Chapter One Hundred Six: Pizza, Construction & Wedding Gowns

"Why didn't you call us?" asked Adeline. "I can't imagine not having Allie in our lives!"

"And interrupt your Honeymoon? Besides Adeline, it all happened in one night. You two couldn't have made it back if you had tried," explained Elizabeth. "We didn't even have time to call the Grandparents!"

"Well, that's my niece you're talkin' about, so don't you ever leave us out of the loop again, you hear? Honeymoon or no!" insisted Bill.

"Understood, Bill. But honestly, there just wasn't time. We're just so glad to have you both back, now! The entire town missed you two! And you both look great by the way!" added Nathan.

"We had the best time! Mother was so happy to see us, that we stayed a bit longer than we had planned. But it made her so happy!" noted Adeline. "And Bill totally charmed her!"

"Mrs. Foster, I mean, Mama, and I got along mighty fine!" concurred Bill.

"Adeline, your earrings. They match your necklace perfectly. Where in the world did you find them?"

"I know, they are the perfect match. A complete set. Bill had already gotten them but waited to take me to the Jewelers in Union City to make sure these were the ones I wanted. I just love them! And yes, I'm going to admit it, after the fourth day, we finally got out and shopped!"

"And shopped and shopped and shopped. I think we shopped from Thursday through Saturday! My Bride now has both a Wedding Trousseau and a Honeymoon Trousseau!"

"He's right! I now have more clothes than I've ever had in my life! And Bill was such a good sport! Oh, we have presents! Bill, can you grab the one by the door for Elizabeth and Nathan?

"Comin' right up! We hope you two like this. We were sorta thinkin' ahead, you might say! Here, you do the honors, Elizabeth!"

Oh, and Elizabeth before I forget, here are your Great-Grandmother's diamond earrings you loaned me. I'll send a proper note later, but I can't tell you how much I appreciated you loaning them to me! The perfect something borrowed!"

"You're so very welcome Adeline! Just so happy you enjoyed them."

Elizabeth sat the earrings down and turned her attention to their present as Nathan balanced it on his knees, and she started opening it.

"Hey, whatever this is, it sure is heavy!" noted Nathan, but Adeline and Bill were giving no hints!

Elizabeth started taking out and unwrapping Crystal Cup after Crystal Cup, and placing it on the low table in front of them.

"These are gorgeous, Adeline and Bill! Just gorgeous!"

"They're for your new Home. Got to be ready to entertain us all!" explained Adeline.

Elizabeth lifted out a total of twenty-four cut Crystal Cups.

"These are just wonderful. Darling, can you lift out the other piece?" asked Elizabeth.

And he did, lifting out the most beautiful Crystal Punch Bowl on a Crystal Pedestal, Elizabeth had ever seen!

"This is extraordinary! Such a wonderful present for our new Home!" complimented Nathan.

"We promise, we'll use them first to serve the two of you!" promised Elizabeth with kisses for both.

"And we're holding you to that!" assured Bill.

"Laura should be back with the Children anytime now. When they get here, Nathan and I will start Dinner! We have a surprise for you tonight!"

The two couples chattered on. Nathan catching Bill up on all the legal matters in town since he had been gone, and Elizabeth catching Adeline up on all the local news.

Suddenly, Laura burst through the front door with the Children, who both came running to their Uncle Bill and Auntie AJ, giving kisses and hugs.

"I'm headed out, Mrs. Thornton!"

"Bye Laura, thanks and see you tomorrow!"

"Hey, don't we get kisses too?" asked Nathan.

"Of course, you do, Dad!" and Allie ran to kiss her Dad, then Elizabeth.

Little Jack did the same, and Nathan lifted him up to the ceiling, which brought gales of giggles.

Elizabeth just laughed, "I can't even begin to compete with that, Son!"

There were more presents for the Children, and Elizabeth grabbed Nathan, "We're going to let you four have your fun while we start Dinner! And Kids, fair warning. We're having Pizza again."

"Yum!" cried Allie as they closed the kitchen door behind them.

"Yummy yum!" added Jack.

"What did she say we're having?" asked Bill.

"Pizza! You're going to love it, Uncle Bill! Jack and I promise!"

"Here Jack, this is from your Uncle Bill and Auntie AJ! And Allie this one's also from us! We hope you love them both!"

Jack tore into his, while Allie did the same.

"Look!" cried Jack.

Jack opened up a full Mountie Fort with lots of miniature Mounties and Horses to move around where ever he liked!

You talk about excitement! The child was beside himself!

"Here, let me help you get that set up, Jack!"

Bill got down on the floor and helped Jack take out all the pieces and set up the walls of his Fort, as Adeline helped Allie open her gift.

"Oh, Auntie AJ, this is wonderful. I can use this for my Science class! It's a complete Chemistry Set! Thank you! And thank you, Uncle Bill!"

"And there's a smaller package inside! Hurry, open it!"

It was a heart charm for her charm bracelet with the words "Beloved Niece" on the front and Bill's and Adeline's Wedding Date on the back!

"This is beautiful! And it matches my necklace you gave me for your Wedding! All the girls loved my Wedding Gown and my Cape, Auntie AJ! Uncle Bill, can you fit the charm on my bracelet?"

"Sure can. But what's that smell from the kitchen?"

"It's Pizza, Uncle Bill. Pizza from Italy! Granda sent the recipe to us, and we had it for the first time last week for our Family Valentine Party. It's delicious! You're going to love it! I know we all did!"

"Dinner is now served!" announced Elizabeth, as she stood in the doorway with Nathan behind her.

"I'm ready to check out this thing called Pizza!" pronounced Bill, as he moved to the opposite end of the table from where Nathan would sit, but everyone noticed, not before he first remembered to gallantly seat his beautiful wife.

It would appear Bill was adjusting to married life quite well.

Anyone could look at him and tell he was happier than he had ever been.

And looking at Adeline, well, she was beaming.

"Bill, would you pray for us?" asked Elizabeth.

They all gathered hands.

"Dear Father, we thank You for bringing us home to our loved ones, and we thank You for watching over Allie and Little Jack through their bout with the Measles while we were gone. We love them both so much and are just happy You brought them through! Thank You for the food set before us and we pray that You bless it to the nourishment of our bodies! And thank you for my beautiful wife! Amen!"

This was followed by a chorus of "Amens" and a loud "'Men!"

Adeline smiled at her husband.

And Elizabeth smiled at them both, giving Bill extra points for mentioning his beautiful wife!

Nathan winked at Elizabeth.

"Now, where's my fork? How are you even supposed to eat this thing called 'Pizza'?" grumbled Bill.

"Use your hands, Uncle Bill. Here fold it up like this…" and Allie showed her Uncle how it was to be done!

"That's the way they do it in Italy!" she added.

"Well this is the craziest…" but when Bill took his first bite, and the expression on his face totally changed.

From consternation to almost a look of combined alarm and euphoria.

"This just might be the best thing I've ever tasted! Elizabeth, how do I make this? We've got to get this on the menu at the Café like pronto! This might just be our biggest hit ever! And don't you dare give this recipe to Gustav. And Children not a word about this to anyone!"

"But, Uncle Bill, I already told the girls that we're having it for my next slumber party!" confessed Allie.

"Well, they don't know what it is yet. Maybe that'll give me enough time to work out the kinks! But not another word, you hear?"

"Okay, Uncle Bill. I won't mention it again."

"That's my girl!"

"Nathan did as much work on fixing it as I did, Bill!"

"Thanks, Lisbeth!" groaned Nathan.

Elizabeth giggled.

"Bill Spencer, where are your manners?" cautioned Adeline.

Bill scarfed the rest of his Pizza down in record time.

"Adeline, Darlin' you have to strike while the iron is hot. Give me that recipe…" Bill demanded. "I need to look at it right now!"

"Here it is, Bill, but Mother sent Allie a whole book of Pizza Recipes," suggested Elizabeth, before she realized he'd latch on to that like Rex and Reggie with their bones.

"Sorry, Allie" she whispered.

"Allie, Sweetheart, this could be our next big thing. You'll help you old Uncle Bill, won't you?" Bill begged.

"Of course, Uncle Bill. I'll loan you the book, but you'll have to give it back because Granda gave it to me," explained Allie. "And I have to use it for my next slumber party."

"Well, maybe I can get Felicity to order me one! But I'm gonna have to use yours Allie till it gets here. I'm tellin' you, you have to jump on these food trends quickly and this is a big one. Why Addie, we'll have everyone comin' to the Café for this Pizza. It's a pure goldmine! Maybe, we should go look over your book right now, Allie! We'll have Friday Night Pizza and Saturday Night Pizza. Why they'll come for this in droves!"

"Bill!" admonished Adeline, "let the Child eat her Dinner! It can wait!"

"Well, not too long. As soon as we eat, Allie. I want to see all the different kinds of toppings for this thing! Maybe even invent a few of my own! And I've got all that Homemade Tomato Sauce canned up. Why it looks like all I'll have to do is add a few spices! But this cheese is different. Where am I gonna get that?"

Adeline just covered her face with her hands.

"Bill, it can wait!"

"Yes, Darlin'! Till after Dinner, yes, but then Allie, we gotta get on it!"

Adeline just rolled her eyes, and Allie didn't know what to do.

She wanted to help her Uncle, but she had never seen him quite like this!

Then there was a knock on Elizabeth's front door.

"Darling, that's Lee coming after me. Will you please excuse me? We've got to check the foundation around the porches before they start to settle. And it looks like we only have about an hour before dark!"

"Of course, but here, let me wrap this up for you!"

Nathan kissed Elizabeth, "So sorry Adeline, Bill, to cut out. But really glad you're back!"

He paused to kiss Adeline on the cheek as well, then Allie and Jack!

"Bye Dad!" "Bye Dat!"

Bill couldn't help but smile at that one.

"Nathan, you're still helping me with this Pizza stuff!" called Bill after him.

"Just get your oven piping hot, Bill. I've got a house to build!"

As Nathan was still gone to the construction site, Elizabeth had gotten the Children ready for bed and tucked them in.

"Boy, Uncle Bill was all over this Pizza idea!"

"Yes, that's the part of your Uncle who is the Chef, Allie. He really appreciated you lending your book to him, though. That was very nice of you."

"As long as he gives it back before my slumber party!"

"We'll see that he does, if I have to pull it from his hands, myself!" promised Elizabeth.

Allie laughed, "Then I won't have to worry! Uncle Bill minds you!"

Elizabeth smiled and thought to herself, 'The things Children notice!'

"No, you sure don't have to worry Sweetheart! Are you ready for me to turn out the light?"

She nodded yes, and Elizabeth bent to kiss her.

"You know Allie, if you need anything at all, you just call me anytime during the night. You promise?"

"I promise!"

"Sweet Dreams, Sweetheart!"

Jack was already sound asleep, but Elizabeth bent and kissed her Son goodnight as well, then left their door open a crack.

Elizabeth walked quietly down the stairs, and went straight to her desk, where an unopened telegram lay from her Mother.

Nathan had brought it to her just as Bill and Adeline had come to visit.

It wasn't marked urgent, just personal, so Elizabeth hadn't been worried about it and had set it aside.

She quickly opened the telegram and her mouth fell open.

She adored her Mother, but this was entirely too much…

"Mother, I already know what my Wedding Dress should look like!" she said aloud.

In fact, Elizabeth had a very clear picture in her mind of exactly what her Wedding Gown did look like. She just hadn't gotten to shop and find it yet!

But apparently, it was too late to say anything at all, because as she read on, it became clear that her Mother had already purchased the Couture Gown and had it sent directly from the Designer to her Daughter.

Elizabeth read on, not feeling very happy at all about this.

At least at the very end, her Mother made it very clear if this wasn't the Gown of her dreams, that she was to send it back. That she wanted her Daughter to be deliriously happy with her Gown, where ever she found it.

"Whatever Gown you choose, I will love it, too," she said.

But the very last line said: "Darling Daughter, I do, however, believe with all my heart this was made for your Wedding to Nathan, and I also believe with all my heart you will adore it XOXOX"

Well, at least this was progress. Her Mother had actually arranged for her to send it back if it wasn't the right one.

And try as hard as she might, she couldn't remember her Mother ever offering that before. Maybe she was really changing…

But Elizabeth still wished she hadn't already sent the Gown. Now, she would feel torn, because it couldn't possibly be the Gown of her dreams, and she was afraid she wasn't going to be happy with anything less.

The whole telegram had rattled her, so she decided to put the entire telegram out of her mind, and grabbed Nathaniel's Wife's first Journal instead.

She sat the book, down on her settee, and dressed in her nicer robe, she shuffled into the kitchen in her slippers to get a steaming cup of Coffee.

Then returned with the Pups to the Settee, covering herself with an afghan, and started reading.

The Journal started when Elizabeth had been a young girl in Cotillion, long before she ever met Nathaniel, and Elizabeth was instantly mesmerized by the young girl Elizabeth's writing.

"Why she could have been a writer!" mused Elizabeth. "Her words are beautiful, even as a teenager!"

Elizabeth couldn't put the first Journal down…she just kept reading and reading, turning page after page.

She didn't even hear Nathan's knock on her door.

"Lisbeth, are you alright?" asked Nathan, as he slowly let himself in.

"Oh, Darling! I'm sorry. Yes. Just reading Elizabeth's first Journal. She could have been a professional writer. Her writing is really beautiful, even as a teenager."

He let himself in, bent to kiss her, and she pulled him down beside her.

Rex and Reggie didn't even move, as they were somewhere far away in Puppy Dreamland.

"Was everything okay with your Mother? The telegram, I mean."

"Oh, yes! I think my Mother is really trying to be a better person, a better Mother. But…"

"But what, Love?"

"Well, technically, since you're my Groom, I'm not supposed to be including you in on this, but apparently my Mother's been Bridal shopping…"

"Ahh, and you want to do your own Bridal shopping."

"I know exactly what my Gown should look like and that's all you get to know. But, Darling. It's all in my head, and I know that what I see is my Gown. I just have to find it!"

"And I have no doubt you will. You do know that you could wear anything in the world and you'd be beautiful to me, don't you?"

"That's why I love you! But, it's a really big deal, Darling! I want to look perfect for you!"

"Lisbeth, you'll be the most beautiful Bride anyone has ever seen, whatever you wear!"

The future Groom kissed his future Bride till her Wedding Gown was no longer on her mind.

"How did you do with the foundation problem?"

"Not good news. Lee thinks we have to tear them out and start over! He said they clearly sent the wrong mix and he's making them pay for it as he's sure it was their error. It just puts us a few more days behind. But we have to correct it. And now we have to tear everything out we already did even before we can begin to fix it!"

"I'm so sorry. That makes this scenario with my Mother look not so bad!"

"It's all important, Darling! And it will all work out. I think I'm going to work some double days this week, so I can take a long weekend and help Lee when the correct mix arrives. But I've got to get in earlier to tuck Allie and Jack in! I'll make sure I don't miss tucking them in again!"

"They miss you Nathan, but they understand too, how busy you are. After all, you're doing this for us!"

"Yes, but that doesn't give me an excuse for missing Bedtime with them. I promise I won't miss another one. At least not because of the house."

"Nathan, I'm worried. You're doing way too much. The new job, the house, the Wedding. If we had to put Mother and Father, and your parents up at the Saloon, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world…"

But even as Elizabeth heard herself say the words, she knew that would never work. At least not for her parents. And she wasn't about to treat Nathan's parents any differently.

"You know, I have a funny feeling. I think your Mother's package might just surprise you!" he teased.

"What do you mean?" she asked, puzzled.

"Just don't worry about it! I've got a feeling you just might be in for a pleasant surprise! Grace doesn't strike me as the type of woman who would misread her Daughter's style."

"Said the man, whom she charmed the socks off of!"

"What can I say? Like Mother. Like Daughter."

"Oh, that saved you for sure!" and she started kissing him, first his neck, then his face, and finally his lips.

"You do know I have to leave, don't you? And this isn't helping."

"I know…" she pouted.

He got up and slowly pulled her up to him, "Walk me to the door, Love!"

She wasn't happy, but did as she was asked, where she gave him a proper or improper goodnight kiss, whichever the case might have been.

"You are so very bad…Lisbeth!"

Two weeks had passed since Bill and Adeline had returned from their Honeymoon.

His brand new (very expensive) Pizza Oven had been installed at the Café, under the utmost secrecy, and he had been practicing making every kind of imaginable Pizza there was, including some originals, that would have probably sent some Italian Chefs to their early graves. He had, however, mastered the toss of the dough!

But tonight was his opening night for Pizza Fridays! And the whole town was coming out! Although they didn't quite know what for. Bill had only told them they'd never had it before and wouldn't be sorry! He'd tell them what it was after they got there!

Clara couldn't believe it, but they had reservations packed full from 5 PM on through till 11 PM, and they could have gone to midnight had they had the Staff! Saturday was booked solid for the entire day!

Looked like Bill would be making a lot of Pizzas this weekend!

As for the construction front, the new foundations for the Grant and Colter homes and barns had been re-poured, and now construction was firmly underway.

The framing for both homes and barns was almost complete as well, and although both homes were on huge side by side lots just out of town, everyone in Hope Valley had already been by multiple times to see just how the construction was going.

In fact, there was a regular parade of townspeople, parading by on a regular basis.

Both homes overlooked a small lake, which was just outside of town.

Well, small in comparison to Lake Granda.

It was actually rather large, and Nathan and Allie had fished in it many times, and that's how Nathan had noticed the lots and inquired about their availability.

Both couples had fallen in love with the idea as soon as they saw Nathan's vision.

Both homes would be built up on the higher ground, overlooking the lake, with the most beautiful of views.

When the townspeople saw how beautiful the setting was for the two homes, they wondered why no one had ever thought of building on that property before. They were actually the two most beautiful lots in the whole town, with gorgeous large trees everywhere.

But even Elizabeth and Rosemary were thinking that the structures looked much bigger than they had expected. It took both Nathan and Lee reminding their partners that they had indeed chosen very large homes. In fact, the largest in all of Hope Valley.

And when Nathan reminded Elizabeth of the Children they hoped to add to their family, she realized they were indeed doing the right thing!

This was their forever home, and they both wanted their family comfortable, no matter how large it grew.

Elizabeth glanced at her watch.

She had another hour before Laura had to leave the Children, which would give her just enough time to get Rosemary and have her drive them to the Train Station to pick up her Mother's package.

Part of her was dreading the trip. But she had already left her Mother's package there for two days, and she knew her Mother would be contacting her soon to see what she thought about it!

"Rosemary, are you sure you feel up to doing this?"

"Of course, I feel like it. If I have to stay cooped up in this house one more minute, I think I'm going to explode! Frederic's at Taleisha's playing with Tyrone. And I'm bored to tears!"

"Well, let's just get this over with. I've put it off long enough!"

"Elizabeth, your Mother strikes me as a woman with very good taste. I personally think you need to keep an open mind. And you said it was Couture. My goodness! At least look at it. If you don't like it, we'll just send it back!"

"Easy for you to say! It's not your Mother!" moaned Elizabeth. "I'd feel a whole lot better, Rosemary, if you'd start going through Bridal books with me to find my Dream Gown!"

"And I will! We still have plenty of time!"

"Not if you have Little Violet early!"

"Oh, I forget about that. Okay, I promise, we'll start this evening. How's that?"

"That's a deal! Let's go, I guess!"

"Honestly, Elizabeth! Could you be more ungrateful?"

Elizabeth made a face behind Rosemary, as she climbed into her car on the passenger side.

Elizabeth was sitting in Rosemary's car at the Train Station with a massive package stretching the entire length of the back seat, not feeling any better at all.

"Rosemary, what am I going to do with this? I can't take it home!"

"No, you can't. I know. We'll stop by the Shoppe and open it."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes, you do! I want to see what's inside, even if you don't! Goodness, Elizabeth, it might be something I could sell! Aren't you dying to see it? I mean it's not every day a daughter is gifted a Couture Wedding Gown!"

"Actually, no. I'm dreading seeing it!"

"Honestly, Elizabeth, you are my very best friend, but sometimes you are just exasperating!"

Rosemary pulled out and drove through town till they were in front of her Shoppe. It had already been closed for the evening, as Taleisha had left early with the Children and several alterations she had taken with her to do at home.

"Come on in Elizabeth. We'll figure out how to get it in here after I get this unlocked and clear a space to lay it out on."

Rosemary went straight to her unpacking table in the back and cleared everything off of it, so they'd at least have a place to safely unwrap the package.

"Rosemary, you can't lift that! I don't know what they packed that with, but it's super heavy!"

"Pfft! You leave that to me," and Rosemary walked outside with Elizabeth following her.

"Yoo-hoo! Hickam!"

He tried to scurry on, but it was too late, he had been seen…

"Yes?" he asked cautiously, as he turned back toward Rosemary.

"Elizabeth and I need you to lift this package out of my car for us! Do be a dear!"

Hickam had always had a soft spot for Rosemary, and although he tried to avoid her like the plague, she knew he couldn't refuse her anything.

"Wow, Rosemary! This thing's heavy!"

"Of course, it's heavy, Michael! That's why we need you!"

Elizabeth just hung her head.

Michael struggled a bit maneuvering the package out of Rosemary's car, but he finally made it inside the Shoppe with no mishaps!

"There you go! Anything else you two Ladies need?"

"No that does it, Michael! And thanks ever so much!" and Rosemary smiled sweetly at him, as only she could do.

It was clear, that alone, was all the thanks Hickam needed, as he sort of half-way stumbled out the door.

"Does Lee know Hickam has a crush on you?"

"Of course, he does, Elizabeth. The whole town knows!"

"And that doesn't bother you?"

"Why ever should it?" asked a non-plussed Rosemary.

Elizabeth just rolled her eyes.

"Stand back and let me open this so nothing gets cut. You sit!"

Elizabeth did as she was told, feeling weaker by the moment.

Rosemary carefully cut and unwrapped layer after layer, then removed tissue after tissue, throwing them with abandon till she finally reached the Designer Labeled dressing bag, in gold-toned leather, no less, and unzipped it from top to bottom…

"Elizabeth, I'll have you know this dressing bag is made of the softest and palest ivory leather I've ever seen. And it's lined with a very pale, almost golden silk that apparently matches the gown perfectly. Why it even has your initials hand-embroidered in a silk thread one shade darker onto the leather. My goodness, I can tell this is Couture without even looking at the Gown! I hate to say it, but your Mother has exquisite taste!"

And then Rosemary actually lifted out the Gown on its Cushioned Silk Hanger...

"Oh, my goodness! This is the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen!" shrieked Rosemary. "And there's a matching veil, too!

Elizabeth was afraid to look, but she finally stood up and removed her hand from covering her eyes.

And when she did, Elizabeth was positively speechless.

She had never ever been more shocked in her life, for inexplicably, there hanging before her, was the exact Wedding Gown of her dreams.

Down to the very last splendid detail…