Chapter 64

Before you know it the big day is here. Elizabeth and Nathan wake up to a clear blue sky with a nip in the air. The wedding is scheduled for noon to allow for the ceremony and a celebration lunch at the Cafe. Nathan and Elizabeth will the leave for the Lake House so they can arrive before dark.

Allie wakes early and is beyond excited for the day. She shares a quick breakfast with Nathan and then she's off to Elizabeth's to get ready for the day. Before she leaves Nathan and Allie share a hug as they both know this is the last time their family is just them. Both are happy the family is expanding but recognize that life is changing. Elizabeth had her own private moment with Jack last night as well.

Nathan cleans up and goes into town to meet up with Gabe who just got in. After much congratulations and back slapping. Gabe tells Nathan how lucky he is to have found the love of his life and Nathan agrees. They go off to the Cafe to meet Bill who is glad to see them. There is much reminiscing about their shared pursuits and talk of Nathan's future. Nathan is really touched as to how happy all seem for both Elizabeth and he. Only as Bill could say: "It has been a long road for both of you Nathan and Elizabeth and I speak for all of us that you have weathered all the storms put before you and have found each other and are willing to build a life together". With a frog in his throat Nathan accepts the congratulations! Julia and Maura have taken over Bills office and are transforming into a tasteful wedding venue with lovely flowers and Julia has told Bill to lay low for the day.

Back at Elizabeth's there is much commotion as Elizabeth, Julie and Allie are all getting ready. Fiona has come to help with their hair and Rosemary is there to ensure all the dresses fit to perfection. Elizabeth is enjoying all this, but she doesn't really care what she looks like she just wants to marry Nathan. Allie is beyond excited to get a more grown up hairstyle and loves the female bonding. Laura entertains Little Jack and he will be the last to be dressed. There is much love among the group as all realize what a long road Elizabeth had to travel to get to this point. However today is no time for sadness, it is bittersweet, but God has given her a new path and Elizabeth is firmly embracing.

Before you know it, it is time and Lee comes with the car to transport the ladies. Julie and Allie are in their pale blue dresses and Allie looks so grown up. Before they leave she goes to Elizabeth and gives her a big hug and says how excited she is to see the two families merge. She tells Elizabeth "I love Dad with all my heart and you make him so happy. Thank you for that" Elizabeth responds "Allie just know that he makes me as happy and Little Jack and I are honored and thrilled we will be building a life with you and your Dad" Julie comes behind them saying, "Stop stop we will have no crying, not even happy tears until we get everyone down the aisle." That makes everyone laugh and with that they are off with Lee driving to get them all to the Judge's chamber.

At Bill's office, which has been transformed magically, Maura William and Julia await the bridal party. Bill is dressed in his best suit and Nathan looks handsome in his new blue suit. Gabe is in blue as well. Maura looks at Nathan with her heart in her throat. She alone knows how lonely the road has been for Nathan to get to this point and she is so proud of her son at this moment. He has overcome enormous obstacles to find his true love and she couldn't be more pleased for her son and granddaughter. Maura knows Nathan hates these public displays of her thoughts so she sits quietly and then Nathan comes over and draws her away and says "Mom, thank you for everything you have done for me through the years. I love you and then he hugs her" Maura's eyes brim over and she hugs him tight saying "Be happy my boy, you deserve it"

The moment is broken as Rosemary and Lee come in and take their seats. The music is put on and Bill gathers Nathan and Gabe in front of him. Nathan turns and sees Allie with a huge grin walking down the aisle and he looks at her with tear filled eyes as she is his heart and she appears so grown up. She walks right up to him and gives his a hug and stands on his right side as planned. Next Julie proceeds down the aisle smiling widely as it is a happy day for her sister. All turn and see Elizabeth who looks breathtaking in her ivory gown with flowers in her hair. Holding her hand is Little Jack to walk her down the aisle. When Nathan sees Elizabeth he is overwhelmed as she and Little Jack are the remainder of his heart and two tears slide down his normal stoic face. Bill has to clear his throat several times as Elizabeth reaches him before he can start the service. Elizabeth and Nathan join hands as they profess their vows and love for each other. With emotion they each slide a ring on the other's finger as they are joined for eternity. Bill pronounces them married and Nathan kisses the bride and then they each turn to their individual child and linking hands Bill pronounces them the Grant family and Nathan picks up Little Jack and all four hug. At this point there is not a dry eye in the place as the sun streams in and lights up the new family. Love know no boundaries and does persevere. Little Jack breaks the moment by saying "Eat Mama" and Nathan responds "That's right Jack let's go eat."

Before they leave for the Café they are surrounded by their loved ones who just want to share the joy they all have. It is a happy group that convenes at the Café'. Toasts are made and there are many laughs at the luncheon. Nathan and Elizabeth appear to glow with happiness and they keep exchanging heartfelt happy looks.

Soon it is time for the happy couple to depart for their honeymoon. Maura and Julie will be in charge of the children for the next couple of days. Maura has loaned Nathan her car so he can drive to the Lake House and he is eager to leave so they will be there before nightfall.

Before the party breaks up Bill steps up and says "One last toast to Nathan and Elizabeth. Never have I met a couple who deserves more happiness and I am proud to call you my family. Your road ahead will have joys and sorrows, but you will weather them all as you both have been tested. Best wishes for a long and happy marriage." Quietly Allie asks for everyone's attention and holding Little Jack's hand she reads from her notes says "This is from me and Little Jack. Dad and Mom you have both been there for us from the beginning and we love you so much and while Dad has just had me and Mom has just had Jack, now we will all be together and be stronger for that. Thanks for loving us and being our parents. We both love you so much and will miss you while you are gone, but we look forward to all of living together in the near future. We will love you forever." Nathan and Elizabeth rush to the children and embrace them with tears flowing down their faces. "Allie wiping her eyes says "Hey now guys go we want to have good time with Grandma and Aunt Julie". Laughing Nathan picks her up and swoops her around saying "Allie you are the best. We love you." Not to be outdone Jack wants a pick up and swoop as well and Nathan happily complies. With lots of well wishes the happy couple heads out for the start of their new life.

Nathan pulls away from the Café and looks at Elizabeth and says "OK my love we can cry for ten minutes as we will miss the kids, but then we concentrate on each other, agreed." Laughing through her tears Elizabeth agrees and off they go for their honeymoon.

Note: It took me a while to finish this as Season 8 has left me discouraged at times. However I now feel optimistic that Nathan and Elizabeth will be the end game. Anyway this is my happily after for Elizabeth and Nathan. I don't think I have ever loved a couple more! Thanks so much for reading