Chapter Twenty-seven
The Vows
Nathan drove Eileen, Allie, Robert and Jack to the ceremony. Bill greeted them at the door, saying quietly to Nathan as he shook his hand, "This is going to be a night you will never forget, Son!" He directed them to Minnie to get their boutonnieres. Almost all the chairs were filled and, seeing that Nathan had arrived, Carson began to play some quiet music.
Joseph came and shook Nathan's hand. "Are you ready, my brother?"
"More than ready. Do we have to wait or can we begin now?"
Joseph looked to Minnie who nodded her head after glancing out the door and seeing the bride emerge from Lee's car.
"You'll escort your mother, Nathan?"
Nathan nodded and suddenly his wedding had begun. He tucked his mother's hand into his arm and they followed Joseph to the front. Nathan kissed her cheek, squeezed her hand and helped Eileen to her aisle seat. Bill followed, taking his place beside Nathan. Rosemary and Lee followed behind him and took their aisle seats on the bride's side.
Allie had stepped outside with Jack and waited for Minnie to give them the cue. Elizabeth stood to the side holding Jack's hand and straightening his jacket, then looked at the open door with expectation and a smile to Allie.
Allie began to walk the short aisle, proudly holding her bouquet. She heard a few whispered compliments as she passed and hoped she wouldn't blush. She looked to her Dad, whose eyes shone with father-love, and smiled sweetly. They had waited so long for this happy day!
Once Allie arrived in the front, Nathan turned his face to the door to behold his beautiful bride. Those attending saw his smile widen and his countenance glow with love and joy as his eyes found Elizabeth's.
Elizabeth was radiant! Beautifully crowned with a wreath of roses, berries and greens and a few small clusters of the hydrangeas. She carried a small white Bible and a handkerchief in one hand and held Jack with the other.
Jack was a little shy to see so many people looking at him, but he held tight to his mother and, grinning, focused on his Daddy as soon as he saw him. Uncle Bill reached out for Jack's hand and they stood together. Nathan took a step towards Elizabeth and reached out his hand, leading her a few steps to stand before Joseph. She turned and handed the small Bible to Allie to hold.
Nathan reached for her other hand and they stood face-to-face, knowing unbounded joy.
"Brothers and Sisters," Joseph began, "We are gathered here together to witness and celebrate the joining of this man, Nathan Thomas Grant, to this woman, Elizabeth Anne Thatcher Thornton, in holy matrimony. Let us pray."
"Father God, We give thanks for this day and for these special dear ones standing before us today. Lord Jesus, We know your first miracle was performed at a wedding feast and that is not lost on us today, for it is a miracle that we see this couple taking this step of life together. Holy Spirit, We thank you for prompting their hearts, for leading them to each other and for sealing this family with your grace. We pray Your blessing on our words this evening, for Your glory and honor, Amen."
"Please be seated. Nathan and Elizabeth have chosen a couple Scriptures to be read this evening. Allie, please?"
Nathan and Elizabeth looked lovingly at Allie, who set her bouquet on the table and opened the little Bible to begin.
"Some verses from Psalm 30, 'Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his; praise his holy name… weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.'
'Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.'" (3*)
Nathan and Elizabeth quietly said, "Amen." Together they watched Bill as he handed Jack's hand to Eileen and stepped forward. Joseph handed him the Bible from the front table and Bill spoke,
"From Ecclesiastes chapter 3: 'To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted… A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance… A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak… A time to love…'"
"And from Ecclesiastes chapter 4: 'Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up… And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.'"
The couple nodded and smiled at Bill and turned their attention to their pastor.
"Thank you, Allie. Thank you, Bill." Joseph nodded to them. "You may wonder at the choices of Scriptures this evening, but as most of you know these dear ones, you can understand the losses they have experienced. A sister, a mother, and a husband, a father. These losses have had a profound effect, but as this family-in-the-making stands before you and each other now they can rejoice in what God has done. Today is a day for giving praise and thanks to God; for joy, for dancing, for laughter, for words spoken and promises shared, for love. Together with the Lord, Nathan and Elizabeth are a threefold cord, not easily broken. God has brought them through suffering and trials and they are stronger together, and together with Him."
"Let me quote Nathan in a tribute he wrote to his grandparents in one of his books of poetry, 'It was two hearts in one love, two lives that made one offering. Two minds joined for one decision. Two wills forged one strong bond. Two workers of good built one faith and two voices prayed with one shared hope… it was a marriage.'"
As Elizabeth listened to Nathan's words, she marveled at the man before her. Her eyes moistened and, seeing hers, his did as well. He lifted his thumb to tenderly brush the tears from her eyes. Spontaneously, Elizabeth lifted her hand to his and gently kissed his palm.
There were few dry eyes amongst the guests.
Joseph cleared his throat and continued. "We are very familiar with the verses from the thirteenth chapter of 1st Corinthians. Let me remind us this evening of what love is not! Love is not impatient or unkind. Love is not envious, boastful or proud. Love is not rude or selfish or easily angered. Love does not keep a checklist of wrongs nor rejoice in evil. It is often good to remember the opposites to understand what truth is. Love is not only a feeling. Love is something you do. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. It is a daily choice and as you 'do love,' you feel it. Let me repeat this. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres."
"Nathan and Elizabeth, I commend you before your family and friends, for the manner in which you have given your lives to love and serve this community, for the lessons of forgiveness that you have practiced and displayed, and for your choice to love each other and each other's children as your own. It is a joy to watch as you begin to navigate your life together. Thank you for the privilege."
The couple turned back to once again look deeply into each other's eyes.
"Now, Nathan and Elizabeth, I charge you to love each other, even as Christ has loved the church and given himself for it. Continue to seek God first, to pray together daily, to practice forgiveness and not let the sun set with a disagreement between you, to give thanks and sing, and to raise your children to know and love God."
"At this time, I believe you have words to share with each other. Nathan?"
"My sweet Elizabeth, you have brought me such joy I cannot contain it, such peace I am overwhelmed with the flood, such delight I could sing all day long, such happiness that tears of joy overflow.
'I see autumn's bright sky in your blue eyes
and hear the joy of a winter carol as you call my name.
I touch the rosy blush of spring on your sweet lips
and feel the softness of summer's sands in your silken hair.'
'You are my shining sun and my midnight's moon,
my morning song and in my evening prayer
and though tomorrow you will be in my yesterday,
you are the seasons of my every year to come.'
'Your tears fall like gentle rain to wash me clean.
Your laughter rings with children's happy songs.
Your love is the heart-fire's glow that melts me,
your touch the quiet lullaby that births my dreams.'
'You are my heart's ache when we are parted
and my soul leaps when you run to my embrace.
You are my often treasured memory
and God's gift of an unknown new day.'
'You are my key to doors of hidden wealth
and your harmony inspires my heart-songs.
Your glance and smile set my feet to dancing
and your love paints the prism's colors across my life.'
Nathan paused, squeezing Elizabeth's hand, and sang.
'You are my shining sun and my midnight's moon,
my morning song and in my evening prayer
and though tomorrow you will be in my yesterday,
you are the seasons of my every year to come.'
"Elizabeth, I have loved you for a very long time and there were valleys I walked when I hardly knew how to hold on to hope. But God brought you to me and I will be forever grateful. I promise to hold you in my heart forever. I adore you and I will cherish you always. I offer all of myself to you, my dear Elizabeth."
Nathan raised her hands to his lips.
Joseph struggled to control his emotions but managed to whisper, "Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth reached for the Bible from Allie. She took out a piece of paper, then dabbed her eyes with the handkerchief as she looked up at Nathan. She reached for his hands again, keeping the paper tucked into her palm, just in case she needed it.
"Nathan, thank you for your beautiful words, for your beautiful heart. Thank you for your faithfulness and patience. Thank you for holding on to hope and fighting for love. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for how you love me by what you have done, coming to protect and care for me, for seemingly small acts of service and kindness that show me true love. Thank you for giving me your heart. I am so grateful for God's gift of you."
"Today, I offer you my heart. You have captured it, but I give it to you willingly and knowingly. You have become the joy that I look forward to each morning, and my thanksgiving prayer as I gaze at the stars at night. You have grown into my heart slowly and gently and filled me with sweet hope. I belong to you, Nathan, all of me, and I love you beyond measure. I promise to hold you in my heart, always."
Nathan took Elizabeth's handkerchief and gently dried her tears, then looked at Joseph.
"Please, repeat after me?" Joseph began and Nathan made his vows.
"I, Nathan Thomas Grant, take you Elizabeth, to have and to hold from this day forward,
For richer and for poorer, For better and for worse, In sickness and in health
To love and to cherish from this day forward, until death do us part."
Joseph looked at Elizabeth, "Please repeat after me?"
"I, Elizabeth Anne Thatcher Thornton, take you Nathan, to have and to hold from this day forward,
For richer and for poorer, For better and for worse, In sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish from this day forward, until death do us part."
"Nathan and Elizabeth, with what tokens do you pledge your love?" asked Joseph.
Bill handed the velvet pouch to Jack and pointed him to give it to Joseph. Jack stood there for a moment afterwards, looking from his smiling mother to his smiling Dad. "Will you go to Uncle Bill for a few more minutes, sweet boy?" Elizabeth gently turned him towards Bill and he returned. Bill lifted him in his arms.
Joseph took Nathan's ring from the pouch as Nathan slid the ring off of Elizabeth's right hand and held it for Joseph to see.
"Nathan and Elizabeth, these rings are a symbol of your love and a pledge and commitment to each other for all your days. These rings are formed in a circle as a symbol of your vows encircling your life together, joining you as one, set apart to each other alone, a bond never to be broken. They are formed of gold which will not tarnish and of costly, precious stones of lasting beauty."
"Nathan, please repeat after me?"
"Elizabeth, this ring is a symbol of my covenant. With this ring I thee wed and all my worldly goods I thee endow. With my body, I thee worship. With my heart, I thee cherish. With all that I am I give my promise to be faithful always and only unto thee."
"Nathan, do you take this woman, Elizabeth, as your lawfully wedded wife in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?"
"I do." Nathan stated softly, but clearly.
"Elizabeth, please repeat after me?" Joseph continued.
"Nathan, this ring is a symbol of my covenant. With this ring I thee wed and all my worldly goods I thee endow. With my body, I thee worship. With my heart, I thee cherish. With all that I am I give my promise to be faithful always and only unto thee."
"Elizabeth, do you take this man, Nathan, as your lawfully wedded husband in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?
"I do." Elizabeth spoke quietly.
"Let us pray." Joseph placed his hand over theirs. "Lord God, we give You thanks. We pray Your continued blessing on Nathan and Elizabeth as they walk their road together. May they always give You first place and remember that You hold all things together. Lord, go before them. Go with them and go behind them as their rear guard. Bless their children, Allie and Jack, and may this new family know Your great love."
Let us join together in praying the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever and ever. Amen." (6*)
Joseph invited those present to join them in a closing hymn of prayer accompanied by Dr. Carson Shepherd on the guitar.
'Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices.
Who wondrous things has done, in whom the world rejoices.
Who from our mother's arms has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love and still is ours today.
Oh may this bounteous God, through all our live be near us
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us,
to keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills in this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given
The Son and Spirit blest who reign in highest heaven,
The One Eternal God, whom heaven and earth adore;
For thus it was, is now and shall be evermore. Amen.' (7*)
Joseph spoke, "Amen," again.
"Nathan and Elizabeth, you have come before us and before God and have expressed your desire to become husband and wife. You have shown your love by joining hands and made promises of faith and devotion each to the other. You have sealed your vows by the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore as a minister of the Gospel and by the power invested in me by the Province of Alberta, Canada, I now pronounce you man and wife. 'What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.'" (8*)
With a wide smile, Joseph joyfully pronounced, "It is my privilege to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Grant!"
Quietly he added, "Nathan, you may now kiss your bride."
Nathan placed his hands on Elizabeth's neck and titled her face up as he looked lovingly into her eyes. "I love you, Elizabeth Grant!" He leaned down and kissed her gently. Elizabeth responded, "I love you, Nathan Grant!" and they kissed again, then turned as their family and friends clapped their approval.
Joseph spoke again, "Nathan and Elizabeth, there is one more special event to celebrate this evening! Bill?"
Nathan looked from Joseph to Elizabeth to Bill, wondering what was happening.
Elizabeth gripped his hands tightly.
Bill cleared his throat and began, "Nathan and Elizabeth, it is your desire to adopt Allie and Jack as your own children, is it not?"
Nathan and Elizabeth nodded and together stated, "It is." They both held their breath.
Bill continued, "It is my honor to inform you that your adoptions have been approved. I submitted all the requests and the letter of intent, along with your wedding date, and the Board decided that there should be no more delays. They gave full approval, effective today." The gasps of Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie and the guests were audible.
Bill continued, "Allie, Jack, would you please come and stand here in front of your parents?"
Nathan reached down and lifted Jack into his arm, while keeping his other arm around Elizabeth. Allie stood in front of them with Elizabeth's arms clasped around her shoulders, as Allie gripped her Mom's hands. All eyes were focused on Bill. "Nathan, Elizabeth, do you formally promise to love and care for, provide for and raise Allison Mayes Parks as your own daughter?"
Nathan and Elizabeth looked at each other with overflowing tears, stating in unison, "We do."
Bill continued. "And Allie, do you take them both as your own, your legal parents? Your Mom and Dad?"
She spoke clearly, though she was crying, "Oh yes, I do!"
"You are now officially known as Allison Mayes Grant! Congratulations, Allie!"
Allie looked up at her Mom with shining eyes.
"Now, Nathan." Bill cleared his throat. "Do you formally promise to love and care for, provide for and raise Jack Thornton, Junior, as your own son?"
Nathan could hardly speak. It took a moment, but he managed to whisper, "Yes, I do."
Bill stepped closer to Jack and asked, "Jack, do you want this man to be your father? Your Daddy?"
"Yes, he is my Daddy!" Jack looked at Nathan and wrapped his little arms around Nathan's neck, burying his face in Nathan's chest.
Bill placed his hand on Jack's back, "Jack, you are officially adopted and will be known as Jack Thornton Grant from this day forward. Congratulations, my boy! Congratulations to all of you."
Bill turned to the guests, "May I present the Grant family!"
Allie turned towards her parents and little brother and they hugged together for a long time as the guests stood, clapping and cheering loudly! Nathan handed Jack to Elizabeth so he could hug his daughter.
Carson had put his guitar aside and was taking photographs of this momentous occasion, knowing they would want to document this day forever.
Minnie handed napkins to each of the Grants as their joy overflowed in copious tears.
"I wish we were in the church so we could ring the bell!" commented Joseph as he wiped his eyes and put his arm around Minnie. "What a night!"
Eileen came to them and enveloped them all in her hug. Echoing Joseph she stated, "What a night is right!"
The guests shared hugs amongst each other and moved chairs to the sides of the room, placing a few outside as well. The door was open to allow cool, fresh air to circulate and the guests began to gravitate to the punch.
Eileen gathered her grandchildren to herself which allowed Nathan to embrace Elizabeth for a long time. He looked into her eyes and whispered, "I have a beautiful wife and am now father to a daughter and a son! Pinch me. Is this real?"
Elizabeth laughed, "Pinch me, Nathan! I have a wonderful husband and a precious daughter, all in one night!"
Allie and Jack hugged as Allie said, "Jack I am your sister and you are my little brother!"
"My sister, Awlie!" Jack paused to think a moment, then asked, "What is a brother?"
Eileen did her best to explain, but figured they had weeks to help Jack understand this new concept. It was enough that they were all a true family now! The Grants!
Carson spoke up, "I hate to interrupt you two, but can I get a few posed shots of the bride and groom? Then we'll add the children and then add Eileen and Bill, okay?"
After numerous photographs, Joseph had Mr. and Mrs. Grant sign their wedding certificate, and Eileen and Bill sign as witnesses. Then Bill took the pen and arranged the papers for Elizabeth to sign, adopting Allie and Nathan to sign adopting Allie and Jack. Once everything was official, the Grants made their way to the cake table and cut the wedding cake. The bride and groom first fed bites to each other, then to each of their children for it was their day of celebration as well.
Everyone hugged and chatted with Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie and Jack. Many commented to Nathan about his poetry, asking if the books were in the library or could be purchased. Ned overheard and began a list to place an order on Monday. Guests also complimented Pastor Joseph on the beautiful ceremony and sermon, saying it was the most beautiful they had ever heard.
The ladies complimented Allie on her flowers and her dress and then admired Eileen's handiwork when they learned she had redesigned it. They loved Elizabeth's dress and couldn't recall if they had ever seen it before. The ladies admired Elizabeth's ring and every one of them loved her wreath of flowers and ribbons. Florence got the credit for those and Fiona for the hairstyles. Everyone was joyful and liberal with their praise! Between Robert and Laura, Jack had all the attention he needed, plus he called for his "Awlie," to join them.
Later, as wedding guests discussed the ceremony they remarked on how everything flowed, how perfect, how choreographed it all seemed. No one claimed to have witnessed an event like this before and promised it would go down in Hope Valley history.
When it was time to say their farewells, Elizabeth hugged Jack, telling him she loved him and instructing him "to be good for Auntie Rosemary, Uncle Lee, Grandmom Eileen and his sister, Allie." She added, "Be a good boy for Robert when he is in charge as well, okay? Give me one more hug?"
Elizabeth hugged Allie and thanked her for all her help to make this day possible and then told her, "Allie-girl, I am so happy to be your Mom. Officially! I love you. Please ask your grandmother or Aunt Rosemary if you need anything, okay? Maybe Uncle Lee could help you with your math homework if you get stuck. I know you will all have a wonderful week together. Oh, and thank you, Allie, for always loving Jack. He talks about you all the time! I know he loves you. Now, remember, when your Dad and I return, we will all be together in our new house! That is something to look forward to!"
Elizabeth gave final hugs to Eileen and Rosemary while Nathan said goodbye to the children. He also promised they would be together in their new house when he and Mommy returned. "I love you, Allie-girl. I love you, Jack, my big boy! Be good, okay?"
Nathan went to shake Bill's hand and ended up drawing him into a hug. "Bill, we have some talking to do when I get back. I want all the details! But for now, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a true friend, a brother, a mentor, a Dad. I love you, man!"
"I know you do! And I love you, Son! Have a wonderful trip and don't worry about the children. I will check in on them throughout the week. You just concentrate on that beautiful bride of yours!"
"Oh, I will!" Nathan grinned and noticed Joseph was waiting to speak to him.
"Joseph, thank you for everything. The ceremony was perfect, and I would like a copy of your message if you can give me one? I was listening, but I know I should go over it again!"
"Thank you! It was an honor to participate in the making of the Grant family. Take care and have a safe trip, Nathan. Actually, can I pray for you all before you go?"
"Elizabeth, children, can you come here a moment? Pastor Joseph is going to pray for us as we end this celebration."
Joseph motioned for Minnie to join him and they held hands in a circle. As Joseph prayed, Bill and Eileen joined, and the circle expanded to include Rosemary, Lee and the others that still remained.
"Thank you, Lord for this marvelous day and for this wonderful family. I commit each of them into Your loving care. 'May the Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace.'" (9*)
And everyone said, "Amen."
(3*) Selected verses from Psalm 30, King James Version, Public Domain
(4*) Selected verses from Ecclesiastes Chapter 4, King James Version, Public Domain
(5*) Selected verses from Ecclesiastes Chapter 5, King James Version, Public Domain
(6*) The Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:9-13, King James Version, Public Domain
(7*) Now Thank We All Our God, Nun Danket, Author - Martin Rinkart, Translator - Catherine Winkworth, 1636 Public domain.
(8*) Mark 10:9, King James Version, Public Domain
(9*) Numbers 6:24-26, King James Version, Public Domain