Chapter 32

Elizabeth knew that Nathan hated being the center of attention but she reminded him that the town was wanting to celebrate with them. They wanted to share in their love and commitment to each other. He grumbled but relented. He knew that a reception would be simpler than planning a big wedding and reception to follow. Though if Elizabeth asked for a church wedding at some point, he knew that he would be there in a heartbeat.

Rosemary had decided that they should recreate their wedding by wearing the same outfits they wore that day. Elizabeth didn't mind wearing her wedding dress again. Nathan loved the dress but she wasn't sure he would appreciate all the buttons later. Allie was happy to have an excuse to wear the yellow dress again. The only difference was Nathan would be in his dress uniform instead of his every day one. Rosemary had new bouquets made using similar flowers but had added a few roses for a special touch. Little Jack looked quite dapper in his new outfit because the one he wore to the wedding no longer fit.

Just before six, Rosemary knocked on Elizabeth's front door. Nathan opened the door and said they are almost ready. Allie said something about buttons and hair. Rosemary laughed and went to help Allie and Elizabeth. She knew what Allie meant. She felt sorry for Nathan because he was probably the one that would have to undo the buttons later. Allie was grateful for Rosemary's help and went downstairs to join her dad and brother. Allie said, "give them five minutes tops. Rosemary is just adding the finishing touches to Elizabeth's hair".

Rosemary came downstairs first followed by Elizabeth. His wife looked even more spectacular than the day he married her. She looked radiant. Elizabeth had never seen Nathan in his dress uniform before with his medals pinned to his chest. He looked so handsome. There was something about a man in uniform. They all went outside and got into Lee's car. It was a bit tight but it was a short drive and this way there was no chance of them getting dirty on the walk.

Platters of food lined the tables against one wall. A beautiful tiered wedding cake sat at the end of the tables waiting to be cut. Gustav had outdone himself. The ladies had decorated the saloon with candles and roses of every color. There was a banner that said Congratulations on the back wall along with decorations that the school children must have made without Elizabeth's knowledge. A table overflowing with gifts sat by the door

Before they went inside Rosemary quickly checked with Bill that everything was ready since he was doing the introduction. Rosemary and Lee went in first followed by Allie and little Jack. When Elizabeth and Nathan appeared in the doorway Bill loudly said, "I'm pleased to officially introduce Constable Nathan and Elizabeth Grant! We all know they've been married for a couple months now. Though today they are letting us celebrate with them".

Elizabeth and Nathan entered to cheers and well wishes. Music started to play and the townspeople moved to the side to allow Nathan and Elizabeth room to dance. It was a waltz and Nathan and Elizabeth glided around the dance floor in perfect harmony. It was simply beautiful watching how graceful they were. They danced together every night but this was the first waltz they had shared. Elizabeth was surprised that Nathan could dance so expertly. There were things she still had to learn about her husband.

After the food was eaten, the champagne flowed, and more dances danced, it was time to cut the cake. Elizabeth and Nathan posed for Carson before slicing the cake. It was tradition to feed each other a small bite. Nathan and Elizabeth each had a bite before Elizabeth took a bit of icing and put it on Nathan's nose like the night of the sleepover. That night was the first time Elizabeth remembered laughing that hard after Jack's death. This time she just smiled and didn't laugh. Elizabeth knew by the gleam in Nathan's eye there would be payback before he took a napkin and wiped his nose to remove the icing.

Then Rosemary announced that it was time for Elizabeth to toss her bouquet. Nathan couldn't help remembering Elizabeth catching Clara's bouquet. At the time, he hadn't thought marrying Elizabeth was even an option. She wasn't ready to let go of Jack then until fate stepped in and she stopped living in fear. Elizabeth tossed it into the waiting hands of Florence who had almost caught Clara's.

Laura had taken little Jack and Allie to the Coultiers like they planned. Most of the kids had gone home or had been taken home by their parents. They knew the party would go too late for their children so Laura was going to stay with them until Lee and Rosemary got home. Rosemary had decided Nathan and Elizabeth deserved another night to themselves.

The party continued for a few more hours but the number of people slowly dwindled. Henry offered to put the gifts in his car and drive them to Elizabeth's house with Bill's help. Elizabeth agreed because she didn't want to leave them in the saloon until morning and there would be no room for them in Lee's car.

While Henry and Bill loaded up the gifts and took them to their row house. Nathan and Elizabeth continued to dance. They danced together more times than they could count and shared dances with their friends as well. Nathan noticed that Rosemary always tried to take the lead when they danced together. He wondered if she did the same with Lee. When Bill and Henry came back, they decided that they should call it a night soon. They had one more dance and another toast before they headed out to the car. The remaining well-wishers saw them off before going home themselves.

Unbeknownst to everyone inside, a weary traveler had arrived back in town. He had planned on going into the saloon but there was a sign on the door that said closed for a private function. So instead, he used the stairs outside and unlocked the door to his suite. It had been a few months since he had been there so the room smelled stale. He opened the window to let fresh air in before crawling into bed and falling fast asleep still fully clothed.