CHAPTER 70
The boys headed across to Bill's office at 13.45 pm and any thoughts of this being kept a secret were soon washed away, half of Hope Valley must have been stood watching.
"Some secret this is," laughed Jed.
They went in and many as could get in followed. It was decided that once Bea had arrived they would leave the doors open so those outside may at least be able to hear. Molly and Florence were in charge of the doors, they would be closed just before 2 pm. Rosemary would come in so she was in place for photographs and once Bea arrived the doors would be open again.
"How are we doing there Nathan, not long now?"
"Colin this has been the longest day of my life so far, this fifteen minutes is going to be torture."
"She will be here you know, you aren't worried about that are you?"
"I won't lie, the thought has crossed my mind in the last 24 hours, once I see her I will be fine, I just want her here beside me that's all."
Bea had given Mary her bouquet to hold as she came down the stairs supported by Henry. Rosemary made them stop to take a couple of photographs. She would now dash ahead of them along to the office, she needed a quick word with Lee.
Mary checked her dress, handed her the flowers, and linking Henry they walked out onto the main street. Dotted all along the boardwalk were garlands of wildflowers, and she could see a crowd of people outside the office.
"Well Henry our secret is out I take it," she was smiling.
"Bea everyone just wanted to share the day with you, the ladies have worked so hard, you aren't upset are you?"
"No Henry, far from it, it is a wonderful thing for them to do for us."
As they reached the office the gasps when they saw Bea were so audible. Mary had one final check of the dress, gave Bea a cuddle, and knocked on the door.
"You ready then Bea, let's go and make your groom's dreams come true." He knocked on the door.
True to her word she wasn't one minute late. At 2 pm precisely when Bea was surprised by Florence and Molly opening the doors the only thing you could hear was the combined intake of breath from everyone who had managed to find a space in the office.
Nathan could not believe the vision before his eyes, she looked like an angel adorned in tiny stars. He could hardly breathe, he had a lump the size of an apple in his throat, his heart was beating fifty to the dozen and the tears just came.
Colin swore in Irish under his breath, she was a beautiful woman but today, today his sis was the best "You are not going to pass out on me are you ?"
"Colin, look at her, today they really have sent me an angel."
He could feel himself start to shake inside as she started to take a few steps towards him. Then she was by his side, he couldn't take his eyes off her.
"Will I do Nathan?"
"God Bea, will you do." He cupped her face and kissed her, maybe it wasn't the right way of doing things but he didn't care, he had not got the words to express what he thought, she truly was heaven sent."
There wasn't a dry eye in the office.
"Well, Nathan if you put Bea down for five minutes we have a wedding to conduct here."
Everyone laughed, Nathan didn't care, he was the luckiest man alive today and not many would disagree with him.
Bea turned to hand Mary her flowers and as she did Nathan saw the back of her dress, as she turned back she saw the tears in his eyes again. Taking his hand and wrapping her fingers in his she squeezed them, just as he had on that first date two months ago. He squeezed hers back and his nerves started to calm. Now, he had all he needed, now his life would be complete.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see what was supposed to be a quiet affair has grown a bit over the last couple of days. That we hope is a surprise for these two, there was no way we the people of Hope Valley could not celebrate and share this day with them. In just over two months they have turned each other's world upside down, the love they have for each other is plain for everyone to see and that love radiates from them both. We are truly honoured to witness such a thing. I have been given the privilege of actually doing the legal side of this marriage but I do it not just as a judge but as a friend.
"So without further ado, firstly is there anyone present who knows of a reason these two can not be joined in matrimony today? That's that out of the way. Now I ask who gives Bea's hand in marriage today?"
Henry took a step forward " I have the privilege of doing that today but I do it on behalf of 4 other gentlemen. As we all know Bea has no family here in Canada what many may not know is that Bea has no true family left. She is now the end of the Gregory line. Over her life, four men who have all known how special she is have watched over and cared for her, her grandfather, her father, and her uncle, all of whom are no longer with us. The fourth is her godfather, he is however over the other side of the Atlantic and unable to be here. All of these men would have been so proud to stand where I am today, so proud of the wonderful young woman who stands before us and I am here today as their representative, so on their behalf I give you her hand Nathan, and pass the care of the one they all love so dearly over to you. "
Not a dry eye in the office again, Mary had been right about the handkerchiefs.
When Bea could speak she simply said "Henry thank you from me and from them."
"Have we got rings?"
Colin was in charge of those and handed them first to Bill. Nathan then took Bea's' and repeated after Bill.. "I call upon the persons here present to witness that I Nathan Grant do take you Morag Beatrice Gregory as my lawful wedded wife.
Now you Bea, "I call upon the persons here present to witness that I Morag Beatrice Gregory do take you Nathan Grant as my lawful wedded husband.
Now Nathan place the ring on Bea's 3rd finger of her left hand and repeat after me
"With this ring, I shall love, honour and cherish you, this ring is the symbol of my love."
Taking the ring, the first of the three he repeated the words.
And you Bea.. struggling to get the words out through the tears she did,,"With this ring, I shall love, honour and cherish you, this ring is a symbol of my love."
"I Judge William Avery by virtue of the power vested in me by the marriage act of Alberta Canada do hereby declare Nathan and Bea to be married. Let me be the first to congratulate you both and wish you a long life, health, and prosperity and may the love you have for each other never fade and sustain you both forever."
"Now you can kiss the bride."
He took her in arms and with eyes full of tears he kissed her, she kissed him back and then laid her head on his chest, "I love you Nathan."
"I love you too Mrs. Grant."
Cheers sounded from the office and outside, today was a good day.
"Right let's get these papers signed, Nathan and Bea if you both sign then Jed, Mary if you could witness the signatures."
There we are Mr. and Mrs. Grant I think a party awaits you in the saloon. Nathan shook his hand, and thanked him, Bill kissed the bride and headed off to file the papers.
Colin had been so quiet, so moved by the whole ceremony as simple as it was. "Do I get to kiss the bride now too, Bea wrapped her arms around him, "Of course you do bro, we wouldn't be here without you, thank you for everything, I do love you too."
"I know sis and today more than ever I feel it, the old one is strong today. "
"Today Colin she is the happiest old soul ever."
He went to shake Nathan's hand but that turned into a bear hug, "Thanks for today Colin, not sure I would have made it without you?"
Bea was laughing "Was he bad?"
"Oh, bad Bea."
More congratulations and thanks followed, a very special one from them both to Henry, Jed, and Mary.
More photographs as they left the office then they headed towards the saloon. Laughter could be heard everywhere. When they walked in, cheers and clapping came from every corner. The saloon had been transformed in the 30 minutes or so since Bea had left. Tables had been covered, flowers were everywhere, there were tables full of food and a beautiful cake took centre place.
Both of them were taken aback by what these wonderful people had done.
Lee stood up and called everyone to silence. "Firstly can I say Happy Birthday Nathan, and what a present you have received today,"
Everyone laughed at that.
No seriously Nathan, Bea, or should I say Constable and Mrs. Grant", that got a cheer, " we the residents of Hope Valley and your friends could not let this day go without a celebration of some kind. Everything has been organised so quickly as we weren't given much warning, but please just enjoy, and let us celebrate with you. Everyone, help yourself to food. We will get the happy couple to cut the cake soon."
At that music started somewhere, the gramophone they thought and then everyone wanted to see the dress close up, the rings, the flowers, so many questions.
The other rings, he remembered he had them in his pocket. " Ladies, if I may just steal my wife for a minute?"
"Say that again "she laughed.
"My darling wife, I wondered if you would like to slip these on now." He held out the beautiful filigree band and the other plain ring that would cradle the other side.
She gave him her hand and he slipped them on her finger. Together all three looked so special, he had chosen so well picking these for her.
"Oh Bea, not more happy tears? Between us, we must have shed buckets today, come here."
He wrapped his arms around, and kissed her brow, "Princess do you know how amazing you look today, you took my breath away in there, what a vision. Seeing you standing in that doorway has overtaken my number one memory, that one, wow that is one I will recall hundreds of times. Are you OK now? I suppose we should mingle a bit shouldn't we?"
"We should, Nathan see the gentleman and lady sat over near the piano, that is Mr. Henderson the florist, would you thank him for the flowers, I have they were way beyond my dream, but I think it would be lovely for you to thank him too especially as he drove all the way from Union City to deliver them for us."
"Of course I will, I did wonder who they were, is that his wife?"
"Ermmm no, that is the lady who runs the shop where I bought secret things, she actually helped Mr. Henderson and so wanted to see my dress asked if she could come with him."
"Oh, when do I get to learn what the secret things are?"
"That would be telling." She kissed him on the cheek and went to find Colin.
Colin was in a deep conversation with Fiona when Bea found him, "Sorry to interrupt but Colin could I ask a favour, I would go myself but will get wrong if I do, would you pop upstairs and bring 3 bottles of the whisky down for me, please. I would like to give Mr. Henderson one and also ask him to take one for Mr. Duncan."
"You are right, you would get wrong, two minutes."
"Bea when you arrived here just 2 months ago did you ever imagine you would find yourself where you are today?"
"Faith no way could I have ever imagined the way my life has changed in that short time. When I came here I had a feeling there was some reason this place seemed to call to me, I mean I had only read that article about it, but there was something. As soon as I saw Nathan that morning in the livery I knew that was why. It may sound crazy but that is the way of it."
"And getting married as you have today, so quickly, you have no doubts, there has been no should we shouldn't we?"
"Non at all, we both know this is what we want. You know Faith both Nathan and I have looked death in the eye, in different ways of course, but when you have it puts life into perspective, none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow, our lives hang by a single thread that can break at any time, live for the now. We saw no reason to wait, this is what we both wanted and we couldn't be happier."
"Everyone can see that, it shines from you both. Oh here is your other handsome man"
"Oh Colin, " Bea laughed, "he is the best bro I could have wished for, he will be a catch for someone too."
"Thank you darling brother, I owe you."
"You do, these sisterly paybacks are stacking up nicely."
She took the bottles, leaving one on the table beside her flowers she went across to Nathan who was indeed chatting away to Mr. Henderson and Sally.
"Mr. Henderson, Nathan, and I have a gift for you, a special one, well it is to us and I hope you too. This is a bottle of whisky, a very special one of only a few, that arrived from Scotland just yesterday. The label on the back of the actual bottle explains why it is so special. Please accept it as a thank you for being such a help to us, maybe you can share a glass with Sally here."
He was looking at the box, then at Bea, "Is that you Bea?"
"It is indeed, Mr. Henderson, that is my amazing wife, and this comes from a distillery she owns in the heart of the Scottish Highlands."
Bea poked him on the arm "Oops sorry I have to say we own, I have been told" he laughed.
"This bottle Mr. Henderson I wondered if you could pass from us to Mr. Duncan in the jewellers? He too was so kind and as a true Scot I think he will know how special it is."
"Well when we get back tonight we will indeed open this Bea and raise a toast to you both, thank you and please call in and see me when you are next in town, this one I will pass on for you. We will be heading off soon as we have another 3-hour drive to get back but can I just say thank you both for letting us be part of this wonderful day."
Nathan shook his hand and Bea kissed his cheek, "You did a magical thing today, with that beautiful bouquet you transported part of Scotland to Hope Valley for me, that I will never ever forget."
More happy tears. Nathan took her hand, "when you say things like that Bea it is non the wonder everyone loves you, I do you know, if I haven't told you today, and I have to add, where is my birthday kiss?
"This one?" she kissed him, "or this one?"
"Neither of those actually, this is one."
Their attention was brought back to the room when Lee stood up again. " I think we should ask the bride and groom to cut this cake and maybe say a few words, Bea, Nathan."
Everyone started to clap again, this was not Nathan's sort of thing at all.
Bea squeezed his hand, "we can do this darling."
"Friends, as that is what you all are, Bea and I would really like to thank each and every one of you for doing this for us today and for supporting us the way you have. Today this amazing, and I have to say stunningly beautiful lady, has made me the happiest man alive. In such a short time she has turned my whole life around and given up so much to be here with me, I truly am blessed. Could I ask you all to raise your glasses and toast the bride with me " To Bea."
"To Bea" was the response followed by more applause.
"Thank you everyone. I would just like to say thank you all too, not just for today but for taking me, a complete stranger just over two months ago, to your hearts and making me so welcome here. I was just saying to Fiona that when I read the article about Hope Valley something drew me here, at the time I had no idea what but then on that Monday morning when I saw Nathan standing in the doorway of the livery, after nearly scaring him to death, I knew why. In that brief instant, I knew. Trying to sum up that feeling is not easy but just last night I was reminded of something I learned many many years ago in Sunday school at chapel. In the Song of Solomon, there is a line that reads "Today I have found him whom my soul loveth." That Monday my soul found the man it loveth, that Monday my whole life became complete. That is all down to this amazing man, who I know means so much to this whole community, so may I ask that you raise your glasses and toast my amazing husband, I get to say that now, "Nathan."
"Nathan" followed by my applause and tears.
"Now let's cut this beautiful cake, and thank you Minnie and Clara I believe for making it for us."
Together they cut the first slice and as he placed his arm around her waist he touched her back. She felt his finger trace out "I love you too old soul".
They had been mingling and chatting, trying to make sure they spoke to everyone at least once when Colin and Rosemary cornered Nathan.
"I think you may need to bid your goodbyes Nathan and get our lady home, she is limping. Rosemary noticed it too."
"What, I asked her just 10 minutes ago if she was OK."
"I did too Nathan but she is doing her brave thing. She has never really sat down since lunchtime, we don't want her in agony again."
"No we don't right let me get her out of here, will you make our apologies to everyone, we will say bye but Colin, after we have gone, could you maybe tell people why."
"Of course I will just, get her home and make her rest."
She was talking to Fiona and Faith when he asked if he could steal her away.
"Right Mrs. Grant, you are coming home with me, you can't hide that limp from me, and don't say it is alright as I am not running the risk of you having another episode like you had the other night."
"I will be OK if I take a couple of those tablets, but yes Nathan take me home."
"Is there anything you need me to get from your room?"
"There is a grey stole on the chair and bag with it, that is all. Oh, and my purse Nathan, it is on the drawers."
"Right I will be right back."
He gave Colin the nod.
"Sis you do as you told, do you hear me, I will apologise to everyone and explain, there seems to be a table of gifts but I will take them up to your room, we can move those tomorrow."
Nathan was back, " Right come on you, let's get you home."
Rosemary and Lee came over, "don't you worry, do you hear us, Colin and we will explain to everyone, just rest and we will see you tomorrow."
"Thank you both for everything today, everything."
She gave them both a hug, Nathan shook Lee's hand but had a hug for Rosemary too.
"Nathan we should say bye to Jed and Mary too, that whisky is for him."
"OK but that is it, Bea, really I need you home."
They did thank them both again and gave them the gift. Bea made Mary promise to drop in and see her, she would let Jed know when the photographs were ready, they could have tea and a look at them together. More tears, more hugs, and handshakes and they waved to Colin.
"Right we are going, thanks for this Colin, we will see you tomorrow, have a look at this forge."
"Don't worry, everyone will understand, you have done really well today sis, now hug please and do as your husband tells you."
"I will, I promise. Love you bro and thank you for everything."
"Do you want the wrap on Bea, it is still warm out?"
"No I should be fine, please can we just go home now."
Rosemary, Lee, Colin, Jed, and Mary all walked them out of the saloon, then together went back in to explain why they had left and passed on their apologies.
"Bea, why didn't you tell me you were in pain? You do try to be far too brave at times."
"To be honest, and I feel bad for saying this, I am feeling my leg but the limp is more to do with the blister I have from wearing these shoes. It was just getting a bit much in there for me, I need quiet, I need coffee and I need time on my own with my husband."
"Well come on Mrs. Grant I could do with all of those myself."