Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Thanks to my dear Heartie BFF LisaNY for your editing skills!
Chapter 21- I Do, I Do, I Certainly Do
"What do we do now?" Elizabeth asked as she watched the masses of people rushing past her. She looked back at Jack and catching his smirk she asked, "Is that the only thing on your mind?"
"How long have we known each other?" He asked.
"Almost a year now," she replied, uncertain where his question was leading.
"Well, to be honest, I'm a simple guy… I can say it's been on my mind for almost a year now," he smiled slyly as he reached out and took her hand.
"Jack Thornton…" she started to speak but momentarily stopped, looked into his eyes and smiled, "I guess I should be worried if you never thought about it."
Elizabeth pulled out her phone, "I need to call my family. My mom knows my plans changed, but she has no idea by how much."
"I need to call the Sarge, because I'm supposed to be at work in 3 ½ hours," he stated as he glanced down at his watch.
Elizabeth chuckled, "I guess we didn't really think this through. We won't get back in time for your shift, but it looks like there is a flight home in 45 minutes."
"Absolutely not. I've got you here in Vegas, and we aren't leaving until you're my wife. Oh, and we need to enjoy the wonders of a fancy hotel. After all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?" He laughed softly as he leaned over brushing his lips across her cheek.
"So I've heard," she stated as she leaned into his shoulder and they headed for the car rental area.
As they waited in line for a car, Elizabeth asked, "Are you sure you're okay with this? I mean I don't want you to feel rushed."
Jack gently rubbed her arms from her elbow down to her wrist, "Elizabeth Thatcher, I love you. I would marry you on the back of an elephant in the middle of Africa; I'd marry you in a hot air balloon soaring over the beautiful Tuscany wine vineyards; I'd marry you on the beach in Fiji as the sunset on the water, and I most certainly will marry you in Vegas. "But that being said, are you okay with a Vegas wedding?"
"Jack, I love you, I truly do. I don't care if we're married by a minister, a Justice of the Peace or an Elvis impersonator, as long as it's legal," she smiled. "But we do need to make some phone calls."
Elizabeth stepped against the wall and made a call to her parents. She wasn't looking forward to it, but hoped her family would understand.
Jack moved toward the counter as the line shortened. His eyes remained on Elizabeth as he attempted to gauge her family's reaction by her expression. He observed her wipe her eyes and prepared to leave the line when she signaled to him that she was fine.
A few moments later she returned to his side.
"Are you okay?" He asked, wrapping his arm around her and drawing her so close that a whisper wouldn't have had the space to fit through. He glanced into her eyes, "What's wrong."
Elizabeth smiled as he placed her bag on the ground and took his hand to wipe away the few tears that remained behind.
"I'm fine. My mom was crying because she wanted to be here, but she was also relieved…"
"Relieved? How so? It can't be because they are happy at not having to pay for a wedding," he seemed confused.
"No, nothing like that. Last night when you were getting your ticket, I called to let my folks know I wasn't coming. My parents really like you Jack, more than me, I think," she laughed. "Anyway, I told my mom that I wouldn't be coming and there wasn't any need to plan a wedding. Then they called for our flight and I had to hang up. She thought we had broken up."
"You didn't say where we were going?" He asked.
"I didn't have time. We were running for the gate if you remember," Elizabeth reminded him.
"Are they upset with you?"
"Not in the least. My mom said 'Welcome to the family,' and my dad said…uh, I won't tell you what my dad said," she smirked.
Jack looked concerned as they continued to move up in the car rental line.
"No need to look like that. He just wanted you to know that I'm special, and he didn't mind having you taken care of if you weren't good to me," she laughed as she poked him in the stomach with her "hand" gun.
Elizabeth quickly responded upon seeing the shock in his face, "He was only kidding, Jack. When I went to the senior prom, I went with this boy named Matt. When Matt came to pick me up my dad opened the door while he was cleaning his gun. He told Matt to mind his manners because he didn't mind going back to prison…"
"Your dad was in prison?"
"No, but Matt didn't know that," she replied.
Jack's eyes grew large as he inhaled quickly, "You know, that's kinda funny. I might have to use that on young men who want to date our daughters."
"I told Matt that he was kidding. He didn't believe me. The poor guy barely held my hand, and he refused to slow dance with me. He was certain that my father had someone there watching him," she laughed at the memory.
"What's Matt doing now?" Jack asked.
"Last I heard he went to the seminary, is a preacher somewhere in the Midwest, and has quite a few kids. Which is funny, because he was a bad boy in school," Elizabeth admitted. "The bad ones interested me back then."
He leaned down; his finger gently traced the line along her jaw toward her neck. He closed the distance, "Do you still like bad boys?" He asked as his soft lips made tender contact with her neck. His breath was warm on her skin, and before she realized it, soft subtle moans were escaping her lips.
The women behind them were quick to comment amongst themselves, "Looks like they need to get a room."
"Oh, we plan to," Jack remarked as he took Elizabeth's hand and headed for the counter.
"Jack…"
"What? What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? It's none of their business what we do," Jack pulled out his wallet and handed the clerk a credit card.
The paperwork was signed, and they were directed toward the parking garage for their vehicle.
As they headed toward the garage, many posters graced the walls announcing the various wedding chapels, "Do you have a preference?" He asked.
"Really I don't Jack. I just want to say "I do," she stated as they stepped into the elevator and made their way to the upper level parking garage.
Jack handed the contract to an associate…
"Welcome to Vegas. Is this your first trip here?" He asked as his eyes never left Elizabeth.
Jack coughed, "I'm over here. No, my fiancé and I have never been here before. We're actually on our way to get married."
"What a shame. Have you ever thought of a job as a showgirl? I could hook you up…"
Jack coughed louder, "Excuse me. Do you not see me standing here? She isn't going to be a showgirl. She's going to be my wife. That is as soon as we get out of here."
"Oh sorry; here are your keys. I upgraded you to the Mustang convertible at the end of lane 4," he stated. "But, before you go, you are beautiful and if you decide you want to stick around, let me know. You would look amazing in a showgirl outfit."
Jack stood in front of Elizabeth, "Excuse me; I don't appreciate you talking to her like that. How would you feel if she were your fiancé and someone was making remarks like that to her… Wait, that's not what I meant. How would you feel if your fiancé was with you and someone was talking to her like this?"
"Well, I do have a fiancé, but if I didn't, yours would certainly be on my radar. And as for being a showgirl, we came here for a visit 3 years ago and never left. My fiancé works over at the MGM Grand…" the attendant stated proudly.
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they started toward Lane 4.
"Jack, what do you think?" She asked.
"Think about what?" He replied.
"Me being a showgirl?"
He stopped and turned to face her, assuming that she was serious until she burst out laughing.
"Lighten up, Jack. We need to get a hotel, and find a chapel," she stated as she pulled him gently toward the car.
He opened her door, placed her bag in the back and they were on their way.
While sitting at a stoplight, Jack saw one billboard out of many that caught his eye. "Elizabeth, I have an idea… Let's get a hotel room…"
"Jack we've waited this long…" She jumped in.
"No, that's not what I mean, although it is a great thought. It's still very early. You go shopping for something to wear, and I'll take care of everything else," he reached over and took her hand squeezing it lightly.
Elizabeth smiled, and her excitement was easily visible in the twinkle in her eyes. They continued down the strip and just to the outskirts of town.
"Where are we going?" She asked.
"I've heard that the Westin Hotel is very nice, so I'm heading there. Is that okay?" He asked.
"Jack, I don't care where we stay. I'm just looking forward to being your wife by the end of the day," she said softly as she leaned her head onto his shoulder.
They pulled into the hotel and he ran inside to hopefully obtain a room. "I need to speak with someone in charge," he advised.
"Certainly sir. Is something wrong?" The desk clerk asked.
"No, I would like a room, but I need to make some arrangements for a wedding this evening," Jack was excited, like a kid at Christmas.
The clerk made a call and advised Jack to take a seat. Within minutes he was approached, "Good morning, may I help you?"
"Yes, my name is Jack Thornton, and my fiancé and I are in town to get married."
"Well congratulations, Mr. Thornton. My name is Alicia Barnes, and you have certainly come to the right place. What can I help you with?" She asked.
Jack and Alicia spoke for a few moments before she motioned the desk clerk, "Assign Mr. Thornton the Honeymoon Suite, and call in the wedding crew. We have a lot of work to get done today."
Before stepping back outside, Jack made several phone calls. The first was to Sarge, who took his news surprising well.
"I need you back by Tuesday. Can you manage that?" Sergeant Sanderson asked.
"Thank you for understanding, and yes, I'll be in on Tuesday," Jack responded.
"Jack, I was young once, and although I had a regular wedding, I can only imagine how excited Elizabeth must be right now. Enjoy your time, and I'll see you Tuesday," he remarked.
"Thanks Sarge," Jack ended one call to start another. Following the second call, he rushed out to the car to find Elizabeth curled up in her seat asleep.
"Hey, are you okay?" He asked.
"I'm sorry, I just dozed off, but I'm ready to shop now," she situated herself in her seat and Jack drove the car around and parked it.
"We have a room. Would you like to go inside and freshen up a bit? Then we can get some breakfast and I'll take you shopping," he offered.
He grabbed her bag and took her hand as they headed for the elevator. He put his key in allowing them to venture directly to the top floor. The door opened and their mouths dropped. They stepped off the elevator into the Honeymoon Suite, complete with a comfortable king sized bed, stocked bar, and a heart shaped spa which overlooked the Las Vegas skyline.
They stepped into the room and Jack dropped her bag. The reality of everything about to happen hit him hard. He turned her to face him, "Elizabeth," he whispered, "There has never been anything or anyone I have ever wanted in my life as much as I want you." His hand reached up and cradled the back of her head as he drew her close. Their lips touched, gently at first.
Passion for her consumed all of his thoughts. Their mouths were hungry, wanting to taste and touch, and not wanting to wait, but knowing that they should. His hand traced up her arm and over her shoulder, sending chills and warmth at the same time through her body. His lips made their way down her neck as he unzipped her jacket and gently removed it from her shoulders.
"I love you so much, Jack," she barely released the words, as her respiration increased. Her hands swept through his hair, tangling in the strands at the nape of his neck.
Jack suddenly stepped away, "As much as I don't want to, we need to wait. You've given up enough just to come here for a quickie marriage. I want you to keep everything else as planned. I love you, and never doubt how much I want you."
"You're right. I hate you for it, but you are right," Elizabeth smiled, kissed him one last time and then disappeared into the huge bathroom. She freshened up, changed her clothes and then stepped back out into the room to find Jack standing by the window overlooking the skyline.
"Is everything okay," she asked as she approached and wrapped her arms around his waist drawing her body close against his back.
He turned around, "Just being a bit nostalgic. I wish my dad could be here...oh and my mom. I'm just missing my dad today. He would love you, and I think he would have been proud of me."
"What's not to be proud of? You are a wonderful man, and I didn't get to meet your dad, well your mom either for that matter, but I'm sure he would be proud of the man you've become," she cradled his face in her hands. "I love you Jack Thornton."
Jack took a deep cleansing breath, "I love you Elizabeth Thatcher…soon to be Thornton."
"I love the sound of that," She took his hand and started for the door.
"Where are you taking me?" He asked.
"I don't need a new dress. Let's go find a chapel and get married, right now!" She exclaimed before he stopped her in her tracks.
"No! I want you to have a new dress, and I need something to wear too. Let's go, we've got a lot of shopping to do," he pulled her into the elevator. "Do you want to eat first?"
"I'm too excited to eat…"
Elizabeth received a few suggestions for dress shops for herself, and men's clothing stores for Jack. He dropped her off at Alfred Angelo, known for its numerous styles and designers with dresses that can also be purchased off the rack.
She stepped out of the car, "Are you sure you don't want to just get married?"
"Positive. Go have fun and I'll pick you up in a few hours," he stated as she closed the door and headed into the boutique.
"May I help you?" Lilly, the sales associate approached.
"Well, I'm not sure. My fiancé and I just flew into town, and we're getting married today. You don't by any chance have any wedding dresses that I can just buy off the rack, do you?" Elizabeth asked, assuming that the answer would be a resounding "No way."
"We certainly do, and with someone your size, you'll have a great selection. Step over here and take a seat. I'll pull what I have and you can tell me which ones you want to try," Lilly stated as she led Elizabeth over to the waiting area outside the dressing rooms.
Ten minutes later, Lilly returned with an armful of dresses, in varying styles and lengths. Elizabeth pulled 4 dresses, all floor length, and stepped into the dressing area. She loved the first two dresses and felt that the decision would be between one of them until she tried on dress number three. Standing on the platform in front of the mirror, her eyes watered, partly because it was perfect, but also because she was alone. The gown featured tulle over lace with a sweetheart neckline. It was accented with Chantilly lace and glittering beading throughout. The gown was finished with a back zipper that was covered with crystal buttons and a semi cathedral train. The best part…it was a perfect fit!
"Are you okay, Elizabeth?" Lilly asked.
She loved Jack with every fiber of her being and did not regret her decision to come to Las Vegas. However, it didn't negate the fact that she missed having her mother with her on this very important day.
"Just wish my mom was here." Elizabeth wiped her eyes, "This is the one. I don't need to see anything else."
"We have shoes against the back wall, and also…well, there are some wedding night things if you'd like to take a look," Lilly advised.
Elizabeth went to the back of the store and found the perfect shoes and under garments for her dress. She continued looking, thankful that this was a high end store, and their lingerie selection was very tasteful.
Her heart was pounding and she could only assume Jack's expression when she appeared in one of these negligees. She picked out 2, one in mint and the other in lavender. They were slightly different styles, one was above the knee and the other was floor length. Each one contained lace and spaghetti straps and was form fitting, leaving very little to the imagination. She had everything boxed up and Lilly promised to have it delivered to the Westin Hotel within the hour.
"I'm done, where are you?" She asked Jack as she stepped out onto the sidewalk.
"Is it bad luck to see the groom in his dress?" He asked.
"Well, if you're wearing a dress, we have more problems than just me seeing you before the wedding," she laughed.
"You know what I mean," he replied with his own smirk.
"I don't think it's the same for men. Are you nearby? Can I walk there?" She asked.
Advised by Jack that he was only a block away at Tuxedo Junction, she headed in that direction.
Jack watched her step inside the store, "You haven't found anything yet?" He was shocked.
"No, I found everything. Including something for you," she smiled, feeling her cheeks blush.
Having forgone breakfast to shop, they were both starving. The stopped off at Planet Hollywood for lunch. Although Elizabeth was hungry, her nerves kept her from eating much.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Just a little nervous," she replied.
He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, "Do you love me?"
She looked confused, "Of course I love you."
"Do you trust me?" He asked.
Her confusion increased, "There is no man, including my father that I trust more than you."
He brought her hand up to his lips, "I love you and there's no need to be nervous."
They finished their meal and headed back to the hotel.
"Mr. Thornton," Alicia called out. "I need to…"
"Just a moment. Elizabeth, here's the key to the room. Go upstairs, and take a bath or relax, whatever. I may come up and take a nap, but I'll take the couch," he suggested as he walked her to the elevator. He watched the doors close before returning to Alicia.
"Everything is set for this evening. However, we've had difficulty finding a minister or Justice of the Peace that doesn't already have weddings scheduled this evening. I did find one; I'm not sure he's what you want, but he isn't available until 9pm," she advised him.
"It will be fine, as long as it's legal," Jack remembered Elizabeth's one requirement.
Jack walked to the elevator to head upstairs.
"Oh, Mr. Thornton…"
"Please, just call me Jack."
"Okay Jack, there is a room on the second floor that we use for brides. That way they can descend the stairway," she advised.
"Thank you. I'll let Elizabeth know," he stated as he stepped into the elevator and Alicia used her key, sending him up to the Honeymoon Suite.
Jack walked into the room and heard Elizabeth in the bathroom singing. He loved her voice, but she was usually embarrassed for anyone else to hear her. He stretched out on the couch and made a few phone calls. He leaned back and closed his eyes, "Everything is all set."
Elizabeth wasn't thinking when she stepped from the bathroom wrapped only in a towel. She was halfway into the room before she saw Jack asleep on the couch, his cell phone held tightly to his chest. She grabbed her bag and headed for the bedroom.
"Please don't go. I love you Elizabeth," she heard the words and turned to find Jack talking in his sleep. As she got closer she observed tears slipping from the side of his eye.
Elizabeth squatted beside him, "Jack," she whispered. She wiped the tears that had slipped down his cheek.
The touch of her finger on his skin brought him out of his slumber, "WHOA," he wiped his face, uncertain why he had tears in his eyes. "If that is what you're wearing after the wedding, I'm in favor…"
"Don't be silly Jack. It's just a towel, and it isn't for my wedding night," she kissed his forehead. "Are you okay? You were talking in your sleep."
"How can I be anything but perfect as long as you're with me?" He commented.
"You said something about loving me, and asking me not to leave." She brushed his hair across his forehead, "I'm not going anywhere, and I love you too."
Jack reached his arm up and captured the back of her head with his hand. He pulled her toward him slightly as she clutched her towel to keep it from falling. Every muscle in his body ached for her; every thought in his head was done with her in mind, and his every desire was more about pleasing her than gratifying himself. He was truly in love with her, and couldn't wait to show her how much.
Their lips touched gently. Jack pulled her closer as they both felt the passion building.
She pushed away, "Go back to sleep Jack. We will have plenty of time for that tonight. I was thinking we could hit one of those wedding chapels around 7. Is that okay?" She asked.
"Actually, I was thinking more like 9. And I was told that there is a room on the 2nd floor. They have attendants to help you get ready, and then we can head over to the chapel. Is that okay?" He responded with his own question.
"As long as I am your legal wife by the end of the night I don't care when or where we get married," she assured him. "I'm going to take a nap. After all I have something very important to rest up for tonight."
"Yes, we're getting married…" he remarked.
"Yes, that too," she winked before turning and heading into the bedroom.
She walked into the bedroom, closed her eyes and leaned against the back of the door. If only she'd known that his eyes were burning through the wood, as his body ached to hold her.
She sat on the bed and pulled her journal from her bag. She flipped it to the next blank page and began to convey her thoughts onto the paper…
"Growing up in a loving family has many advantages, but one of the most awe-inspiring blessings is having the opportunity to witness the loving, respectful marriage of your parents. Being raised by two kind, generous, and loving people leads me to strive to emulate what they have, and what they desire to give back. Marriage is the combining of two lives, two hearts and two souls as they become united as one. They will then hopefully stand strong together throughout whatever challenges are forced upon them. Changes take over our lives; some are good, some are bad, but all require adjustments. Many deal with us as individuals, but still others take into consideration those who are or who have become very close to us. As I prepare to make one of the biggest changes in my life, I am so thankful for this man that God has placed before me. I feel alive with the simple touch of his hand; he comforts me with his strong arms, and his love envelopes me always. I can only hope to strive to be as much of a blessing to him as he is to me. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I do so with complete joy. Yes, there is also some fear of the unknown, but I truly trust him with my life…and my heart."
Several hours later Jack knocked on the bedroom door, "Elizabeth, are you awake?"
"You can come in," she responded.
"It's time to get ready and go. Would you like me to take your dress down to the room on the 2nd floor?" He asked.
"Absolutely not. You can't see it, or touch it, or touch the bag it's in," she sternly stated. "I can get it down there.
Elizabeth carried her dress, shoes and under garments down to the room on the 2nd floor. "Hi, I'm Elizabeth, and I was told to come…"
"Absolutely. We've been waiting for you," Katie, the older of the two attendants replied. "I'm Katie, and this is my assistant, Madison.
"Hi, I'm very pleased to meet you," Elizabeth replied as she laid her dress bag down on the bed.
Forty-five minutes later, Elizabeth was wearing her wedding gown, and her makeup was impeccable. Katie put a curling iron through Elizabeth's hair before pulling it up on the sides, allowing the rest to cascade across her shoulders and down her back.
"Ma'am, you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen," Madison stated as she pulled a red and white rose bouquet from the refrigerator.
Elizabeth wiped tears from her eyes, "Oh my, I completely forgot about a bouquet."
"Good thing your fiancé remembered," Katie remarked. "I guess it's time to get going."
Elizabeth stepped out of the room and headed for the stairs. She and Jack hadn't made plans for when and where they would meet to head over to the chapel, so she stood nervously looking for any sign of him. She walked toward the staircase and through the adjoining room she could see the lights on the property illuminating the surrounding area. "Where's Jack?" She whispered.
"Will I do?"
"Daddy…how, when, oh I don't care, you're here…Yes, you will most certainly do," the excitement in her voice was easily recognized as she waited for him to climb the stairs.
"Don't you cry; this is a very happy day. Are you ready to go meet that man of yours?" He asked.
"Yes, but where is he?" She asked.
"You'll see him soon enough," she wrapped her arm through his and they started down the stairs.
Elizabeth could hear typical wedding music coming from the veranda as they reached the bottom of the stairs and walked through the adjoining room. They stepped out onto the veranda which was beautifully lit. They walked down the steps to the walkway leading to the gazebo by the lake. As they walked over the slight hill, Elizabeth was taken by the floating candles on the lake and the gazebo which was tastefully lit with strands of white lights.
As they got closer, Mr. Thatcher stopped.
"Why are we stopping?" She asked.
"Because I go first," Rosie stated as she stepped out from behind a pillar.
"Rosie," Elizabeth broke from her father to hug her dear friend. "I understand you need a bridesmaid."
"I need a Maid of Honor," Elizabeth corrected her.
"No, that's my job," Julie remarked a she stepped out and hugged her sister. Julie took her place in front of Elizabeth and they began the procession again.
Elizabeth continued searching for Jack. As they got closer, she saw him. He was so handsome, standing in his tuxedo between Lee, and the Elvis lookalike who was scheduled to perform the ceremony. Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. "How ironic… Everything is perfect, and then that…" However, given their location it actually seemed appropriate.
As she made her way down the aisle, she saw her mother and on the opposite side was Jack's mother. She looked to her father, "How?"
"Jack set it all up. We took the corporate jet to pick up his mother, and then to Norfolk to get your friends. We arrived here about an hour ago," he smiled at seeing the excitement in her face. "You don't think your mother would have missed this occasion, do you?"
"I'm certainly glad she didn't. I'm glad all of you are here. Now it's perfect!" She exclaimed.
Jack caught her eye and anyone seeing them would have easily felt the love between them. Jack's heart pounded at the sight of her in a full length wedding gown. How they pulled this together in one day he had no idea, but he knew that it could only have happened in Las Vegas.
Elizabeth and her father made their way slowly down the aisle toward the gazebo. Her respiration increased at the sight of Jack, a red rose boutonniere sitting proudly on his lapel. His smile calmed her, as it was always able to do, but she couldn't reach him fast enough.
Jack stepped down from the gazebo to meet them…
"I trust her with you now. Please take care of her," Mr. Thatcher stated through misty eyes and a catch in his throat.
Jack extended his arm and shook Mr. Thatcher's hand, "I love her, sir. You need not worry. I will take care of her always."
Mr. Thatcher kissed Elizabeth on both cheeks, "I love you my sweet Elizabeth." He placed Elizabeth's hand in Jack's before stepping away and taking his seat next to his wife.
Jack slipped her arm through his as they made their way up the steps into the gazebo and to their place before "Elvis."
Elizabeth was overtaken with emotion as she glanced about the surroundings. The lake was calm as the lilies encasing lit candles floated aimlessly. The gazebo was beautifully decorated with white lights and bouquets of red roses scatted about.
"How did you do this? It's beautiful," she whispered through tears that fell in a steady stream.
Jack leaned in and whispered, "You are so beautiful. I'm so sorry about Elvis."
Elizabeth released some of her nervousness in a quick cleansing breath, "Don't be sorry. He actually makes this perfect."
Elizabeth and Jack laughed softly as "Elvis" began the service. Elizabeth had seen Elvis Presley movies before and swore if she had closed her eyes that she would have been standing before the King himself.
It was a simple ceremony until "Elvis" turned to Jack, "I understand that you would like to say something?"
"Wait, he wrote vows?" she thought. "Think of something fast Elizabeth."
Jack shook his head in the affirmative before turning to Elizabeth and taking both of her hands in his. He swallowed hard, glanced around to take in his mother's smile and he began, "Elizabeth, little did I know on that one fateful day when we met that I would be standing with you here right now, before our families, and of course Elvis," he laughed softly which put her more at ease. "You are everything I have ever dreamed of, and I have to say the reality is so much better."
Elizabeth glanced away attempting to will her tears from falling. His finger under her chin lifted her face up to meet his as he wiped those tears that fell.
"I loved you yesterday: I love you today, and I'll most certainly love you forever. Please know that I will always be there to comfort you in hard times, rejoice when times are good, and rally around you when you feel that no one is in your corner. Elizabeth…I will always be in your corner."
"Elvis" looked to Jack… "Thank you, thank you very much." He then turned to Elizabeth, who found it hard not to laugh at the real sounding imitation, "Do you want to say anything?"
Crap, nothing…think Elizabeth. You're a writer, think, you have to have something. She looked at Jack with the proverbial "deer caught in headlights" look. He smiled, winked and suddenly her breathing calmed.
Again "Elvis" asked, "Elizabeth, do you want to say anything?"
Looking into his eyes the words flooded her, "Yes, I do," she quickly added. "Jack, when we met on that fateful day, I sensed that you were a man that I could trust. I soon realized that you were a man…the man that I could love with everything I am. You are my best friend, and the love of my life. I promise to do my best to make you happy; to cheer you on when you feel down, to be beside you when things are bad, and rejoice with you in the good times. I loved you yesterday; I love you today, and I'll love you for all of our remaining tomorrows." She reached up and wiped a few errant tears that slipped from his eyes before wiping her own. "Thank you so much Jack for loving me. I am truly a blessed woman."
They looked back at "Elvis" but only momentarily before returning their gaze to each other. Her eyes sparkled, showing the soft strength she held inside. His eyes were warm, inviting, pulling her in even though she was really already there.
The remainder of the ceremony remained simple as Jack and Elizabeth blocked out everything but the important "I do's" and the ever symbolic "You may now kiss the bride."
Their lips touched, soft and sweet.
"I love you Elizabeth Thornton," he said softly.
"I love the sound of that," she replied.
They turned to their guests. "Elvis" made the announcement that Jack and Elizabeth had been waiting to hear…
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to present to you this evening Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thornton."
Jack took her hand as he helped her down the steps where she was finally able to talk with her mother.
"That was a beautiful ceremony, Elizabeth, and truly one you will never forget," Mrs. Thatcher stated as everyone laughed.
Elizabeth was able to hug and kiss her friends and family members before moving on to Mrs. Thornton. "I'm sorry that this is the first time we've met."
Mrs. Thornton took her hand, "Elizabeth, don't think by any means that I am surprised about this. Jack has been talking about you since you first met. You make him very happy, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you for including me." She leaned in and hugged Elizabeth, "Welcome to our family."
"Thank you." Elizabeth wrapped her arm through Jack's, "I'd like to say that I had something to do with any of this, but what I'm wearing is the only thing that I handled myself. Jack took care of everything else. I have to say it's quite impressive Mr. Thornton."
"Anything for you Mrs. Thornton," he brought her hand up to his lips.
They were gathered by the photographer for pictures. Elizabeth insisted that "Elvis" be included in some of the pictures, "Partly because no one will believe me," she advised.
Jack led her back to the veranda where everyone was congregating. Elizabeth was again surprised as the cake and refreshments were served.
"I can't believe you took care of all of this," her eyes displayed the wonder she saw in everything before her.
"Well, the hotel took care of most of this," he admitted.
Elizabeth was too excited to eat until the cake was brought out. Jack gently pressed the cake bite to her lips as her mouth opened slightly. He reminded her to be kind when feeding him. The arch in her eyebrows told him that she was playful, but the warmth in her eyes told him that she could be trusted to play fair.
"Would you mind if Elizabeth and I went for a walk?" Jack asked their guests.
Everyone was socializing, providing their congratulations and once hugs and handshakes were completed, Jack and Elizabeth left the group and walked down to the water.
"How did you manage this, Jack?" She asked as she drew her body in close to his. "This was better than I ever imagined."
"Even Elvis?" He asked.
"Especially Elvis. Jack, the whole thing was so special. You got our families and friends here. The setting was beautiful…"
"You are beautiful, but you in that dress…" he took a hard breath and shook his head slightly. Is it possible to say good night to our guests now?" He swept his arms around her waist and pulled her close. His mouth covered hers as the sounds of satisfaction passed through her lips and flooded him.
She pulled away slightly, "Jack, they just flew into town. We can't very well tell them that we're happy that they were here, but we're sorry that they have to cut their visit short. You know exactly what they will think," she stated, mortified at the realization that they will know about their nighttime activities.
Jack laughed. "You are about as funny as they come. Do you not realize that they already know what we will be doing tonight?"
"Oh my gosh, even my father?"
"Especially your father."
"Oh Jack. That's embarrassing. I can't face any of them now," she stated. Even in the soft light of the moon's glow her red cheeks were apparent.
"Elizabeth, don't you think your mom and dad were like this when they got married?" He asked as he enjoyed teasing her.
She looked back at the group of guests, "Well, thank you so much for that visual. That will be stuck in my head now."
Jack turned her back to face him. They were in a dimly lit area away from prying eyes. Jack's finger traced the outline of Elizabeth's collarbone and across the strapless top of her dress. "I have a way to rid that thought from your mind."
Jack's touch electrified her skin. She wanted to speak, but found the words caught in her chest. "Jack, I…I…"
Jack quieted her quickly as his lips hungrily covered hers. Though both were breathless he suggested, "Let's go back and visit with our guests. They are bound to be tired and want to leave soon."
Jack and Elizabeth walked arm in arm back toward the veranda. They were surprised that they weren't missed, realizing as they approached that they had interrupted the conversations of their guests.
Elizabeth was shocked as her father approached offering his congratulations, and to advise that everyone was tired and they were heading to their hotel.
"Do you have to leave already?" She asked to which Jack glared. She quickly recovered, "I mean, I'm sure you all are very tired. Jack and I can't adequately express how excited we are that you came all this way for us. Thank you so much."
They kissed and or shook hands with all of their guests, then stood and watched as Mr. Thatcher saw that each person had transportation to the hotel.
Jack and Elizabeth headed for the elevator…
"Your dad is a good man," Jack said as they waited for the elevator to open..
"Yes he is. You know, they say that a girl will search for a man who reminds her of her father."
The elevator door opened and his hand on the small of her back helped to usher her inside. "You're a very good man too, Jack Thornton. Thank you so much for today," she said. Her arms wrapped around his neck pulling him close as she tenderly covered his lips. She drew back slightly, as she gently bit her bottom lip, smiling as she knew how much that excited him.
"You haven't seen anything yet…" He backed her up against the wall as the elevator door closed.
To be continued…
