Chapter 16
It was early evening by the time Elizabeth found herself being accompanied to the church by her new friends. Carly had donned a long black cloak over Elizabeth to cover her hair and gown from the dust of the street.
There was actually quite a large crowd gathered along the streets. Francis and Johnny informed them word of the wedding had spread. Elizabeth could feel all the curious glances directed at her but she kept her eyes forward. She was grateful to be surrounded by Chloe, Carly and the two men, as she was quite sure that Johnny and Francis's intimidating glares were keeping everyone at bay. Carly was giving her reassuring glances in between all the rather deadly looks she was directing toward the folks lining the streets.
While the church was only a few minutes away, time seemed to have slowed down making the journey seem to take hours. But eventually the town church stood before her. With the sun low in the sky, there was a warm yellow glow around the glowing white structure. And surrounding the grounds was a fence of neatly trimmed rose bushes with blossoms blooming in a rainbow of colours. Leading up to the front steps was a pebbled pathway lined with pansies. And at the bottom of the steps waiting for her was Luke and his family dressed in their Sunday best. The scene before her would have been inviting...except for one small detail.
There speaking angrily with Luke was her grandmother. And beside her was an equally agitated looking Sarah.
"Damn! Why'd that old witch have to come?!" muttered Carly under her breath as she too spotted Audrey Hardy. As they stepped onto the pebbled path, she moved protectively in front of Elizabeth. Pushing back her shoulders, she glared down at the older woman daring her to say a word.
When the party came to a stop in front of the group waiting near the stairs, a short tense silence came over everyone.
Luke then said gently to Elizabeth, "Good evening darling." With a warning look at Audrey, and with Laura and Lulu by his side, he walked over to Elizabeth. Smiling down at her, he continued, "The reverend is inside with Corinthos, waiting for everyone to arrive. Why don't I accompany you in and you can prepare?"
Elizabeth gave him a small grateful smile. She knew he was trying to put her at ease and out of the way of her grandmother's obvious wrath. Glancing at the elderly woman, Elizabeth saw that the anger had not dissipated since earlier in the afternoon. She wondered why her grandmother had come...
Suddenly, Elizabeth felt something tug at the bottom of her cloak. Looking down, she saw Lulu's dark blue eyes staring up at her. "Izzie!"
Forgetting her grandmother for the moment, Elizabeth smiled down at the beautiful child, and bending down as much as the tight corset would allow her, she asked, "Yes, Lulu?"
"Papa says you getting married!" the girl exclaimed excitedly.
Elizabeth laughed softly and nodded. "Yes darling. I am."
The girl looked confused for a moment and asked, "You marrying Lucky, Izzie?"
Caught off guard by the question, Elizabeth blinked and swallowed hard. Fortunately Laura answered for her, "No, pumpkin. Sarah's marrying Lucky, remember? Lizzie's marrying another man, darling."
Lulu was silent for a moment as she turned to look at Sarah, who was standing beside Lucky. She shook her head stubbornly, and asked, "Why you not marry Izzie, Lucky? I ilike/i Izzie! She's nice."
Sarah gave a shocked exclamation at Lulu's words, glaring at the little girl. Chuckling, Carly said, "Well, the li'l girl's sure lot smarter than some folks!"
Visibly uncomfortable, Lucky could only say, "Lulu I've explained this before. Lizzie and are I friends. I love Sarah."
Elizabeth took a deep breath as Lucky said the words he must have said about a thousand times. Even though she knew she had to let her feelings for him go, it still hurt. But right now, she wanted to make Lulu understand. "I'm marrying another man, Lulu."
"Who Izzie?"
Elizabeth answered softly, "Do you remember that nice man you met at the fair, Lulu. The man who called you 'Miss Spencer'? His name is Jason Morgan, and he's the man I'm marrying." Hearing herself say it out loud made her blink, taken slightly off guard by the easy way the words had just come out of her mouth.
Lulu blinked in return. "Oh," she said as she thought of the tall man who had talked to her like she was grownup. She had thought him kind but...she didn't want him to take away her friend. "But where will you live, Izzie? I don't want you to go away." The little girl clutched Elizabeth's hand tightly.
"Oh darling, I'm not going anywhere..." Actually, Elizabeth was not quite sure iwhat/i was going to happen after they got married. Or where they were going to live for that matter! Lord...she was finding it difficult to breath again. But looking at the Lulu's worried eyes, Elizabeth said comfortingly, "And even if someday I do leave, I will always be with you. Friends are always in each other's hearts."
Teary eyed, Lulu did not look reassured as she gripped Elizabeth's hand even tighter.
Trying to think of a way to ease the little girl's worry, Elizabeth suggested, "Lulu, darling, what if I said I wanted you to be part of my wedding? Would you like to be the flower girl?"
Carly grinned at Elizabeth's easy manner with the girl. She hadn't seen her so comfortable...well, except with that hog. She was more sure than ever that Elizabeth would be a wonderful mother for Jason's daughter.
At Elizabeth's suggestion, Lulu's eyes widened in surprise and then she let out a squeal of excitement. "Flower girl?!" She turned to Laura, "Mama, you hear? Izzie says I can be a..." Suddenly, she paused in confusion, "What's a flower girl Mama?"
Before answering her daughter, Laura smiled gratefully at Elizabeth. Then turning to Lulu, she explained, "A flower girl leads the way for the bride when she walks down the aisle in the church, darling. She usually leaves a trail of flower petals in the aisle for the bride to walk on."
Smiling brightly, Lulu turned to Elizabeth and put her arms around her in happiness. "Oh yes, Izzie...I wanna be a flower girl." She asked against Elizabeth's shoulder, "But where are the flower petals?"
Laughing, Carly answered, "Don't ya worry li'l one." She shot Francis a look of wicked glee, "Francis, here, just loves lookin' for flowers, don't ya, Francis?" Ignoring his groan, Carly continued, "He'll go over there in those rose bushes and get ya some petals to throw."
"Aw, Carly. Those roses got thorns!" protested poor Francis.
Lulu let go of her hold on Elizabeth and ran up to the large, broad stranger. She looked up at him with a plea in her large blue eyes. "Please sir, help me get my flowers...I wanna be a flower girl."
Francis just stared at the little girl in silence for a long moment. Then turning around and cursing softly under his breath, he walked over to a group of yellow rose bushes. Damn did Jase owe him!
As Lulu excitedly followed to help him, Audrey, who had been surprisingly quiet up until now, said loudly, "All of this is beyond foolish, Lizzie!! Flower petals...flower
girls...marriage! You all are completely mad!"
As Luke watched his wife following Lulu to the rose bushes, he warned, "iAudrey/i."
Ignoring him, Audrey walked up closer to Elizabeth, and her grey eyes swept over the cloak still covering the girl's dress and hair. "It's appropriate you're wearing black, Lizzie. This wedding to that...that scoundrel will bring you nothing but sorrow. And what kind of man would get married on the day his grandfather died?! A wicked one, I tell you! You must put an end to this foolishness and come home with me now, Lizzie. You can repent your wicked behaviour and we'll go on as before."
Sarah walked up beside Audrey and nodded her head solemnly. "Do as Grams says, Lizzie! You can't marry that man! How can you do this to us? He's a criminal and lives in a saloon with those wicked women! And you'd leave us to go live there with him? Why? Are you that jealous of my marrying Lucky? Do you wish to show you can marry before I do? Is that why you suddenly agree to marry a man you hardly know? So you can get some attention?"
In the face of her sister's venom, Elizabeth couldn't find any words to reply. But Carly, seething with rage, stalked up to Sarah and warned, "Ya'd better shut your trap you little-"
But well into her tirade, Sarah ignored Carly and continued, "You're behaving selfishly, Lizzie. And after Grams is willing to take you back despite your disgraceful behaviour?! You should be ashamed of your-"
"That's enough from you, young lady!" growled Luke angrily.
Sarah turned shocked eyes toward her future father in law. Luke had never spoken to her in such a manner before. "But, Mr. Spencer, look at her behaviour last night! Going to a saloon...being found in a man's bed. She acted like a common trol-"
"iSarah/i!" Lucky admonished, eyes wide with horror.
Luke turned narrowed eyes toward the beautiful blond girl. "You listen to me young lady. You will never speak of your sister in such a manner again, do you hear me? You out of everyone here shouldn't be casting any stones about Lizzie's actions owing to that damn punch!"
Lucky's face grew red as he said anxiously, "Pa, don't."
"What do you mean?!" Sarah asked in confusion. She turned to Lucky. "What does he mean, Lucky?"
Shaking his head, Lucky muttered, "Nothing."
Luke, who had enough of the spoiled girl's cruelty to her sister, said, "No, son. I know she's your betroth, but I think the girl needs a little lesson in humility." Turning to the girl he asked, "Do you think your behaviour has always been beyond reproach, Sarah?"
After a moment, aware of all the eyes on her, Sarah lifted her head, and nodded.
"What if I were to tell you that like Lizzie, you'd had too much punch last night and your behaviour was less than proper?"
Sarah shook her head resolutely, "I do not know what you are speaking of."
Lucky pleaded with his father. "Please don't go on, Pa."
Carly, who was all ears now, moved closer to Luke and said with a smile, "Oh iplease do/i, Mr. Spencer."
A confused Audrey demanded, "All of you be quiet. And you," she said in annoyance to Luke, "You tell me what you are going on about!"
With eyes still on Sarah, Luke replied to Audrey, "Let's just say when Lucky took you and Sarah home the other night, Sarah made some very...ipassionate/i overtures to him. He had to...ah...fight her off."
Clasping her hand to her breast, Sarah gasped in horror, "What?!"
At the same time, Audrey asked angrily, "What is that suppose to mean, Luke?!"
As Elizabeth looked from Luke to Sarah to a red-faced Lucky, she was at a complete loss as to what Luke was trying to say. What did he mean by ipassionate overtures/i and why would Lucky have to fight Sarah off?
But Carly, who was not at all confused, burst out into robust ringing laughter. "I'll tell ya what he means, Mrs. Hardy! The spirits must've melted some of the ice that haughty piece of goods is made of and she threw herself at the poor boy!" She then turned to Lucky, who was turning redder by the second and explained further, "Mr. Spencer, attemptin' to defend his honour, fought off the fair ilady/i. Ain't I right?" She let out another round of chuckles as the picture of the frazzled boy holding off his betroth's lustful advances ran through her head!
A very similar, though less detailed, image ran through Elizabeth's head. She could not believe that the always iproper/i Sarah would act in such a manner! But then, she remembered the effect of the spirits on her own behaviour...
"No..." Sarah whispered in horror as she turned to Lucky, "It's not possible. I couldn't...Tell them Lucky!"
When Lucky didn't answer, Sarah burst into tears. Seeing her distress, Elizabeth could not help but go up to her, and place her hand on her sister's arm. "Please do not go on so, Sarah. It was the spirits...you are not at fault."
Coming up to her granddaughters, Audrey said sharply, "Cease your crying this instant Sarah! I do not know how much of this I believe, but you obviously were not in your right mind last night. We have more important matters to be worrying about!" She glared at Elizabeth. "It doesn't matter that your sister may have behaved somewhat foolishly! At least ishe/i is not intending to marry that rascal!"
Carly could not believe the old woman's double standard! How dare she continue to browbeat Elizabeth and insult Jason?! Moving in between Elizabeth and Audrey, she shouted, "I be thinkin' you're havin' a li'l difficulty understandin' this, but let me make it clear. Elizabeth iis/i marrying Jason!"
"Over my dead body!" an enraged Audrey replied.
Carly's eyes narrowed and she smirked, "It'll be imy pleasure/i ya old witch!"
Seeing the two women were inching closer to each other, Elizabeth placed her hand on the blond beauty's shoulders and said gently, "Please, Carly. Let me speak to my grandmother."
After taking a deep breath, Carly took a few steps back. Audrey began in on Elizabeth immediately. "Is this the kind of company you want to keep, Lizzie? People who disrespect their elders. Why that woman's nothing but a-!"
Holding up a hand, Elizabeth interrupted softly but firmly, "You will not insult my friend, iGrandmother/i." Elizabeth heard the older woman gasp at her tone, but she would not stand by and let her insult her new friend. "If you wish to be treated with respect, you should act respectful." Another gasp. "Now, I am truly sorry, Grams, if you are not happy with my decision to marry. But I have already given my word to Mr.-um-Jason to marry him, and I intend to fulfil my promise." Then softening her voice, she continued, "Now, I would like you to be at my wedding, but if you cannot be here respectfully, then I have to ask that you leave."
For a moment there was complete silence from the group. No one could believe that shy, little Lizzie would ever speak so forcefully to anyone, let alone her dragon of a grandmother. Well, no one except Luke and Carly. Carly wanted to shout out her approval at Elizabeth's show of spirit, and Luke was feeling very proud of the girl he had always known had so much more in her than she showed the world.
As the silence stretched on, Elizabeth felt her face go red in embarrassment. Oh dear...what had she been thinking to say such things to her grandmother? But Luke's smile soon put her at ease. He offered her his arm. "Darling why don't we go inside and wait for Jason to arrive?" Elizabeth nodded, but as she placed her hand on Luke's arm, she turned around to glance questioningly at her grandmother and sister.
Under their bonnets, their faces displayed a mixture of shock and anger. Audrey said coldly, "I will certainly not watch you marry that man! I wash my hands of you, Lizzie! Come Sarah." With that she turned to walk through the crowd of people, and down the pebbled path.
Sarah nodded her head deliberately, and made to leave. But she suddenly came to a stop when she realised Lucky was not following with her. "Lucky?!" she prompted angrily.
A torn Lucky looked from Sarah to Elizabeth and then back to Sarah. With apologetic eyes, he shook his head and said, "I can't leave Sarah. Elizabeth is my friend."
As she realised he was serious in his intent to stay, Sarah was left speechless. With a squeal of anger, and an angry glare at Elizabeth, she spun around and left without saying another word.
As she watched her grandmother and sister depart, Elizabeth sighed sadly and turned back to Luke. He smiled down at her reassuringly, and guided her up the stairs, onto the porch and through the big walnut doors of the church.
The rest of the party, except for Francis, Laura and Lulu, followed them into the greeting hall. They were met by Reverend Jones, and Sonny who came in from the direction of the church pews. Smiling his charming grin, Sonny said, "Everything's arranged, Elizabeth. The reverend is ready to perform the ceremony."
Elizabeth smiled in appreciation. "Thank you, Sonny." Then turning to the preacher she went on, "And thank you as well, Reverend for agreeing to perform the ceremony."
Reverend Jones nodded his head solemnly and cleared his throat. "Yes...well, I am happy to hear Mr. Morgan has decided to act honourably. Young lady, you have indeed behaved sinfully, but now in this house of God, you shall be brought back to the path of righteousness. It is never too late to repent, and with the Lord on your-"
Seeing Carly's growing impatience, and Elizabeth's agitation, Chloe delicately cleared her throat and said, "Aham. Reverend, I am sure you would not mind if we accompany Elizabeth to the church hall to allow her time to prepare before Jason arrives." Before the Reverend could reply, Chloe and Carly took Elizabeth by the arm and they walked down the hall towards the small room used for Sunday school. But midway down the hall, Carly spoke over her shoulders, "Sonny, can ya tell the li'l girl and her mama to come back here when Francis's done gettin' those flower petals?!"
Sonny's forehead wrinkled in confusion as he asked, "What?" But the three women had already disappeared behind the door. He looked to Johnny and Luke for an explanation.
Johnny chuckled. "Elizabeth asked the li'l gal to be her flower girl, and Francis was told to get the petals for her to throw."
Sonny was about to comment on this, when the front door opened and in came Francis. In his hand was his brown cowboy hat, overflowing with yellow rose petals. Lulu followed him in, jumping up and down. "Can I have the petals now, sir?!"
Laura laughed from behind her daughter. "Darling, he'll give them to you as soon as we can find something to hold them. I'm sure the gentleman wants his hat back. "
Francis shook his head, and handed his hat to the little girl. "No, the gal can carry them in my hat. I ain't gonna wear it in the Lord's house."
As she reached out with both her small hands to take the large hat, Lulu smiled at Francis. "Thank you, sir!" Then with her prize in her hand, she turned to her mother to ask, "What do I do now Mama?"
Sonny grinned at the little girl's excitement, and while pointing in the direction in which the other women had disappeared, he suggested, "Why don't you and your mother go to the Sunday schoolroom out back and see Elizabeth?"
Without another word, Lulu ran toward the far door with Laura following her heels.
Sonny laughed, and said to a smiling Luke, "She must be handful, Spencer."
"Yes," Luke replied with a chuckle, "But she's more excited than usual over being part of Lizzie's wedding."
"Who's part of the wedding?"
The men in the hallway turned to see Jason standing in the doorway. Taking off his black hat, Jason looked around the hall.
The minister began, "Mr. Morgan, I-"
Before he could begin another sermon, Sonny replied, "Luke's daughter. But I think you'll be glad to know who ain't part of the weddin' party. Elizabeth's grandmother and sister. She told them to leave if they couldn't be respectful." Jason's eyebrows rose in surprise, but noting his change in appearance, Sonny remarked, "Well, wherever ya went, ya sure are lookin' a sight more respectful, Jase."
Francis nodded, "Ya almost look like a bridegroom, Jase!"
"He iis/i a bridegroom, idiot!" Johnny said good-naturedly.
Ignoring their bantering, Jason asked, "Is everything ready?"
Nodding his head, Sonny answered, "Yes. The reverend, here, will perform the ceremony. Elizabeth and the other women are in the hall getting ready. Why don't we go to the front of the church and wait for them?"
But before Jason could agree to this plan, Lucky approached him. "Before you go, Jason, can I speak to you for a moment in private?"
Luke shot Lucky a warning look, but Lucky ignored him as he waited for Jason's agreement. Slightly surprised at the request, Jason gave a curt nod.
Lucky waited until Jason's friends and the minister had entered the worship hall, and Luke had walked off a distance, before he began, "My father believes you're a good man, Jason, and I trust his judgement. But I need your word you will treat Beth well. She's a gentle spirit. You could easily harm her if you aren't careful."
For a moment Jason's face hardened as his icy blue eyes stared down at the younger man. While he didn't have anything against Lucky, he didn't appreciate the fact the boy thought he would hurt Elizabeth. And strangely he was beginning to find the boy's familiar use of her name grating...But his reasonable side understood that his reputation would cause Elizabeth's friends to be concerned for her. So Jason answered in an even voice, "I appreciate your concern for Elizabeth, but I will only say this once. I would not knowingly hurt her."
As he struggled to keep from flinching in the face of Jason's unwavering stare, Lucky slowly nodded his head. "Good. See that you don't." He still did not believe this marriage was the right thing for his Beth but at least he believed Jason meant what he said. With one last look at the taller man, Lucky walked over to his father to wait for his mother and sister.
Shaking his head at the boy's parting threat, Jason made his way down the aisle to the front of the small church where the Reverend was espousing the sanctity of marriage. Over the minister's shoulders, Francis and Johnny shot Jason a pleading glance to rescue them. But by some good fortune, as Jason reached them, the preacher realised he had forgotten his Bible in the back of the church and left to find it.
As he watched Reverend Jones hurriedly make his way down the aisle, Jason reached into his jacket, feeling for the velvet case containing the rings. He thought of handing them over into Sonny's care, but decided he would be the one to take them out of the case when the time came.
"Ya think he's nervous?" whispered Johnny to Francis as his brown eyes followed Jason's movements.
Francis glanced at Jason. "Jase? Naaaaw! He don't get fidgety over anythin'."
"But he's givin' up all his freedom, and tyin' himself to one woman for ilife/i! Lord that would scare any fella in his right mind."
Francis nodded, "Yep. Ya wouldn't be catchin' me standin' there so calmly I tell ya. Wakin' up to the same face every mornin'? Naw, not me!"
Sonny sent the two men a warning glare, but they were much too involved in their conversation.
"Yep, I just don't know how he's standin' there so unruffled when he's 'bout to get a noose tied 'round his neck."
"Don't reckon I know. Not that I don't like the li'l gal, but any wife is bound to be trouble. Theys don't let ya enjoy a bit of the oh-be-joyful, and theys put up quite the ruckus when ya-"
Having about as much as he could take of their incessant chatter, Jason growled, "Will you two shut your traps?"
Francis and Johnny exchanged knowing glances. Johnny whispered, "Ya see, he's touchy as a-"
A commotion interrupted Johnny's sentence. Luke's booming voice could be heard from the back, "I won't have all these folks coming in and upsetting Lizzie, Reverend."
"This is a house of the Lord, Luke. I will not turn these good folks away."
Suddenly, a flood of voices filled the church, and then many of the town folks, with Amy Vining, Lucy Collins and the doc leading the way, came into the room and filled the pews. Between curious glances towards the men standing at the front of the church, they spoke in hushed tones to each other.
Sonny glanced at Jason to see irritation flitter across his face. Jason cursed under his breath, and with Sonny closely behind him, he made his way through the incoming crowd. He came up to Luke, who was still arguing with the reverend. Jason asked, "What the hell is going on, here, Luke? Where'd all these folks come from?"
Luke groaned. "I'm sorry, Jason. When word of the wedding spread, folks decided to come see the show."
Sonny shook his head. "They're not staying. My men and I will get rid of them."
"No," muttered Jason after giving the matter some thought. "I don't want any trouble tonight. But if anyone does anything to upset Elizabeth, I'll throw them out myself."
At the threat, the minister gave Jason a disapproving glare. "Mr. Morgan, I do not believe violence..."
At that moment, Laura, Chloe and Carly came out of the back room. When she had reached her husband's side, Laura whispered, "She looks so lovely, Luke. She's with Lulu, waiting for you to come get her."
Luke smiled and turned to Jason. "Well, it looks like it's time to get started."
Hearing all the noise coming from the pews, Carly frowned and asked, "What's all the ruckus?"
Sonny explained how folks from town had arrived. Carly did not look too pleased but her attention was soon caught by Jason's cleaned up appearance and she forgot about the uninvited guests. Smiling in satisfaction, she thought she could hardly wait for Elizabeth and Jason to see each other!
Satisfied the folks from the saloon would behave themselves, the reverend suggested that they start the ceremony. And so Carly proudly accompanied her husband and Jason back to the front of the church with the curious gaze of the whole parish following them. A few minutes later Lucky, Laura, and Chloe took their seats in the front pew. Sitting down next to them, with Jason's hat in her lap, Carly ordered Francis, "Go over to that there piano, and play somethin' nice as soon as ya see that flower gal."
With a grin, Francis nodded and walked over to the small piano in the corner of the church. He looked down the aisle waiting for the Spencer girl to appear. After a few minutes the girl's plump, rosy face appeared under the archway, and Francis struck the first note of a simple Irish love ballad...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
When everyone had left, Luke walked over to the door to the Sunday schoolroom. He asked loudly, "Are you ready, Lizzie?"
The door opened quickly, and Lulu came out of the door excitedly clutching the cowboy hat full of petals to her chest. "Papa! Is it time for me to throw the petals?!"
Luke smiled down at his daughter. "Yes darling." He took hold of her small hand and walked her over to the entryway to the church pews. Pointing down the aisle, he said, "You see Mama up there, darling? You walk toward her down the aisle, and throw those petals."
Lulu nodded, and with a beaming smile, she walked under the large wooden archway, and headed slowly down the aisle. Soft piano music soon filled the air.
Luke turned around and let out a small exclamation, "Lizzie!" As his proud eyes took in the young lady's loveliness, he took her trembling hand into his. "All I can say is your beauty this day can only be matched by the beauty in your heart, Lizzie."
Feeling the butterflies fluttering around her stomach, Elizabeth was comforted by the warmth of Luke's hands. She could not believe she was going through with this...she took a deep breath and concentrated on Luke's face. This man had always been so kind to her, and at this time, when she was so scared, he was once again here by her side. She whispered, "Thank you, Mr. Spencer."
"Are you ready, Lizzie?"
As ready as she would ever be, she thought as her heart beat sped up even faster.
At her small nod, Luke took her small hand and placed it on his arm. As they made their way to the hall of worship, he said, "I want you to know how proud I am to give you away, Lizzie. Thank you for this honour."
As tears shimmered in her eyes in response, Elizabeth lifted her lowered eyes and walked through the wooden archway toward the unknown...her future...her husband to be...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
As the church hummed with activity, Jason kept his eyes on the front large stained glass windows. The sunlight shone through, causing rays of every imaginable colour to flood the church. He judged there was still a good two hours of sunlight left before night came, the first night he would spend as a married man...He was shaken out of his thoughts by the sound of music.
Turning around, he followed Sonny's gaze down the aisle where it rested on Spencer's young daughter. She was cradling a large brown leather hat in her hands, and was slowly making her way down the aisle. With each step, she took a handful of rose petals and threw them up into the air. Jason's eyes followed the fall of one yellow rose petal to the ground. Following the trail of yellow down the aisle, he soon found himself looking at a pair of dainty white shoes. The tips were peeping out from beneath the hem of a flowing skirt.
As the music rose, and more rose petals flew through the air closer to him, he watched the shoes move towards him. He was vaguely aware of small gasps escaping from the crowd and from beside him, Sonny let out a soft exclamation, "Well, I'll be damned!" Slowly, glittering blue eyes moved up the tiny figure in white.
He took in how the shimmering white skirt flowed out from a tiny waist, and how just in front of that waist, rested a bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers. His gaze continued its progress up the vision, to the snow white bodice with its modest neckline. But there was nothing prim about this gown as it outlined the delicate curve of the wearer's breasts, and revealed creamy bare arms and shoulders unadorned by jewellery. Long, wild strands of dark curls teased the smooth skin of an elegant neck. As he looked up to the source of those curls, he saw a rich mass of chestnut hair loosely pinned up. And arranged within those dark curls were small white flowers...daisies.
Finally, as the enchanting figure almost reached his side, his eyes rested on the heart-shaped face...the face of his bride. Her cheeks were flushed and eyes were lowered, as she nibbled on her lower lip as if fiercely concentrating on her tentative steps up the aisle. And then as if she felt his gaze on her face, she slowly raised her eyes to meet his. As those large eyes, eyes which sparkled from the coloured sunlight, met his, he saw a vast array of emotions reflecting back at him. Fear, uncertainty, nervousness...but there was also something else...
As Jason continued to stare down at her, Elizabeth forgot about all the eyes she had been so conscious of just moments ago as she started down the aisle. Now there was only this man in front of her. In her nervousness earlier, she had not even considered what Jason might wear at their wedding...and she had certainly not thought he would take the time to shave and change into freshly pressed clothing. His black suit contrasted sharply with his golden skin, fair hair, and blazing blue eyes. Lord...why had she not realised sooner this man was quite handsome? This man who was to be iher husband/i! As heat flushed her face, she found it even harder to breath confined in the stiff corset.
As she became disorientated by strange new feelings, Elizabeth forgot to continue to concentrate on where she was going and lost her footing. Soon she found herself falling...falling toward her bridegroom. Feeling one of her hands slip from Luke's arm, she struggled to keep hold of her bouquet of sunflowers in the other, but a stem fell through her fingers. Luke attempted to steady her, but it was Jason's strong hands that rested on her waist to keep her safely standing. As the scent of violet water teased his nose, Jason said softly, "I've got you."
A mortified Elizabeth had been berating herself over her clumsiness. She couldn't even walk down the aisle at her own wedding without incident! But at the sound of his voice against her hair, she peered up to find Jason looking down at her not in anger, but with a small smile on his face. Blinking she whispered, "Thank you."
Keeping his eyes on hers, he stepped slightly back, and bent down to pick up the sunflower she had dropped. After handing it to her, he held out his hand. "Are you ready, Elizabeth?"
She stood there for a short time simply clutching her bouquet of flowers tightly staring at that hand before she felt another hand on her arm. Elizabeth tore her gaze away from Jason and saw that Luke was still by her side. With a small smile, she gave his hand a squeeze of appreciation. "Thank you, Mr. Spencer." Then releasing his hand, she handed him her bouquet.
Once her hands were free, she placed one of them in the steady hand offered before her. Shyly she replied, "Yes, I am ready...Jason." But as she felt her small hand become engulfed by his large one, she wondered if she truly was...
As they stood up there in front of God and the town of Heaven, Elizabeth was vaguely aware of the minister beginning the ceremony, "Dearly Beloved..." As she watched the words form on the preacher's lips, she was more keenly aware of the man beside her and the connection between them as he kept hold of her hand. And strangely as the warmth of his hand spread through her cold one, her nervousness and fear began to abate...
"Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?"
Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth saw Luke step forward to speak. He gave her a reassuring smile, before stepping back and sitting down next to his family. It was only then did Elizabeth notice Lulu was now seated beside her mother, and next to them was...Lucky...As her hand slid out of Jason's, she caught Lucky staring at her with his mouth slightly agape, and there was something in his eyes...
But she did not have long to think of her childhood love as Jason turned to face her. His eyes held hers as he repeated his vows in steady voice, "I, Jason Morgan, take thee, Elizabeth Webber, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto plight thee my troth."
As his words overwhelmed her senses, Elizabeth was so busy concentrating on breathing properly that she did not realised it was now her turn to repeat the vows until the minister coughed. With her wide eyes on Jason's, she began in a mere whisper, "I...Elizabeth Webber...take thee, Jason Morgan, to my wedded husband..." She took another deep breath, concentrating on the calmness in Jason's gaze, and in a firmer voice continued, "to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and health, to...," with a slight catch in her voice, she finished, "...to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth." As she said the last word, Elizabeth felt a small smile of relief form on her face. It was as if now that she had said those binding words, a great burden had been lifted off her shoulders...and she felt...free...
Jason was so taken off guard by the smile, he didn't hear the minister's question about wedding bands until Sonny nudged him. When the preacher repeated his question, Jason nodded his head, and reached into his pocket, taking out the blue velvet box. With care, he opened the box and retrieved the two rings. Giving a surprised Sonny the box, Jason turned to Elizabeth to take her right hand. Gently he lifted it up and turned it over, before placing the larger ring on her palm.
Elizabeth stared down at the large wedding band before blinking in surprise. She had not even thought about rings. Where did he even get them in such short notice?
"Elizabeth?"
She looked up, and saw Jason was holding out the smaller gold band in his long fingers. Closing her right hand tightly around the matching ring, she lifted her other hand.
As he took her hand gently in his and started to place the ring on her fourth finger, he repeated after the minister, "Receive this Ring as a token of wedded love and troth." The ring was a perfect fit.
Then the minister indicated it was Elizabeth's turn to place the other ring on Jason's finger. With hands not quite steady, she placed the golden band in its rightful place, and repeated after the minister, "Receive this Ring as a token of wedded love and troth." And then, before Elizabeth could withdraw her hand, Jason had once again taken hold of it in his.
The minister continued in his solemn tones, "Forasmuch as Jason and Elizabeth have consented together in holy wedlock, and have declared the same before God and in the presence of this company, I pronounce them Man and Wife; What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
As loud applause broke out, the majority of which coming from the front pew, Elizabeth stared down at the gold band on her finger, and glanced at the matching one on the large hand now holding hers. Slowly she lifted her head to find Jason...her ihusband/i...watching her with unreadable eyes. She wondered what he was thinking...
After casting a few impatient glances at the minister, Carly decided to take matters into her own hands and shouted out, "Well if ya ain't going to say it preacher, then I will...Ya may kiss your iwife/i, Jase!"
Elizabeth blushed at Carly's suggestion and the loud hoots and hollers that followed. She timidly glanced at Jason and saw he was still staring at her. As the seconds ticked by, and he simply stood there, she became even more nervous, unsure of what he would do.
When he saw Elizabeth begin to nibble on her lower lip, his left hand, as if having a will of its own, reached up to cup her cheeks gently.
Elizabeth's eyes widened slightly as cold metal brushed her cheek, but then realising he iwas/i planning to kiss her, her eyelids fluttered shut. She felt him lean into her and felt his breath begin to tease her flushed skin. She felt the responding pounding of her heart in her chest as she held her breath in anticipation. When it seemed she couldn't bear the waiting any longer, she finally felt the light brush of his lips on her cheek. So lost was she in the beginnings of this first kiss, she wasn't aware of the uproar from the crowd until she felt Jason stiffen and pull away.
Feeling the sudden loss of his warmth, her eyes flew open to look up at Jason in surprise. She was shocked to see his face had grown completely cold and hard. And those remarkable blue eyes now blazed with anger. It took her a moment to realise that his anger was not directed at her, but at something just over her shoulder. Slowly Elizabeth turned around.
"Well, well, what do we have here?"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It was early evening by the time Elizabeth found herself being accompanied to the church by her new friends. Carly had donned a long black cloak over Elizabeth to cover her hair and gown from the dust of the street.
There was actually quite a large crowd gathered along the streets. Francis and Johnny informed them word of the wedding had spread. Elizabeth could feel all the curious glances directed at her but she kept her eyes forward. She was grateful to be surrounded by Chloe, Carly and the two men, as she was quite sure that Johnny and Francis's intimidating glares were keeping everyone at bay. Carly was giving her reassuring glances in between all the rather deadly looks she was directing toward the folks lining the streets.
While the church was only a few minutes away, time seemed to have slowed down making the journey seem to take hours. But eventually the town church stood before her. With the sun low in the sky, there was a warm yellow glow around the glowing white structure. And surrounding the grounds was a fence of neatly trimmed rose bushes with blossoms blooming in a rainbow of colours. Leading up to the front steps was a pebbled pathway lined with pansies. And at the bottom of the steps waiting for her was Luke and his family dressed in their Sunday best. The scene before her would have been inviting...except for one small detail.
There speaking angrily with Luke was her grandmother. And beside her was an equally agitated looking Sarah.
"Damn! Why'd that old witch have to come?!" muttered Carly under her breath as she too spotted Audrey Hardy. As they stepped onto the pebbled path, she moved protectively in front of Elizabeth. Pushing back her shoulders, she glared down at the older woman daring her to say a word.
When the party came to a stop in front of the group waiting near the stairs, a short tense silence came over everyone.
Luke then said gently to Elizabeth, "Good evening darling." With a warning look at Audrey, and with Laura and Lulu by his side, he walked over to Elizabeth. Smiling down at her, he continued, "The reverend is inside with Corinthos, waiting for everyone to arrive. Why don't I accompany you in and you can prepare?"
Elizabeth gave him a small grateful smile. She knew he was trying to put her at ease and out of the way of her grandmother's obvious wrath. Glancing at the elderly woman, Elizabeth saw that the anger had not dissipated since earlier in the afternoon. She wondered why her grandmother had come...
Suddenly, Elizabeth felt something tug at the bottom of her cloak. Looking down, she saw Lulu's dark blue eyes staring up at her. "Izzie!"
Forgetting her grandmother for the moment, Elizabeth smiled down at the beautiful child, and bending down as much as the tight corset would allow her, she asked, "Yes, Lulu?"
"Papa says you getting married!" the girl exclaimed excitedly.
Elizabeth laughed softly and nodded. "Yes darling. I am."
The girl looked confused for a moment and asked, "You marrying Lucky, Izzie?"
Caught off guard by the question, Elizabeth blinked and swallowed hard. Fortunately Laura answered for her, "No, pumpkin. Sarah's marrying Lucky, remember? Lizzie's marrying another man, darling."
Lulu was silent for a moment as she turned to look at Sarah, who was standing beside Lucky. She shook her head stubbornly, and asked, "Why you not marry Izzie, Lucky? I ilike/i Izzie! She's nice."
Sarah gave a shocked exclamation at Lulu's words, glaring at the little girl. Chuckling, Carly said, "Well, the li'l girl's sure lot smarter than some folks!"
Visibly uncomfortable, Lucky could only say, "Lulu I've explained this before. Lizzie and are I friends. I love Sarah."
Elizabeth took a deep breath as Lucky said the words he must have said about a thousand times. Even though she knew she had to let her feelings for him go, it still hurt. But right now, she wanted to make Lulu understand. "I'm marrying another man, Lulu."
"Who Izzie?"
Elizabeth answered softly, "Do you remember that nice man you met at the fair, Lulu. The man who called you 'Miss Spencer'? His name is Jason Morgan, and he's the man I'm marrying." Hearing herself say it out loud made her blink, taken slightly off guard by the easy way the words had just come out of her mouth.
Lulu blinked in return. "Oh," she said as she thought of the tall man who had talked to her like she was grownup. She had thought him kind but...she didn't want him to take away her friend. "But where will you live, Izzie? I don't want you to go away." The little girl clutched Elizabeth's hand tightly.
"Oh darling, I'm not going anywhere..." Actually, Elizabeth was not quite sure iwhat/i was going to happen after they got married. Or where they were going to live for that matter! Lord...she was finding it difficult to breath again. But looking at the Lulu's worried eyes, Elizabeth said comfortingly, "And even if someday I do leave, I will always be with you. Friends are always in each other's hearts."
Teary eyed, Lulu did not look reassured as she gripped Elizabeth's hand even tighter.
Trying to think of a way to ease the little girl's worry, Elizabeth suggested, "Lulu, darling, what if I said I wanted you to be part of my wedding? Would you like to be the flower girl?"
Carly grinned at Elizabeth's easy manner with the girl. She hadn't seen her so comfortable...well, except with that hog. She was more sure than ever that Elizabeth would be a wonderful mother for Jason's daughter.
At Elizabeth's suggestion, Lulu's eyes widened in surprise and then she let out a squeal of excitement. "Flower girl?!" She turned to Laura, "Mama, you hear? Izzie says I can be a..." Suddenly, she paused in confusion, "What's a flower girl Mama?"
Before answering her daughter, Laura smiled gratefully at Elizabeth. Then turning to Lulu, she explained, "A flower girl leads the way for the bride when she walks down the aisle in the church, darling. She usually leaves a trail of flower petals in the aisle for the bride to walk on."
Smiling brightly, Lulu turned to Elizabeth and put her arms around her in happiness. "Oh yes, Izzie...I wanna be a flower girl." She asked against Elizabeth's shoulder, "But where are the flower petals?"
Laughing, Carly answered, "Don't ya worry li'l one." She shot Francis a look of wicked glee, "Francis, here, just loves lookin' for flowers, don't ya, Francis?" Ignoring his groan, Carly continued, "He'll go over there in those rose bushes and get ya some petals to throw."
"Aw, Carly. Those roses got thorns!" protested poor Francis.
Lulu let go of her hold on Elizabeth and ran up to the large, broad stranger. She looked up at him with a plea in her large blue eyes. "Please sir, help me get my flowers...I wanna be a flower girl."
Francis just stared at the little girl in silence for a long moment. Then turning around and cursing softly under his breath, he walked over to a group of yellow rose bushes. Damn did Jase owe him!
As Lulu excitedly followed to help him, Audrey, who had been surprisingly quiet up until now, said loudly, "All of this is beyond foolish, Lizzie!! Flower petals...flower
girls...marriage! You all are completely mad!"
As Luke watched his wife following Lulu to the rose bushes, he warned, "iAudrey/i."
Ignoring him, Audrey walked up closer to Elizabeth, and her grey eyes swept over the cloak still covering the girl's dress and hair. "It's appropriate you're wearing black, Lizzie. This wedding to that...that scoundrel will bring you nothing but sorrow. And what kind of man would get married on the day his grandfather died?! A wicked one, I tell you! You must put an end to this foolishness and come home with me now, Lizzie. You can repent your wicked behaviour and we'll go on as before."
Sarah walked up beside Audrey and nodded her head solemnly. "Do as Grams says, Lizzie! You can't marry that man! How can you do this to us? He's a criminal and lives in a saloon with those wicked women! And you'd leave us to go live there with him? Why? Are you that jealous of my marrying Lucky? Do you wish to show you can marry before I do? Is that why you suddenly agree to marry a man you hardly know? So you can get some attention?"
In the face of her sister's venom, Elizabeth couldn't find any words to reply. But Carly, seething with rage, stalked up to Sarah and warned, "Ya'd better shut your trap you little-"
But well into her tirade, Sarah ignored Carly and continued, "You're behaving selfishly, Lizzie. And after Grams is willing to take you back despite your disgraceful behaviour?! You should be ashamed of your-"
"That's enough from you, young lady!" growled Luke angrily.
Sarah turned shocked eyes toward her future father in law. Luke had never spoken to her in such a manner before. "But, Mr. Spencer, look at her behaviour last night! Going to a saloon...being found in a man's bed. She acted like a common trol-"
"iSarah/i!" Lucky admonished, eyes wide with horror.
Luke turned narrowed eyes toward the beautiful blond girl. "You listen to me young lady. You will never speak of your sister in such a manner again, do you hear me? You out of everyone here shouldn't be casting any stones about Lizzie's actions owing to that damn punch!"
Lucky's face grew red as he said anxiously, "Pa, don't."
"What do you mean?!" Sarah asked in confusion. She turned to Lucky. "What does he mean, Lucky?"
Shaking his head, Lucky muttered, "Nothing."
Luke, who had enough of the spoiled girl's cruelty to her sister, said, "No, son. I know she's your betroth, but I think the girl needs a little lesson in humility." Turning to the girl he asked, "Do you think your behaviour has always been beyond reproach, Sarah?"
After a moment, aware of all the eyes on her, Sarah lifted her head, and nodded.
"What if I were to tell you that like Lizzie, you'd had too much punch last night and your behaviour was less than proper?"
Sarah shook her head resolutely, "I do not know what you are speaking of."
Lucky pleaded with his father. "Please don't go on, Pa."
Carly, who was all ears now, moved closer to Luke and said with a smile, "Oh iplease do/i, Mr. Spencer."
A confused Audrey demanded, "All of you be quiet. And you," she said in annoyance to Luke, "You tell me what you are going on about!"
With eyes still on Sarah, Luke replied to Audrey, "Let's just say when Lucky took you and Sarah home the other night, Sarah made some very...ipassionate/i overtures to him. He had to...ah...fight her off."
Clasping her hand to her breast, Sarah gasped in horror, "What?!"
At the same time, Audrey asked angrily, "What is that suppose to mean, Luke?!"
As Elizabeth looked from Luke to Sarah to a red-faced Lucky, she was at a complete loss as to what Luke was trying to say. What did he mean by ipassionate overtures/i and why would Lucky have to fight Sarah off?
But Carly, who was not at all confused, burst out into robust ringing laughter. "I'll tell ya what he means, Mrs. Hardy! The spirits must've melted some of the ice that haughty piece of goods is made of and she threw herself at the poor boy!" She then turned to Lucky, who was turning redder by the second and explained further, "Mr. Spencer, attemptin' to defend his honour, fought off the fair ilady/i. Ain't I right?" She let out another round of chuckles as the picture of the frazzled boy holding off his betroth's lustful advances ran through her head!
A very similar, though less detailed, image ran through Elizabeth's head. She could not believe that the always iproper/i Sarah would act in such a manner! But then, she remembered the effect of the spirits on her own behaviour...
"No..." Sarah whispered in horror as she turned to Lucky, "It's not possible. I couldn't...Tell them Lucky!"
When Lucky didn't answer, Sarah burst into tears. Seeing her distress, Elizabeth could not help but go up to her, and place her hand on her sister's arm. "Please do not go on so, Sarah. It was the spirits...you are not at fault."
Coming up to her granddaughters, Audrey said sharply, "Cease your crying this instant Sarah! I do not know how much of this I believe, but you obviously were not in your right mind last night. We have more important matters to be worrying about!" She glared at Elizabeth. "It doesn't matter that your sister may have behaved somewhat foolishly! At least ishe/i is not intending to marry that rascal!"
Carly could not believe the old woman's double standard! How dare she continue to browbeat Elizabeth and insult Jason?! Moving in between Elizabeth and Audrey, she shouted, "I be thinkin' you're havin' a li'l difficulty understandin' this, but let me make it clear. Elizabeth iis/i marrying Jason!"
"Over my dead body!" an enraged Audrey replied.
Carly's eyes narrowed and she smirked, "It'll be imy pleasure/i ya old witch!"
Seeing the two women were inching closer to each other, Elizabeth placed her hand on the blond beauty's shoulders and said gently, "Please, Carly. Let me speak to my grandmother."
After taking a deep breath, Carly took a few steps back. Audrey began in on Elizabeth immediately. "Is this the kind of company you want to keep, Lizzie? People who disrespect their elders. Why that woman's nothing but a-!"
Holding up a hand, Elizabeth interrupted softly but firmly, "You will not insult my friend, iGrandmother/i." Elizabeth heard the older woman gasp at her tone, but she would not stand by and let her insult her new friend. "If you wish to be treated with respect, you should act respectful." Another gasp. "Now, I am truly sorry, Grams, if you are not happy with my decision to marry. But I have already given my word to Mr.-um-Jason to marry him, and I intend to fulfil my promise." Then softening her voice, she continued, "Now, I would like you to be at my wedding, but if you cannot be here respectfully, then I have to ask that you leave."
For a moment there was complete silence from the group. No one could believe that shy, little Lizzie would ever speak so forcefully to anyone, let alone her dragon of a grandmother. Well, no one except Luke and Carly. Carly wanted to shout out her approval at Elizabeth's show of spirit, and Luke was feeling very proud of the girl he had always known had so much more in her than she showed the world.
As the silence stretched on, Elizabeth felt her face go red in embarrassment. Oh dear...what had she been thinking to say such things to her grandmother? But Luke's smile soon put her at ease. He offered her his arm. "Darling why don't we go inside and wait for Jason to arrive?" Elizabeth nodded, but as she placed her hand on Luke's arm, she turned around to glance questioningly at her grandmother and sister.
Under their bonnets, their faces displayed a mixture of shock and anger. Audrey said coldly, "I will certainly not watch you marry that man! I wash my hands of you, Lizzie! Come Sarah." With that she turned to walk through the crowd of people, and down the pebbled path.
Sarah nodded her head deliberately, and made to leave. But she suddenly came to a stop when she realised Lucky was not following with her. "Lucky?!" she prompted angrily.
A torn Lucky looked from Sarah to Elizabeth and then back to Sarah. With apologetic eyes, he shook his head and said, "I can't leave Sarah. Elizabeth is my friend."
As she realised he was serious in his intent to stay, Sarah was left speechless. With a squeal of anger, and an angry glare at Elizabeth, she spun around and left without saying another word.
As she watched her grandmother and sister depart, Elizabeth sighed sadly and turned back to Luke. He smiled down at her reassuringly, and guided her up the stairs, onto the porch and through the big walnut doors of the church.
The rest of the party, except for Francis, Laura and Lulu, followed them into the greeting hall. They were met by Reverend Jones, and Sonny who came in from the direction of the church pews. Smiling his charming grin, Sonny said, "Everything's arranged, Elizabeth. The reverend is ready to perform the ceremony."
Elizabeth smiled in appreciation. "Thank you, Sonny." Then turning to the preacher she went on, "And thank you as well, Reverend for agreeing to perform the ceremony."
Reverend Jones nodded his head solemnly and cleared his throat. "Yes...well, I am happy to hear Mr. Morgan has decided to act honourably. Young lady, you have indeed behaved sinfully, but now in this house of God, you shall be brought back to the path of righteousness. It is never too late to repent, and with the Lord on your-"
Seeing Carly's growing impatience, and Elizabeth's agitation, Chloe delicately cleared her throat and said, "Aham. Reverend, I am sure you would not mind if we accompany Elizabeth to the church hall to allow her time to prepare before Jason arrives." Before the Reverend could reply, Chloe and Carly took Elizabeth by the arm and they walked down the hall towards the small room used for Sunday school. But midway down the hall, Carly spoke over her shoulders, "Sonny, can ya tell the li'l girl and her mama to come back here when Francis's done gettin' those flower petals?!"
Sonny's forehead wrinkled in confusion as he asked, "What?" But the three women had already disappeared behind the door. He looked to Johnny and Luke for an explanation.
Johnny chuckled. "Elizabeth asked the li'l gal to be her flower girl, and Francis was told to get the petals for her to throw."
Sonny was about to comment on this, when the front door opened and in came Francis. In his hand was his brown cowboy hat, overflowing with yellow rose petals. Lulu followed him in, jumping up and down. "Can I have the petals now, sir?!"
Laura laughed from behind her daughter. "Darling, he'll give them to you as soon as we can find something to hold them. I'm sure the gentleman wants his hat back. "
Francis shook his head, and handed his hat to the little girl. "No, the gal can carry them in my hat. I ain't gonna wear it in the Lord's house."
As she reached out with both her small hands to take the large hat, Lulu smiled at Francis. "Thank you, sir!" Then with her prize in her hand, she turned to her mother to ask, "What do I do now Mama?"
Sonny grinned at the little girl's excitement, and while pointing in the direction in which the other women had disappeared, he suggested, "Why don't you and your mother go to the Sunday schoolroom out back and see Elizabeth?"
Without another word, Lulu ran toward the far door with Laura following her heels.
Sonny laughed, and said to a smiling Luke, "She must be handful, Spencer."
"Yes," Luke replied with a chuckle, "But she's more excited than usual over being part of Lizzie's wedding."
"Who's part of the wedding?"
The men in the hallway turned to see Jason standing in the doorway. Taking off his black hat, Jason looked around the hall.
The minister began, "Mr. Morgan, I-"
Before he could begin another sermon, Sonny replied, "Luke's daughter. But I think you'll be glad to know who ain't part of the weddin' party. Elizabeth's grandmother and sister. She told them to leave if they couldn't be respectful." Jason's eyebrows rose in surprise, but noting his change in appearance, Sonny remarked, "Well, wherever ya went, ya sure are lookin' a sight more respectful, Jase."
Francis nodded, "Ya almost look like a bridegroom, Jase!"
"He iis/i a bridegroom, idiot!" Johnny said good-naturedly.
Ignoring their bantering, Jason asked, "Is everything ready?"
Nodding his head, Sonny answered, "Yes. The reverend, here, will perform the ceremony. Elizabeth and the other women are in the hall getting ready. Why don't we go to the front of the church and wait for them?"
But before Jason could agree to this plan, Lucky approached him. "Before you go, Jason, can I speak to you for a moment in private?"
Luke shot Lucky a warning look, but Lucky ignored him as he waited for Jason's agreement. Slightly surprised at the request, Jason gave a curt nod.
Lucky waited until Jason's friends and the minister had entered the worship hall, and Luke had walked off a distance, before he began, "My father believes you're a good man, Jason, and I trust his judgement. But I need your word you will treat Beth well. She's a gentle spirit. You could easily harm her if you aren't careful."
For a moment Jason's face hardened as his icy blue eyes stared down at the younger man. While he didn't have anything against Lucky, he didn't appreciate the fact the boy thought he would hurt Elizabeth. And strangely he was beginning to find the boy's familiar use of her name grating...But his reasonable side understood that his reputation would cause Elizabeth's friends to be concerned for her. So Jason answered in an even voice, "I appreciate your concern for Elizabeth, but I will only say this once. I would not knowingly hurt her."
As he struggled to keep from flinching in the face of Jason's unwavering stare, Lucky slowly nodded his head. "Good. See that you don't." He still did not believe this marriage was the right thing for his Beth but at least he believed Jason meant what he said. With one last look at the taller man, Lucky walked over to his father to wait for his mother and sister.
Shaking his head at the boy's parting threat, Jason made his way down the aisle to the front of the small church where the Reverend was espousing the sanctity of marriage. Over the minister's shoulders, Francis and Johnny shot Jason a pleading glance to rescue them. But by some good fortune, as Jason reached them, the preacher realised he had forgotten his Bible in the back of the church and left to find it.
As he watched Reverend Jones hurriedly make his way down the aisle, Jason reached into his jacket, feeling for the velvet case containing the rings. He thought of handing them over into Sonny's care, but decided he would be the one to take them out of the case when the time came.
"Ya think he's nervous?" whispered Johnny to Francis as his brown eyes followed Jason's movements.
Francis glanced at Jason. "Jase? Naaaaw! He don't get fidgety over anythin'."
"But he's givin' up all his freedom, and tyin' himself to one woman for ilife/i! Lord that would scare any fella in his right mind."
Francis nodded, "Yep. Ya wouldn't be catchin' me standin' there so calmly I tell ya. Wakin' up to the same face every mornin'? Naw, not me!"
Sonny sent the two men a warning glare, but they were much too involved in their conversation.
"Yep, I just don't know how he's standin' there so unruffled when he's 'bout to get a noose tied 'round his neck."
"Don't reckon I know. Not that I don't like the li'l gal, but any wife is bound to be trouble. Theys don't let ya enjoy a bit of the oh-be-joyful, and theys put up quite the ruckus when ya-"
Having about as much as he could take of their incessant chatter, Jason growled, "Will you two shut your traps?"
Francis and Johnny exchanged knowing glances. Johnny whispered, "Ya see, he's touchy as a-"
A commotion interrupted Johnny's sentence. Luke's booming voice could be heard from the back, "I won't have all these folks coming in and upsetting Lizzie, Reverend."
"This is a house of the Lord, Luke. I will not turn these good folks away."
Suddenly, a flood of voices filled the church, and then many of the town folks, with Amy Vining, Lucy Collins and the doc leading the way, came into the room and filled the pews. Between curious glances towards the men standing at the front of the church, they spoke in hushed tones to each other.
Sonny glanced at Jason to see irritation flitter across his face. Jason cursed under his breath, and with Sonny closely behind him, he made his way through the incoming crowd. He came up to Luke, who was still arguing with the reverend. Jason asked, "What the hell is going on, here, Luke? Where'd all these folks come from?"
Luke groaned. "I'm sorry, Jason. When word of the wedding spread, folks decided to come see the show."
Sonny shook his head. "They're not staying. My men and I will get rid of them."
"No," muttered Jason after giving the matter some thought. "I don't want any trouble tonight. But if anyone does anything to upset Elizabeth, I'll throw them out myself."
At the threat, the minister gave Jason a disapproving glare. "Mr. Morgan, I do not believe violence..."
At that moment, Laura, Chloe and Carly came out of the back room. When she had reached her husband's side, Laura whispered, "She looks so lovely, Luke. She's with Lulu, waiting for you to come get her."
Luke smiled and turned to Jason. "Well, it looks like it's time to get started."
Hearing all the noise coming from the pews, Carly frowned and asked, "What's all the ruckus?"
Sonny explained how folks from town had arrived. Carly did not look too pleased but her attention was soon caught by Jason's cleaned up appearance and she forgot about the uninvited guests. Smiling in satisfaction, she thought she could hardly wait for Elizabeth and Jason to see each other!
Satisfied the folks from the saloon would behave themselves, the reverend suggested that they start the ceremony. And so Carly proudly accompanied her husband and Jason back to the front of the church with the curious gaze of the whole parish following them. A few minutes later Lucky, Laura, and Chloe took their seats in the front pew. Sitting down next to them, with Jason's hat in her lap, Carly ordered Francis, "Go over to that there piano, and play somethin' nice as soon as ya see that flower gal."
With a grin, Francis nodded and walked over to the small piano in the corner of the church. He looked down the aisle waiting for the Spencer girl to appear. After a few minutes the girl's plump, rosy face appeared under the archway, and Francis struck the first note of a simple Irish love ballad...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
When everyone had left, Luke walked over to the door to the Sunday schoolroom. He asked loudly, "Are you ready, Lizzie?"
The door opened quickly, and Lulu came out of the door excitedly clutching the cowboy hat full of petals to her chest. "Papa! Is it time for me to throw the petals?!"
Luke smiled down at his daughter. "Yes darling." He took hold of her small hand and walked her over to the entryway to the church pews. Pointing down the aisle, he said, "You see Mama up there, darling? You walk toward her down the aisle, and throw those petals."
Lulu nodded, and with a beaming smile, she walked under the large wooden archway, and headed slowly down the aisle. Soft piano music soon filled the air.
Luke turned around and let out a small exclamation, "Lizzie!" As his proud eyes took in the young lady's loveliness, he took her trembling hand into his. "All I can say is your beauty this day can only be matched by the beauty in your heart, Lizzie."
Feeling the butterflies fluttering around her stomach, Elizabeth was comforted by the warmth of Luke's hands. She could not believe she was going through with this...she took a deep breath and concentrated on Luke's face. This man had always been so kind to her, and at this time, when she was so scared, he was once again here by her side. She whispered, "Thank you, Mr. Spencer."
"Are you ready, Lizzie?"
As ready as she would ever be, she thought as her heart beat sped up even faster.
At her small nod, Luke took her small hand and placed it on his arm. As they made their way to the hall of worship, he said, "I want you to know how proud I am to give you away, Lizzie. Thank you for this honour."
As tears shimmered in her eyes in response, Elizabeth lifted her lowered eyes and walked through the wooden archway toward the unknown...her future...her husband to be...
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
As the church hummed with activity, Jason kept his eyes on the front large stained glass windows. The sunlight shone through, causing rays of every imaginable colour to flood the church. He judged there was still a good two hours of sunlight left before night came, the first night he would spend as a married man...He was shaken out of his thoughts by the sound of music.
Turning around, he followed Sonny's gaze down the aisle where it rested on Spencer's young daughter. She was cradling a large brown leather hat in her hands, and was slowly making her way down the aisle. With each step, she took a handful of rose petals and threw them up into the air. Jason's eyes followed the fall of one yellow rose petal to the ground. Following the trail of yellow down the aisle, he soon found himself looking at a pair of dainty white shoes. The tips were peeping out from beneath the hem of a flowing skirt.
As the music rose, and more rose petals flew through the air closer to him, he watched the shoes move towards him. He was vaguely aware of small gasps escaping from the crowd and from beside him, Sonny let out a soft exclamation, "Well, I'll be damned!" Slowly, glittering blue eyes moved up the tiny figure in white.
He took in how the shimmering white skirt flowed out from a tiny waist, and how just in front of that waist, rested a bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers. His gaze continued its progress up the vision, to the snow white bodice with its modest neckline. But there was nothing prim about this gown as it outlined the delicate curve of the wearer's breasts, and revealed creamy bare arms and shoulders unadorned by jewellery. Long, wild strands of dark curls teased the smooth skin of an elegant neck. As he looked up to the source of those curls, he saw a rich mass of chestnut hair loosely pinned up. And arranged within those dark curls were small white flowers...daisies.
Finally, as the enchanting figure almost reached his side, his eyes rested on the heart-shaped face...the face of his bride. Her cheeks were flushed and eyes were lowered, as she nibbled on her lower lip as if fiercely concentrating on her tentative steps up the aisle. And then as if she felt his gaze on her face, she slowly raised her eyes to meet his. As those large eyes, eyes which sparkled from the coloured sunlight, met his, he saw a vast array of emotions reflecting back at him. Fear, uncertainty, nervousness...but there was also something else...
As Jason continued to stare down at her, Elizabeth forgot about all the eyes she had been so conscious of just moments ago as she started down the aisle. Now there was only this man in front of her. In her nervousness earlier, she had not even considered what Jason might wear at their wedding...and she had certainly not thought he would take the time to shave and change into freshly pressed clothing. His black suit contrasted sharply with his golden skin, fair hair, and blazing blue eyes. Lord...why had she not realised sooner this man was quite handsome? This man who was to be iher husband/i! As heat flushed her face, she found it even harder to breath confined in the stiff corset.
As she became disorientated by strange new feelings, Elizabeth forgot to continue to concentrate on where she was going and lost her footing. Soon she found herself falling...falling toward her bridegroom. Feeling one of her hands slip from Luke's arm, she struggled to keep hold of her bouquet of sunflowers in the other, but a stem fell through her fingers. Luke attempted to steady her, but it was Jason's strong hands that rested on her waist to keep her safely standing. As the scent of violet water teased his nose, Jason said softly, "I've got you."
A mortified Elizabeth had been berating herself over her clumsiness. She couldn't even walk down the aisle at her own wedding without incident! But at the sound of his voice against her hair, she peered up to find Jason looking down at her not in anger, but with a small smile on his face. Blinking she whispered, "Thank you."
Keeping his eyes on hers, he stepped slightly back, and bent down to pick up the sunflower she had dropped. After handing it to her, he held out his hand. "Are you ready, Elizabeth?"
She stood there for a short time simply clutching her bouquet of flowers tightly staring at that hand before she felt another hand on her arm. Elizabeth tore her gaze away from Jason and saw that Luke was still by her side. With a small smile, she gave his hand a squeeze of appreciation. "Thank you, Mr. Spencer." Then releasing his hand, she handed him her bouquet.
Once her hands were free, she placed one of them in the steady hand offered before her. Shyly she replied, "Yes, I am ready...Jason." But as she felt her small hand become engulfed by his large one, she wondered if she truly was...
As they stood up there in front of God and the town of Heaven, Elizabeth was vaguely aware of the minister beginning the ceremony, "Dearly Beloved..." As she watched the words form on the preacher's lips, she was more keenly aware of the man beside her and the connection between them as he kept hold of her hand. And strangely as the warmth of his hand spread through her cold one, her nervousness and fear began to abate...
"Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?"
Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth saw Luke step forward to speak. He gave her a reassuring smile, before stepping back and sitting down next to his family. It was only then did Elizabeth notice Lulu was now seated beside her mother, and next to them was...Lucky...As her hand slid out of Jason's, she caught Lucky staring at her with his mouth slightly agape, and there was something in his eyes...
But she did not have long to think of her childhood love as Jason turned to face her. His eyes held hers as he repeated his vows in steady voice, "I, Jason Morgan, take thee, Elizabeth Webber, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto plight thee my troth."
As his words overwhelmed her senses, Elizabeth was so busy concentrating on breathing properly that she did not realised it was now her turn to repeat the vows until the minister coughed. With her wide eyes on Jason's, she began in a mere whisper, "I...Elizabeth Webber...take thee, Jason Morgan, to my wedded husband..." She took another deep breath, concentrating on the calmness in Jason's gaze, and in a firmer voice continued, "to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and health, to...," with a slight catch in her voice, she finished, "...to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth." As she said the last word, Elizabeth felt a small smile of relief form on her face. It was as if now that she had said those binding words, a great burden had been lifted off her shoulders...and she felt...free...
Jason was so taken off guard by the smile, he didn't hear the minister's question about wedding bands until Sonny nudged him. When the preacher repeated his question, Jason nodded his head, and reached into his pocket, taking out the blue velvet box. With care, he opened the box and retrieved the two rings. Giving a surprised Sonny the box, Jason turned to Elizabeth to take her right hand. Gently he lifted it up and turned it over, before placing the larger ring on her palm.
Elizabeth stared down at the large wedding band before blinking in surprise. She had not even thought about rings. Where did he even get them in such short notice?
"Elizabeth?"
She looked up, and saw Jason was holding out the smaller gold band in his long fingers. Closing her right hand tightly around the matching ring, she lifted her other hand.
As he took her hand gently in his and started to place the ring on her fourth finger, he repeated after the minister, "Receive this Ring as a token of wedded love and troth." The ring was a perfect fit.
Then the minister indicated it was Elizabeth's turn to place the other ring on Jason's finger. With hands not quite steady, she placed the golden band in its rightful place, and repeated after the minister, "Receive this Ring as a token of wedded love and troth." And then, before Elizabeth could withdraw her hand, Jason had once again taken hold of it in his.
The minister continued in his solemn tones, "Forasmuch as Jason and Elizabeth have consented together in holy wedlock, and have declared the same before God and in the presence of this company, I pronounce them Man and Wife; What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
As loud applause broke out, the majority of which coming from the front pew, Elizabeth stared down at the gold band on her finger, and glanced at the matching one on the large hand now holding hers. Slowly she lifted her head to find Jason...her ihusband/i...watching her with unreadable eyes. She wondered what he was thinking...
After casting a few impatient glances at the minister, Carly decided to take matters into her own hands and shouted out, "Well if ya ain't going to say it preacher, then I will...Ya may kiss your iwife/i, Jase!"
Elizabeth blushed at Carly's suggestion and the loud hoots and hollers that followed. She timidly glanced at Jason and saw he was still staring at her. As the seconds ticked by, and he simply stood there, she became even more nervous, unsure of what he would do.
When he saw Elizabeth begin to nibble on her lower lip, his left hand, as if having a will of its own, reached up to cup her cheeks gently.
Elizabeth's eyes widened slightly as cold metal brushed her cheek, but then realising he iwas/i planning to kiss her, her eyelids fluttered shut. She felt him lean into her and felt his breath begin to tease her flushed skin. She felt the responding pounding of her heart in her chest as she held her breath in anticipation. When it seemed she couldn't bear the waiting any longer, she finally felt the light brush of his lips on her cheek. So lost was she in the beginnings of this first kiss, she wasn't aware of the uproar from the crowd until she felt Jason stiffen and pull away.
Feeling the sudden loss of his warmth, her eyes flew open to look up at Jason in surprise. She was shocked to see his face had grown completely cold and hard. And those remarkable blue eyes now blazed with anger. It took her a moment to realise that his anger was not directed at her, but at something just over her shoulder. Slowly Elizabeth turned around.
"Well, well, what do we have here?"
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