Hope for Tomorrow
Page 67
Nathan helped Archie into their home, making sure he got up the porch stairs. Dee welcomed him with open arms giving him a big hug. Allie came running close behind, "Grandfather! I'm so glad to see you!"
Once inside Archie looked around while hugging his granddaughter. Not quite sure why everything was different, he just ignored that feeling, and gave Allie a big bear hug! "My, my, you have sure grown!"
Allie looked strangely at him, reminding him that she had just seen him a few mornings ago when he left for the hospital, "Don't you remember that grandfather?"
Oma came over and interrupted, "Allie, your grandfather needs to readjust to his surroundings. Give him some time angel, ya?"
Dee began talking with Archie while Oma took Allie to the kitchen. "Allie dear, when your grandfather had his surgery, the doctor had to use anesthesia. Oftentimes, people can be confused when they wake up."
"But, Oma, it's been several days, shouldn't he be normal by now?"
"Angel, your grandfather had a very emotional time back at the farmhouse and some of his memories from when he lived there came flooding back to him. It's been a blessing as he's come to grips with the past and reconciled with your father and me," Emily started to explain.
"That's good, right?" Allie was puzzled.
"Yes, yes of course, but now that he's had surgery we aren't sure what to expect. I think he'll be confused for some time. His brain has been affected, so we'll have to be patient for now and just help him along. I think right now he's thinking he's still in Brook Springs and should be in the farmhouse. He also might be mistaking you for your mother."
"Oh no, what should I do?" Allie was worried.
"Nothing dear, I think it's temporary. Honestly, I believe God will bring him back to the present day, if not, at least your father and I will always have those sweet moments of your grandfather apologizing and telling us how much he loves us. It's more than I hoped for," Emily stroked Allie's hair as she hugged her Oma.
"Oma, I hope to be a woman, just like you someday!" Allie told her Oma as she squeezed her arms tightly around Emily.
The next morning was the wedding that the town never thought they'd see! Molly was over at Nichols and Dimes and was lucky to get a facial as a gift compliments of Fiona followed with a hairstyle that turned out just beautiful! Christy was styling Rosaleen's and Flo's hair and helping with their manicures. As usual, there was a lot of joyful fun and chattering.
"What is your something old, new, borrowed, and blue?" Christy asked Molly.
Molly laughed, "I'm old, my necklace is new - a gift from my precious daughter Rosaleen, but I have nothing borrowed or blue."
Flo cleared her throat, "My dearest 'old' friend," she laughed, "I have something borrowed and blue for you," as she handed a box to Molly.
Inside was Flo's blue garter from her wedding to Ned. "I got it back when the wedding was over. It was considered a jinx from that point on, but it's been going on several bride's legs since, so maybe it works!" All the ladies started laughing.
"This will definitely be used! Thank you Flo!"
Nathan looked very dashing in his suit. Dee sent him over to Bill's with a kiss. "I could look at you all day, my sweetheart, but you must be on your way."
It was decided that Emily and Archie would go to the wedding, then seeing how Archie was doing, they'd most likely go home right afterward. Nathan told his parents, Dee, and Allie that he'd pick them up after dropping off Bill at the church.
On his way, he waved to all the Hopefuls who were coming out of the church after decorating the pews with floral bouquets, and a white linen carpet rolled down the center aisle. Lee had just picked up the floral bouquets the morning of the wedding.
At the rehearsal last night, Fr. Ricardo had brought his statue of Mary for when Dee sang "Ave Maria." Angela had practiced at the rehearsal, "Canon in D" and "Ode to Joy", and together Dee and her practiced "Ave Maria". Elizabeth brought Jack to walk down the aisle with the rings in a green velvet box. He wasn't sure what to do, but after a few tries, he walked just as he should. Everything seemed to be in order and the excitement was building.
When Nathan reached Bill's house he looked very dapper and ready to go. "I must admit, you do look sharp there Bill, you clean up well," he told him as he slapped his shoulder.
"Look, Nathan, I just have to say that...well...you're like a brother to me. I don't know what I would've done without you by my side many a time," he said sincerely as he looked straight into Nathan's eyes and shook his hand.
"The same goes for me, Bill. I wish you the best of luck and much enjoyment with Molly by your side now!" Nathan grinned.
Lee came in to check on the men. "You know your vows Bill?"
"What is with everyone? Do I have to be so formal, can't I just speak from my heart?" Bill shook his head smiling.
Lee looked at Nathan, "He never finished his vows did he?" With that, the Big three burst into laughter.
"Poor Molly!" Bill smiled.
"Oh, no poor Molly, she knows what she's getting!" Lee countered. "Ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be!" Bill said happily.
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 68
"I'll go get the automobile ready for us," Lee said to Bill and Nathan.
"Oh no, I'm not going to the church in an automobile, not when I have my trusty horse, Hero!" Bill declared as Kevin came walking up to Bill's house leading Hero by the reins.
"Wait! Don't tell me Bill..." Nathan said incredulously.
"I will indeed tell you, Hero is my main man, we've been together for years, so he is getting me to the church on time!" Bill was emphatic.
Lee looked at Nathan who laughed and shrugged and then they both got in their automobiles and went to pick up their families.
"Meet you there buddy!" Nathan called out.
When Nathan got his family in the church and situated, he waited with Lee for Bill to make his grand entrance riding up in his horse, Hero.
Carson was outside taking photos. When he saw Bill he started snapping his camera. People who were still coming to the church then, stopped to see what on earth the commotion was all about. Clapping ensued as Bill dismounted Hero and straightened and brushed out his suit looking as debonair as anyone's ever seen him. Even though he was the oldest of the Big Three, his chiseled high cheekbones, good head of hair, and crooked smile drew attention, as he still turned many an eye of the ladies. It was quite impressive when several Mounties that Bill had worked with were standing at attention as Bill walked past them nodding with a huge grin.
The church was decorated with bouquets and ribbons in fall colors. The white linen carpet liner was rolled down the aisle. Once inside the men waited in the office behind the front of the church. Angela was softly playing the piano in the background as people gathered. As Dee sat near the piano she brought Allie, Emily, and Archie to the front with her. Rosemary, who was really beginning to show, was sitting with them and invited Dee to feel her baby kick. Elizabeth and little Jack sat behind them in the pew with Katie, Ned, and the Canfields. Most of the townsfolk including the Chickadees were already seated and the Mounties sat down. Gabe had Lillian with him and Nathan noticed as they sat side by side. Like Bill told him, "times a wasting, snatch her up before she's gone" Nathan agreed.
Molly was driven up to the church by Ned as he helped Flo, Rosaleen, and Molly out. Molly was absolutely stunning in her emerald green dress with a soft white shawl draped over her shoulders. Her gorgeous red locks were pulled back with a lovely barrette. She wore a beautiful crystal cross necklace adorning her neck with a fragrant touch of perfume. Molly was simply radiant!
Fr. Ricardo stepped to the front of the altar so Angela started playing Canon in D on the piano. The men took their cue to walk out to the right side of the altar. Nathan was stunning with his dashing good looks in his suit. Lee stood beside him and he too was very handsome. The groom looked very impressive as the Big three stood at the front of the church.
Slowly, in time to the music, Flo came out of the narthex smiling broadly and wore a charming smile, pretty as a picture. Rosaleen, the spitting image of her mother, followed in an enchanting dress as cute as can be. Then Molly walked in and a hush fell over the church. No one had ever seen a bride in an emerald green dress, but Molly was special, that was for sure. With her lovely red hair she looked dazzling and took Bill's breath away.
When she reached Bill at the front he whispered, "Red, I'm crazy in love with you!"
Turning to face Fr. Ricardo, he began the wedding ceremony with the sign of the cross. He said a prayer over the couple and everyone was asked to sit down. Molly handed her bouquet to Flo. Fr. Ricardo then thanked everyone for attending the nuptials and to listen to the Word of God.
It was then that Pastor Joseph rose from his pew and walked over to the lectern.
A reading from the Book of Genesis 2: 18-24
The Lord God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a suitable partner for him."
So the Lord God formed out of the ground
various wild animals and various birds of the air,
and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them;
whatever the man called each of them would be its name.
The man gave names to all the cattle,
all the birds of the air, and all wild animals;
but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man.
So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man,
and while he was asleep,
he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
The Lord God then built up into a woman the rib
that he had taken from the man."
When he brought her to the man, the man said:
"This one, at last, is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
This one shall be called 'woman'
for out of 'her man' this one has been taken."
That is why a man leaves his father and mother
and clings to his wife,
and the two of them become one body.
The Word of the Lord.
Bill squeezed Molly's hand and they simply stared lovingly into eachother's eyes.
Fr. Ricardo then opened the Bible to Matthew 19:4-6 and read
He answered, 'Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning "made them male and female", and said, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.'
Fr. Ricardo asked everyone to sit except for Molly and Bill. Addressing them he spoke about their commitment to each other and that they will always have three in their marriage; God, Molly, and Bill. If you leave one out, there will come times of trouble that will be hard to overcome, so you must always include all three in your lives.
"Molly, you must love your husband with all your heart and Bill you must love Molly as much as our Lord loves you. You will never go wrong if this is the focus of your lives together."
Dee stood up and walked over to the piano where Angela played and sang a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria. Nathan was so proud of Dee and her lovely voice. It was captivating.
Then it was time for their wedding vows. Bill had asked Fr. Ricardo if they could just say the usual wedding vows after talking to Molly, letting her know how conventional he was, and she knowing Bill as she did so well, agreed.
So, Fr. Ricardo led them, "Molly and Bill, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? Will you honor each other as man and wife for rest the of your lives? Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his church?"
Both Molly and Bill said yes and then it was time to promise eachother:
I, Bill take you, Molly, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.
I, Molly, take you, Bill, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.
Then little Jack, with a huge smile as wide as he was tall, was prompted by Elizabeth to go up to the couple and hand them their rings. Jack put the rings in their hands and turned around and clapped to everyone's delight. Elizabeth called him back to the pew to sit with her telling him what a good job he did.
It was then that Bill took the beautiful band to place next to her emerald engagement ring he had given Molly saying, "Molly honey, I have loved you with a love that burns like fire within me. I cannot imagine another day without you by my side. Please accept this ring as my promise to always be with you and love you from this day forward." Molly beamed as Bill slid the band on her finger.
Molly took Bill's band saying, "Bill darling, you have been my light in the darkness, my best friend, and soulmate. I cannot imagine another day without you by my side. Please accept this ring as my promise to always be with you and love you from this day forward." Bill's eyes blazed with love as Molly slid the band on his finger.
With that exchange, Fr. Ricardo announced, "I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. William Avery. You may kiss the bride!"
Bill pulled Molly close with deep affection in his eyes. Without any hesitation Molly let her lips meet Bills with a long, lingering kiss. The couple turned around and holding Molly's arm up with his, Bill said loudly, "She's my lady, and I'm her man!"
Everyone began to clap until they heard a gunshot ring outside.
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 69
Nathan shouted from the front of the church, "Everyone stay in your seats please. Don't panic."
The wedding guests who were starting to get up listened and obeyed Nathan. The Mounties who were in the back of the church were up and out the door, with Nathan right behind them. He didn't have his gun with him so he watched from the door looking in all directions as more gunshots rang out.
It was extremely hard for Bill not to get involved, and Molly saw the look on his face that he was ready to see what was happening, so she held on tight to his hand and he smiled down at her and nodded. "There's nothing I can do without protection."
"Bill, I understand, I do. This is tearing you apart. It's who you are and I love you for it. Go by Nathan and see what's going on," Molly said as she let go of his hand.
Fr. Ricardo and Pastor Joseph looked out over the guests and said, "Let us stay calm and pray the Lord's Prayer together, shall we?" A few did pray, but most were too scared to concentrate.
When Bill looked out he saw his horse, Hero was gone. "Nathan, Hero is gone!"
Nathan looked at Bill and suggested, "Maybe he was spooked by the gunshot."
"I sure hope you're right, but Hero is not afraid. I don't know what I'd do if I lost Hero!"
"Look, please look after my family, I'm going to drive over to the NWMP office," just stay put please." Nathan pleaded with a strong sincere stare with his piercing blue eyes.
"You be careful Nathan, I don't want to lose another friend either."
Nathan gave a loving glance at Dee and then looked carefully out the door. He quickly scrambled as fast as he could to his automobile. When Dee saw him sneaking outside she was immediately scared for him, but didn't say a word to Allie or his parents. She closed her eyes and bowed her head holding the locket with Nathan's picture inside close to her heart as she prayed.
Molly being a bundle of nerves, ran to her husband and asked what had him so distraught. He told her that Hero was gone and she felt his worry. "It's a good thing you named him Hero. You know he always lives up to his name."
Nathan drove as fast as he could to his office. Shooting out of the automobile, and running up the porch to the door he noticed a broken mug and spilled coffee. He burst inside shouting, "Gunther? Where are you?" and heard nothing.
As he was just about to leave, he heard some shuffling and went back to the jail cells, where he found Gunther tied up to a chair with a rag taped into his mouth locked in the cell. Nathan threw off his suit coat, grabbed the hidden second set of keys, and undid Gunther. "How did you wind up in this predicament?"
Rubbing his wrists and then his jaw, Gunther told Nathan he had gone outside with his mug of coffee sitting in the rocking chair on the porch. Most of the town was at the wedding. Everything was quiet and one could hear a pin drop. That's when two men ambushed him from the side of the office where they had been hiding. He was knocked in the head with something hard and conked out long enough for them to put him in the cell and leave him without his gun.
"Do you know what they looked like?" Nathan searched Gunther's face for a clue.
"No, they had bandannas over their faces and cowboy hats on. They didn't say much except, you're going to have a headache, and laughed when they left.
Nathan went over to the locked steel cabinet where they stored rifles and guns with ammunition. Grabbing them he told Gunther to lock the door behind him and stay put. "You don't need to go anywhere with that hard head of yours, it's better if you rest."
Nathan looked out of the window and spotted a few Mounties casing the town. He was relieved to see that Bill wasn't with them. Going outside, he pursed his lips and let out a whistle that they all knew meant another Mountie in the area, don't shoot. The Mounties turned towards the sound and saw Nathan, nodding in the affirmative.
As Nathan sprinted briskly to them, they heard another gunshot. Nathan dove down to the ground behind the water barrel in front of the Garden and Hardware shop where the other two Mounties were. The bullet hit the water barrel leaking the wet contents onto the porch and the men.
They all scrambled to a niche near the entrance and talked among themselves. "The shooting is coming from across the way on the side of the building."
"Gunther told me there were two of them that knocked him out and tied him up. Are the shots coming from just one place?" Nathan asked.
"Not sure yet. Seems Mountie Callahan spotted them outside from the church and before the service was over, started heading closer to town. It appears, when Callahan was identified by the men, that's when they decided to shoot. Callahan is all right, he's on the other side of town last we saw."
"If I go up on the bank building I will be able to see the town. You two cover me as I run over there."
Before they could object, Nathan was gone quick as lightning. He barely made it not a second too soon, when shots sailed toward him, with counter shots protecting him by the Mounties. Making it up on the roof, he scrambled across to the side where he could see most of the town. From that vantage point, he saw the two strangers running toward the church. Nathan grabbed his rifle, and prayed, "Lord, guide my hand."