Chapter 99: Mothballs & Wedding Parties

"Elizabeth, please say something…" begged Nathan as he stood on Elizabeth's front porch.

"You look very handsome, Darling!"

"It's terrible, isn't it?"

"No, no! Not at all terrible," and then Elizabeth could resist no longer.

"Just Princely!" she giggled.

"Elizabeth, this is serious. I am not a Prince, and this garb is worse than I even imagined. Maybe I should just tell the Commissioner no! Or take these epaulets off. There's nothing Hope Valley about this! Look at all this Gold Cording!"

"Wait a minute, Chief Inspector! You absolutely will not! Here, let me see it with your Stetson," he stooped to allow her to place his Campaign Hat on his head.

"See, that tone's it all down. Now, you look like a Mountie! A glorified one, but a Mountie, nonetheless. Besides, you know with the Superintendents' visiting for Bill's Bachelor Party, you really don't have a choice but to be in your Uniform, at least during the day to greet them. And then with Commissioner Blake coming to their Wedding…I think you just have to get used to it, Love."

"You hate it…"

"No, in fact, I might just prefer this for our Wedding! I think I'm getting used to all the Gold! Besides…" but Elizabeth stopped short, as she realized she was about to give away a top-secret aspect of her own Wedding Gown, if she could find it, that is!

"Elizabeth!"

"Come here," and she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him, but he was still flummoxed over his new Uniform, till finally she worked her charms and he lifted her up and carried her through her Doorway, where the Uniform was no longer an issue.

But as soon as he had sat down on the Settee holding Elizabeth on his lap, there was a loud knock, and suddenly Bill boisterously entered her Living Room, as only he could do.

"Nathan, I need your help!"

"Sorry, Bill. Sort of busy…" he mumbled through their muffled kiss.

"There will be plenty of time for that after our Wedding! I need you, my Best Man, to look at this, right now. How do we make this acceptable for me to wear to my Wedding?"

Nathan lifted the much glorified and mothball smelling Serge to his nose and immediately started coughing.

"By Friday? Bill, I think that's going to take a bonafide Miracle of sorts! Did you just now take this out of Storage?"

"I forgot! And Adeline's going to have my hide. Well, actually, I'm going to lose our bet! She said I'd forget and she also says I can't get into it! I'll get into it, alright, if I have to swim 30 laps around the Pond!"

"Bill, it's frozen! Wait! That doesn't even matter. At this rate, your Bride will pass out at the Alter before she can even say 'I Do!'"

"If swimming in a frozen Pond is what it takes to fit in this thing, then frozen Pond it is! I am not starting out my Marriage giving said Bride the complete upper hand on every little thing!"

"Sorry, Bill, I think you did that when you asked her to Marry you!" explained Elizabeth, and of course Nathan couldn't help but laugh.

"You two are no help! Elizabeth, can't you do something?"

"Here, I'll take it to Rosemary while you two discuss who has the most Gold Cording on your respective Uniforms. See, Darling, yours doesn't look so out of place, at all, now!" she smiled brightly.

Nathan reached to kiss her Goodbye through narrowed eyes, and an exasperated look she clearly understood but thought was adorable, although the mustiness of Bill's old Serge still wafted through the air surrounding them until they both choked on their kiss.

"Can you two stop that? I've got pressing issues here that need to be resolved! And I'm the Groom!"

"Yes, Sir! If you'll resuscitate us," begged Elizabeth as both she and Nathan went into a coughing fit. "When did you get to be such a grouch? Rosemary's right. You're worse than Lucas, or at least as bad!"

When Nathan finally recovered as Elizabeth coughed "Goodbye, Gentlemen" from the Door, he realized that just maybe Bill's old Uniform brought a slim ray of hope.

"Great, Bill, you're wearing this Uniform for the rest of your life, because I'm most certainly not wearing mine alone! Aaron will have a field day! But he can't tease that much if it's both of us."

"Speaking of Field Day, do you have the Trivia Questions set up for my Bachelor's Party tonight?"

"Relax, mine are all done, and I've collected Trivia Questions from all the Sports Nuts in town."

"Speaking of Nuts, do you have the Popcorn, Hot Dogs, Beer, etc. all ready? Oh, and I want Cashews!"

"Yes, although Gustav is none too happy about any of it! Your three favorite Beers are on tap! And I already have the Cashews."

"Pfft, Gustav doesn't get a say in any of this! And you make sure he doesn't! This is going to be the best Bachelor's Party Hope Valley has ever seen! Hey, how did you know about the Cashews?"

"Bill, you eat every single one of them whenever any are in sight, leaving none for anyone else in Hope Valley. Believe, me that didn't take an Inspector to figure out! Everyone in Town knows not to touch the Cashews! Oh, and Taleisha wanted us to add a Burger Bar, which suits me fine. She's preparing it so it will meet your high standards. And no Gustav has nothing to do with it. But don't you think it's time you two called a truce?"

"Hmph! That's not happenin'! I'm gettin' married in two days. Doesn't mean I'm stupid!"

"I don't know, Elizabeth. Why does that Man always wait till the last minute! I'll hang it out back to air it out. This thing could asphyxiate us all!"

"Oh, Rosemary, what was I thinking? You're pregnant; you shouldn't even be smelling this," and Elizabeth grabbed the Serge and hung it on Rosemary's back porch!

"Brrr, it's cold, and Bill thinks he's going to have to swim laps in the half-frozen Pond to even fit in the thing! Are we good on Adeline's Bridal Broach Tea Party? I got the message about everyone wearing a Broach and bringing another one along with a Wedding Wish to gift her with at the end of the night! Everyone loves the idea! Oh, and don't forget your Hat!"

"That's great. Clara and Taleisha have cooked and frozen food for two days. Really elegant little bites, but Taleisha said we should also have a Chilled Soup and a smaller Main Entrée. Love the idea, just not sure what's she's come up with."

"Oh, I know! She ended up with a warm gooey Chicken Salad on Puff Pastry! Chicken Divan or Chicken A la King, I think she said. Not sure which she decided on."

"Now, that sounds heavenly. And elegant! Little Violet is going to love that! Oh, and I've got all the Bridal Party Capes and Dresses done! Are you're sure Laura won't mind taking care of Frederic and Ollie, too?"

"Of course not, Laura loves all three children, and thankfully their Pups, too! I think Santa did a very good job this Year if I do say so myself!"

"Frederic doesn't let Ollie out of his sight. They sleep together every single night, and he won't leave Ollie for School unless he's sure I'm holding Ollie in my arms, which is getting to be quite a task with my ever protruding tummy!"

"Adeline! I didn't know you were here!" exclaimed Elizabeth, trying to remember if she had said anything that shouldn't have been overheard.

"Sorry, Elizabeth, I forgot to tell you Adeline was here! She and I are doing several things at once, and I think I just had a pregnancy brain freeze!" explained Rosemary.

"This part is my final fitting, and Rosemary, I love it!" smiled a very happy Adeline, as she came down the stairs.

"You look absolutely breathtaking! Well, actually, I think Bill might get that award!" interjected Rosemary with an exaggerated wave of her hand across her nose, wafting away at the odor that still remained in her Living Room.

"What has he done this time? It's Mothballs, isn't it?"

"Well, let's just say you might want to tuck some Smelling Salts in your Bridal Gown's sleeve!" advised Elizabeth.

"He forgot to air his Uniform! I knew I'd win that bet. I reminded him to take it out of Storage a month ago, and have repeated it every single Week since! Still bet he can't fit into it!"

"Mum's our word! Cause he'll have our hide!" offered Rosemary. "Here, let me tuck this in. Is this better, Elizabeth?"

"I think so. Yes, the cut is perfect. You look so regal Adeline! Perfectly regal!"

"Is it too simple?"

"No, it's simply elegant; it's you Adeline. Stunning! You look like a Queen. Bill won't know what hit him!"

The Queen of Hearts was already abuzz with the Staff moving to and fro under Taleisha's watchful direction, by the time Nathan got there to do his final walk-through with her.

"Nathan, we have to go through all this quickly, so I can make my way over to the Café. Does everything look satisfactory?"

"Beyond, Taleisha. This looks perfect. I don't even see how Bill, himself, can have any complaints! But who's going to man the Hamburger Bar?"

"Don't you worry about that. Nobody puts a Burger together like my Husband! Trevon's playing Hamburger Chef tonight, so you're in for a treat! Hot and Spicy is the way my Man does it! All sorts of Cheeses and Toppings! And Gustav's making the Fries, Regular and Sweet. I'm just worried if we're going to have enough. The entire Town and beyond seems to be coming!"

"I expected that, as it's for Bill."

"Well, I think they're excited also about it being a Sports Night, too! Clever idea, Nathan!"

"This is for Bill, what else could we do? He's not exactly the sort for a Gentlemen's Night like we had for Lucas! It was either Horse-riding, Wood-chopping, or this!"

"You have a point! Still a great idea! Here, let me show you where everything is, just in case Gustav decides to hold out on Bill. The Hamburger and Hot Dog Food Bars are completely set up except for the hot Meats, which Gustav will bring out when you're ready to eat. The Snacks are all here at the Bar, including the Pretzels and Popcorn, and the Cashews are set around everywhere, on the Bar and the Tables. Gustav's keeping the Peanuts warmed in the back. All the extra Drinks are here behind the Bar, ready to be distributed. Oh, and several of the Men have dropped off their Sports Trivia Questions, and I placed them over by the Blackboard, where you can keep score if you divide into Teams!"

"That's perfect, Taleisha! Do the Pennants and Posters look okay?"

Nathan and Aaron had slipped over before Lunch, to paper the Saloon with Pennants and Posters from the major American and National Leagues, including the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, New York Yankees, St. Louis Browns, Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Braves, Brooklyn Robins, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburg Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and the New York Giants.

Nathan had even contacted the Federal League, as for some unknown reason, Bill was fascinated with a few of those Teams as well! Surprisingly, they had responded with representation from the Chicago Whales, St. Louis Terriers, Pittsburg Rebels, Kansas City Packers, Newark Peppers, Buffalo Blues, Brooklyn Tip-Tops, and Baltimore Terrapins, which, thankfully, more than included Bill's favorites!

Most had sent Pictures of their Players, and the two Mounties had blended them into their décor as well! Practically all of them were even autographed!

"The decorating is right on target. You two did a great job! I feel like I'm in a Sports Museum. Couldn't have done it better myself!"

"We're giving the Posters and Pennants away as Prizes for the Sports Trivia. Elizabeth was worried that wouldn't be enough, but I think the Guys will be thrilled! And I've got a bunch of Baseball Cards to give away, too, as well as some more autographed Photos!"

"Are you kidding? Trevon's determined he's winning that Poster in the Corner – why I'll never know! And I saw him eyeing that Red Pennant by the Front Door, too. But then again, he's a Red Sox Fan through and through!"

"I don't understand why this has to be so down-home," complained a very fancy-dressed Lucas, as he came up behind them. "Can't we spiff this up a bit? Make this Party a bit fancier?"

"It's a Sports Night, Lucas. It is down-home. Relax, you just might enjoy it!" suggested Nathan. "Haven't you ever been to a Game?"

"I can very proudly say, I have not. Well, just to be sure, I'm setting up a couple of card tables, in case this thing is a bust! And I've already spread out Cigars and Lighters just as you asked. But the Cigars, really, Nathan?"

"Lucas, I know they're not the expensive ones, but they're the ones Bill wanted!"

"This Party will not be a bust, sweet Lucas! This is going to be a smashing success," laughed Taleisha. "You'll see! You just don't know these Men. They're chomping at the bit for this Party! Can't wait to show off their own Sports Knowledge!"

"Lucas, Darling, why don't you go change into your relaxing Clothes?" asked a resplendent Sophie, who had just come down the stairs, carrying her gorgeous Hat.

"These ARE my relaxing Clothes," pronounced a defiant Lucas.

"No, they are not, my Darling. I laid a more Casual Outfit out on our bed for you! Go, now! I'm leaving with Taleisha!"

Sophie reached to kiss her new Husband, then personally directed him up the Stairs to make sure he was going to change.

"Do not allow that Man back down here, if he's still in his Suit! I bought a new pair of Slacks with a matching Sweater. The Man needs to chill! I don't know what it is about those three-piece Suits of his! I don't think he even knows what Sports are! Just try to help him not feel so out of place, Nathan!"

Nathan laughed, "I promise, Sophie, on both counts!"

At the same time, Hickam walked in with his Band and their Instruments and began to set up.

"Mike, when Bill walks in, let's start a Chorus of 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow!'" (*49)

"Got it, Nathan!"

"Let's go, Sophie. We've got a lot to do at the Café! Nathan, are you good?" asked Taleisha.

"Yes, you two go! I'll help Hickam finish setting up the stands for the Band, then I'll leaf through the Trivia Questions, so we don't have duplicates. Thank you, Taleisha! Thanks, Sophie!"

Nathan reached to kiss both Ladies on the cheek and escorted them to the Front of the Saloon to hold the Door for them.

And the Towns Men started streaming in…

"Welcome, get yourselves a Drink at the Bar and grab a Snack. The Real Food will be served soon!" directed Nathan.

"Wow, Nathan, the Men are lined up around the Block! This is a Party they don't plan to miss. What can I do to help?" asked Lee.

"Lee, quick, get Gustav to start serving some of the Food!"

"Did I hear Food? Make way for your Hamburger Chef!" and Trevon whipped out a Chef's Hat and took off his Coat to reveal his favorite Apron, which he had painted Boston Red Sox across!

"Looking sharp, Trevon!" smiled Nathan.

"Guess who's my favorite Team!" announced Trevon. "Didn't want anyone to be confused where my allegiance lies!"

"Thanks for manning the Hamburger Bar! Taleisha says you're the best!"

As soon as the room filled, in walked Bill, Nathaniel, and the visiting Superintendents!

And Nathan immediately led everyone in a course of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow!" as he remained close to the Door to greet even more hungry, but very excited Guests, who were joining in the singing from the Boardwalk! (*49)

Aaron and the Superintendents quickly lifted Bill, their Guest of Honor, up above the others, as the Crowd inside and outside boisterously sang the song through.

"For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow (pause), which nobody can deny
Which nobody can deny, which nobody can deny
For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow
For he's a jolly good fellow (pause), which nobody can deny!" (*49)

Nathan welcomed the rest of the Guests in and Mike quickly started a Chorus of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame!" which everyone immediately joined in singing with gusto, just as though they were at a real Game! (*50)

"Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks
I don't care if I never get back
Let me root, root, root
For the home team
If they don't win it's a shame
Aahh.
For it's one,
Two,
Three strikes you're out
At the old ball game!

All I need is just one chance
I could hit a home run
There isn't anyone else like me
Maybe I'll go down in history
And it's root, root, root
For the home team
Here comes fortune and fame
'Cause I know
That
I'll be the star
At the old
Ball
Game!

'Cause I know
That
I'll be the star
At the old
Ball
Game!" (*50)

This Crowd of Men was ready to Party like Hope Valley had never seen!

And just at this moment, Lucas, dressed in his Sophie-chosen Casual Attire, came down the Stairs of his Establishment, not at all sure about what he was seeing happening right there in his own Saloon…

Nathan caught his aghast look and had to just raise his eyebrows and open his hands in an "I hate to tell you, but I told you so manner!"

Hot Dogs and Trevon's Special Hamburgers were flying onto Plates! Every single Man had a Drink with their Food, and everyone was joking and laughing and already having the best of times…

And the Bridegroom was thrilled!

This was already a Party to end all Parties!

Now a few Doors down the Street was the Bride's Party!

Less boisterous yes, a little more formal yes!

Well a lot more formal, but not at all to be outdone!

Also, quite a bit more refined, but full of fun nonetheless.

The Women of Hope Valley were Pros at these Parties, having the uncanny knack of tailoring each Party to their favored Guest of Honor. And tonight's Bridal Broach Valentine's Party for Adeline was no exception!

The Café had been decorated with Red Roses and Silver Hearts everywhere, keeping with Rosemary's Wedding Theme for the Couple!

The Centerpiece consisted of two White Cupids, surrounded by more Long-Stemmed Red Roses and Silver Hearts.

Beautiful Melodies of Soft Love Songs wafted gently through the air from the Victrola in the Corner.

The Party was technically a Bridal Broach Valentine's Dinner Tea Party, and all the Women were wearing extravagant new Hats they had purchased from Sophie's new Milliner's Shoppe, along with matching Dresses they had purchased from Rosemary, who was now finally beginning to value the merits of a new Hat, from a Business perspective!

Perhaps Rosemary and Sophie could be friends after all…

Each Lady not only also wore a Broach, in honor of Adeline's love for that particular piece of Jewelry, they each also brought beautifully wrapped Packages, each holding a Broach for Adeline, tied with a Wish for Adeline's and Bill's Marriage.

These were deposited and beautifully displayed around the Cupid, Red Rose, and Silver Heart Centerpiece, which now surrounded a beautifully decorated White Tiered Cake, covered in Silver Hearts with Red Roses at the Base.

The Tables were covered with White Linen Cloths that reached the Floor.

And the massive White Napkins, adorning each place setting of antique China, had miraculously been folded in the three-dimensional shape of a Heart. They were "tied" with a Silver Ribbon and Dangling Silver Heart for each of the Ladies to take home with them as a Keepsake.

The Women had gathered their very best Crystal and Silver, and the entire Café indeed looked stunning, to say nothing of the Women in their new Finery.

"This is exquisite! How did you all do all this? It's just so beautiful!" exclaimed Adeline at the elegant transformation of Bill's Café.

"It was easy because we love you!" explained Rosemary, who was busy passing out Cups of a Strawberry Fruited Punch from Adeline's Mother's own Cut Crystal Punch Bowl, which contained a gorgeous Hand-made Ice Ring full of fresh Strawberries.

"Are you all hungry?" asked Taleisha. "Help yourself to the Nibbles. Clara and I will be serving our Tea Dinner in about ten minutes!"

"Elizabeth, thank you. This is so very special…it's just so much fun to get all dressed up!"

"Adeline, are you tearing up? Whatever's wrong?" asked Elizabeth.

"Just wishing my Mother could be here to see all this. We were just afraid the Trip would be too much for her. That's why we're visiting her at the end of our Honeymoon. But she would just love this!"

"Well, Fiona's taking Pictures that she and Carson are going to develop Tomorrow so you can at least take the Pictures with you when you go see her!"

"Oh, that's so sweet. She'll love that! That makes me feel better. And of course, later, she'll have our Wedding Photographs. You all are just so good to me!"

"You make it easy, Adeline!" and Elizabeth reached to hug the Bride and her most special Friend.

"Everyone please find your Seat! Our Tea Dinner is served, Ladies!" announced Clara. "We have a Chilled Berry Soup for Starters…"

"Rosemary, will you lead us in Prayer?" asked Taleisha.

And the Women gathered hands.

"Dear Father, we ask Your Blessing on the Beautiful Food we are about to partake of Tonight, but we also ask Your Divine Blessing on the Couple we are celebrating here and who are about to be Married in Holy Matrimony. We Pray that You will be with them and Guide them throughout their Life together, pouring out Your Richest Blessings on these two People who mean so very much to us. We ask these things in Your Name and for Your Glory, and we will not forget to give You the Praise, Amen!"

"Amen!"

"As we start eating our Soup, we thought it would be nice, since most of us have known Bill longer than Adeline, to share what he has meant to us and means to Hope Valley, as just a way for her to better know this Mysterious Man she's getting ready to Marry this Friday!" announced Elizabeth.

Everyone laughed, as Bill Stories were the best.

"I'll start. Through the years, there has been one constant in Hope Valley for me, and that's been, William Spencer Avery. He's been there for me in good times and especially in bad times. He has become my Hope Valley Father, and he is Godfather to my Son, Jack. I can't even imagine my Life without him, or Little Jack's. Last Christmas Day, when he gave me Jack's compass to give to Little Jack so he would always find his way Home, well, his thoughtfulness meant the World to me. As cantankerous as he can be, there is none better to have in your corner, and I know all of Hope Valley would agree with that. Underneath the rough exterior is a Heart of Gold and this town is most fortunate to have him as our Lawman and our Judge. But, I am most thankful now, that he has you, Adeline. He's different with you. He's whole with you. And it's such a beautiful thing to see!" and Elizabeth got up to kiss Adeline on the Cheek.

"There are so many Bill stories, I think we could all write a Book, but the one that will always stand out for me was when we adopted Frederic. Bill didn't have much time to put the Ceremony together, but somehow, he dropped everything and came up with the most beautiful Ceremony anyone could ever imagine. He insisted Allie and Little Jack be there to be adopted as Frederic's Cousins…" and Rosemary broke down.

She finally was able to continue with tears in her eyes, "He even took the time to get Frederic a Toy Car to use as a Gavel, because he had Frederic to co-judge with him and accept Lee and me as his Papa and Mama, and Bill, Nathan, and Elizabeth as his Uncles and Auntie. He made what could have been a scary time for our Son a wonderful memory that he and Lee and I will carry with us our whole lives through. I just adore him. And yes, I know we fuss a lot, but he knows I love him to the Moon and Back and would do anything for him!"

"He was so upset with me that I hadn't asked him to cater my Wedding. But when I finally told him why, the Man nearly cried. He was the only one I could possibly imagine walking me down the Aisle to Marry Jesse, he calmed me and I calmed him and we made it through. And he's about to become Godfather to another little one! I love the man. And Adeline, he adores you. Don't ever forget that!" added Clara. "And I should add, that Aaron, Nathan, Molly, and I deserve medals for working with the Man!"

Everyone laughed in total agreement with that!

Sophie was next. "When I came to town, you all could have totally rejected me and I knew that, given what had just happened with my Daddy, but the Judge was the second person I met at the Stagecoach, and he didn't leave my side. I was such a fright with dirt and dust enveloping me. But he brought me to this very Café to let me freshen up before I even went to see Lucas. And he didn't judge me. He treated me like a Lady and he welcomed me with open arms. He even volunteered to take my Daddy's place and walk me down the Aisle for our Wedding. I'll never ever forget that! It meant everything to me!"

"Well, Aaron had told me stories, funny ones, unbelievable ones, grumpy ones, really brave ones, but when I actually met the Judge, he hadn't sold him short at all! He's like a curmudgeonly Character in a Book you can always count on and can't help but love. I loved him immediately. And believe me, it helped my Parents to know a Judge was chaperoning when we went to Union City for the Mountie Ball! He just accepted me for who I am, and instantly knew where I should build my Bookstore. He saw that the Lot was saved for me. He's Family and we love him! Why, he even came to our Farm, cleaned and rebuilt the Barn, so Aaron would have a place to stay! That's above and beyond. But, it's obvious, Adeline, that you complete his life in a way that I don't think it's ever been completed before. Because the change when he's with you is dramatically different. He's happier and at peace. He is so blessed to have you! Love you, both!"

Others told Tales of rescued dogs and cats, all Hours of the Night. Coming to their Farms in the middle of the Night to catch a Poacher, paying Bills for People when they couldn't, talking down an abusive relative…nursing an inebriated loved one back to the real World. His often-unconventional resolution of neighborly spats. His bravery saving them from harm time and time again from various Perpetrators.

The Stories, some funny, some sad, some scary, all keeping them safe, making their Lives better, went on and on into the Main Course of Taleisha's combined version of Chicken Divan and Chicken A la King with Puff Pastry, which she called Chicken A la Queen in honor of Adeline. And the Stories brought both laughter and tears throughout the Meal, not only to Adeline but to everyone.

The Main Course was a Smashing Success, along with Taleisha's miniature version of Bill's Famous Yeast Rolls.

Clara and Taleisha served Asparagus and tiny individual Corn Pudding Casseroles along with their somewhat original Main Course.

And the overall consensus was the Meal was Perfection!

After the Ladies had finally completed their fancy Meal, Rosemary directed them in some hysterical Bridal games, that may or may not have been so Ladylike, but were done in good clean fun just the same!

One was a "Bill Would Say/Adeline Would Say" fill in the blank Game, that had everyone laughing till they could laugh no more! Florence was the hands-down winner of this game, as she had pegged both Bill and Adeline gloriously.

Another Game was a "Bill Would Do/Adeline Would Do" a multiple-choice Game, that Molly clearly won, mostly for her on-target predictions for exactly what Bill would do in each given situation, which was determined unanimously by all the Participants, Adeline included! Working in his Office those many years, had not at all been for naught! Molly definitely knew her Boss!

Then the Ladies divided into Teams and had to make the most over the top Bridal Hat.

Sophie had brought the basic huge, floppy Hats, as well as tons of Flowers, Ribbons, and Décorative Pieces that could be added.

The Ladies had a Ball and got very, very competitive, with each Team deciding to outdo the others!

Sophie and Rosemary had to share their design expertise and finesse with all four Teams.

The Hats ended up massive in Size with unbelievable Décor, but between us, let's hope Sophie was NOT getting any ideas for her Shoppe! Because the Ladies modeling these newly designed Hats had a bit of trouble balancing, and keeping them on their heads as they were so terribly top-heavy! Beautiful, yes, like something you'd see at Ascot, but…not exactly for the Frontier!

Still, the Ladies loved making them and each and everyone had to try them all on and model!

Finally, Rosemary had Adeline cut the Cake, "The Bride has to practice for the Wedding Friday Evening!"

And everyone was served Cake and Punch.

But as the Ladies ate their Cake and drank their Punch, they shared stories of Honeymoon Fiascos:

"Don't spend it with Family!" one said.

"Oh, no, we're going to end up at my Mother's!" explained Adeline.

"Don't rough it! Absolutely no Camping!" another advised.

"Oh, no, we're camping under the Stars the First Night or at least that's what Bill says!" answered Adeline.

"Don't cook whatever you do!" said another.

"Oh, no, but how will we eat in the Wilderness? We're going to starve!" commented Adeline.

"Don't forget to shop and pick up a Honeymoon memento!" advised another.

"Oh, no, you've got to be kidding, Bill, shopping? And in the Woods? What will we do?" asked Adeline. "Pick up a Stick?"

Everyone laughed!

And, so it went...

By the time they had finished, Adeline had to moan, "Maybe we should just forget the Honeymoon!"

Which brought a huge laugh!

But then something happened that made Adeline out and out cry.

"Before you open our Gifts to you tonight, I have been given express orders that you are to open this first!" and Rosemary handed Adeline the most beautifully wrapped package, in Silver Paper, tied with a wide Satin Red Ribbon holding a single Red Rose.

"Adeline, this is from your Groom," added Rosemary.

"Bill did this?" she asked and Rosemary nodded.

Adeline lifted the Rose to smell the luscious Scent and continued to untie the stunning Package.

But when she finally had it opened, although no one else could see, she burst into tears!

"How could he know? I've wanted this for the longest time, thinking I would never, ever have it," she stammered through her tears.

Elizabeth peaked over the Jewelry Box, and there was the most beautiful puffed Pave Diamond Heart Necklace she had ever seen.

"Oh, Adeline! It's breathtaking! Simply breathtaking! Would you rather Bill put it on you?"

She nodded yes, and handed it to Elizabeth to pass around for everyone to see, "I've never had a Necklace before, much less a Diamond one! It's simply beautiful! And so romantic!"

After all the oohs and aahs, Rosemary started handing their Gifts to the Bride.

"Oh, you all, these are Broaches? You couldn't have given me anything I love more. Oh, and here's a Wish. Wishing you Perfect Love! Oh, thank you, Fiona! This is so beautiful!"

And Adeline opened Package after Package with both a beautiful Broach and a Wish for her Marriage to Bill.

By the time she finished, she was speechless, and truly overcome.

"I'm not often speechless, but never in my Life have I had Family and Friends like you all. This is my Home and you already mean the World to me. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for accepting me and loving me. Thank you for taking care of Bill all these years! I only pray I can give as much back to each of you! I've never been so happy!"

As for the Ladies, no one wanted to leave, so they sat and chatted, as only women can do, till they could finally hear the Men start to leave their own Party, and the Couples began meeting up out on the Boardwalk to go Home together, everyone pronouncing these two Bridal Parties the very Best Hope Valley had ever seen!

By now, only Family was left in the Café, but even Family felt this should be a private moment between Bride and Groom. So, Aaron and Felicity, Rosemary and Lee, and Nathan and Elizabeth slipped out to give the soon to be Newlyweds their much-needed privacy for this tender moment.

"William Avery Spencer, how did you know. I've wanted this very Piece forever, and never ever imagined I would someday have it!"

"Just so you love it, Darlin'! Happy Wedding!"

"Sweetheart, can you put it on me? It's my very first Necklace ever! And it's the most wonderful Wedding Gift."

Nathan and Elizabeth had missed each other, as they had been busy all day with Work and Wedding Party Prep Activities.

They were tired and just needed and wanted to be alone.

So, they walked home together, full of love one for the other, under the Moonlight.

Words were not necessary.

They walked in silence.

And as they walked, arm in arm, hand in hand, Snow started to gently fall from the Skies.

When they made it to Elizabeth's Porch, Nathan turned her around toward him before he reached the top Step, so that her face was level with his.

"You have tiny Diamonds of Snow on your lashes, and you look unbearably beautiful, my Love!"

She fell into him, caressing his neck with her hands, kissing him as she had never kissed anyone before, and he fell into her, not sure he could remain standing, because he could do nothing but respond to her longing, cupping her cheeks with both of his hands, kissing her with an intensity he had never known, allowing himself for a split second to dream what it would be like to not say Good Night.

But he knew he had to pull himself away, and he tenderly brought both of her hands to his lips.

At first, she thought she felt drops of Snow on her hands, but then she saw his glistening eyes, and she knew.

And she was overcome with his love.

She held his cheeks for a moment, as they looked directly into each other's eyes.

"Someday soon, Lisbeth!"

"Someday soon, my Darling!"

Both of them began straightening themselves, slowing their labored breathing, doing their best to return back to their current real-world of Allie and Jack.

But, they just stood in the bitter cold, not yet ready to go in, steadying themselves, each holding the other, feeling both the warmth of each other and the glorious agony of unrequited love, with the Full Moon shining down on them and the glistening Snow falling about them.

(*49) "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow," from "Malbrough s'en va-t-en guerre," French Folk Tune 1709, with Lyrics predating Charles Dickens "Household Words," 1857, Public Domain

(*50) "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," Jack Norworth, 1908, Public Domain