Chapter Eighty
Christmas Eve Part IV: Wedding
Christmas Eve Part V: Reception
They walked in unison, side by side, touching each other for extra warmth and holding hands as though neither would ever let go.
The Snow was slowly falling, gently kissing their faces with little glistening Flakes.
"Nathan, can we stop off at your place for just a second?"
Nathan raised his eyebrows, "A second?"
"Or two," she grinned.
She narrowed her eyes, "I did promise you a kiss, if I recall correctly, Constable."
"Oh, that you did Mrs. Thornton. In that case, the answer is a definite and resounding yes!"
Nathan had barely gotten the Door closed behind him when Elizabeth literally grabbed him and threw her arms around him, kissing him with abandon, and melting the Snowflakes still on their cold faces that were now wetting their chilled lips.
"Wh.." but this was not a time for talking...
"Wow! What just happened, because I want it to happen again, and again, and again!"
"Oh, don't worry about that. It's going to happen more times than you can count!"
She laughed, then continued seriously.
"Thank you, Love, for so many things. For taking care of Jack on his Birthday, for helping Sophie and Lucas, for being everything to me. This is the brightest Christmas I have ever had and it's all because of you, Nathan!"
He lowered his lips to hers and pressed them firmly against hers, making her feel like she was the only Woman in the World to be cherished as he cherished her.
"You haven't seen anything yet, Darling!" and he grinned that lop-sided grin of his that always made her weak in the knees.
"Why, Constable. If I didn't know you better, I might be thinking you have something up your sleeve…"
"And that would be a very wise assumption, my Love! But for now, we'd better go or Lucas will be sending Aaron out to arrest us and escort us personally to The Queen of Hearts in Shackles! Ready?"
"Ready…" she giggled and squeezed in one last quick, impetuous kiss to warm their lips before facing the cold again.
"Oh, Sophie! Look at you! You look beautiful, even in your Robe! Your hair looks perfect. Your makeup looks perfect. What can I even do to help?"
"Nothing, except to just lend me moral support! Elizabeth, I think everything is ready. We just have to relax and then get dressed! I have 'Something Blue,' and 'Something Old' and 'Something New!'"
"And now you have 'Something Borrowed.' This belonged to my Granda, and every Bride in her Family, including my Mother and Aunties, has either worn it or carried it in their Bouquet for Good Luck. I want you to carry it too! I plan to wear it for my own Wedding!"
"Oh, Elizabeth! They're Diamonds! The Pendant is simply stunning!"
"Yes, in the shape of a beautiful Cross. Here, we'll just tuck it in, right here, and no one will ever see it!"
"No! I want everyone to see it! Let's hang it through the middle of the Bouquet so that the Cross can hang down from the center! I love it. Thank you, Elizabeth. I was worried because I really don't know anyone well enough to ask to borrow something…"
"Don't be silly. You're one of us now! Your Bachelorette Party proved that. Everyone loves you, Sophie. I don't remember ever having so much fun at one of those things as we did at yours! Besides, you didn't ask. But, Sophie, know you can always ask us anything. That's the way Hope Valley works!"
"I'm learning that, Elizabeth. You know, it's strange to not have either of my Parents here," and Sophie looked lost for a moment, as though she were going to cry.
"I know Daddy has done horrible, unspeakable things, and I hate them with everything I am. But, Elizabeth, as hard as I try, I can't hate him. I can't love him either. Either way, it just makes me feel guilty, but yet he's my Daddy. Is it terrible of me that in spite of all that, I can't help but miss him on my Wedding Day?"
"No, Sophie, it's not at all terrible. It's human. I think you have all those feelings because you're such a good, kind, sweet person. And a good Daughter. And he is your Father. I know he's done horrible things, but that's not your fault in any way, and isn't it our job as Christians to Pray for him? I think that's what we need to do moving forward!"
Sophie wiped her eyes and hugged Elizabeth, "Thank you, Elizabeth. I needed that so badly. And Prayer is definitely what Daddy needs. Instead of being angry and mortified, I need to just Pray for him, don't I? Thank you for helping me see that, and thank you for not judging me because of what he's done. Sometimes it's more than I can bear. It just makes me feel so ashamed."
"Sophie, it's not your burden, it's his. We'll keep Praying, but in the meantime, you are getting married to a Man who adores you, in less than an hour! And we need a smile on that beautiful face of yours!"
Sophie quickly recovered and smiled through her tears, "For my 'Something Blue' I had the Seamstress to embroider my Parent's names onto the inside hem of my Gown. I just needed them with me somehow. And I do have the Gardenias Daddy always gave Mother to remind me of both of them too! I suppose that's silly. But somehow it does help! You know, you would have loved my Mother. She was so special. I adored her, and I know she would have loved Lucas too. Although she was pragmatic enough, she would have wanted him to be a bit more real, a bit more authentically himself. That's my mission, not to change him at all, but to help him find his true self and be comfortable in his own skin. Does that make sense?"
"It makes perfect sense, and I think you're already doing that Sophie. We've never seen him so happy! I know he's nervous now, about the Wedding and all, but you've had a huge impact on him, and it's for the better, Sophie. We all can see it. Never doubt for a moment that he loves you!"
"I know he does, Elizabeth! And I love him completely. He's all I will have, you know!"
"Well, that's not exactly true. You have us too! Here, we better get you dressed. If the Bride is late, as Matron of Honor, Lucas will have my head!"
Sophie laughed, "Sadly, that's probably true!"
Elizabeth turned and unzipped the huge bag that was hiding Sophie's Wedding Gown…
"Oh, Sophie…this is magnificent!"
"Wait till you see yours!"
And instantly, Sophie and Elizabeth were like two little girls giggling and raiding their Mother's Closet of Gowns...
"Lucas, stand still, I can't get this tied straight with you squirming…" and this actually was the least of Nathan's worries.
Lucas had been fidgeting since he had arrived, and apparently, there was no calming him down.
Finally, Nathan opted for his last resort, excused himself, and walked out to the Bar, where he ordered Lucas his favorite Drink, making sure Gustav had watered it down sufficiently to just calm Lucas without overdoing it...
"Here you go, just sip slowly! It's a special Groom Potion, guaranteed to relax!"
"Thank you, Nathan. I'm a mess! I just can't seem to calm down!"
"Well, look at it this way, you're about to marry the Woman of your Dreams, and the Dream just gets better and better from here!"
"How do you know that? Have you been married before?" Lucas asked suspiciously, with narrowed eyes.
"No, Lucas I haven't been married before. But I love Elizabeth enough to know that it will only keep getting better and better! You'll see that I'm right."
"You sound so sure about that. And here I'm a bumbling mess!"
"I am sure, and no, you're not a bumbling mess. You're just a Groom! Lucas, just curious, why did you insist I wear my Dress Uniform?"
"Because there wasn't time to get you fitted for a Tux."
"But I have a Tux," Nathan said calmly. "That was tailor-made, I might add."
"You have a Tux?" asked Lucas incredulously.
"Yes, I do. But thank you for wanting the Uniform, because I really wanted to save the Tux for my own Wedding!"
Both men burst out laughing. It was the icebreaker both had needed.
"Boy, have I underestimated my Best Man!"
"That you have, Lucas, that you have…"
With the Drink, Nathan's conversation, and his Best Man's savvy, the Groom somehow overcame his nerves and relaxed enough to be fully present at his own Wedding.
"I'm truly sorry, Nathan for the jabs, the untruths, for going after Elizabeth just because I could, the 'contest' as it were. Well, you get my drift."
And Lucas put out his hand, and Nathan took it.
"Apology accepted, Lucas. All behind us!"
And with his nerves finally starting to dissipate, Lucas realized that for the first time in his life, he was truly happy, and it was all due to Sophie.
And, on second thought, maybe in part, to Hope Valley.
And, just maybe in part, to this Best Man who stood before him.
The Church was beautifully decorated in mostly Pink Roses with some White Roses scattered in for Lucas, all mixed with Ivy and Baby's Breath.
Wreaths made of the same Roses mixed with the same Filler hung at each Window and on each Door, tied up with huge Pink Bows of Satin.
A matching Garland hung down from the ceiling over the Altar of the Church, and the Altar itself was also festooned with matching Flowers and Greenery everywhere.
Long Tapered Candles, in Pink and White, lined the Far Aisles of the Church, as well as the Front Wall.
The entire Wedding was lit solely by the Candle Tapers, and it was an absolutely breathtaking thing to see, as nightfall was descending.
The Small Gazebo Structure that Lee and his men had built was Center Front, and it was literally covered with Pink and White Roses everywhere, just as the Bride had imagined!
On each Chair lay a Pink Lace Fan with a Single Pink Long-Stemmed Rose laying over it for each of the Guests.
The Church looked as beautiful as it had ever looked, if not more so.
The Pastor stood at the front of the Church, directly behind the Gazebo.
The Groom in his Tux, followed by the Best Man in his Dress Serge Uniform with Saber, walked in slowly from the Side Entrance and took their place in front of the Alter to the right side of the Gazebo.
As they turned to face the Wedding Guests, both Men looked so handsome, it took the Women's breath away who were in attendance!
And yes, a week before, Sophie had talked Lucas into moving the entire Wedding from The Queen of Hearts into the Church, as she had always secretly dreamed of a Church Wedding.
Lucas had resisted, but in the end, the Bride had won!
It was very important to her for them to Marry inside a Church and she had refused to yield on the matter.
They would still have their Reception at The Queen of Hearts. So, it was the best of both Worlds, she reminded her future Husband.
The Stringed Instrument Orchestra, along with the Harpist that Lucas had so desperately wanted, was seated across the front of the Church, behind the Gazebo, and they were Playing the Classical Music that both the Bride and Groom loved.
Suddenly the tempo changed and they started softly Playing the Wedding March (33*).
The Front Doors of the Church immediately opened to reveal Elizabeth, the beautiful Matron of Honor, standing there in the most gorgeous Pink Gown Nathan had ever seen.
It was a deep rich Dusky Rose Pink that blended with the Pink Roses beautifully, and it was truly amazing, flowing out around and behind Elizabeth into a slight Rounded Train.
Sophie had had it Handmade by a Couture Designer in San Francisco, and the Gown was a true Work of Art, easily the Star of any Designer's Runway.
It was overlaid in a Lace that matched the Lace on the Bridal Gown, except this Lace was dyed in the same Dusky Rose Pink as the Silk Fabric of Elizabeth's Gown.
But as Elizabeth entered the Church, all Nathan could see was her serene face looking directly at him, coming toward him, smiling at him.
He didn't even notice that the Bouquet she carried was identical to the one they had discussed for the Bride.
Nathan wasn't nervous, but he was having trouble breathing at the sight of her.
Then the Orchestra got louder with their Wedding March (33*), and the doors opened to reveal the most magnificent Bride.
The Bouquet she carried was just like Elizabeth's, but much larger, with Gardenias, which were so important in her Parents' Love Story, placed in the center to remember them by.
They were surrounded by Pink Roses and Elizabeth's Granda's stunning Diamond Cross falling dramatically from the very middle of it all!
Bill, looking quite dapper in his dark Suit, and was bursting with pride as he escorted the beautiful Sophie down the Aisle and to her waiting Groom.
The Bride was a glorious Vision of White with a gorgeous tightly fitted Lace Bodice.
Her Tiny Waist was cinched in a Silk Band which was also covered by Lace, leading to a very Full Lace-Covered Silk Skirt, that Rounded out in a Train edged with the same beautiful Lace.
She seemed to Float down the Aisle just like Rosemary's Pagent Angels, with her elegant Couture Gown filling the entire Aisle, barely leaving Bill enough room to walk beside her.
Her simple, yet very elegant long Tuille Veil also edged in matching Lace, fluttered around her gorgeous Face and upswept Blonde Hair, making her appear like a Real-Live Angel come to visit Earth on this Christmas Eve Night.
She was truly a glorious Bride, indeed, and people literally gasped when they saw her.
Lucas was still a bit too nervous to gasp, but he did look a bit pale, and like he was about to cry the entire time she was walking down the Aisle toward him.
Both Bill and Nathan were so relieved to see that the Church was packed with Townspeople.
At first, they had hesitated about attending, as Bill had suspected, but when they heard Nathan and Elizabeth would be standing up with the Bridal Couple, and Bill would be giving the Bride away, they started to rethink everything.
If the three of them were doing all that, perhaps accepting Sophie was the Christian thing to do.
After all, they shouldn't be blaming the poor Girl for the Sins of her Father, which is what many had been doing, even if subconsciously so!
No, the least they could do was show their Support by attending the Wedding and Reception, being there for both Lucas and Sophie as they started their new Life together!
At the Altar, in front of the Gazebo, Bill arranged Sophie's Veil and kissed her on the Cheek, then took her Bouquet to pass to Elizabeth, placing Sophie's Hand into Lucas's Hand and that was when Lucas started visibly crying.
Lucas took his Bride's Hand as she reached up to tenderly wipe away his Tears with the other one.
The Pastor smiled at Lucas, who nodded, and then he started the Ceremony, their Wedding Ceremony…
"Dear Friends, we are gathered here on this Blessed Christmas Eve Night to Witness and Celebrate the Union of Miss Sophie Johnston and Mr. Lucas Bouchard in Holy Matrimony."
"Tonight, as this Couple joins Each Other in Marriage, they Create a new Bond and Sense of Family, One that includes All of Us who are Present Tonight."
Then the Pastor looked directly at Lucas and Sophie.
"No other Human Ties are more Tender, and no other Vows more Important, than those You are about to Take. Both of You Come to this Night with the Deep Realization that the Contract of Marriage is Sacred and Binding, as are All of its Obligations and Responsibilities."
"Ultimately there comes a Moment when a Decision must be Made. Two People who Love Each Other must ask Themselves how Much they Hope for as their Love Grows and Deepens, and how Much Risk they are Willing to Take."
"Commitment may well be a Fearful Gamble. Because it is the Nature of Love to Create, a Marriage itself is Something which has to be Created, the Natural Consequence of a Love so Strong, such that as We Come Together in Marriage, We become a New Creature – the Two becoming One Within."
"You will leave Here Tonight, Embracing One of the Greatest Human Bonds that Life has to Offer. May your Shared Life be Adorned with the Blossoms of Love, and your Days Together be Many and Rewarding…" (34*)
"Do You Lucas Bouchard, take Sophie Johnston to be your lawfully Wedded Wife, Promising to Honor and Cherish Her, through Joy and Sorrow, Sickness and Health, Good Times and Bad, until Death do You Part?"
"I Do," and Lucas looked directly into Sophie's Eyes as he said the words.
Do You Sophie Johnston, take Lucas Bouchard to be your lawfully Wedded Husband, Promising to Honor and Cherish Him, through Joy and Sorrow, Sickness and Health, Good Times and Bad, until Death do You Part?"
"I Do," said Sophie softly, but firmly, as she looked into Lucas's Tear-Filled Eyes.
"May the Lord God Bless this Union as Outwardly Seen by the Giving of these Rings…" and the Pastor nodded to the Groom.
Nathan handed the Groom Sophie's Ring, but the Groom's hand was shaking quite a bit.
"You've got this," whispered Nathan under his breath.
Lucas smiled faintly and turned to face Sophie.
"I Lucas, give You Sophie, this Ring as an Eternal Symbol of my Love and Commitment to You."
And then the Pastor nodded to the Bride…
Elizabeth handed the Bride Lucas's Ring as the Bride and Matron of Honor smiled at Each Other.
"I Sophie, give You Lucas, this Ring as an Eternal Symbol of my Love and Commitment to You."
"These Rings have been Given as a Token of your Enduring Love, One for the Other. As they Encircle your Fingers, may They be a Constant Reminder that You are Surrounded by Each Other's Enduring Love. Let us Pray," pronounced the Pastor. (34*)
"Dear Heavenly Father, We Humbly ask Your Blessing on the Giving of these Wedding Rings, as well as Your Blessing on the Two who have Given Them in Love and in Faith. We ask that You Strengthen Them, Each for the Other, into One Being, in Your Holy Name We ask Your Many Blessings upon Them on this, their New Journey Together. Amen."
The Orchestra began to Play softly again, as Rosemary came to the Left Front of the Church and stood behind the lectern to read I Corinthians 13:1-13
1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (35*)
"And Now by the Power Vested in Me, I Hereby Pronounce you Husband and Wife Together. You may Kiss your Bride…"
Lucas reached to hold Sophie, still with tears in his eyes, and by now she was crying just a bit too! He reached for her face with his one free hand and they kissed through their happy tears with no one else in the room at that moment, just pure joy on their faces!
They smiled at each other, as the Pastor announced: "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my Great Pleasure to Introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Bouchard! Everyone is Invited to their Wedding Reception. Please Join Us at The Queen of Hearts!"
The Orchestra played the Recessional, and the Bride and Groom jubilantly walked down the Aisle out through the cold into their waiting Sleigh, festooned with perfectly matched Garlands of their Wedding Flowers, compliments of the Groom!
The Best Man and the Matron of Honor followed closely behind, gazing at each other as they walked out of the Church, unable to take their eyes off each other.
The Congregation just kept clapping, not just for the exquisite Bridal Couple who had just exited the Church, but also for the special Couple in Attendance…the Best Man and the Matron of Honor.
It had been a most Spectacular Wedding, but now the Town was officially and anxiously awaiting another...
The Reception at the Queen of Hearts was a Party like no other and a very unexpected and pleasant Christmas Eve Surprise for the entire Town of Hope Valley.
The Saloon was decorated as beautifully as the Church with the same gorgeous Wedding Flowers purposefully and magnificently thrown Everywhere!
Pink Silk Ribbon fell from the Ceiling, holding little suspended Rounded Balls of Pink and White Roses with Baby's Breath and Ivy.
The entire Place looked like a massive Rose Garden, done in Pink and White.
It was obvious Lucas had spared no expense.
The Stringed Instrument Orchestra and Harpist had moved to The Queen of Hearts and were now fully set up, playing the latest Tunes.
Teams of formally dressed Waiters were carrying Large Trays filled with a scrumptious Selection of Hors d'oeuvres and Glasses of Fine Wine, throughout the crowd.
And for those who had not been able to attend the Wedding, there was again, an audible gasp as the Wedding Party made their Grand Entrance!
The Four truly looked like they had stepped out of a Fairy Tale.
The Bride and Groom kissed for their Reception Guests, who immediately gave them a heavy Round of Applause!
Then everyone converged on the Bride and Groom offering their Congratulations.
In addition to the Perfect Setting, Lucas had paid Professional Photographers to wander through the room and take Photographs of their Guests, as well as to capture all the Special Moments between The Bride and Groom.
But, Carson was also taking Pictures as well, and as the People of Hope Valley were more comfortable with him, both Nathan and Elizabeth thought he just might end up with the best Candid Shots of the Night!
When the Music suddenly grew louder, Lucas turned to his gorgeous Bride.
"May I have this Dance, please, Mrs. Bouchard?" he bowed formally, and she was radiant as she took his hand, as he led her to the center of The Queen of Hearts, Dancing their First Dance as Husband and Wife together.
It was an intimate, romantic First Waltz shared between the Couple, who had just Betrothed themselves to each other as One.
Sophie's magnificent Bridal Gown was on full display, and it was a Gorgeous Sight to See, as her Groom expertly led his Bride around the Rose-Encircled Dance Floor!
After the First Dance drew to an end, Nathan and Elizabeth joined in for a special Dance of the entire Wedding Party.
It was an extraordinarily Beautiful Thing to Watch as the Two Couples beautifully Danced their way around the Floor, with Sophie's and Elizabeth's Gowns both flowing out behind them so elegantly, led by the Groom in his Black Tux and the Best Man in his Dress Red Serge Uniform with Flashing Gold!
By the time the two Couples had finished their Waltz together, everyone was ready to join in on the Dancing fun.
Poor Rosemary was still flitting around The Queen of Hearts, frantically making sure everything was going perfectly, just as she had done at the Church.
Apparently, her job was not complete until the Wedding and Reception were both brought to a close!
The Bride and Groom did in fact owe her a lot, because thanks to her, everything was going perfectly, without a worry or concern on their part.
Everyone was having the Grandest of Times.
"Lucas, you sure know how to throw a Party!" complimented Nathan.
"That why I'm doing the same for you and Elizabeth when you two take the plunge. Er, I should say we are! I've got to get used to that, don't I? Sophie and I will oversee all of your Reception as our Wedding Gift to the Two of You!"
"That's very generous, Lucas! Thank you for that!"
"No, I'm the one who should be thanking you! I can't thank you enough Nathan, for Tonight. For a while there, I didn't think I was going to make it through. But you got me to calm down and even enjoy my own Wedding!"
"My pleasure Lucas, you'd do the same for me. We're seeing you off Tomorrow, you know!"
"You'd do that? It's awfully early!"
"Of course, we'll be there. Wouldn't miss it! But I should warn you, Allie has Rice and lots of it!"
Lucas chuckled, "Duly warned. You know, I've got the best Best Man there is. No one else I would rather have had to stand by my side and get me through all this!"
"An Honor, Lucas. Just be happy! And make Sophie happy!"
The two Men were looking at the Bride and Matron of Honor across the room, both counting their many Blessings!
But at the same time, the Pastor was frantically searching for the Bridal Party…
"We've got to sign these Papers to make this Union legal!" he urged the Groom and Best Man.
Nathan waved to Elizabeth, who understood and interrupted the Bride. Although, unlike the Pastor, he knew the Union was already technically legal.
But apparently, Lucas and Sophie had been so intent this was their only Wedding, they had forgotten to clue the Pastor in on that technicality! Or, for all Nathan knew, perhaps Bill had worked some Legal Magic as a Wedding Gift!
The Bride and her Matron of Honor both looked so happy as they made their way to their Partners, and the Party sat down together, quickly signing the necessary Betrothal Documents.
Lucas and Sophie kissed each other fervently, just after they signed, deciding to seal their Union in a more tangible way, to yet another Round of Applause!
Sophie soon went back to her many Guests, graciously making sure each and every person was having a wonderful time.
At the same time, Lucas went back to passing out his very expensive Cuban Cigars to the Male Guests, who were thrilled with their Wedding Mementos!
Lucas also made sure to save two Cases back for Bill and Nathan.
The Bridal Couple then gave Bill, Nathan, Elizabeth, and Rosemary gold Cartier Wristwatches with their Wedding Date engraved on the Backs of the Timepieces!
"Lucas, this is much too extravagant. We can't…" began Nathan.
"Not at all and you can," he turned and looked lovingly at Sophie. "This was my gorgeous Wife's idea and I was thrilled. They are perfect. You Four stepped up and supported us when there was no one else. And it means the World to us, to both of us, so yes maybe a little extravagant, but given with all the Love in our Hearts!"
They each could see Lucas and Sophie meant it.
Tears, kisses, and hugs were exchanged by the Women, and the Men did their typical Male claps on the shoulders along with firm handshakes, ending with the Four finally receiving their Gifts of the Watches with the same Love as they had been given.
The Wedding Party Members were truly overwhelmed with their Gifts. The Gold Watches were indeed beautiful, and the latest rage. It most certainly couldn't be argued that they weren't also very functional, indeed!
Finally, it was getting so late into the night, besides it being Christmas Eve.
Plus the Bride and Groom had a very early Train to catch for San Francisco and their Honeymoon, so the Party began to wind down, but still with nobody really wanting to leave.
What a Wedding and Reception it had been!
Quite the Party...full of Beauty, Elegance, Good Food, and Drink, but most importantly the Love of a Brand new Couple throughout, sharing both their Love and Good Fortune.
Definitely one for the Memory Books!
A lot of "Congratulations" mingled with many "Merry Christmases!" were offered as a Way of Saying Goodbye, as the guests braved going out into the Cold Snow to nestle into their Homes and wait there for Santa to come.
Christmas was Happily about to Descend upon Hope Valley…
(33*) Theme of the Wedding March, from Mendelssohn's incidental music Ein Sommernachtstraum, Op. 61., Felix Mendelssohn, 1843, Public Domain
(34*) Wedding Script Samples, Moments & Milestones, Public Domain
(35*) King James Bible, I Corinthians 13:1-13, Public Domain