Nathan & Elizabeth: an Endless Love Chapter 101, a when calls the heart fanfic

Chapter One Hundred One: The Avery Wedding, Reception & Send-Off

Nathan had arranged for Seth to bring the Bridal Party to the Church on the Sleigh, and thankfully, there was enough room on the Sleigh for all the Ladies and their Gowns.

The Bride and Groom would return on the Sleigh with Nathan and Elizabeth, and there would be Cars to take the rest of the Wedding Party on to the Reception.

Miraculously, it stopped Snowing just as the Bride came out her door, and remained Snow free till they reached the Church and then entered it.

Inside, the Church was simple and elegant.

A Stringed Orchestra played a Collection of Classic Hymns for the Guests, as they waited, and they were beyond beautiful, as well as uplifting.

The Floral Theme was Red Roses, laced with Ivy, and Baby's Breath, and Arrangements filled each Window along with White Tapers.

Large Candelabra with White Tapers and the same Florals were at each front corner of the Sanctuary.

In the very front center, was a large, beautiful Wedding Arch, draped with garlands of White Fabric Swaths and covered from top to bottom with interlaced Red Roses, Ivy, and Baby's Breath.

On either side of the Wedding Arch were two massive arrangements of stunning Long-Stemmed Red Roses.

And to say the Groom, his Best Man, Nathan, and his Groomsmen, Aaron and Gabriel, looked breathtaking in their Red Dress Uniforms with all the Gold Cording, was not at all an overstatement.

The pops of red from the Roses and the Uniforms were in fact the only color inside the Church, which had just had a fresh coat of fresh white paint only two weeks ago in preparation for tonight.

Commissioner Blake had requested that he give the Bride away, which was meant as a huge Honor to both Bill and Adeline, and they both took it as such.

Since this was a Uniformed Wedding, Nathaniel and Lee, in their black Tuxes served as Ushers.

Adeline was attended by Elizabeth, Felicity, and Rosemary, who were all dressed in very simple, but beautiful, Gowns of White with Red Rose-Embroidered Sashes that fell from the back of their Gowns down to the Floor. They carried smaller Bouquets of trailing Red Roses, mixed with Ivy and Baby's Breath, just like the Bride's.

Rosemary had also seen, given the weather, that all the Ladies, Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Felicity, as well as Allie, had White Woolen Hooded Capes trimmed in wide Satin Ribbon Bands, along with matching White Leather Gloves, to wear in the Cold.

Adeline's Cape was the same, but it was trimmed with White Fur all around the Front Edge and up around the Huge Hood, and her White leather Gloves were trimmed in the same White Fur.

The Capes were left just inside the Church upon their arrival, where they would also wait for their departure.

Again, everything was very simple, yet very elegant.

Both lovely and perfect.

The Music for the Wedding Processional started, and Little Jack and Frederic, as Ringbearers, were the first to come down the Aisle. They both looked adorable in Miniature Dress Serge Uniforms, which the Commissioner had been able to obtain for them. And they were carrying small White Silk Pillows with the Rings loosely tied in the very Center.

It was all Nathan could do to stifle his smile as he watched Little Jack toddle down the Aisle, as his heart filled with love for his little "Big Guy," who smiled up adoringly at this Nathan!

In fact, he couldn't stifle it, and instead gave the biggest smile to his Little Jack, who waved back at him!

As the Boys reached the front Nathaniel took Little Jack and Lee took Frederic with their pillows and rings tied to them and held them together on the front row until their actual duties were required.

Next came Allie as Junior Bridesmaid, and she looked so beautiful and so grown-up in her White Dress and Rose-Embroidered Sash that fell to the floor behind her and perfectly matched the rest of the Bridal Party. She carried a small nosegay of Red Roses and wore a halo of Red Roses in her hair. She was so proud to be in her first Wedding.

Especially as it was for her Auntie Adeline and Uncle Bill.

Nathan was bursting with paternal pride, and it suddenly hit him, his beautiful Allie was growing up and against all odds, the two of them had done beautifully together over the last six years. He could see it in her walking toward him.

'Colleen, be so proud of your Daughter!' he said inwardly. 'I know I am.'

What he didn't know, or couldn't know, was that they were the strongest of Fathers and Daughters, and that would never cease. But somehow, in Heaven, Colleen knew that already!

As had been requested, the proud Father met his Daughter at the front of the Sanctuary, offered his arm, and escorted her to her position in front of where Elizabeth would stand. Allie reached up to kiss his cheek. He smiled and then returned to his spot.

Next came Elizabeth as Matron of Honor to go down the Aisle.

Nathan couldn't take his eyes off her, but Adeline had requested that each of the Groomsmen meet their counterpart when they reached the front, take their arm, and escort them to their spot, just as he had done with Allie.

What Adeline hadn't known, was that it was a very proper Military thing to do, as no respectable Mountie would ever leave a Lady unattended.

Nathan was more than proud and happy to have been Escort for his Daughter and now for his Love.

He again walked with Military precision to the Right Front End of the Center Aisle, and offered his arm to the Love of his Life, taking her to the left-hand side of the Arched Trellis, in the first position, just behind Allie. They shared a smile and then he returned back to his position next to the Groom.

Next Aaron did the exact same thing for Felicity, followed by Gabe, who did the exact same thing for Rosemary.

Suddenly the Music stopped, then rose to a crescendo of the Bridal March.

Everyone stood in preparation for the Bride.

The Commissioner, with the Bride on his arm, proudly escorted her down the Aisle, and she literally took Bill's breath away.

Seeing her calmed him somehow, and he had never seen her look more beautiful.

Adeline was indeed a stunning Bride and her Gown and Veil were positively regal.

Again very, very simple lines of heavy white Satin with unique cut-outs at the neck and on the three-quartered sleeves. A short Squared-Off Train fell to the back and the simple flowing Illusion Veil flowed down over it.

The women in the congregation gasped in awe, as they had never quite seen anything so simple, yet so very elegant.

According to the Brides' wishes, there was no Lace insight, not even in the Bouquets, and most certainly not in the Gowns. She had staunchly declared, "I'm not about Lace! Not for my Wedding!" and Rosemary had agreed.

But what they had come up with was infinitely better, and suited Adeline to a Tee.

The Bride carried a large Bouquet of Red Roses and Baby's Breath, along with several sprigs of Ivy that trailed down with the tapering Roses along the front of her elegant Gown.

She wore her Grandmother's Diamond Broach tied to her Bouquet as her Something Old; her Diamond Wedding Necklace the Groom had given her as her Something New; Elizabeth's Great-Grandmother's Diamond Earrings as her Something Borrowed, and her Mother's Baby Blue Voile Handkerchief she had used at her own Wedding as her Something Blue.

And yes, it was embellished with exquisite Blue Lace, but it was also tucked unseen, inside the Skirt of the Bride's Gown, as her Something Blue.

The Bride, with her short Coiffed Blonde Hair, worn much as she always wore it, was beautiful and absolutely radiant.

When they reached the front of the Sanctuary, Commissioner Blake kissed the Bride on her cheek, passed her Bouquet to Elizabeth, and placed her hand into the Groom's.

As the Bride and Groom stood there together, holding hands, Rosemary slipped to the side and began to sing Adeline's favorite Hymn DEAR LORD AND FATHER OF MANKIND in her beautiful clear soprano voice:

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,

Forgive our foolish ways!

Reclothe us in our rightful mind,

In purer lives thy service find,

In deeper reverence, praise.

In simple trust like theirs who heard

Beside the Syrian sea

The gracious calling of the Lord,

Let us, like them, without a word,

Rise up and follow thee.

O Sabbath rest by Galilee!

O calm of hills above,

Where Jesus knelt to share with thee

The silence of eternity

Interpreted by love!

With that deep hush subduing all

Our words and works that drown

The tender whisper of thy call,

As noiseless let thy blessing fall

As fell thy manna down.

Drop thy still dews of quietness,

Till all our strivings cease;

Take from our souls the strain and stress,

And let our ordered lives confess

The beauty of thy peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire

Thy coolness and thy balm;

Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;

Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,

O still, small voice of calm! (*51)

Rosemary sang the Hymn in earnest and added her own artistic flair to its beautiful words and music. Her beautiful voice rang out through the packed Church. The whole thing was truly transcendent, and there wasn't a dry eye in the Congregation when she finished. She then slipped back to her spot with the Bridesmaids, behind Felicity, so that would be easier.

Then the Pastor began: We are Blessed to be gathered Together this Evening for this Auspicious Occasion, on the Grandest Day of Love for the entire Year, Saint Valentine's Day.

"Let us pray: Dear Father we come to You this beautiful, snowy Valentine's Evening to unite this much Beloved Couple standing before us, in Holy Matrimony. We ask that You be here with us, in this Your Sanctuary, throughout this Ceremony, and that You be with both of them as they commit to and partake of this most glorious of Life's Gifts. We pray that you pour your Richest Blessings down upon them and use them both, individually and together, for Your Glory! In your most Precious Name, we humbly ask! Amen!"

"We are Gathered here today in the Sight of God and in front of these Witnesses, to join Judge William Spencer Avery and Adeline Janine Foster in Holy Matrimony, which is a most honorable estate, instituted of God, when Adam and Eve first walked the Earth.

"Therefore, it is not to be entered into without Soul-searching, unadvisedly or even lightly, but instead, both reverently and soberly."

"Into this Holy Estate, these two People present now come to be joined."

"Therefore, if anyone can show just cause why these two may not be lawfully joined together, may you speak now, or be content to forever after hold your peace."

The Pastor paused, and Nathaniel rose to read the Scripture, but as he did so, Frederic whispered something to Lee and Little Jack squirmed and took the opportunity to run away from Lee, and ran straight toward Nathan who could do nothing but pick the Little Guy up and hold him. Elizabeth looked on horrified that Little Jack was going to ruin the entire Ceremony, but she needn't have worried.

He just nestled in against Nathan and was perfectly content!

As long as his Nathan was holding him up high, he was happy.

Bill glanced over and smiled as if this was the way it was supposed to be. His Best Men: Nathan and Little Jack, his Godson. He even reached out and touched Little Jack's hand with tears in his eyes, as Adeline teared up as well.

Nathaniel paused a moment at the Lectern, then his rich baritone voice rang out clear with the Scripture.

"A Reading from the Apostle Paul, The First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, Verses 4-7 and 13:"

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."

13) "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (*52)

As Nathaniel walked back to his seat, he started to offer to take Little Jack with him, but he could tell that he and Nathan were doing fine, and had a strong sense this was the way his good friend, Bill, wanted it, so he just sat down instead, ready and willing to be on standby if needed.

Then the Pastor proceeded.

"Dear Heavenly Father, we ask your most Bountiful Blessings on this Couple as they bring themselves before you, and in the most Time-Honored of Traditions, unite together in Holy Matrimony. Amen"

"Will the Bride and Groom please face each other and take both of each other's hands?"

"Will the Groom please repeat after me?"

"I, William Spencer Avery, take thee, Adeline Janine Foster, to be my wedded Wife,"

Bill looked directly into Adeline's eyes, and for the first time tonight the very last bit of Nerves he had, went away. While the Pastor spoke softly, almost so only the Wedding Party heard, Bill spoke his Vows in a loud, clear voice, so that everyone in the Sanctuary could hear.

There was such a difference in timbre, the Congregation barely heard the Pastor's words, but Bill's came through strong and with immeasurable love.

"I, William Spencer Avery, take thee, Adeline Josephine Foster, to be my wedded Wife,"

"To have and to hold from this day forward,"

"To have and hold from this day forward,"

"For better for worse,"

"For richer for poorer,"

"In sickness and in health,"

"To love and to cherish,"

"Till death do us part,"

By this time both Bill and Adeline were both crying.

"According to God's Holy Ordinance;"

"And thereto I plight thee my troth."

"Will the Bride please repeat after me?"

"I, Adeline Janine Foster, take thee, William Spencer Avery, to be my wedded Husband,"

Adeline's voice was of course much softer, but still full of strength, conviction, and full of love as she looked directly into Bill's eyes and she began repeating her Vows.

"I, Adeline Janine Foster, take thee, William Spencer Avery, to be my wedded Husband,"

"To have and to hold from this day forward,"

"To have and hold from this day forward,"

"For better for worse,"

"For richer for poorer,"

"In sickness and in health,"

"To love, cherish, and to obey,"

"Till death do us part,"

"According to God's Holy Ordinance;"

"And thereto I give thee my troth."

"And thereto I give thee my troth." (*53)

There were tears from Adeline, but also a radiant smile for her beloved.

Then the Pastor continued, "A Golden Ring, made out of one of the most precious metals known, is simply a circular token, with no beginning and no ending. It symbolizes that the love each of you have for the other will never cease. May we have the Rings, please?" (*54)

Nathan sat Little Jack down by Frederic, whispering to them both what to do, then Frederic took Little Jack's hand and showed him exactly what to do, first untying his loosely held ring from the tiny Pillow he, himself, was carrying, handing it to the Pastor, then bending to untie Little Jack's loosely held ring off of the tiny Pillow he was carrying.

Then Frederic tried to lead Little Jack back to their seat, but he was having none of that.

Instead, he turned and reached for Nathan, who once again lifted him high, and he was content again.

Then the Pastor prayed the Blessing over the Rings.

"Dear Father, Bless these Rings as a Symbol of Joyful and Sacrificial Love between the Couple Standing here before Us. We ask this in Your most Holy Name, Amen."

Then he handed the Bride's Ring to the Groom.

"With this Ring, I thee wed, with my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."

Then the Pastor handed the Groom's Ring to the Bride.

"With this Ring, I thee wed, with my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."

"And now by the power vested in me, by this Province, I hereby pronounce you Husband and Wife, together. You may now kiss your Bride!"

And kiss her he did!

Everyone couldn't help but smile!

"Ladies and Gentlemen: you are invited to a Dinner Reception Immediately Following. It is my great honor and privilege to present to you, Judge and Mrs. William Spencer Avery!"

The Recessional instantly started.

The Couple was truly joyful and couldn't wait to get down the Aisle, but everyone was stopping them along the way, offering their own Congratulations, whether with words, kisses, hugs, or handshakes.

It was truly such a joyful thing to see.

And as it was Snowing outside, they had decided to have their main Honor Guard indoors at the Reception, but a few of the Mounties surprised them and were ready at the Church exit, where they did a mini-preview of what was to come!

Frederic, who loved the Military Traditions, especially his very own Uniform, followed the Bride and Groom, then Allie, then Gabe with Rosemary, then Aaron with Felicity, and then Nathan, still holding Little Jack, with Elizabeth!

Then Nathaniel and Lee began to usher everyone from the Sanctuary.

Nathan took over the beautifully garlanded Sleigh, as Bill helped Adeline into the Back Seat to sit under the Canopy and covered her with one of the warmed Furs, and Nathan helped Elizabeth, and covered her, saving one to place over him and Little Jack, as he finally was able to get in himself while still holding Jack, to lead the Horses away.

But not before the Bridal Couple was pelted with Rice and Rose Petals from the rest of the Wedding Party, especially Allie and Frederic, who were coming to the Reception with Lee and Rosemary.

The Congregation extemporaneously, led by Taleisha, started singing "Blest Be the Tie that Binds," and although unexpected, it was such as beautiful added touch as the Music rang out and wafted through the Cold Night Air.

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father's throne,
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts, and our cares.

We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again. (*55)

Adeline was so touched, she was crying, and she blew a kiss of thanks from the Sleigh to Taleisha, for leading everyone in this beautiful Hymn.

After they finished and everyone had moved back, the Bridal Couple waved to all, and Nathan headed the Garland-bedecked Sleigh back toward the Queen of Hearts for the Wedding Reception everyone in Town had been anticipating.

"Mrs. Avery, what do you think?" Bill looked tenderly at his Bride.

"I think we just had the most beautiful Wedding ever! A Dream Wedding, Darling! Thank you!" she answered radiantly, and then kissed her Groom in their first moment of semi-privacy.

And they truly had had a Dream Wedding. It had not only been beautiful, it just had an elegant, but comfortable down-home Family feel and everyone had thoroughly relaxed and enjoyed it!

Nathan, still holding Little Jack on his lap, let him pretend to help with the reins. Then he turned, smiling at Elizabeth.

"Soon, my Darling!"

"Soon, my Darling..."

Lucas and Sophie met the Bridal Party at the Front Doors of The Queen of Hearts, and Sophie quickly ushered the Bridal Couple Upstairs where they could refresh themselves and prepare for their Grand Entrance after their Guests arrived, as the Honor Guard was actually going to be done on the Grand Staircase.

Elizabeth busied herself with doing a quick once-over to make sure everything was just as the Bride, and perhaps more importantly, as the Groom wished it to be.

She adjusted a few Arrangements of Long-Stemmed Red Roses, but other than that, everything appeared to be in perfect order!

"Look at that, she's checking our work!" Lucas nudged Nathan.

"You know what they say about perfection. Something every Bridal Couple strives for, but in this case, as in yours, I think it's more to please the Groom than the Bride!"

"You got me, Best Man!" and Lucas actually laughed remembering his fastidiousness at his own Wedding. "I'm going to owe you forever for that one, aren't I?"

"Pretty much," laughed Nathan.

"And you're absolutely right. I have no room, whatsoever, to talk!"

"Do you need help with anything?"

"Looks like you've got your hands full!"

"Aw, we can help Jack, can't we?"

"Not on your life," laughed Elizabeth. "I had to hold my breath through the entire Ceremony! Thank you, Nathan. He's always perfect with you!"

"That's because we're Buds!"

Elizabeth reached and kissed Nathan, then her Son, "You did a wonderful job, Son! And I can't wait to tell Allie the same. She looked so beautiful, Nathan!"

"As do you, Darling. You look very beautiful in White," and he reached to kiss her once more.

Lucas had long since gone to attend to some crisis in the Kitchen. Gustav was good, but let's just say, nerves of steel, he did not possess.

It seemed as though he was constantly relying on Lucas to put out some perceived encroaching crisis or fire! But the two worked well together!

"Actually, Mrs. Thornton, I treasure having this moment alone with the Woman I love."

"And I treasure having this moment alone with the Men I love! Who also look mighty handsome!"

"You think so? Hear that Jack? We are loved! And handsome, too!"

"I know so, Love, and don't either one of you forget it! Both handsome, both loved!"

"Well, don't you forget, the Men in your Life love you back with wild abandon!"

"Wild abandon?"

"Wilde abandon, isn't that right Jack?" and as if on cue, Jack smiled and said "Yes!"

Now whether he knew what he was saying yes to may have been in question, but truthfully, the little tyke would say yes to pretty much anything Nathan suggested.

"I am so outnumbered!"

"Yes, you are. Till Allie gets here, which should be any minute, and she's extremely vocal, so we think you two together can handle us! Just wait till Jack increases his vocabulary, though! We will so give you both a run! But until then!"

And he reached for one last kiss.

"I love you, Elizabeth."

"I love you, Nathan!"

And at that very moment, the Crowds started pouring in, and it was Crowds in the plural.

"Oh, my you think we can seat them all?" asked a very worried Lucas.

"Sure, it's Hope Valley!" winked Nathan.

Nathan was instantly inundated by Superintendents and a slew of Mounties attending the Wedding.

Elizabeth tried to take Jack, but Nathan just winked, "We're fine, you mingle!"

Then he proceeded to help the Men set up their Guard of Honor, holding Little Jack the entire time, who was mesmerized by all the Red Uniforms, just as he had been in Regina.

Every single Mountie insisted on taking part, so when Nathan spotted Allie, he kissed her and told her how wonderfully she had done and asked her to take Little Jack just for a few minutes, while he participated in the Formation.

She was instantly ready, but then Nathan had to coax Little Jack into going with her because he couldn't take his eyes off of all the bright Red Uniforms! But Nathan soon convinced him there was going to be a Show to watch, which he had to be a part of, so he could oversee making all the final touches that were needed. A little more reluctantly than usual, Little Jack went with his Allie.

It was decided that it would be best for the Men to line up and exit through the Front Doors, so they could March in from the Outside and take the Steps.

By this time, Elizabeth, Rosemary, Felicity, and Taleisha, who Rosemary had recruited to assist her due to the large crowd she knew would attend, had seen that each of the Guests had found their Tables, but everyone wanted to stand so they could see the Honor Guard Formation better.

The Orchestra was set up, too, and had started softly playing from the beginning, but as they prepared for the Bride and Groom to come to the top of the Staircase, they began to play more loudly and with ever more fervor!

Outside, the Final Orders could be heard clearly on the inside, as there was practically a full Regiment of Mounties in attendance.

The Final Orders began and Commissioner Blake officiated himself, discoursing his Orders with the Highest Authority and the clearest of booming voices.

"Form Two Lines" and each of the Mounties stood at Attention.

"Carry Sabers"

"Forward March" and they marched to the Top of the Stairs, Lining the Steps on each Side.

"Halt…Center Face"

"Present…Sabers"

At that moment the Bridal Couple appeared at the top of the Staircase…

"Arch…Sabers"

Mounties lined both sides of the Staircase, with Arched Sabers, looking resplendent in their Uniforms, the Show was about to begin. And although they had never before completed this Formation on an actual indoor Staircase, the effect was stunning and it could not have been more beautiful!

The beaming couple traveled under the Arched Sabers, down the Staircase, to Cheers, but when they reached the end of the Staircase, and finally to their Best Man and First Groomsman, who happened to be Nathan and Aaron, the two drew their Sabers down to cross them at Waist Level, demanding a "Kiss for Passage."

The Groom not only kissed the Bride, but he also showed his "Boys" how it was to be properly done, leaving no doubt to anyone in the room, the Bride included, the Judge was officially in love forever and now had a Wife!

The entire Queen of Hearts erupted in Cheers!

And as the Judge had schooled his "Boys" well, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant and Constable Aaron Latham lifted their Sabers high to allow the Right of Passage the Judge and Bride had so fervently earned!

The Reception Guests were still cheering, as many had not seen the Arching of the Sabers before, and Commissioner Blake's Charges had executed it flawlessly!

It had been quite impressive!

Commissioner Blake was the first to congratulate the Happy Couple and a huge Receiving Line fell into place behind him and Mrs. Blake.

The Orchestra played as everyone in the Queen of Hearts, which was now bursting at the seams, offered their Congratulations!

I should tell you that The Queen of Hearts looked beautiful with Red Roses and Silver Hearts everywhere and White Fabric draped in swaths from the Ceiling. And yes, there were Linen Tablecloths and Napkins, but Adeline had insisted they be in an informal Red and White Check, although with more formal Place Settings.

She did that because she wanted everyone to feel at Home, and it had indeed set the tone for the entire Evening. Everyone was relaxed and thoroughly enjoying each other's Company and their Evening together.

Yes, there was elegance, but it was a comfortable elegance, just like the Couple themselves.

The entire Town took it upon themselves to welcome the Superintendents, their Squadron of Mounties, and the Bridal Couple's other guests. So, as always in Hope Valley, there were no Strangers for more than a few minutes!

After the Receiving Line, it was finally time for the Bride and Groom to Dance, and it was beautiful, allowing everyone to see the stunning Bride and her exquisite Gown, but truthfully, although the Bride and Groom were very attentive to their Guests' every need the whole night long, on the Dance Floor they appeared to be totally alone and more in love than either had imagined they ever could be.

"Happy, my Darlin'?" Bill asked of his Wife.

"Deliriously, Husband!" and they kissed once more till the Cheer of the Guests in Unison brought them back to reality.

Because the Saloon was so terribly crowded, there really wasn't much room for that many others to join in on the Dance Floor, except for the Wedding Party,

So instead, the guests Danced randomly, between various courses of their Meals, so everyone could get a turn on the Dance Floor!

For the Meal, both the Groom and the Bride had spared no expense. Each and every guest was Dining on Chilled Strawberry Soup, much like the Women had had at Adeline's Bridal Party.

The Main Course was Prime Rib with Bill's very own version of Horseradish Sauce, and yes, it did have quite the kick. As promised, Gustav also served Bill's Corn Pudding, Scalloped Potatoes, Broccoli Casserole, and Famous Mile High Yeast Rolls. And of course, he hadn't forgotten Nathaniel's favorite Fruit Salad, which coordinated perfectly with the Chilled Soup.

But Bill had promised his Family more and there had been a delectable selection of Finger Food that was passed as the Crowd waited for their Dinner, along with Fancy and not-so Fancy Drinks, giving everyone their own particular choice.

Bill had also insisted on an assortment of Vegetables, including Asparagus wrapped in Bacon, Leek Casserole, and Roasted Carrots.

There was also a Special Beef Dressing, and although no one had ever had that with Prime Rib before it was deemed divine. In all actuality, it was more of a Yorkshire Pudding/Dressing Blend, that Bill had concocted himself! And it was beyond delicious, complementing the Prime Rib perfectly!

The Meal was absolute perfection for Plainer and Fancier Palates alike, and even Lucas was impressed, in spite of himself, and there was plenty enough Food for everyone to have a few seconds!

But both Lucas and Gustav had given their word, that they would never use Bill's recipes for Business.

And that had finally satisfied Bill, although he actually had never given them the full Recipes, requesting that Taleisha hold a few ingredients back from each Recipe, prepping them at the Café, and leaving instructions for Gustav on which bag went into what!

Yes, it was a bit of subterfuge, but Bill hadn't been a Mountie all those years for nothing! And trust, especially with Gustav, had never been his strong suit!

Gustav fussed at first, quite a bit in fact, but then finally admitted he, himself, would have done the same thing! He was just desperate to get his hands on those Recipes!

So, all was well in Chef Land!

Well, as well as it could ever be between Chef Bill and Chef Gustav!

As everyone finished eating, Nathan stood as Best Man, said a few words, and offered a beautiful Toast to the Bride and Groom.

"When the Groom is your Comrade, your Brother, your Father, your Family, and the Judge of the entire Town, what in the world can you safely say? And when the Groom is William Spencer Avery, otherwise known as Bill, you know it's better to keep your mouth silent and just wish him well! Nobody wants to live through his grief or dissatisfaction, believe me, I know! He might arrest me again! And that bed in the Jail Cell is not the most comfortable one I've ever slept on!"

Everyone laughed, because each remembered their Mountie being arrested on his first night in Hope Valley, and every one of them knew that Bill was exactly like Tillie with a Bone, he wouldn't let anything go!

Nathan continued…

"To the Rock of our Community, to our Leader, our Family, our Friend, and to his Beautiful new Wife, Adeline, who is also our Family and Friend, and now First Lady of Hope Valley, we love you both more than you can know, and we wish 'Infinite Life Blessings,' on this, your newest venture together! To Infinite Blessings!"

"Hear, Hear!"

"To Infinite Blessings!"

The Impressive Cake was multi-tiered and stood tall enough to more than amply feed all the Guests. It too was decorated with White Buttercream Icing, Real Roses and Sugared Silver Hearts and Gustav had truly outdone himself. It was indeed, a work of art!

As Bill helped his Bride cut their Wedding Cake, he was overcome with emotion, and gratitude for all these many People supporting him and his new Bride, all gathered together in this one Room.

After each of them had fed the other their bites of Wedding Cake, and the entire Room applauded, Bill gave a short Speech of Gratitude:

"My Wife and I, and I am so very proud to be able to say that! (everyone applauded). My Wife and I are thrilled to have each and every single one of you here to celebrate with us. It means everything that you care enough to be here and share our most special Celebration. Darlin' with friends like this, we'll never be alone!"

The Groom kissed his Bride once more, but there were tears in his eyes, and tears in many of the eyes around the Room, for it wasn't often that Bill was truly touched. But this, his Wedding Night had done just that. More than once!

"Your Love, your Gifts, and your Support for both of us are truly overwhelming and they will be treasured our whole Lives through. Thank you from the bottom of our Hearts!"

To which everyone applauded, and then spontaneously begin singing their own version of "They're a Jolly Good Couple!" (*56)

There was a lot more Partying. No one cared that it was cold outside, or that it was Snowing, and no one cared that the Night had gone long. This Reception was a Party, the most fun Party!

But suddenly the Best Man realized he needed to see that the Bride and Groom changed into their Travel Clothes, like now, or they were going to miss their Train.

As he took care of that Task and finally convinced them they had to do it immediately, or they really would miss their Train, the Townspeople concocted an idea!

So, while Bill and Adeline were Upstairs changing into their Travel Clothes, all of the Guests quietly exited.

Carson was the only Guest left and he was staying behind to take the Couple's Going Away Photograph.

Both Bill and Adeline looked wonderful as they came down the Stairs, but neither could hide their disappointment that everyone had left!

"Where did everyone go?" grumbled Bill. "Hmph! Didn't even get to say Goodbye!"

"Oh, I wanted to throw my Bouquet!"

"Take it with you, Adeline. I'll take it Home with me," suggested Elizabeth.

"They didn't want you to be late for the Train. We'd better hurry. We're really pushing this close," explained Nathan. "It's going to be tight for us to make it!"

"You're right. Let's do this, Darlin'..."

The Bridal Couple enjoyed their privacy in the back of the Sleigh on their way to the Train Depot.

And Nathan and Elizabeth didn't say a word to them, giving them the time alone and keeping their own Secret!

But as the still Begarlanded Sleigh drew into the Station, the Crowd erupted.

And even Bill was speechless.

"Bill and Adeline, they all insisted on seeing you both off on the Train! They're going back to finish the Party after you leave!" explained Nathan.

"That's perfect, Nathan! So perfect!" cried Adeline.

And as the Bride and Groom, made their way through their Crowd of Friends, they were pelted with Rice, Rose Petals, Hugs, Kisses, Congratulations, Shouts, and Shrieks of Laughter.

It was just like being at a Parade, but this was a Send-off…

And extraordinary Send-off!

With much difficulty, the Bridal Couple weaved through the Crowd, and as Bill and Adeline finally reached the Train's Platform, with Adeline looking beautiful in her Emerald Tweed Going Away Suit, Matching Hat, and Fur Coat, both were waving and crying.

The Crowd was cheering and they continued to cheer, as the Train started, and just before it took off, Adeline flung her Bouquet with a broad smile and clap of her hands!

"Look, Sweetheart! Fiona caught it! That makes me so happy!"

Finally, the Train gathered Steam and the Crowd continued to wave until slowly, the Train took the Bride and Groom out of sight and on the way to Union City for their Honeymoon.

With more Well Wishes and Good Cheer and Plain Old Love, than either could have ever imagined!

No one could say Hope Valley didn't know how to throw a Wedding Party!

Though truthfully, it had been the new First Lady of Hope Valley, and her ability to know how to make everyone comfortable and relaxed, who had seen to the success of this particular elegant, yet comfortable and fun Party!

Promising many more to come through the years!

It had been a perfect Night and there was more Partying to come…

(*51) Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Lyrics John Greenleaf Whittier, 1872, Music Frederick C, Maker, 1887, Public Domain

(*52) King James Bible, I Corinthians 13:4-7 and 13, Public Domain

(*53) The Book of Common Prayer, Anglican, 1549 and 1662, Public Domain

(*54) Wedding Scrip Samples, Moments & Milestones, Public Domain.

(*55) Blest Be the Tie That Binds, John Fawcett, 1782, Public Domain.

(*56) Adaptation of "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