This is a contribution to the #FFChallenge for October. It is a common starting point story and the bold text is what we were provided to begin our stories.
Standing at the window, Nathan took in the view outside. Brilliant leaves rustled softly in the breeze. The bright sunshine seemed only to enhance the red, yellow and oranges of the leaves. Not an artist himself, Nathan could still appreciate nature's artwork. To an artist eye, like Allie's, he was sure that joy would be much greater.
Yes, Allie, Nathan thought to himself. I understand now why you wanted to get married in this season.
Continuing to watch out the window, Nathan was glad mother nature was cooperating with more than just the colorful backdrop for the day. Instead of getting ready in town at the selected venue, Allie had insisted on getting ready at home and walking to the venue with him. Her reasoning was that she wanted one last walk with him while she was just his daughter and not his daughter as well as someone's wife. While he knew he would be thankful for these last precious moments with his daughter, Nathan had been worried about the autumn weather's cooperation. Rain would have dampened their plans, both now and if it had rained before hand. Walking in the mud could have spoiled the dress. If it had been too dry, the walk could have been dusty which still would not have done the dress any favors.
But mother nature had cooperated. The rain of a couple days ago had settled the dust while allowing time for the ground to dry to a nice walking surface. Only a few puffy white clouds marred the blue sky. They would have good weather to enjoy their walk into town. Nathan knew he would still be mindful of Allie's attire as they walked. As bittersweet as it was, he still wanted nothing to mar his little girl's day.
Ever aware of his surrounding since becoming a Mountie, Nathan heard footsteps in the upstair hallway and turned from the window. Facing the stairs, Nathan was watching as Allie stepped onto the first step. On her head was a wreath of red, orange and yellow flowers that matched the leaves outside. Her cream-colored satin dress was the same one Colleen had worn for her wedding. The fitted bodice, covered in lace with a rose pattern on it, flared out to a full skirt in an U-shaped waistline. Allie looked every bit as pretty in it as his sister had. Nathan just hoped Allie's marriage was happier than Colleen's had turned out to be.
"You should probably breathe," Allie commented as she made her way down the steps, making Nathan realise he was holding his breath.
Nathan took a breath and gave a nervous chuckle. Allie was apparently more relaxed than he was today. He reached out a hand to her as Allie approached the bottom of the stairs. Slipping her hand in his, Allie allowed him to help her down the last few steps.
"You look so much like your mother," Nathan told her. "It seems like only yesterday I was walking her down the aisle. I wish she could be here with us."
Leaning in, Allie pressed a kiss to Nathan's cheek. "She is, in spirit," she told him.
Nathan simply nodded, not trusting his voice right then. Reaching for Allie's shawl, he carefully draped it over her shoulders before offering her his arm. Allie slipped her arm through his and Nathan led her from the house and toward her future.
Chapter 1
As they paused on the Verandah, the sunlight shone down on the two of them, and Nathan looked at his daughter; the light bounced off the earrings Allie was wearing. The short rectangular drop earrings had a dark amber centre, and he could see the colour perfectly matched the flowers in her hair and the boutonniere on his lapel.
"I love your earrings, Allie". He knew he hadn't seen them before. "Where did you get them?"
"Nanna gave them to me as my something new; she wanted me to have something I could pass down to my daughter one day," Allie explained. Allie and her 'Nanna' had been close from the moment they met, and their deep, loving bond had nothing to do with bloodlines or genealogy. The two of them clicked immediately, and the time Allie spent living with her in Hamilton while she studied for her Law degree only brought them closer.
"What are your other things, your old, blue and borrowed?" Nathan asked, curious to see what else their friends and family had done for his daughter.
"My old is my mother's wedding dress," Allie swept her hand down the front of her indicating the gown she wore. "The borrowed is my purse," lifting the arm holding her bouquet; she showed him the small, beaded cream money bag dangling from her wrist. "Aunt Rosemary carried this when she married Uncle Lee, so I think it will bring good luck."
"Yes, it will; those two certainly know the secret to a loving marriage. And the blue?" Nathan asked when she didn't volunteer anything for it.
Allie smiled and took her arm from his, opening the money bag and pulling something from inside. "My blue is this ribbon. Mum gave it to me. She said you used it to wrap the first gift you ever gave her, and she's kept it all this time. She said it reminded her of your eyes" Allie saw those same blue eyes fill with tears and reached out to hug him. "I didn't mean to upset you."
"You didn't; I'm just being sentimental. I can't believe she kept it all this time." Chuckling, he said, "I bought that ribbon because it made me think of her eyes." Nathan shook his head, thinking about that first gift and the joy it had brought him. He had given Elizabeth an engagement ring, not a typical first gift, but there was nothing ordinary about their relationship.
Allie looked at her Father and said, "you two are definitely a match made in heaven. I am so glad you eventually found your way to each other." Rolling her eyes, she said, "even if it did take forever to work out, you belonged together."
Nathan shook his head at his daughter, wondering if she would ever grow out of rolling her eyes at him; he hoped not.
"Now I think about it; your wedding day was the last time I saw you this dressed up; you look wonderful, Dad." Allie grinned, "I am glad you listened to Aunt Rosemary and let her pick your suit. You and Mum are going to look great together. I know you could have worn your Mountie uniform, so I appreciate you fitting in with my colour scheme."
Nathan looked down at himself; he never thought much about what he was wearing. Today, Rosemary had convinced him to mirror the colours of his wife, Allie, and her bridesmaids, so he was wearing a Navy three-piece suit with a cream shirt, he had tan leather suspenders, and his tie was a deep burgundy red. The flowers on his lapel were the same burnt orange, yellow and deep red as the flowers in his daughter's hair. Nathan knew the bridesmaids were also wearing similar colours, with the groomsmen wearing Tan suits with the other colours mirrored in their ties and boutonnieres. Nathan shook his head; he couldn't believe he actually knew all of that.
"I would wear anything if it made you happy," Nathan said, reaching out and taking her arm, placing it over his again. "Although I must admit when Rosemary said, 'trust me, I got a little nervous."
Allie laughed at her Father and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, "I think it's time to get going. Are you sure you didn't mind that I just wanted it to be us walking to the Church?"
"I was honoured you wanted it to be the two of us; even though you call Elizabeth Mum, it was just you and me for a long time. She understands, and there are no hurt feelings or noses out of joint." Nathan smiled at his daughter as he led her down the stairs and toward the Church. "Besides, your Mother is going to be busy corralling your brothers."
Nathan and Allie shared another laugh thinking of her younger siblings. They were what she thought of as a blended family. It had been her and her Uncle alone for several years after her Mother's death before he eventually adopted her. Elizabeth Thornton was a widow with a son, Jack, from her first marriage when they fell in love and had a child together, Willie. Allie was pleased her Father and Elizabeth had finally found their way to each other; their path to love had not been easy. It had taken her some time to get used to calling her Uncle - Dad and Elizabeth - Mum, but that is what they had become to her.
"Is it normal to be this nervous?" Allie asked, a small smile on her face. "I have butterflies in my stomach, and my hands are shaking even though I have been looking forward to this day since I met Thomas."
"Come on, you know how nervous I was when I got married, but that was more about everyone staring at me and worrying I would forget my name than actually getting married." Nathan smiled at her with love shining in his eyes, "it's natural to be nervous, sweetheart; marrying someone and committing the rest of your life to that person is a huge step." Nathan's smile grew broader as he saw Allie's lips pinch into a line, and he said, "before you even ask, I think Thomas is perfect for you, and the two of you are going to be blissfully happy."
Allie sighed happily and said, "he is perfect for me, isn't he? How did I get so lucky?"
"I happen to think he is the lucky one," Nathan said, resisting the urge to ruffle her hair, laughing out loud as Allie ducked away from him, knowing exactly what he had been thinking.
They walked along quietly for a few moments, the two comfortable being together without talking. When Allie was a little girl, she used to talk a mile a minute, filling the silence until she learned it was okay to be quiet too. He had watched her and Thomas, pleased they could talk about anything and everything but were comfortable enough to sit together with their own thoughts too.
"It always amazes me that Hope Valley still feels like home, even though I haven't lived here for the last three years." Allie's eyes roamed over the row houses, looking at the different verandas decorated in Autumn colours. "I love Hope Valley in every season, but fall is still my absolute favourite."
Nathan looked around, "Although the fall colours are stunning in Hope Valley, I think mine is Spring when all the flowers are coming to life, and there is new growth everywhere." Nathan looked around and said, "I think Hope Valley will always feel like home to me, too, no matter what, although I don't plan to leave anytime soon."
"Knowing that you and Mum are here helps it feel like it is home," Allie said. "Even if you aren't living in the row house anymore, I realise home is where family is, not a house."
"I appreciate Robert and Anna letting you get ready in our old house this morning, although it felt strange to see their furniture where our things used to be."
Allie laughed, "I felt the same way. I was glad, too; at least that way, Thomas could get ready at your place, and I could make my grand entrance with you." Allie smiled, "it was good to spend the morning with the girls, too. I am so glad Anna and Opal could be my bridesmaids."
"Me too; loyal friends can be hard to find, so when you do find them, you need to make sure you keep them."
"Like you and Uncle Gabe?" Allie asked. She was looking forward to spending time with Gabe and his wife, Lillian. Their daughter Sarah was the youngest of her attendants, and her glorious red hair perfectly matched the colour of her dress. She looked so cute in her dress, her basket of fall leaves ready for her to spread down the aisle as she walked before Allie.
"Yes, exactly like Gabe and me. I would trust him with my life, and I have." Gabriel Kinslow was a fellow Mountie, and they had trained at the Academy together. Nathan was pleased Gabe's assignment was in Brookfield, the next Town over from Hope Valley. He and his wife, Lillian, lived in the Orphanage she ran with the support of Mrs Winters, her housekeeper.
Nathan had spent time at Brookfield helping Gabe with a few of his cases, and they had visited as a family too. Having a motor vehicle made it possible for them to visit regularly, something not as convenient when travelling on horseback.
"I can't wait to see Sarah walking down the aisle with Willie; they are going to look so cute together."
Nathan smiled at the mention of his four-year-old son. William, known to everyone as Willie, was a special child, full of joy and love. He was the most even-tempered child he had ever come across. Willie had been a perfect baby who settled into sleeping through the night at only eight weeks old, they had survived the terrible twos without incident, and Nathan hoped their run of luck would continue. Willie was the perfect mixture of his parent's looks, but his personality was all his own; he had startling blue eyes surrounded by thick dark lashes and brown hair that curled slightly. No matter what his Mother did to tame his curls, they were messy again within moments, with one particularly stubborn curl constantly falling across his forehead.
Rosemary had sewn Willie a suit to match his Father and older brother Jack, and Nathan's heart had melted at the sight of him all dressed up. When Elizabeth returned to the house after helping Allie dress, she insisted on photographing the three outside their home. Laughing, she had said it might be the last time Willie and Jack were so neat. There was no guarantee of how long Willie's suit would remain clean after the ceremony. Allie insisted she didn't care what they wore after the photos, and Elizabeth had packed a change of clothes for both. Jack had asked to photograph him and Elizabeth before Nathan left to meet Allie; and Nathan was keen to see how it turned out.
Nathan thought of Elizabeth and smiled. She looked beautiful today in a blue dress which was the same colour as his suit, but then she looked beautiful every day. The first day he saw her, she took his breath away, and every day since. Their love story hadn't been straightforward, with many things threatening to keep them apart, including his involvement in the training accident that killed her husband and her rejection of his love and her choosing another man.
Nathan thought about the day Elizabeth finally realised how she felt about him and smiled at the memory. While apprehending a gang of outlaws, Nathan and another Mountie were hurt. Nathan's injuries were minor, but the other Mountie suffered two bullet wounds, although neither were fatal. No one had thought to tell Elizabeth Nathan was not severely injured; in fact, no one had planned to tell her at all; she was engaged to Lucas Bouchard at the time, so Nathan's fate was not her concern. When Elizabeth overheard he was in the Infirmary, she ran to him, and when she saw he was okay, she declared her love for him.
Nathan lay in bed, the slight cut on his forehead had stopped bleeding, and Faith had dressed it for him. He had begged to go home; he didn't want to worry Allie when she found out about the firefight; if he were at home, she would realise it wasn't serious. Faith had said no but had agreed to release him once Allie was with him. Bill had offered to go and get Allie from School, so she didn't hear from someone else about the incident. Nathan had asked him to get her out of School before he told her; he didn't want the other children overhearing and thinking the worst, either.
As he sat on the edge of the bed waiting for Allie, the door to the Infirmary had been thrown open, and instead of Allie standing there, it was Elizabeth. As he looked at Elizabeth, Nathan's heart started pounding harder than when he stared down the barrel of the gun that morning. The look on her face confused him. Her eyes were wide with fear and something he couldn't identify, and she was breathing heavily from racing from the School.
"Elizabeth," Nathan asked softly, "what are you doing here? Where is Allie?"
"I. I don't know," she gasped, trying to catch her breath. "I heard Bill say you were hurt and about bullets being fired, and I just ran to you." Elizabeth walked slowly toward him as she spoke, her eyes darting over him, looking to see where he was hurt.
"I've been hurt before, Elizabeth, and you didn't react this way?"
"I know. This time is different; I needed to see you to know if you were badly injured." Elizabeth stopped, a horrified look on her face, "Oh my, I didn't even wait for Allie. I should go and look for her and Bill. And the class, I left them alone."
"Slow down, Elizabeth; tell me what you are doing here."
"I think I made a mistake."
"Coming here?" Nathan asked, eyes narrowing. He knew he couldn't allow himself to hope, not again. He needed to wait and hear what she had to say, and he needed her to be very clear.
"Saying no to you, saying yes to Lucas," Elizabeth said shortly and blew out her breath loudly. "When I heard you were hurt, I panicked, but then as I ran here, I realised it's because it's you I'm in love with, Nathan and I'm scared I've left it too late." She had known something was wrong in her relationship with Lucas, that something was missing, but she hadn't wanted to admit it. They should have been a perfect match, but somehow, they weren't. Elizabeth understood now, Nathan was what was missing.
Nathan grinned; that's when she had started crying in earnest. It had taken a few minutes before he could convince her he was okay and that it wasn't too late for them. Nathan couldn't imagine a time he wouldn't be in love with Elizabeth Thornton, and he was glad she finally overcame her fears and told him she felt the same about him. Holding her in his arms, he forgave her for everything she had put him through; none of it mattered now.
When Allie and Bill arrived, he and Elizabeth had been locked in an embrace from which they quickly broke apart. Nathan had seen Allie's surprise, and Bill's knowing smile and smiled in return. Elizabeth had spoken quietly to Allie, and Nathan knew in time, they would be the family he had dreamed of.
Elizabeth spoke to Lucas the following day, ending their relationship, and that night Elizabeth and Nathan had their first date in the privacy of her rowhouse. It wasn't a fancy date; it was a simple picnic after a horseback ride while the Coulters minded Jack and Allie. He asked her to marry him, and she said yes. Out of respect for Lucas and to ensure the children had time to adjust, they had waited to announce it. As far as Nathan was concerned, that was the day their future began, and they still celebrated an anniversary on that date.
Chapter 2
"You're quiet for a change," Allie teased, knowing Nathan wasn't one for speaking unnecessarily.
"Sorry, your something blue reminded me of when Elizabeth and I finally got together."
Allie snorted, "everyone but Mum knew the two of you were perfect for each other. I'm glad she realised it before it was too late, and she did something stupid like marrying Lucas Bouchard."
"Allie! that's not nice," Nathan was surprised at her comments; he always thought she and Lucas got on quite well.
"I don't mean Mum or Lucas is stupid; I like him; it's only that he is all wrong for Mum and Jack. He is much better suited to Mrs Bouchard."
No one had been surprised when Lucas left Town after he and Elizabeth broke up; after all, that had been his pattern whenever anything didn't go his way. The Townspeople were surprised when he arrived home, married.
Nathan thought about Lucas and realised Allie was right. Lucas had finally found the one for him, and he and Adaline were perfect for each other.
It didn't take the Town long to fall in love with Adaline; she was bright, funny, and loved living in Hope Valley. Adaline was exactly whom Lucas had needed to steady him, and the two of them were active in the Town. Lucas had changed the Queen of Hearts into a more family-friendly establishment and, much to Rosemary Coulter's delight, had designated the venue as a place for entertainment, including plays and concerts.
Nathan and Lucas eventually realised they had misjudged each other, and as they were no longer fighting over Elizabeth, they had become friends, as unlikely as that once seemed. He and Elizabeth had spent many evenings having dinner with the Bouchards over the years, and no one was surprised when Elizabeth and Nathan became Godparents to their son, Louis.
Nathan resumed walking with Allie, concerned they were taking too long to get to the Church. He would hate Thomas to have to wait too long; he knew what agony it was waiting for the woman you loved.
As they rounded the corner, Nathan could see the Church ahead in the road. Even from a distance, he could see the beautiful fall flowers arranged in pots on the steps leading up to the doors. He couldn't remember the Church ever looking as beautiful, not even for his wedding. The women in Town had gone all out to ensure Allie and Thomas's day was perfect.
He could see a few people milling around outside the Church. Nathan knew when Bill and Gabe spotted him and Allie and watched as they ushered the stragglers inside. Only those who needed to remain outside did so. Nathan smiled at who stayed, Elizabeth and their children Jack and Willie, Gabe and Lillian Kinslow with their daughter Sarah, Rosemary and Lee Coulter with their daughter Mariah, Allie's bridesmaids Opal and Anna and, of course, Bill Avery.
Allie squeezed his arm as she saw the people, she loved waiting for her outside the Church. "Oh, Dad. How could today be anything less than perfect when I have such unimaginable support and love?"
"Not just today, sweetheart. You can rely on all of us for the rest of your life. There isn't anything I wouldn't do to make you happy and keep you safe."
"Allie! Allie," Willie called when he saw his big sister walking toward him. His Mother grabbed him just as he was about to take off running toward her. Nathan and Allie didn't hear what Elizabeth said to him, but it worked, and he stopped trying to get away from her and stood bouncing up and down beside her instead. His older brother Jack stood looking down at his brother, shaking his head at his antics.
Nathan smiled broadly at Jack, wondering how many inches he had grown in the last couple of months. He was almost as tall as his Mother but had a way to go to catch Nathan. Jack was the spitting image of his Father, Jack Thornton, who had died before he was born. Jack Senior had been a Mountie like Nathan, killed in a training accident. The accident had been another thing that separated Elizabeth and Nathan; in the beginning, her fear of losing another husband and him not telling her Jack died, replacing him on that training mission because he was suspended.
From the moment Nathan and Allie arrived in Town, Nathan had been one of Jack's favourite people. He and Jack Junior had always been friends. Even before Nathan and Elizabeth were together, throughout the time Elizabeth was with Lucas, Nathan made sure he maintained his relationship with the young boy. Nathan supported Elizabeth in keeping the memory of Jack Senior alive so Jack would always know what a wonderful man his Father was.
Mariah Coulter and Sarah Kinslow were standing beside each other, holding hands. The two girls were very close in age and best friends despite living in different Towns. The Coulters and the Kinslows saw each other often after first meeting Lillian and her sister, Grace, in Hope Valley when they travelled back to Brookfield. Over the years, the Coulters visited Brookfield many times, helping the Town and the Orphanage with donations of money and lumber.
Mariah Coulter was like a miniature female version of her Father, Lee, except for her wide smile, which was all her Mother, Rosemary. Mariah stood quietly, the basket of fallen leaves in her hand, the colours reflected by the deep burgundy of her dress. Mariah was much quieter than her effervescent Mother and would accompany Jack down the aisle, following Sarah and Willie. Nathan relied on the presence of Jack to keep the younger children in check during the wedding ceremony.
Anna and Opal stood together observing Allie, although they had only just left her. Anna stood beautiful in her long, flowing, burnt orange gown with Opal in a matching dress, only yellow in colour. The bridal party were certainly colourful but represented the season.
Chapter 3
As Nathan and Allie finally reached the group waiting for them, he released his daughter's arm to allow her to be fussed over by his wife, Lillian, and Rosemary. Nathan joined Gabe, Lee, and Bill as he checked to see if everything was ready.
"Before you ask, Nathan, everything is in order," Bill said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Thomas and the Groomsmen are inside, ready to go, although I am worried Thomas may pass out when Allie finally arrives."
"The only other person I have seen this nervous on their wedding day is you," Gabe teased, laughing along with the others.
"Well, that's a good sign; look how well my marriage has turned out." Nathan quipped.
"Abigail and Grace Thatcher have been organising everyone inside the Church, and Pastor Frank has done an amazing job of keeping Thomas relatively calm; at least he is breathing," Lee assured Nathan. "Everything is perfect."
Nathan smiled at his three friends, so glad of their support on Allie's special day. He knew he shouldn't expect anything less; these men were three of the best he had ever met, and he knew he and his family could count on them for anything.
"Thank you all so much for what you have done; I know Allie appreciates it too." Nathan knew the men could hear the emotion in his voice but didn't care; they knew what this day meant to him.
"Dad," Allie called. "It's time for us to go in; I hear I need to put Thomas out of his misery."
Allie's words galvanised the group into action, the women quickly ushering the children to their places and the men hurrying inside to take their seats. Rosemary quickly slipped the shawl from Allie's shoulders, knowing she didn't want to wear it down the aisle.
"Elizabeth," Allie called to her stepmother. "Would you come here, please?"
Elizabeth looked at Rosemary, who nodded; she would watch over Jack and Willie for her.
"Is everything okay, Allie?" Elizabeth asked, concerned.
"It's perfect; thanks to you and everyone else who helped." Allie smiled at Elizabeth and reached for her hand. "Thank you for everything you have done to make this day all I dreamed it would be." Squeezing her hand, she asked softly, "would you please walk down the aisle with Dad and me? I want you both with me."
Elizabeth gasped, and tears filled her eyes, "Of course, Allie, of course."
Nathan looked between his wife and daughter, feeling his own eyes fill with tears. Clearing his throat, he said, "no tears, you two; you don't want to spoil your make-up now."
Allie and Elizabeth laughed at him, and the three held each other in a quick hug.
As the music inside the Church drifted out to the three of them, Nathan heard the music change; that was Allie's cue.
"Come on; they're playing your song."
Elizabeth, Nathan, and Allie entered the vestibule of the Church, standing behind the gauze curtain, allowing the children time to make it to the front of the Church. Anna and Opal stood before them, smiling back at the trio, ready to lead Allie in.
Lillian and Rosemary swept the curtain back, and Anna started down the aisle, followed closely by Opal.
The Church was full of Hope Valley residents, Thomas and Allie's family, and friends. Nathan looked toward his daughter wanting to ensure she was ready; his curious look was met with her radiant smile. He looked at Elizabeth, nodded, and then the three started down the aisle.
Nathan looked at Thomas and smiled, pleased to see him beaming, his love and adoration for Allie evident to everyone. As they slowly made their way down the aisle, he saw everyone watching Allie, their smiles loving; pride evident for the once little girl who had grown into such a beautiful, accomplished young woman.
As they reached the end of the aisle, Nathan was reluctant to let go of Allie. He loved Thomas and knew he was the right man for her, but it didn't make this moment any easier.
"I love you, Allie; thank you for saying yes to being my wife," Thomas whispered his words to Allie, his voice breaking, but Nathan heard him. That was enough to give Nathan the strength to step back from the couple. Nathan felt Elizabeth slide her hand into his now empty one, and he smiled at her. They weren't losing Allie; they were gaining another son in Thomas.
The ceremony went smoothly, although there wasn't a dry eye in the house as the young couple exchanged vows and rings. Nathan was pleased Willie contained his enthusiasm throughout the ceremony, laughing as the young boy leapt off the steps as he left the Church.
Formal photos outside the Church followed the ceremony. As the guests headed toward the marquee for the reception, the family and bridal party stayed for the pictures. Nathan knew the photos would be perfect; although Carson was the Town Doctor, he had been taking photographs of Hope Valley events for years, with great success.
"Carson, that's enough; the reception will be over before they get there," Faith admonished her husband.
Allie laughed at Faith's words, "She is right, Carson. I am not sure how much longer Willie will be able to stay still anyway."
"Fine, but I am taking more during the reception," Carson said, laughing as Allie's prediction about Willie came true. They watched as the young boy took off towards the food table, doing several cartwheels along the way.
Nathan stood back, letting the others get ahead, Elizabeth waiting by his side.
"How are you?" Elizabeth asked softly.
"I'm doing okay, better than I thought I would be," he responded honestly. "I couldn't have done this without you by my side and the boys at home with us."
"I know, even though she has been away at School, it still felt like she was there. Now she has her own home; I worry that will change."
"At least I know she will be living close to your Mother, that she will continue to have family around her." Nathan didn't mention that since Elizabeth's Father, William Thatcher, passed, Allie had been the one to provide Grace with the company she needed to stop her from feeling lonely. Elizabeth and Nathan visited often, but Elizabeth's sister Viola lived in London and couldn't visit easily. Elizabeth's younger sister Julie lived in Australia with her husband James, which meant frequent trips were impossible.
Nathan wrapped his arm around Elizabeth's waist and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "I Love you, Elizbeth Grant, and if I haven't told you today, you are beautiful."
"Well, thank you, Inspector Grant, I love you too, and you, as always, are very handsome."
Chapter 4
The food at the reception was mouth-watering; Abigail had outdone herself, although that wasn't a surprise. Fiona had surprised everyone with her skill at decorating the wedding cake. Fiona had created beautiful fondant leaves in fall colours and placed them around the cake, which sat atop a slab of wood cut by Nathan. Allie had worried the cake was too beautiful to cut, but when the time came, she and Thomas had held the knife between them as they cut the bottom tier.
As the guests settled in with their cake, Nathan stood and tapped his spoon to his glass, calling for their attention.
"Good afternoon, everyone," Nathan said, clearing his throat nervously. "As the bride's Father, it falls to me to make a speech today, and I am sure you can imagine how I feel about doing that, so I ask you to bear with me." Laughter followed Nathan's statement; all the guests knew how he hated to be the centre of attention.
"Firstly, to my daughter, Allie," Nathan said, turning to face her. "When you first came to live with me, I was terrified. Not of you, of course," he chuckled, as everyone laughed, "but that I might fail you by not knowing how to raise a little girl. As it turns out, I shouldn't have worried; raising and loving you was the easiest thing I have ever done."
Nathan smiled at his daughter, "you were a bright, energetic young girl and, despite my shortcomings, have grown into a wonderful, dynamic woman with a bright future in front of you. I am proud of the woman you are, and I know we will have many reasons to celebrate you and your achievements over the coming years. You may not be the child of my body, but you are the child of my heart, and I love you more than words can say."
Nathan turned to face his son-in-law, "Thomas, I am glad you and Allie found each other, the person who will always love and support you in all you do and makes you strive to be a better person. I didn't think finding someone I trusted to love my daughter enough was possible, but I was wrong. We love you, Thomas, and our family are blessed you are part of it."
Looking out over the room, Nathan raised his glass and said, "would you all join me in toasting Thomas and Allie and in wishing them a long and happy marriage filled with love, joy and laughter."
"To Allie and Thomas," the crowd cried out.
Allie grasped Thomas's hand below the tablecloth, tears falling unchecked down her face. She felt Thomas squeeze her hand back and knew he understood the emotions she was feeling. Today had been perfect, but she knew it was just the beginning; there would be many perfect days to come.
Chapter 5
Nathan stood beside Elizabeth, watching Allie and Thomas drive away, heading to Hamilton to start their honeymoon and life together. It wouldn't be long until they saw them again; he, Elizabeth and the boys had arranged to travel to Hamilton in a couple of weeks to bring their wedding gifts to their new home. Nathan knew he shouldn't be sad, his daughter was married to a wonderful man who made her happy, and she adored him. He rubbed his chest, trying to rub away the ache in his heart caused by knowing his little girl wasn't his little girl anymore.
Elizabeth watched her husband, recognising the look on his face as matching the way she felt. She and Allie had some difficult times after she foolishly allowed fear to rule her heart and head, and she left Nathan and Allie to become involved with Lucas. After Nathan's injury, when she admitted her feelings for him, she had to work hard to earn Allie's trust and, eventually, her love; but it had been worth it. Elizabeth and Allie were now as close as Mother and daughter, and Allie was very close to Elizabeth's Mother, Grace. Elizabeth knew Allie still missed her Mother, Colleen, especially today, but as with her son Jack and his Father, she and Nathan had done their best to keep Colleen's memory alive for her.
Elizabeth stepped toward Nathan, leaning against his chest and wrapping her arms around him. Encircled in his arms, she watched as the other wedding guests slowly drifted away, heading to their own homes. In his arms was her safe place; he was her refuge from the world, the place where she could be herself, knowing that she had his unconditional love and support always. Rising on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek, loving the feel of the stubble growing on his cheeks.
"Are you ready to go home?" Elizabeth asked.
"Sure, although it's going to be very quiet without the boys," Nathan said before placing a kiss on her cheek. "Rosemary and Lee are in for a rowdy night; I can't believe they offered to take all the kids for a sleepover."
"I'm sure we can think of something to do to pass the time," she said, laughing when he winked at her comment.
Nathan and Elizabeth walked away from the reception, heading home hand in hand. The colours of the sunset sky mirrored the colour of the leaves on the trees lining their path, the burnished gold, deep reds, and yellow glowing around them in the fading light.
As Nathan followed the path he had recently walked with Allie, he felt peace settle over him. The dreams he had for himself as a young man, an Uncle, Father, and husband had all come true. His daughter had found her own love and a career she would thrive in. He had found the love of his life, and they were blissfully happy, raising their family in Hope Valley, surrounded by friends and a community who loved and supported each other.
His dream for the future was to ensure his wife's and younger children's dreams came true.
If he succeeded in doing that, he knew he would be proud of the life he had led and created for his family.
The end
