Chapter 67
Nathan greeted their guests as they arrived. Very few people had been up to their new homestead and while the house looked impressive it was the wedding space that captivated everyone. It felt as though a field of wildflowers had been made into an outdoor fairyland. It was obvious that Nathan had put a lot of effort into creating the perfect spot for him and Sarah to wed. Entrance into the space was through a flower laden arch and at the other end of the aisle they could see a white arbor under which Nathan and Sarah would stand as they took their vows. The perimeter of the space was framed by posts draped with white tulle and lights. Nathan had gotten creative with seating for everyone since they didn't have enough chairs. He crafted them from hay bales to which he added planks of wood on top so they would be sturdy for sitting. He covered each row of seats with white fabric for a clean, fresh look and to make the perfect backdrop for the vibrant colors of the flowers that filled the space. Jars of blue flax, daisies, purple coneflowers, poppies and candytuft all lined the aisle and a small altar stood behind the arbor. It was also draped in white fabric and in the center was a beautifully carved cross surrounded by a collection of candles and more jars of the wild flowers that had been collected from around the property. The setting was simple but the elements all worked together to create a beautiful, colorful, serene space. Nathan's handiwork could be seen everywhere from the arch and arbor to the altar and the cross that sat on top.
The seats were filling up with the select group of friends that had been invited. Ned and Florence sat with Molly who reserved a spot for Bill to sit with her once he walked Sarah down the aisle. Sarah had asked Lee, Rosemary and Lillian to sit in the front row typically reserved for the bride's parents since the Coulters were the closest thing she had to a family. Betsy, Anna and her husband Walter also sat on the bride's side while Steven and Fiona were on the groom's side. The rest of the guests, including Allie's friends, filled in the remaining spaces. There was an atmosphere of eager anticipation as they waited for the ceremony to begin.
Lee drove Sarah, Allie, and Caroline up to the wedding in the Grant's car. When they arrived Lee took Sarah and Allie to the opposite side of the house to insure Nathan did not see her until she walked down the aisle. Lee and Caroline parked away from the gathering and Lee helped Nathan's mother to her place at the end of the aisle where Archie was already waiting and he took his seat next to Rosemary.
When Nathan saw his parents waiting for him to proceed in he realized that he hadn't been sure he would ever see this day and he certainly wouldn't have expected to see his parents together. The music being played on the Victrola signaled it was time for them to proceed. Nathan reached out his arm to his mother who proudly took it and began down the aisle with Archie following closely in step. When they got to their seats Nathan kissed his mother whose eyes were already blinking back tears and shook his father's hand.
Nathan took his place next to Gabe under the arbor along with Joseph. Allie appeared at the end of the aisle and waited to hear the notes of Wagner's Bridal March. Before she began her walk down the aisle she stopped and took in the beautiful space she and her dad had designed together. It was exactly as she pictured it, all white with the only color coming from the abundance of flowers on an emerald green carpet of grass. Tears welled in Nathan's eyes as he watched Allie walk down the aisle. His little girl was growing up. She looked beautiful in her blush pink dress carrying a nosegay of flowers wrapped in ribbon that matched the color of her dress. The dress was more mature than any Allie had worn before. The scooped neckline was trimmed in scalloped lace with a rose applique on the bodice. The empire waist was decorated in lace and the embroidered tulle skirt fell to her ankles. Allie was nervous walking down the aisle until she saw her dad at the end. His eyes glistened as he watched her coming toward him. When she reached him at the end of the aisle he kissed the top of her head as she hugged him. Allie took her place on the other side of the aisle as they waited for the bride to make her entrance.
Joseph asked everyone to stand as Bill and Sarah stood at the end of the aisle waiting to proceed.
Bill turned to Sarah making sure she was ready. "You're marrying an excellent man, Sarah."
"Thank you Bill, for everything." Sarah smiled at Bill and gave him a kiss on his cheek as she put one arm through his and the other held her bouquet of flowers wrapped in lace. Sarah looked at the beautiful setting Nathan had created and wanted to take in every detail but once she saw him at the end of the aisle she forgot about everyone and everything around her. Sarah's eyes focused on Nathan and all she could see, all she wanted to see, were his eyes that looked brighter and bluer than they had ever been. He was so handsome in the suit he'd gotten for Gabe and Lillian's wedding. The only difference was that today he sported a bow that Sarah had requested. Sarah was thankful Bill was at her side to slow her down. If not, she might have run down the aisle to get to Nathan faster.
As soon as Nathan's eyes met Sarah's he saw nothing but her. Everything about her was perfection. The first thing he noticed was the smile that radiated her happiness. Soft tendrils of hair framed her face and he could see she was wearing his wedding gift to her. The updo of her hair and the v-shaped neckline of her dress accentuated her long, slender neck which was decorated by her simple strand of pearls. Sarah's dress was a floor length white silk sheath with an embroidered organza overlay that had been fitted to every curve of her body. The butterfly sleeves fluttered as she walked down the aisle and silk buttons ran along her hip on one side of the dress. Nathan thought she looked like she was floating down the aisle on Bill's arm. Once they reached him Bill took their hands and joined them together. The usually reserved Nathan was so happy to finally see Sarah he leaned over and, to her surprise, kissed her. The guests couldn't help but laugh at his unexpected display of affection.
Joseph and Sarah both laughed along until Joseph regained his composure. "Welcome to the wedding of our friends Nathan and Sarah." Joseph's words got Sarah and Nathan's attention. "Let us begin with prayer. Heavenly Father we thank you for being present today as we join together two of your children, Nathan and Sarah. May You pour blessings on them as they continue to serve You as husband and wife. In His name, Amen." Joseph asked everyone to be seated. As they stood before Joseph, Sarah finally stole a quick look around at the arbor and altar and knew they were all Nathan's handiwork. Now she knew what he'd been doing all those secretive afternoons and evenings he'd been at the house.
Joseph's sermon focused on the bible verse Nathan and Sarah had chosen, Ecclesiastes 4:12. Joseph preached that the strongest marriages weren't just husband and wife but also included God as the center of the relationship. "A chord of three strands is not quickly broken." Joseph urged them to always take the time to pray together, to encourage and support each other in all that God would give them in this life. Joseph shared that anyone who had the privilege of knowing Nathan and Sarah knew they were strong as individuals and as a couple but with God they were even stronger and not to be broken. He finished with his analogy of a marriage being like the swing that sat on the porch of their new home. Each of you is a leg on that swing but the cross beam is God and without Him the swing would fall. Make sure God is always what holds you together.
Joseph announced that Nathan and Sarah had written their own vows and he asked Nathan to go first.
"Sarah, you came into my life unexpectedly and from that day on I realized God did, indeed, have a greater purpose for me...to be your husband. I never knew I could love someone as much as I love you. You make me want to be a better man, a better father, and I vow that I will work every day to be the husband you deserve. I promise to always work with you as we build our family together. I will be by your side in good times and in bad. I will always be here to lift you up and help you achieve your dreams. I promised to always take care of you and never take you for granted. I vow to be faithful to you all the days of my life and most of all; I promise to always love you unconditionally and with my whole heart." Nathan lifted Sarah's hands to his lips and kissed them emphasizing the words he'd just spoken.
Then it was Sarah's turn. "Nathan, I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. I was alone for such a long time and I didn't know if there would ever be anyone with whom I would share my life. You and Allie are my family now and it is my prayer that I can be the wife and mother that you both deserve. You are my greatest blessings. I have never known a man more selfless and kind as you and I promise never to take you for granted. I promise to always be by your side, to care for you, to honor you, to encourage you, to respect you, and to pray for you and with you daily. I promise to be faithful to you and spend all my days loving you." Sarah in turn lifted Nathan's hands to her lips and kissed them her eyes never wavering from his.
Joseph asked Nathan for the rings and he asked everyone to bow their heads in prayer.
"Gracious God, may these rings be a symbol of Nathan and Sarah's never ending love and faithfulness. May they be a reminder of the vows and covenant they have made to each other before you. In Jesus' name. Amen."
Joseph had Nathan place the ring on Sarah's finger and as he looked earnestly into her eyes he said. "Sarah, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow. With all that I am and all that I have I honor you. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit"
Sarah then placed a ring on Nathan's finger and looked into the eyes of the man she loved. "Nathan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow. With all that I am and all that I have I honor you. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit"
Joseph whispered his congratulations to the couple and shook Nathan's hand. He then asked them to turn toward their friends and family. "Everyone, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Grant. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." Nathan, you may kiss your bride. Nathan did not hesitate in taking Sarah into his arms and meeting her eager lips with his. The crowd disappeared around them and it was just the two of them as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. They finally heard the music and Sarah took her bouquet from Allie and the newly married couple made their way down the aisle to the applause of everyone gathered together. Once they were out of sight of everyone Nathan gave Sarah the kiss he'd been wanting to since he first saw her walking up the aisle. He held her exquisite face in his hands and as his lips touched hers; her entire body trembled at his touch as his mouth explored hers. Her arms went around his waist and she held on to him never wanting to leave his embrace.
"I love you Sarah Grant." Nathan relished calling her by her new name.
"I love you Nathan Grant." She kissed him again just as Allie and Gabe made their way down the aisle. Together they hugged Allie as she proudly told Gabe she now had a dad and a mom.
Nathan and Sarah received their guests as they came down the aisle. There were hugs, tears, and handshakes as, one by one, friends congratulated them and commented on the beautiful ceremony. Once the guests had made their way to the reception space Nathan took Sarah back to the arbor where they said their vows. Sarah finally had a few minutes to appreciate all of Nathan's special touches. "I can't believe you did all of this for me." She caressed his cheek and kissed him slowly and fully. They stood under the arbor where, just minutes before, they promised to love each other forever. They were totally lost in each other until they heard Allie calling them to come to dinner. Reluctantly they followed her to where Bill and Minnie had laid out a banquet of ham and fried chicken, potatoes, vegetables and biscuits for them and their guests. Nathan had made tables and benches for their guests to sit at and there was a third, smaller, table between them For Nathan, Sarah, Allie and Gabe. The tables were covered in white and decorated with candles and flowers similar to the ceremony space. The food was set out on each table waiting for Joseph's prayer. Allie and Gabe entered the space first followed closely by Nathan and Sarah whose happiness filled the air and couldn't help but create a joyful atmosphere. Once everyone was seated Joseph stood to say a prayer of thanksgiving but first he called Nathan, Sarah and Allie to stand with him.
"Before we give our thanks for this wonderful meal prepared by Bill and my sweet Minnie, I want to say a blessing for the family that has been created today. May the love that Nathan and Sarah share also nourish them as a family and may their devotion to each other hold them together always." Nathan and Sarah stood together each wrapping an arm around Allie's shoulders creating a beautiful picture of the new family. "God, we pray that you guide Nathan and Sarah as parents to raise and teach Allie with love and respect and protect this family and keep them always in your care. We thank you now for the food prepared that it may nourish us. Bless this gathering of friends and family and our time together as we celebrate this joyous occasion."
A loud 'Amen' went up from the group and everyone enjoyed Bill and Minnie's feast. While they ate Gabe stood and got everyone's attention. "I want to raise a glass to my good friend Nathan and his beautiful bride Sarah. I have known Nathan since our early days of Mountie training and I've been with him through good times and bad times. I have never seen him as happy as he is today and that is because of you, Sarah. Thank you for bringing light into my friend's life. May you both be blessed abundantly."
Sarah wiped a tear and Nathan stood and shook Gabe's hand thanking him for his words. Much to their surprise Allie stood to give her own toast. "I've been with my dad a long time. He's the only father I've ever known and it's been just the two of us and we were happy but I don't think either of us realized how much we were missing until Miss Sarah, Mom, came into our lives. Every day is happier because of her. Thank you dad for marrying her and making us a family." There wasn't a dry eye at the reception once Allie was done.
"Thank you sweet girl. I'm proud that I get to be your mom." Sarah and Allie stood together for a moment until Nathan stepped in and also took Allie in his arms whispering in her ear how much he loved her.
As dinner finished up Minnie and Bill brought out the beautiful wedding cake created for the occasion. Nathan and Sarah took the knife Minnie handed them and together cut their first slice of cake and fed each other a bite. The rest of the delicious chocolate cake was shared with their guests. Following dessert everyone made their way back to the ceremony space which had been transformed for dancing by moving the seating to the edges of the space. The lights that lined the area were turned on and music was played. Nathan took Sarah's hand and led her to the middle of the dance floor and while everyone watched they had their first dance together as husband and wife.
"Have I told you how stunning you are tonight?" Nathan couldn't stop staring at Sarah's face which glowed under the lights.
"Thank you Nathan for making this a perfect day. I couldn't imagine how it could be any better." Sarah reached up and pushed a lock of hair off Nathan's forehead.
Nathan whispered in her ear. "I can."
Sarah blushed and smiled at Nathan knowing to what he referred. Sarah thought she would be nervous about their wedding night but found the opposite was true. She never felt more comfortable or at peace than she did in that moment with her husband.
Following their first dance together they did the traditional mother and son dance and also did a father and daughter dance for Nathan and Allie. Nathan had never seen Allie as happy as she was tonight. Though Sarah's father wasn't there, Bill stepped in as he had walking her down the aisle. While they danced she thanked Bill again for everything he'd done to make the day special. He told Sarah that they were family now and families take care of each other.
The rest of the evening flew by as the dance floor was always full and laughter could be heard throughout the night. At one point Nathan and Sarah stood off to the side watching their friends as she leaned against his chest with his arms wrapped around her. They both knew how fortunate they were to have the friends they did. As things wound down they said farewell to everyone as they made their way home.
And just like that the day was over. All the months of planning were behind them and their new life as husband and wife was ahead of them. Nathan and Sarah walked around the yard blowing out all the candles and shared one last dance under the lights. They made their way to the house and once on the porch Nathan effortlessly gathered Sarah up into his arms to carry her across the threshold. Sarah wrapped her arms around Nathan's neck kissing him unabashedly as held on to her. Inside it was dark except for candles that had been lit and set on a small table close to the entryway. There were two glasses of champagne and the last remaining piece of the chocolate wedding cake Minnie saved for them.
After toasting to each other and enjoying the last piece of cake Nathan led his bride upstairs. He couldn't take his eyes from Sarah. The nerves he thought he would experience never materialized. He took her face in his hands and lifted her lips to his. For the first time they allowed themselves to fully release the passion that they had held back all these months. Nathan let his fingers work their way through Sarah's hair removing all the pins holding it in place until it fell down around her shoulders. His hands skimmed the graceful curves of her neck and she swayed under his touch. Her hands slid under his jacket and she helped him out of it. Loosening his tie she slid it off and began unbuttoning his shirt. His breath quickened as he felt the coolness of her fingers on his skin. There were no nerves, no inhibitions, there was no hesitation. They continued discovering each other as husband and wife and, like the rest of the day, it was perfect.