jack hurried to the door and swung it open. "Hey, bro. Happy wedding day!"

"Thanks, man. You sleep okay last night?"

"Meh. Apparently I don't sleep well without Clara next to me. Guess I got used to sleeping in the same bed as someone pretty quick." They laughed. "So everything set for the wedding?"

"Yeah. I think so."

"Good. But I think you're forgetting something."

"What?"

Jesse pulled a velvet box out of his pocket and handed them to Jack.

"Dad's cufflinks."

"It's your turn now, bro." Jack eyed the cufflinks. "You deserve this, Jack. I'd ask if you're ready to be a husband and father but you've been putting the work in for a while now."

"I love them," he grinned. "I was meant to be with them."

"I have no doubt." Jesse hugged his brother.

"Anybody awake in here?" Tom grinned as he joined them. "Big day, Jack. Come on and grab some breakfast with us. Uncle Wally, Aunt, Georgia, Uncle Roger and Aunt Maire just got here. It's like a party down there."

"Nah, it's okay. You guys go, I'm not that hungry."

"Oh come on. They all want to see you. It's a big day. You might not get a chance to eat later when you're too busy staring into your bride's eyes." Tom teased. "Or you'll be too busy trying to sneak off and start your honeymoon. Speaking of which, where are you love birds staying tonight?"

"Oh no, I'm not telling either of you goons!" Jack laughed. "But alright, let's go eat."

….

"Asher William, you have syrup all over you. Maybe I should toss you in the lake." Elizabeth sighed, wondering how much of the little man's breakfast actually made it into his mouth.

"Yeah! Into the lake!" He took off towards the door.

"I was only joking, Asher!" He reached for the door. "Asher, get back here!"

Lionel hurried over and picked up his nephew. "Back to mom, mister." Lionel placed the pouting boy back in his chair. "Get cleaned up and I'll take you over to see your Daddy okay?"

"Okay. I want to see Daddy now!"

"Thanks, Lionel." Elizabeth shook her head in amusement.

"No problem. I figure I'll let the boys play for a bit and take them over to the lodge, if that's okay?"

"Of course. Jack texted that he was finishing up breakfast and looking forward to seeing Ash."

Viola came to her husband's side, grinning like mad. "Have you two been texting all morning?"

"Most of it, yes." She blushed. "I can't help it. Somehow knowing we are getting married today makes me miss him all the more. I just can't stand it."

"You're crazy in love, little sister!" Viola teased.

"Oh, and you weren't?" Elizabeth sassed with her hands on her hips. "I seem to remember a sister of mine sneaking out of her room to see her groom the night before her wedding and then sneaking back in just before 5 am." They laughed. "That ringing any bells?"

Viola blushed deep, "Alright, nevermind. Still you're crazy in love, and that's great." She kissed her husband and went to help clean up the kitchen.

After breakfast, Lionel got himself ready to take Martin and Asher over to the lodge. This was so they could get ready with Jack and the other groomsman.

Elizabeth gave her little man a hug and a kiss goodbye. "Alright, Ash, you be good for Daddy and your uncles, okay? I'll see you in a little bit!"

"I be good!" He was so excited. Asher headed towards the door to leave but turned back as he reached the door. "We be Thorntons soon Mama!"

"Yes, sweetie. Very soon!" She stood watching as they disappeared down the drive.

"Come on, sister, time for hair and makeup!" Julie said as she practically skipped over.

"Alright, but no going overboard."

"Define overboard…"

…
At the lodge Jack waited outside, soaking up the late morning sun. He listened for the sound of Lionel's van to come up the road, anxious to see his boy.

"Jack?" Charlotte came out onto the porch with her firstborn son.

"Hey Mom. Whatcha up to?"

"Wanted to come see how you were holding up. It's a big day."

"The best day," Jack grinned.

She smiled, over the moon for her son and Elizabeth. "Here, this is for you. I think you know what it is."

Jack took a velvet bag from his mom and peeked inside. A smile stretched across his face. He recognized it immediately.

"Thanks, Mom. I think I'll give it to her tomorrow."

"That's sounds nice." She sighed. "Elizabeth is perfect for you, son. And those kids, I couldn't be happier!"

"Thanks, Mom. How's it going with Dale?" Charlotte blushed, something Jack had never seen. "That good, huh?"

"Yeah, things are going really well. He's a good man, Jack. Thanks for seeing that in him and helping your brothers to do the same."

"I love you, Mom. I want you happy."

The sound of a car rolling up the gravel drive stole Jack's attention. Seeing Lionel's van, Jack jumped off the porch and headed to it. Once parked, Lionel took Asher out first then Martin.

"Daddy!" Asher ran into Jack's open arms.

"Hey, Ash! You ready? Today's the big day!"

"I ready. Where's my duds?" The men and Charlotte laughed. The little boy was definitely mimicking his Uncle Tom right then.

"I've got them right upstairs, but we aren't getting you dressed just yet."

"Why not? Uncles are dressed!" Asher pointed to Tom and Jesse who had walked outside.

"Yes, but they don't spill things or play in dirt as much as you do. Except for maybe Tom."

"Hey!" Tom faked offense.

"Oh, okay. What I do now?" Asher ask.

"Hmm, want to take a walk with me to the lake over there?"

"Yes!"

"Jarrick Thornton, we need you in your wedding clothes in an hour," Charlotte spoke using her mother/teacher voice.

"I know, don't worry. I just want to spend some time with my son first, okay?"

"Yeah, Gamma! We need Daddy/Asher time! Lets go!" Asher used all his might to pull Jack away from everyone else right away.

"Can I grab us a snack for later, bud?

"Oh, snacks are good." He smiled at the boy and waved to his Mom and family before heading off.

Charlotte loved seeing Jack as a father. He was so much like her Tom had been with her boys.

Down at the shoreline, Jack and Asher tossed rocks into the water. They'd discarded their shoes, knowing that Asher would wade in as far as Jack would allow. Neither said much but were just content in each other company. Jack tried to teach Asher how to skip the stones but he was more amused by the splashes the big ones made.

"Daddy, look this one's big!"

"Wow, nice one, bud. Just don't drop it on your…" Asher threw it into the water. "...foot."

"I got this!" Asher assured him. Jack just smiled.

"I know, I'm just trying to take care of you, son."

"I know. You a good Daddy." Immeasurable love flowed through Jack in that moment. He picked up the boy and hugged him tight. "Daddy, you squish me!"

"Sorry," Jack laughed. "What do you say we have our snack and head back to get ready?"

"Okay!"

…

A couple hours later Elizabeth stood in front of the full length mirror in her parents room. She turned from side to side taking in the sight of herself in her dress. It was perfect. The lacy top covered her modestly, while hugging every curve tightly.

"Elizabeth, you are absolutely stunning!" Grace gushed, wiping her eyes.

"Thank you, Mom."

"What about me? Do you like my hair?" Mya said, her hair was done up but her dress wasn't on just yet.

"Yes! You, my dear, are so beautiful!" Grace kissed her cheek.

"Thank you Grandma! Mommy, is it time yet?"

"Almost, sweetie," Elizabeth giggled. Her daughter seemed as excited as she was.

Mya skipped over to the window. Looking out she could see where the wedding would soon take place. As she scanned the area a certain someone caught her eye and she gasped.

"Mommy! I see Daddy." She bounced. "He looks so handsome!"

Elizabeth almost tripped over dress in her hurry to reach the window. Sitting next to her daughter she sighed as she saw him. "He does. Oh, just look at him."

"Really, Elizabeth?" Julie teased with a laugh.

"I see Tom down there too."

"Hold on!" Julie rushed the window, making everyone laugh as well. "My, doesn't he look dashing? I'm telling you, those Thornton men!" She and Elizabeth giggled.

"We are pretty lucky."

There was a knock on the door. Grace hurried over and let Charlotte inside.

"How's it going down there?" she asked.

"Everything and everyone is where they should be and doing well. What about in here?"

"Well!" Grace beamed. "Come take a look at our girl." She ushered Charlotte over towards Elizabeth.

"Oh, Lizzie," her eyes stung a bit with emotions. "You are a vision. My son's one lucky man."

"Thank you, Charlotte." Elizabeth embraced her soon to be mother-in-law in a tight hug.

Charlotte pulled back slightly, "I was wondering if I could borrow Mya for a bit?"

"Why?" Mya asked curious, now standing beside them.

"Well, sweetie, your Daddy would like to see you."

Her face lit up. "Mommy, can I go see Daddy?"

"Yes, but wait one moment." Elizabeth went to the desk in the room and jotted down a quick note. "Can you give him this?"

"Okay!" She took the note and put in in her skirt pocket before taking Charlotte's hand. "Ready, Grammie!"

"I'll bring her right back, Lizzie."

"Thank you, Charlotte."

Downstairs Jack stood on the patio, turning around when he heard the sound of skipping little feet.

"There's my angel!" He beamed.

"Hi, Daddy!" Mya ran to him. "You ready to marry Mommy?"

"You bet! How's she doing up there?"

"Good. She's really happy and very pretty."

"Glad to hear it," he grinned. "Come here, I have something for you."

"For me?"

"Yup." He sat down and pulled her onto his lap before taking out the little black box. "Here you go. Open it, angel."

She gasped as she lifted the lid. "It's so pretty!" She held up the little necklace with a heart shaped charm. "I like the green heart!"

"You want to know why it has a green stone?" she nodded. "It's the stone for the month of August. That's this month, the month we become a family."

"Cool!"

"I want you to know, Mya, I love you very, very much."

"I love you too, Daddy. Can I wear my new necklace?"

Jack smiled. "I hoped you would. Come here." He placed her down on the ground in front of him and fastened the necklace. "There, it looks perfect on you."

"Thank you." For Mya, this was a huge moment. She had a father that truly loved her. This is what she always wanted. She trusted Jack and his love for her and the rest of the family. "Daddy?"

"Yeah, angel?"

"I'm glad you fell in love with Mommy. I like our life a lot."

"I do too. I'm sorry things haven't been easy for you Mya. You're 5 years old but sometimes you seem much older. You've tried to take care of and be a big help for Mommy a lot, and you've been a wonderful daughter. Now I'm here to take care of all of you, and I'm not going anywhere, okay?"

"Okay." Suddenly she remembered the letter in her pocket. "Oh! Mommy wanted me to show you this."

Jack took the note and read it. He laughed aloud.

"What's it say?"

"Mommy wants to have a moment before the wedding."

"A what?"

"A moment where we can talk."

"But you aren't allowed to see her! Grandma said!" She placed her fist firmly on her hips, looking so much like her mother.

"I know, but I have an idea. Come with me." Jack walked inside and grabbed a pen from the kitchen. He wrote a note and handed it to Mya. "Give this to Mom and tell her to read it right away."

"Okay!" Like a flash she ran down the hall and up the stairs.

"Where's she going?" Charlotte laughed as she walked back into the kitchen. Jack explained the letter and plan to his mom, who immediately agreed to help.

With Jack in place, Charlotte stood at the base of the stairs.

"Charlotte?" Elizabeth called from the top. "Where is he?"

"Waiting just over here for you, deary." Charlotte helped hold the back of Elizabeth's dress as they walked to the curtained french doors that lead out to the porch. With Elizabeth's back to the doorway, Charlotte took her hand. "Alright, son, give me your hand." Jacks hand appeared from around the door. Charlotte placed their hands together. "Now, no peeking or Grace will have my head. I'll give you two a moment."

Once Charlotte was out of sight, Elizabeth spoke first.

"Hi." She was almost breathless.

"Hey, beautiful." Jack squeezed her hand. "You okay?"

"Very. I just wanted to see you."

"You'll see me in a hour," he teased.

"Not soon enough," she giggled.

"I'm with you there." He let out a sigh of contentment.

"Mya showed me the necklace. Its beautiful, Jack."

"Thanks. I wanted to give her something special today. I couldn't think of anything for Ash. But we spent some time together, just us, before coming over. It was great."

"I'm glad." Her grip tightened around Jacks hand.

"Babe, you alright?"

"I don't want to leave you."

"Just this once. And in a hour you'll be walking down the aisle to me."

"Then we'll be married."

"Yup. Forever."

…..

Before long guests began to arrive. The 4 piece orchestra sat near the front playing beautiful melodies while they waited for the ceremony to begin. Jack waited off to the side with his brothers and Lionel when Pastor Frank, from their home church, walked up.

"The bride is ready. Time to get into place."

"Show time!" Tom smiled. "You've got this, bro."

"Thanks." Jack took Asher's hand and followed behind Pastor Frank to the front.

As the music continued, Dale walked Charlotte down the aisle to her seat, followed by Lionel escorting Grace. Julie, Viola, and Clara took their turns down the aisle, giving each of their significant others a loving grin as they passed.

The flower girls and ring bearers were next. Rosie and Lee's two, along with Viola and Lionel's crew walked down beaming, each giving Jack a high-five before taking their seats in the front.

When the music changed, Jack's attention shifted back up the aisle. His heart thundered with love as Mya, his little girl, timidly made her way towards him. She was holding a smaller version of Elizabeth's bouquet and wearing the biggest smile he'd even seen. Once she reached him, he knelt down in front of her.

"Hi, angel," he whispered.

"Hi, Daddy."

"You look beautiful." He kissed her head just before Viola took her hand, guiding her into place.

Everyone was now in place. Everyone except for Elizabeth. Standing tall, Jack fixed his gaze back toward the house just in time to see his beautiful bride step out on her father's arm. "Oh, Elizabeth…" he gasped. She was a vision. Like an angel from heaven, made just for him.

"Here we go,' William patted his daughter's hand. "Your man's waiting for you, sweetie."

"I'm ready, Dad. Love you."

"Love you too, Beth." They headed down the small hill toward the rows of chairs and then down toward Jack.

Asher tugged on Jack's arm, "Daddy, Mama looks really pretty!"

Without taking his eyes off her he responded. "She does, bud. Your mom is the most beautiful woman in the world."

"Yeah. She is."

It seemed as if time was dragging as Elizabeth walked toward Jack. Her whole body yearned for him. She gripped a little tightly to her father's arm, hoping it was enough to stop her from running the rest of the way.

Once they reached the end, Jack, Elizabeth and William faced pastor Frank.

"Family and friends, welcome," Frank began. "We've all come together today to witness the blessed joy of this man and this woman joining their lives together as one. So, let's begin. Who gives this woman in marriage?"

William cleared his throat, trying to push aside the emotions welling up inside him. "Her mother and I do, without doubt or reservations." William looked directly at Jack, tears in his eyes. This was it. His daughter was getting the life she deserved. The life he and Grace had always wanted for her. He placed Elizabeth's hand in Jack's and took his seat next to Grace, taking her hand in his.

Jack held both Elizabeth's hands in his, trying with every ounce of his body not to simply pull her into his arms and kiss her breathlessly. There would be time for that later. That and much more.

Frank gave a small message to the bride and groom, telling them of the importance of communication, patience and forgiveness in marriage, centering it around the 1st Corinthians passage on love. When it was time for the vows, Jack went first. Mya and Asher stood by Jack and Elizabeth, watching intently.

"Elizabeth, I…" Jack took a deep breath, overwhelmed with love and emotion as he looked into the blue eyes of the amazing woman before him. "I love you. Mind, body and soul. Before we met I was doing okay. My life was good, but not great. When I received your first email while deployed, my heart opened. Somehow my heart knew that you were special. That you were meant for me. The first day I met you face to face, I knew for sure that we were meant to be."

A tear fell down his cheek. Elizabeth raised her hand to his cheek, wiping it dry. Taking a deep breath, he continued.

"Elizabeth my love, I give you all that I am. I promise to love you, cherish you, honor you, for all the days of my life."

As he finished, Jack turned to Frank and nodded.

Frank cleared his throat. "Now Jack would like to say his vows to the children."

Elizabeth gasped softly. Jack hadn't told her about this before. Not that she minded. It was just the kind of sweet gesture he was known for.

Frank continued. "Mya and Asher, your dad here just said his vows to your mom. That means he made promises to her. You understand?" Mya nodded, Asher shrugged adorably. "Okay then. So, now it's your turn to listen to what your dad would like to promise you." The crowd "awed" as Jack kissed Elizabeth's hand before taking Mya's and Asher's hands in his.

"Mya, Asher," Jack moved to their level and smiled at them, new tears forming in his eyes. "I love you both very, very much. I promise that I will always be there for you. That the love I have for you is unconditional. That means nothing you could ever do will make me not love you. As your dad, I will care for you and protect you as long as I live." He kissed them both and stood back facing Elizabeth.

"Now Elizabeth will say her vows to Jack." Frank smiled.

She tried to dry her tears. "You expect me to follow that?" she teased, making everyone laugh.

"You got this," Jack whispered, squeezing her hands.

"My dear, Jack, I love you completely. You've given me a precious gift. A second chance at love. A love that is so pure, and strong and understanding. To make it even more wonderful, you not only love me, but you love my children." She paused. "Our children now." The kids giggled. "You are a breath of fresh air, an answer to so many prayers and a dream come true. I didn't expect this when we started writing to one another, but I will never stop being grateful that you entered our lives. I give you all that I am, and promise to love you, cherish you, honor you, for all the days of my life."

They exchanged rings and soon it was time, the moment they'd be waiting for.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's my greatest pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thornton!" Roaring cheers and applause erupted. "Jack, you may kiss your…." Before Frank could finish, Elizabeth pulled Jack in for a kiss, causing loud laughter and more applause.

Music began and the four Thorntons made their way back down the aisle together.

"That was some kiss, Mrs. Thornton," Jack smirked.

"There's more where that came from, Mr. Thornton."

Jack let out a happy groan. He was a lucky man.

Up Next: The Reception :)