Chapter Twenty-six
Their Day
Elizabeth awoke early and listened to the silence, until songbirds slowly began their morning music and her heart sang along. Arising from her mattress, she stretched and went to the window, looking out on a morning mist and some puddles in the road. Nothing could dampen her spirits today and she didn't even care if the moisture would make her hair extra curly. She wanted to savor every moment!
As she dressed in a simple skirt and blouse, she gave thanks for this day, for her Nathan, her dear husband-to-be, for her son and daughter, for dear Bill, for Rosemary and Lee and their friends… The list was long, but she finished her prayer, 'Thank you, Lord, for Your many blessings. I am undeserving, but I am so grateful. The road to this day has had its sorrows and joys, its tears and laughter and I know there will always be challenges to face. But Lord, I thank you for the gift of Nathan, my life partner. We will walk the road of our lives together and I am happier than I can express!'
Elizabeth hugged herself, then gathered her pillow, sheets and comforter to bring downstairs. She noted how quiet the house was without Jack and realized, quiet mornings would be a thing of the past after today! Checking her pocket watch, she decided it was okay to go over to Rosemary's, see Jack and share breakfast as Rosemary had promised. She could hear activity inside as she knocked.
"Come in!" Rosemary sang her greeting. "This is a special day!" She danced her way to Elizabeth, enveloping her in a hug as Jack, laughed and clapped.
"Mommy! Do you know what today is?" He looked at his Auntie Rosemary after hugging his mother. "It's your weeding!" Looking very proud of himself for remembering the word, he couldn't understand why everyone laughed.
Elizabeth scooped him into her arms, smothering him with kisses. "Today is my wedding! You are right! Tonight, we will all be dressed up and you will walk with me to meet your Daddy. Remember I told you that you would stand with Uncle Bill? And then, he will give you a little velvet pouch to hand to Pastor Joseph?"
Jack nodded solemnly. "The ring for Daddy, right?"
"That's right my sweet boy. Then we will become a family with Daddy and Allie!" Elizabeth twirled around with joy, causing Jack to break out in laughter. He then put his hands on each side of his mother's face and kissed her on the lips. Startled, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Oh!"
Innocently Jack looked at her, saying, "I love you. Just like Daddy!"
"Oh, well!" Elizabeth glanced at Rosemary and Lee who were grinning with sparkling eyes. "I guess we are being watched!" She admitted, laughing.
"Jack, I love you too!" She kissed his forehead and set him down. "Is it time for breakfast?"
"Almost ready to serve the eggs," Lee stated. "Bacon's under that plate, scones are in the basket on the table and all we need is," he looked around, "Oh, of course milk for my man here and coffee for the rest of us!"
"I'll get Jack's milk," Rosemary offered, "Pour the coffee, Elizabeth?"
"I want coffee!" Jack spoke up.
"Oh, you do? Well, let's see. Why don't I pour a drop in your milk and you can watch it change color. How about that?"
Jack nodded his agreement and watched closely. "Good!" He clapped and was satisfied.
Lee rolled his eyes in relief and the ladies giggled. "Whew! Crisis averted. Quick thinking, Mom!"
Together they enjoyed breakfast, memories and plans for this special day until Robert arrived to take Jack to Nathan's row house where he and Eileen would watch him for the day. Lee offered to walk down the road with them on his way to town and carry the basket of toys they had divided for the coming week of shared caregiving responsibilities.
"I'm leaving the car for you, Rosie, and I will meet you both at the Café at noon before you ladies start all the hairstyling and beauty preparations! Enjoy your day, Elizabeth!" Lee stopped at the door, "And don't worry about the weather, we'll have sunshine by the afternoon!"
Nathan watched the trees blowing in the breeze, so grateful for this day, for his bride, for this home, their home. His joy could hardly be contained so he hummed as he dressed. His plan was to pick up Allie and bring her to help him prepare the house for his bride. He had an idea to decorate the bedroom for the wedding night, plus he wanted to setup the table by the window for their early breakfast tomorrow and, if there was time, to unpack some books to clear the pile of crates stashed in the dining room.
"First coffee and some breakfast fuel!" After setting the kettle to boil, Nathan noticed a cake stand on the counter. He lifted the lid to uncover a delicious looking assortment of breakfast pastries. It looked like there were plenty, so he placed two on a saucer, licking his fingers. He munched one as he leaned against the counter and waited for the coffee. He admired how settled the kitchen looked and was grateful for his mother's help. Nathan finished his coffee and pastry and, with a quick glance back in the bedroom, departed to get Allie.
The row house was full of activity! Robert was entertaining Jack, with various farm animal noises and much laughter. Allie was drying dishes, smiling as she watched them.
Nathan's mother appeared to have made sandwiches and was pouring soup into a container which she placed in a picnic basket, along with a paper sack of cookies. "Good morning, Son! How did you sleep last night?"
Nathan hugged his mom as he answered, "Surprisingly well. I didn't awaken once and I expected to be too excited to sleep! I feel refreshed. How about you, Mom?"
"Fine, Nathan. Really fine!"
He moved over to hug Allie and kiss the top of her head. "Hey, my sweet girl! I love you!"
She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Mom, were those delicious pastries from you?" Nathan saw her nod. "Thanks so much. Are they for tomorrow too, 'cause I ate two!"
She laughed! "I knew you would! I am your mother, remember? That's why I bought a few extras."
Jack came running over and grabbed Nathan's legs. "Morning, Daddy! Mwah!"
"Hey, Son. May I have a hug?"
"Good morning to you as well, Robert. Thanks for watching this little guy today. Oh, and thank you for all the extra hours. You'll be able to afford your horse before too much longer!"
Nathan went over the plans with his mom, promising to stay away from town and from Elizabeth's row house. Nathan knew the time away from each other today would make their evening even sweeter, but had plenty to do to help the hours pass. "Ready to go, Allie girl? Thanks for the lunch. Mom I will bring Allie back mid-afternoon so you all can do your girly things!" He nudged Allie's shoulder. "Okay?"
Allie gave her signature eye-roll, said her goodbyes to everyone and bounced out the door with her Dad.
Nathan blew kisses, saying "Mwah," smiling when the kisses were returned, and they departed.
"So what do you think, Allie? Will that look pretty?"
Allie stood, tilting her head and thinking. "If we put a bunch of the flowers and a ribbon it will be beautiful. It will look like it was meant to be there! She reached into the basket of extra hydrangea she had collected, gathering each of the colors and tying them together before handing them to her Dad.
Nathan was standing on the bed in his stocking feet having just secured a mosquito net to the ceiling above the bed. He draped it behind the headboard and stretched it across, then reached for the flowers. "Like that?"
"Just fix the ribbon so it doesn't hide the bow? Yes, perfect. I like this a lot! Maybe we can do this in my bedroom someday?"
"Sure, Allie-girl! That's a good idea." Nathan hopped off the bed and they stood together admiring their handiwork. "What's next? More flowers on the bedposts?"
"Maybe just a sprig with a ribbon? You know Mrs. Thor… I mean, Mom, likes things simple!"
"You're right! Just a few. Thanks, Allie."
They completed the floral touches and Nathan gathered firewood to set-up the bedroom fireplace so it would be ready to light when they returned home.
"Candles, Dad? Where do these go?"
"Just in case we fall asleep while they are still burning, I thought that pillar candle could be on the side of the bathroom sink, so it's not near any wood or fabric. Can you do that? Maybe the other pillar candle can be on the kitchen stovetop?"
Allie placed the candle and tucked some hydrangea next to it. "Dad. Do you want a flower bunch over the bathroom mirror or in the bedroom? Or both?"
"Well…" Nathan looked around. "Both. And that's it. We still need an arrangement for the table in the dining room and maybe some on the mantel?"
"Sure!" As Allie matured she had realized how much she loved to decorate. Her Dad was giving her lots of opportunities with this big new house. She couldn't wait to plan things with her Mom. "What's next?"
"Would you please set the table by the window? The linens and dishes I used from your hope chest are in the cabinet in the corner of the dining room. After this weekend we can return them to your chest, okay?"
"Of course! I'm just glad we have such pretty things for special occasions. Does Mom have this kind of china and crystal?"
"You know, Allie, I have no idea! I guess we have lots of surprises in store for us, don't we?"
"Oh!" Allie had walked into the dining room and discovered the two corner cabinets were filled with beautiful china and crystal, bowls, plates, etc. "Dad, did you see this?"
Nathan came around the corner and stood still. "Well, well! I have not! Looks like we can have special dinners galore, doesn't it?"
"I almost forgot!" He disappeared into the study, retrieved a grapevine wreath from under a blanket and brought it to Allie. Can we steal some flowers to add a bunch with ribbons to this wreath? I thought we could hang it on the front door. Oh, and the sign!"
Once the decorating was complete, Nathan recruited Allie to help unpack books. Soon, instead of full crates stacked against the wall, there were empty crates and the morning had disappeared. After lunch they consolidated as many crates as they could fit in the car, when suddenly Nathan remembered he wasn't allowed in town. They devised a plan and called Mark from the new telephone Nathan had gotten installed in the kitchen. Mark agreed to meet at Nathan's row house, pick-up the car, empty it at the Mercantile and bring it back to Nathan in an hour.
"Whew! Crisis averted! Shall we empty a few more boxes or do you want to work on your room?"
"Can I Dad? Then my room will be ready when we all move in together when you get back."
"Sure, go for it. I'll find something to do!" He winked at Allie. "Have fun!"
Elizabeth and Rosemary had completed the decorating of the wedding location with Mark's help. They fit in the extra chairs by forming a half-circle in the front instead of straight rows and no one would think it wasn't supposed to be that way.
Rosemary had directed Mark on how to drape the tulle in the front of the room and Elizabeth had draped some in front of both tables, attaching simple ribbons where the fabric gathered. The crystal dishes and cups glistened and they suddenly realized the sun had emerged just as Lee predicted. Everything was beautiful and the ladies were ready for lunch when Lee stopped in to give his stamp of approval!
"Who knew my office could be so beautiful!" Lee exclaimed. "No. Wait a minute. Rosemary where are my maps?"
"Don't you worry, Lee, they are in Mark's office with Jesse's desk. We'll get them all returned over the weekend! All this beauty will have disappeared by Monday morning!" Rosemary winked at Elizabeth.
"Okay then. Are we ready for lunch? Mark, will you join us?
"Sure. Thanks!" Mark was quickly becoming a part of the Grant's extended family and he welcomed it!
After leaving the men in town, Rosemary and Elizabeth had picked up the floral arrangement and boutonnieres and the final set-up of the wedding venue was complete. They picked up Fiona and brought the hairpieces, a corsage for Eileen that Rosemary had thought of just in time, and Allie's bouquet home with them.
Approaching the row houses, they could see Nathan's car, with Nathan bending inside with what appeared to be a cleaning rag. Elizabeth slid down in the seat as they drove by with lots of giggles. Nathan seemed intent on the task at hand and oblivious to his bride's proximity.
"Whew! That was close!" Elizabeth laughed and straightened in her seat. Fiona helped Rosemary as Elizabeth skirted inside Rosemary's with the bouquet. Fiona went to Elizabeth's to collect her basket of toiletries, shoes and dress.
Eileen and Allie had arrived and hung Elizabeth's dress and hair wreath along the stair banister.
"Okay, ladies! Here we are," announced Fiona. "Who wants to be first? How about you, Allie?"
"Really? Me? I thought I was just going to watch! Wow!" Allie was thrilled to be having her hair styled along with the grownups. "Thank you!"
"Of course, Allie! You are part of the wedding party and I look forward to doing something with your beautiful hair. What would you like? Oh, let's see the floral piece and then decide."
"I am wearing my hair half-up and half-down. Could you fix Allie's the same way? Maybe add in some braids with what is pulled back? What about that, Allie?" Elizabeth offered her suggestion.
"Lovely idea!" Fiona answered as Allie nodded.
Once Allie's hair was styled and the flowers secured, Eileen was next, although under protest.
Fiona convinced her to pull her hair back on one side with a simple barrette and everyone agreed that Eileen looked stunning.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth had gone upstairs, freshened up, dressed in her undergarments and wore one of Rosemary's robes. She would dress at the last minute to keep wrinkles at bay.
Elizabeth's turn was next. Fiona pulled the sides back, French-braiding them and secured a high bun above her cascades of curls. The weather had given Elizabeth plenty of curls and she chose to let them fall for Nathan's sake. He loved this style on her, and she wanted to please him in every way today.
Rosemary had steeped a pot of tea, so they gathered around the table, admiring everyone's hairstyles and jewelry.
Elizabeth had chosen her grandmother's diamond earrings and a pennant with a single diamond teardrop, so was surprised when Eileen presented her with a small wrapped package, tied with a beautiful blue ribbon. She looked questioningly at Eileen.
"Open it, Honey. That is from Nathan. He asked me to deliver it before the wedding tonight." Eileen explained with moist eyes. How she loved and was proud of her son. He had become such a wonderful, thoughtful man.
"Oh!" Elizabeth carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. There, nestled on a pillow of black velvet was a golden bracelet of charms. She lifted it out gingerly and began to examine each piece. There was a book and a tiny house with a heart cut out, just like Allie's charms, plus a little boy's and a young girl's silhouette, a tiny horse, a fountain pen and a typewriter, a tiny campaign hat, and a heart-shaped locket. Gingerly Elizabeth opened the locket and found a small piece of folded paper. She raised her eyes to the ladies watching her. Each one had tears in her eyes and were so moved by Nathan's sweet gift. None of them needed to read the note to guess its content, but Elizabeth slowly unfolded the paper to reveal a heart. In the tiniest writing possible, she silently read, 'Yours today and forever. I love you.' Her tears of joy, overflowed and she was grateful for the handkerchief Rosemary offered.
Elizabeth refolded the note and placed it back in the locket. She looked at Eileen, wordlessly held out the bracelet and her hand. Eileen clasped the bracelet around Elizabeth's arm and patted Elizabeth's cheek tenderly.
Everyone paused to absorb these beautiful moments, until, with shining eyes, Allie quietly spoke up, "Mom, we both have them now!"
Elizabeth couldn't speak but put out her arm and motioned for Allie to come close, drawing her to her. She looked up and wiped Allie's tears. Then, finding her voice, she whispered softly, "We do, honey. Gifts from a wonderful man."
Suddenly another wrapped gift was in front of Elizabeth, then a few more. She looked up, surprised. "What are these?"
"Open them and see, Elizabeth!" Rosemary instructed with a grin.
Elizabeth looked around at these sweet friends and reached for another small package. Opening it she exclaimed, "Oh! How beautiful. Who is this from?"
"Honey, that is from me. I embroidered it as your 'something blue.'" Eileen offered.
Elizabeth admired the delicate ivory fabric and tiny cluster of blue flowers set against a Celtic knot pattern of ivory-on-ivory. "Oh Mom, thank you! This is too beautiful to use. Did you know about this, Allie? Isn't it exquisite?"
Allie nodded and grinned. "I remember that vocabulary word! It is exquisite! I've been watching Grandmom as she stitched it! Now open this next?" Allie handed her another small gift.
"Oh my, now what is… Oh Allie! This is beautiful."
"That is your something borrowed. It was my mother's and I wanted you to wear it today. Do you like it? I know you already have a necklace on, but can you wear it?"
Elizabeth held up the delicate gold filigree chain, admiring the cloisonné charm as it dangled. The image was a tiny circle of blue forget-me-nots, in a round setting. "Yes, I will be honored! Can you unclasp this chain for me?" Elizabeth lifted her hair for Allie and took the diamond necklace from her. "Here, can you clasp yours around my neck?"
"Well, what do you think, Allie. Will this look pretty?" Fiona quietly slipped Elizabeth the handheld mirror. "Thank you! I think this is perfect. I love that it was your mother's."
"You sure that's okay? Dad will recognize it you know."
"Oh? That makes it extra special then." Elizabeth looked at Eileen. "Mom are you okay with this?" She reached out her hand and Eileen squeezed it.
"Absolutely. You have my blessing and I believe Colleen's as well, Elizabeth."
"Oh my. Thank you, Mom." Elizabeth sniffled. "My tears are threatening again! Wait, Allie. Why don't you wear my necklace today?"
Allie gasped, looking at the diamond. "Really? I would love that. Thank you." Allie was pleased and feeling very grown up.
"Okay then, turn around and I will put something borrowed on you!" Elizabeth clasped the necklace and handed Allie the mirror to admire it around her neck. "Perfect."
Eileen smiled, knowing she had a special necklace and earring set from her son awaiting her at home. 'So many memorable moments…Thank you, Lord!' She prayed silently.
"You have a couple more gifts here," Rosemary commented.
Fiona had lent Elizabeth two lovely carved mother-of-pearl hair combs which were her mother's gift to her at her engagement. "Let me find a way to tuck these in. There. These will work!"
The final gift was a hinged frame for wedding photographs from Florence and Molly.
"Oh Florence. This is simply lovely and I will enjoy being reminded of you and this day when I look at the photos." Elizabeth paused, "I am so sorry for the last-minute invitation for you dear friends. We wanted a small ceremony, but gradually realized we needed to add more people all the time! I am so glad you'll be there tonight." She looked around the table at everyone, before her eyes returned to Rosemary. "Oh, and I already have a gift from Rosemary packed in my luggage and I am so grateful. She gave me a beautiful nightgown set! With all that has happened so quickly, I never even thought to find one! Poor Nathan, he would have seen leftover, old things without you, Rosemary!"
"Somehow, I don't think he would notice!" Rosemary had everyone laughing at that.
Eileen realized it was time to get home for a quick meal, before dressing. "Allie, we need to get home, eat a bite and get dressed! We don't want to make the groom late! We'll meet you at the wedding, Elizabeth. I love you, Honey." Eileen bent to kiss her cheek.
"Oh, Rosemary, does Mom have her flowers?"
"Flowers for me?" Eileen questioned and then smiled as she lifted the top off a box. "Oh this corsage is beautiful. Thank you, Honey!"
"Now we all match, Grandmom! I am sooo excited!"
"Yes, we will!" Elizabeth gave Allie a hug. "I'll see you soon!" Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth realized it was almost time. She was grateful and her heart was full.
"Robert, why don't you go upstairs and use my empty room to change while Allie and I clean up the kitchen? Mom you can head upstairs as well. I will get Jack dressed and then Robert you'll be in charge of him again while Allie and I get dressed." He looked from his mother to his daughter, grinning. "This is really happening!"
Jack, usually very ticklish when anyone got near his neck, was very willing to have his Daddy tie his necktie. He looked up at Nathan, "Am I handsome now?"
"Oh, Son, you are very handsome indeed! Now, we will put your jacket on right before we go."
Robert came bounding down the stairs, looking quite handsome himself in his graduation suit.
"Looking sharp, Robert!" Nathan told him, giving him a thumbs-up. "Jack is all yours!"
Allie beat him to the bathroom, but wasn't long. She joined her grandmother and the ladies finished dressing. Allie helped Eileen with the clasp of her new necklace, admiring it profusely. She pinned the corsage on her grandmother and Eileen made sure everything was straight and ribbons tied for Allie before they descended the stairs.
"Wow, Allie! You look really nice!" Robert spoke up with admiration.
Allie blushed and shyly responded her thanks.
Nathan was the last to descend to a round of applause for the groom. He laughed and couldn't wipe his grin off his face. Were he to find a word for how he was feeling right now, it would be elated!
"Mom, you look stunning and I am so glad we have provided a special occasion for you to wear your new jewelry! Lovely as ever. He kissed her and then went to Allie.
Allie twirled in her 'new' dress. "Allie-girl, you look beautiful and so grown-up!"
It was then he noticed the necklace with the diamond. "Am I missing something, Allie? Where is this from?"
Proudly she responded, "Mom lent it to me to wear tonight! She is wearing a surprise. You'll see. So she said I could wear hers! Isn't it beautiful?"
"Oh it is, sweet girl. Beautiful!"
He motioned to his mother, and whispered, "You'll keep that safe?" then noticed Jack had his jacket on.
"Well now. Jack, are you ready to go to a wedding?"
"Let's go to the weeding!" said Jack as he headed to the door and reached to open it then turned and laughed. "Wedding! I know the right word!"