Chapter 21
The last couple of weeks have passed quickly. I have returned to work full-time. Elizabeth has been preparing for the christening. We are looking forward to Sarah Katherine's christening. It worked out that Viola and Sir Lionel have not returned to England. Elizabeth is very excited that her whole family will be able to attend. It will be the first time both of her sisters and her parents will be in Hope Valley. She has been all a bustle preparing for their stay.
Elizabeth's family is returning from lunch at Abigail's. They decided to eat lunch while we put the kids down for a quick nap before the christening. Elizabeth and I are now dressing the kids so we can return to the church. Elizabeth is pulling the Thatcher christening dress on Sarah Katherine. Mrs. Thatcher is happy to know that we were using it again. "Oh, doesn't she look precious. I am glad you and Jack decided to use the christening gown again. It is so special that at least some of my grandchildren got to wear it." Mrs. Thatcher said. "Now, mother, you know I would have loved to have used it for our children, but since they were christened in London, we didn't have access to the gown," Viola said in a snap. Mr. Thatcher stepped up, "Enough of that. Today is about sweet Sarah Katherine, and I won't let a petty squabble get in the way of such a celebration." Viola bowed her head, and Mrs. Thatcher spoke up, "I am sorry, dear, you are right. This isn't the time or place for such a discussion. Elizabeth stood quickly, "Why don't we head to the church. We don't want to be late." I stood from sitting beside her, "Yes, we don't want to be rushed. It is a beautiful day, and we can take our time to enjoy the sunshine." Everyone smiled in agreement and left for the church.
It is still strange seeing Tom all refined. He and Mr. Thatcher seem to be thick as thieves. They were walking side by side talking business. Viola and Sir Lionel walked hand in hand as their children danced around following close behind. Elizabeth and Julie were pushing strollers with the babies; Mrs. Thatcher walked between the two strollers. She could get enough of the babies. I had Jack on my shoulders, and we walked behind the rest. I just wanted to soak it all in. It is special that Elizabeth's family could all be here. And it works out perfectly so that my brother gets to be here as well. It is a beautiful but rare sight. I always want to remember this day. It is a lovely bright day here in Hope Valley. It is warm, and the flowers are all abloom. Today is picture-perfect.
The christening services went off flawlessly. After the service, we announced that there would be a joint reception in the saloon. We wanted to have time with our friends and family to celebrate.
On our way to the reception, we stopped by Abigail's to change Sarah Katherine out of her vintage christening gown. Elizabeth's parents took Jack with them to the saloon. I changed Sarah Katherine so Elizabeth could box up the dress. We made sure to bring it with us so we could store the gown appropriately. Lee and Rosemary came in shortly after us. They also wanted to change Sophie Beth before the reception. Rosemary had made the most beautiful gown. "Well, look at you two. It looks like we had the same idea." Rosemary said with a smile. "Yes, we wanted to get her out of her christening gown before everyone wanted to hold and love on her. It is a family heirloom, and we want to make sure it is kept safe." Elizabeth said as she places the top on the box. Rosemary's face grew solemn as she pulled the gown over Sophie Beth's head, "I don't blame you. We didn't have such a beautiful heirloom for Sophie Beth to wear, but I made her one that worked just as well." Elizabeth gasped, "Rosemary, her gown is exquisite, and now she has an heirloom for her children." Rosemary smiled widened, "You are right. I hadn't even thought of that." We finished changing the girls and headed to the reception.
When the four of us arrived at the saloon, there was such a crowd. We greeted everyone as we walked in. It was beautifully decorated, and Lucas had his chef make a finger food buffet. Seeing all the people that came out to help us celebrate reminds me how blessed we are to live in Hope Valley. It seemed like everyone in town was here, including Elizabeth's family. In that moment of standing there, I realized how blessed I am having received my assignment to Coal Valley. I was not happy about the job. I guess the Lord works things out just how they need to be. He knew I would meet Elizabeth and have two beautiful children. He knew the hardships we would face to get us to this point. God knew it all, and although things have not worked out exactly the way we thought I could not ignore the hand of God in it all. Little Jack saw us come in and came running to us. I picked him up and placed him on my hip. Elizabeth was holding Sarah Katherine, and I pulled them both into my side. I must be the most blessed man there is.
Elizabeth and I were there for quite a while, making sure to greet every guest. Clara brought Sarah Katherine back to Elizabeth. She had been holding her while we visited with our guests. Sarah Katherine was crying and rubbing her eyes. "Elizabeth, I think she may be sleepy. She keeps rubbing her eyes." Clara said as she handed Elizabeth the baby. "She is. I can tell by looking at her eyes." She turned to me, "Jack, I think I will take Sarah Katherine home. It is time for her to be fed and put down." Before I could respond, Mrs. Thatcher spoke up. "I believe I will take her home and get her ready for bed. Your father and I want as much time with our grandchildren as possible." She turned to Mr. Thatcher, "Get Jack and let's take them home to rest. It will give Elizabeth and Jack a few quite minutes. Elizabeth and I didn't bother to object because we knew it wouldn't do us any good. Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher took the kids home while Elizabeth and I stayed to clean up. Lee and Rosemary had left just moments before to do the same with Sophie Beth.
I grabbed a broom to start sweeping, and Lucas came and took it out of my hands. "I have staff that will do that. Why don't you and Elizabeth sit for a while? You probably need a moment to collect yourselves after such a busy day." He said with a smile. Elizabeth and I joined Frank and Abagail in the sitting area. They were laughing like school children. They have missed each other.
As we got closer, they composed themselves. Pastor Frank stood to greet us and offer Elizabeth his seat next to Abigail. Elizabeth nodded and sat next to her friend. Frank and I sat across from them in the wing back chairs. "Pastor Frank, thank you again for doing the service for us. It is wonderful that you have come back to Hope Valley." I said as we sat down. Frank looked at Abigail and smiled. "I am happy to be back. I didn't realize hope much I would miss this town and, more importantly, the people." Abigail smiled back, looking at him. He nodded at her. She moved to the edge of her chair, "Frank and I have something we want to talk to you both about. Well, you see, Frank and I have maintained contact since he was gone. We wrote letters and often spoke on the phone. We have never stopped caring for each other, and we have known for some time that we both saw a future with each other." Elizabeth and I couldn't help but smile. "And last night, I asked Abigail to marry me," Frank said with a broad smile on his face. "I said yes," Abigail said as she pulled a ring from her purse. "I decided not to wear the ring today because I didn't want to overshadow the girl's special day. But since it is just us here, we decided to tell you." Elizabeth grabbed Abigail's hand as she slides her ring on. "Oh, Abigail, this is just wonderful. We would have never been upset to share this day with you and Frank." I stood to hug Abigail and shake Frank's hand. "Yes, we would have been happy for you to have shared the news today if you had wanted to since we had the whole town together." "We knew the both of you, Lee and Rosemary would have been happy for us, but this was a day for the girls. Frank and I have discussed it, and we want just a small, simple service, nothing fancy. We do not want to make a fuss about it. We are excited to start our life together. We know it will take a little time to pull it together, but we are planning to do it in a month at the church." Elizabeth and I were surprised at the quick time frame but can understand wanting to get their life together started.
"A month, that doesn't give us a lot of time, but I am sure we came to make it happen," Elizabeth said. Elizabeth sat there, clearly pondering the news. Abigail interrupted Elizabeth thought, "You know you are my dearest friend, and I would be honored if you will be my Matron of Honor. Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears, and with a gasp, she said, "Yes, of course." Her emotions had come over her, and she couldn't get out another word.