Chapter One Hundred Seventeen: The Wedding Parties

Nathan got away as quickly as he could from the Game Festivities, so he could go to the Averys' to bathe and change.

Bill stayed behind to rehash the loss with his team and motivate them for the next game that would surely come!

Adeline had very wisely decided to return home at the same time as Nathan, knowing it would be much more pleasant to be away from her grief-stricken husband at this juncture. At least, till he had a bit of time to put the loss into better perspective. And Adeline had no doubt making him his favorite Apple Pie would help fix that!

Nathan just had to reach Elizabeth before their Parties tonight, as they had barely seen each other all day, and he was hoping they would get to go into town together. At least that was their plan. But given the current pandemonium at the newly built Grant Home, nothing was a certainty, as with both families visiting, it was a beehive of controlled and not-so-controlled chaos!

Talk about a quick turn-around from grungy baseball pitcher to handsome Groom, Nathan accomplished it in record time, because his eyes and heart were solely on the woman who meant the world to him. The woman who would become his Bride in less than a week's time.

The woman who still made him breathless.

Lee had promised to lend him his car, as he was going straight to The Queen of Hearts to put the finishing touches on Bill's decorating for the Party.

"Take it, Nathan, this is your's and Elizabeth's special night! Keep the car. Rosemary's already in town putting the finishing touches on Elizabeth's Party at the Café and doing whatever else she's doing! We'll catch a ride home."

Well, truthfully, Lee didn't know for sure what Rosemary was actually doing, but his Wife was sure up to something. Perhaps it was truly better that he didn't know.

She had had him building huge gazebo-like trellises and stands for days, without ever once telling him what he was making them for.

Plus, she had recruited Hickam, the unexpected, but undisputed star of the game, to help her place them somewhere, but Lee was positively clueless as to where and why!

Lee laughed. Yes, he knew Hickam still had that crush he had always had on Rosemary and although Lee wasn't sure Rosemary knew, he suspected she did as his wife was always taking full advantage of Hickam's willingness to do anything she suggested!

'Oh well,' thought Lee. 'Just less for me to do!'

He had, however, also noticed strings of lights strung from one boardwalk to the other, stretching diagonally the length of the entire main road, and he strongly suspected that his Wife had had something to do with that as well.

"Yeah, that's gotta be Rosie!" surmised Lee out loud. "You'd think she couldn't find time to do all this, with our precious Frederic and our new sweet Violet, but somehow she does! Face it, Lee, you married a dynamo!"

A dynamo, yes, but Lee was at the stage in marriage, he had finally learned, sometimes it's just better not to ask…and just bask in the happiness that spilled over into his life because of her.

Yes, Lee was a very happy man! And finally, an elated Father.

Nathan glanced one last time in the mirror, splashed on his leathery, woodsy scent, then went back to his room and gathered a tiny package, wrapped in metallic gold.

He tucked it in his jacket, then checked his tie one last time. That tie, as well as the jacket, could come off at his own party, which was decidedly casual. But he was not about to pick up his Bride, dressed for a Sports Night at the Bar.

As he ran down the Avery stairs two at a time, Adeline stopped him at the foot to straighten his tie.

"I thought I got that fixed!" he sighed.

"Now, my Dear, it's perfect! You look very handsome."

He grinned, giving Adeline a quick hug, "Thank you! For everything. Letting me stay here, keeping me encouraged, and straightening my tie! Bill got a gem when he found you!"

But as he reached the front door, he realized just what tonight meant and that he and Elizabeth would really be Husband and Wife in exactly six days.

"Just seven more Days, Adeline! Seven more days!"

"Yes, my dear boy! No one can possibly tell you're excited!" she laughed.

And that brought the biggest smile to both her face and his…

Elizabeth opened the door, and Nathan's heart literally skipped a beat.

"Lisbeth, you look breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking!"

He always thought she looked beautiful, but this, this was a whole new level of beautiful!

They stood in their entry, or at least what would be their entry in a matter of less than a week.

She was wearing a brand-new Garden Dress her Mother had purchased in Hamilton specifically for this occasion.

After all, it was a Garden Party Bridal Extravaganza and she was the Bride!

The Gown was simply stunning. Not in an overdone way, which was usually her Mother's taste, but in a simpler truly Elizabeth sort of way, subtly pastel, but with enough detail to make it stand out. There was even a matching straw hat her Mother had also brought with her all the way from Hamilton.

The Gown was made in lightweight silk of the softest lavender, covered in a golden-hued sheen, similar to that of her beautiful Bridal Gown.

The bodice had a low sweetheart neckline and was quite fitted to her waist, where the skirt fell in soft pleated gathers softly enveloping her slim body. Bands of a deeper lavender ribbon trimmed the bodice and neckline, then the same ribbons fell loosely from a cumberbund at the waist around the entire skirt, to the floor. The skirt flowed out in the back, just enough to barely touch the floor. The same darker ribbon used for the trim had been interwoven and formed a gorgeous wide sash around her tiny waist, and Nathan truly did not know which aspect of the dress he liked the most.

Although right at this moment, he was leaning toward the decollete…

"Aren't you even looking at my new Gown?" she teased, as she followed his eyes and knew exactly where he was looking!

"Er…yes, very much looking at your beautiful new Gown," he answered, chastised or caught as the case may be, as he had to quickly tear himself away from her pale ivory skin that looked as soft as the silk of her dress.

The same beautiful skin that he hadn't seen that much of since the Mountie Ball.

Then he slowly did the very thing she was accusing him of not doing, glancing from the top of her gown (well that was the quickest place for him to get to from where he was) to his eyes traveling down to the very bottom edge of her hem, where matching silken lavender heels were peeking through.

"Do you know how very beautiful you are?" he whispered when he had finished his task, taking her in his arms and holding her close.

No one else was even in the room or the whole house for that matter.

Little Jack was at Rosemary's with Effie, Frederic, and Violet. Laura and Allie had gone to the Bridal Party with Rosemary, and Godfrey had used Henry's car to drive the Parents to their respective Parties.

Still, the two whispered as Lovers often do, in this world that was theirs alone.

Realizing they were so close to becoming one, they were overcome with their love for each other. He for her and she for him. Their hopes and dreams for each other and their family becoming a reality. Their new Home truly becoming theirs.

"Is it awful? I'd rather stay here with you," she pouted, softly.

"Can we?" he asked in a low voice, full of hope but already knowing the answer.

She slapped his chest playfully.

He drew her closer and kissed her lips with all the pent-up emotion of the day.

"Seven more days to go!" he whispered still.

"Which means six more nights to go," she whispered wistfully.

"That's even better!" and they kissed again.

"Lisbeth, you're wearing your Wedding Pearls!" exclaimed a surprised, but very pleased Nathan.

"I couldn't resist, Darling. I got to thinking and couldn't come up with a single rule that said I couldn't wear them to my own Bridal Party! And I love them so! Look how they match the fabric."

"They do! You're wearing your North Star, too!"

"Always!"

"And even your Charm Bracelet!"

"Of course, my Darling!"

He kissed her again and when their kiss was finished, he tucked his hand inside his jacket and drew out her gift.

"Nathan! What's this?"

"Babe, we couldn't have a night as special as tonight without a few surprises."

He handed her the beautiful, tiny gold package.

She opened it excitedly, as she always did when the gift was from Nathan.

It was a Garden Hat Charm in Gold and it was engraved with "Bridal Garden Party" and the Date.

She slowly turned it to the other side, and there was his message: "Forever, my Love!"

A tear escaped, but he tenderly wiped it away.

"Now, we simply can't have the Bride going to her own Bridal Party crying!"

"Just the happiest tears ever! Nathan, you should have seen Allie in her new dress and hat. It matches mine perfectly, a floral frock in lavender with white lace, and she looks so beautiful!"

"Are you sure you're okay with Laura and Allie being there?"

"How could I not be? Darling, both of them are so excited! Besides, this is going to be a very civil Bridal Party. I dared Rosemary, otherwise!" she declared with narrowed eyes.

"Ah! So, you're just taking Allie for insurance!" he teased.

"Could be guilty as charged!" she shyly admitted. "I mean, our Mothers are going to be there!"

He laughed, "You have a point, although as happy as they both seem to be these days, I don't think you could, er…surprise them with anything? But Darling, only you'd think of that!"

"Well, I threatened Rosemary with her life, just in case!" she laughed. "You know? You were something else out on that field today!"

Then he got serious, "You're the something else I can't begin to live without!"

"I can barely remember the time I was alone before I met you. You fill up my life and Little Jack's life in ways I couldn't have even imagined. I love you, Nathan Alexander Grant. With my whole heart, I love you. And I want you Home, here with us!"

Then she sighed, "As beautiful and perfect as all this is, it's just not Home at all till you get here."

"I'll be Home soon, Darling. I love you, Elizabeth Rose Thatcher Thornton."

She marveled, he could have left out the Thornton, but not her Nathan. He understood completely and even seemed to love her more for her love of Jack and what they had gone through together.

He kissed her lightly on her forehead and then tried to change the subject. It was getting harder and harder for him to not be here, here with her in this house that was meant to be their Home together.

"Here, let me fix your Charm…" and he removed her bracelet.

Then he reached into his pocket, took out his small knife, and quickly secured the Charm, while she grabbed her straw hat.

"Always the Belle of the Ball, but now," and he refastened her Charm Bracelet with its new Charm, "you are perfection personified!"

He took her wrist and kissed her new Charm as he always did, then her wrist and her hand.

She smiled serenely at him.

He then very smoothly moved her hat from between them, out of the way, and held it at her back.

And they squeezed in one more very lengthy and fulminant kiss, that was most difficult to end.

The evening was perfect in every way…

Beautiful, balmy, and fragrant with summer blooms.

Still bright but with dusk slowly falling.

A pronounced scent of Jasmine filled the air, along with many other floral scents too numerous to identify, but all wistfully charming.

When Nathan drove into town, Elizabeth gasped, as the entire main street was already awash in light from the strings of bulbs Rosemary had so carefully overseen the installation of.

"Nathan, it's spectacular! There are enough lights to wash away the night even at its darkest!"

"It's beautiful, Darling and they've done all this for you!"

Then Elizabeth saw the huge diamond-patterned trellises overflowing with every kind of imaginable flower there was, along with the many tables spread out into the main street, dressed in white linen tablecloths, each holding beautiful bouquets of her wedding flowers in the center.

Elizabeth was so overcome, all she could do was stare.

"Welcome to your Garden Party!" smiled Nathan, as he reached to kiss her.

Then he pulled the car to the Boardwalk's edge.

She watched him as he exited Lee's car and walked around to open her door and help her out.

He then gallantly offered her his arm and escorted her up the Boardwalk stairs and into the Café, where everyone had quietly hidden.

Godfrey lifted the lights and opened the Café door while everyone immediately started clapping when they saw the Guests of Honor for the Evening, standing joyfully in the doorway.

After they entered to the applause, Godfrey reached over just inside the door for the massive bouquet of Lavender Roses mixed with tiny Lavender Orchids and handed them to the Groom.

They had arrived by Train early this morning and Nathan had hand-delivered them to the Café as a gift for his Bride. To say they were sumptuous and stunning was an understatement!

Nathan, in turn, handed the Bride his huge bouquet, along with a kiss.

"For you, Darling! Happy Bridal Party!"

"They're so very beautiful, Love! My favorites, too. Just stunning. Thank you!"

Nathan smiled and kissed his Bride lightly once more, then offered his apologies to Adeline and the Guests.

"Ladies, I was told I had to take my leave pretty much as soon as I got here. I do appreciate your allowing me to escort my beautiful Bride-to-Be! I hope all of you have a wonderful night. I also hear I have a Party to attend, a few doors down, and I can promise you, Darling, my peers are going to be quite a bit rowdier than yours! Godfrey, I leave these beautiful ladies in your capable hands! Ladies, enjoy your elegant evening! And we'll see you all at the Lodge next Saturday!"

And then he caught a glimpse of his Daughter who came running to him.

He knelt beside her, as she hugged his neck, "You look beautiful, too, Sweetheart. Just beautiful! Have a good time tonight at your first Grown-up Party!"

Everyone clapped along with their oohs and aahs, and as Nathan turned to leave, they began to gather around Elizabeth, excited to be receiving their Guest of Honor!

The Bride-to-Be was radiant as she and her Daughter watched after her soon-to-be Groom walking away, and then turned to greet their Guests.

There was no question that everyone in the room could feel the love this Couple had between them, and it was such a beautiful thing to see.

Godfrey took Elizabeth's flowers as everyone came up to hug the Bride and quietly moved to the Kitchen along with Rosemary, where Nathan had placed another part of Elizabeth's gift, a Waterford Crystal Vase big enough to hold his massive Bouquet.

And although Nathan hadn't said anything, Rosemary immediately noticed the elegant engraving: The Grants, along with their Wedding Date, June 8th, 1918.

Rosemary had learned many things about Nathan Grant as she had gotten to know him better and become his accomplice in the crime of love, and one thing she was certain of, but only when she had truly gotten to know him, Nathan Grant surprisingly was deeply romantic, and Elizabeth, her best friend, was one very lucky, very cherished woman.

After Rosemary did a little re-arranging of the flowers, in order to show them at their best in their new home, she smiled at Godfrey.

"I think we're ready!"

He nodded and carried the filled vase, placing it in the very center of the main table, before his Miss Elizabeth had even noticed.

The entire Cafe looked so different, Elizabeth almost had to pause and get her bearings.

The Café was devoid of its individual tables because they had been moved out into Main Street to serve the Ladies al fresco.

There was, however, one large round table in the center of the café which was draped in white linen to the floor, with garlands of the Bride's Wedding Flowers wrapped around, topped by a multi-floral display placed in the center of the table, consisting of every single flower Elizabeth had chosen for her Wedding, all her favorites!

The entire space had been filled with elegant chairs and a very long garlanded white linen-draped table along the back that was separated into two stations: Hors d'oeuvres with Punch for the first station, followed by a most elegant Bridal Cake surrounded with Tiny Desserts for the second station.

All of this was now anchored by Nathan's massive Bouquet of Lavender Roses and Tiny Orchids which Rosemary had placed in his cut crystal engraved vase for his Lisbeth.

"My Bouquet!" exclaimed Elizabeth.

"Yes, and your Waterford Vase, another gift from your Groom!" beamed Rosemary and she placed her arm around her best friend's back.

"It's engraved!" she whispered.

Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes as she read the inscription, "The Grants, June 8th, 1918."

"Our Wedding Day, Rosemary!" whispered Elizabeth. "It's our Wedding Day!"

"A very special gift of love from a man who loves you more than life itself," said Rosemary as she reached to kiss her cheek.

The Couple had planned to marry on the very first Friday of June, but as their Wedding plans grew, it was obvious, they needed a whole weekend day to celebrate, as dear friends were traveling to Hope Valley. Also, Nathan and Elizabeth were determined to honor their guests with a few special events, celebrating their friends as well as their own union.

To say the Café was beautiful did not do it justice at all. It was totally reflective of Elizabeth and what she had planned for her Wedding to the town's beloved Chief Inspector.

The entire Cafe had been transformed into a gorgeous inside Garden with more of Elizabeth's Wedding flowers and even golden tree branches everywhere, in honor of Elizabeth's coming outdoor Wedding at the Lake.

Ribbon streamers fell from the entire ceiling, gathered and held by tiny boughs of bouquets.

The same ribbon streamers fell from the main table, with garlands of flowers lavished around the table's white linen skirt.

It was extraordinarily beautiful, and that was just inside the Café!

And to have Allie, her own Mother, Nathan's Mother, and both her Sisters here with her meant everything to Elizabeth!

The Ladies were all dressed in long Garden Party Dresses and all were wearing beautiful large summery hats.

They were ready to party and celebrate this Union that so many people had traveled so far to see.

Each and every single Lady looked stunning!

Even Allie, although her hat was quite a bit smaller!

Elizabeth had taken her to Sophie's and Sophie made Allie a custom hat in the perfect size to go perfectly with the dress they had found for her at Rosemary's. It coordinated stunningly with Elizabeth's own Summer Gown.

"It's my very first hat, Mam!" she had said and Elizabeth would never forget her Daughter's excitement over both the dress and hat.

Allie had been elated about the entire shopping trip and Elizabeth promised her many more Mother-Daughter shopping trips in their future!

They had had so much fun shopping together.

"Elizabeth, we want you to see your Cake!"

Rosemary was already pulling her toward the huge Cake and as they came to it, Elizabeth gasped.

"Rosemary, how did you all do this?"

There was a beautiful white tiered cake that looked like it was covered in lace, and it was dripping with real flowers, but around the cake were tiny cupcakes, each with a different single flower on top, piped beautifully in icing, made to look like the real thing!

The colors and shapes, all matching Elizabeth's Wedding Flowers, were so different and totally gorgeous.

"Why they're tiny works of art!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "Little miniature cakes! They're simply too beautiful to eat!"

"Darling, it's quite beautiful, isn't it? I'm going to have to remember to do this at home for our next Lawn Party!" whispered Grace, as she hugged her Daughter.

"It truly is wonderful, Mother!" and Elizabeth had tears in her eyes.

Outside The Queen of Hearts, Nathan took a deep breath to steady himself. He could clearly tell everyone was already celebrating inside, and as soon as he opened the doors, his Groomsmen, now all Best Men, came and swooped him up on their shoulders, laughing and switching him back and forth among themselves, as the entire crowd belted out their own special version of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" including a round of he's a jolly good ball coach, as well as others perhaps not so flattering, and ending with he's a jolly good bridegroom! (*60)

Yes, Nathan, the Groom who preferred no Groomsmen to perhaps one, now had more Best Men than he wanted to count, if you included Lee and Nathaniel as Ushers and Lucas as overseeing the Wedding Dinner!

But all Nathan cared about was that Elizabeth was happy, and if it made her happy to have her friends and her Sisters in their Wedding, he was more than happy to have a retinue of Groomsmen!

The set-up was much the same as Nathan himself had done for Bill's Wedding. But he had gotten a real live Baseball Game! That was more than enough, but Nathan had to admit, Bill may have also outdone him on the décor.

Autographed posters literally papered the Queen of Hearts, along with colorful Tiger Pennants and banners hanging everywhere!

In the very center of the bar, stood a large golden trophy with smaller ones surrounding it, for what Nathan was not quite sure…

The Burger Bar, the Hot Dog Bar, the myriad of snacks, which were everywhere, including roasted peanuts, pretzels, and popcorn!

And the piece de resistance, as far as the food went, were the homemade pizzas, of every imaginable kind!

Plus, all kinds of Beer on Tap!

The men, Elizabeth's and Nathan's fathers included, were reveling in their party, which had been designed for them as much as the Groom.

Even Lord Antony was partaking of the festivities and in a big way! Not even noticing he wasn't in palatial surroundings - just a saloon in the middle of the Wild West Frontier.

Perhaps even if his own dear wife had seen him, Viola herself would have had to say she had never seen him so relaxed and happy.

What was it about Hope Valley?

Lucas had seen that each table had cigars and lighters. But unlike Bill's favorite cheap cigars, he had seen to it himself that only the best had been ordered for this Groom.

In addition, Sophie had gone to see Carson after the game and he confirmed she was correct in her baby assumption! Which she ran home to tell her Husband, who was both shocked and beyond elated, but his sweet wife had made him promise to not say a word, as this was the Groom's Party. So Lucas went around the saloon, offering cigars and lights for anyone interested, about to burst with holding in his news – pretending it was practice for his own soon-to-be announcement!

But I must confess, there were moments, at least to the trained Mountie eyes when the ever suave Lucas looked like a deer caught in headlights!

And had Sophie seen it, she would have thought it was adorable!

"Nathan, my man! Congratulations on that game!" called the Commissioner. "Made it for that last inning. As exciting as a game gets!"

But instead of shaking his hand, Harold grabbed him in a big bear hug. Nathan had to look twice, as he could count the times he had seen the Commissioner out of uniform and in civilian clothes on less than one hand.

"And I want to say again, that sting? Country-wide impact! Just phenomenal work! Although no more work talk tonight because the real congratulations are on your impending marriage. You've done well, my Son! The Mrs. and I wish you all the happiness in the world! To both you and your beautiful soon-to-be bride!"

"Here, here! To the smashing couple – a lifetime of boundless joy!" yelled the otherwise "proper" Lord Antony, who was now ready to party! Cheers followed as the crowd toasted, and Nathan tipped his head as well as his glass to his soon-to-be brother-in-law.

"A lifetime of Honey do this!" came from an experienced husband.

"A lifetime of Honey you should have done this!"

"A lifetime of helpin' with the dishes!"

"A lifetime of arguing about the budget!"

"A lifetime of never being right!"

"A lifetime of good humor and a very short memory!"

"A lifetime of responsibility!"

"Are you sure you want to do this?" asked Bill, getting right up in Nathan's face.

"A lifetime of partnership with the most beautiful women I've ever seen in my life?" countered Nathan. "A lifetime of love growing together into everything we're supposed to be? I'm absolutely ready!"

Nathan stood there glowing with a face full of love, as his friends and colleagues started slapping him on the back and shaking his hand at the same time!

His comment brought laughter and raucous comments "Boy, he's got it bad!" "That man's in looove!" etc., along with a round of applause, for even these rowdy teasing men knew that this particular Groom and Bride had something very special indeed!

"Here's to a lifetime of Perfect Love," exclaimed Nathaniel. "To Nathan and Elizabeth! Wishing you every single joy my Elizabeth and I shared!"

"To my Son & Future Daughter-in-Law: may every blessing be poured at your feet!" and Archie's eyes beemed with pride as he made his toast.

"To my Daughter and future Son-in-Law: may the World be yours and all your dreams fulfilled! Welcome to the Family, Son!" boomed William Thatcher's loud and very sincere voice, with tears glistening.

The Ladies in their Garden Finery had assumed their assigned places at the beautifully decorated white tablecloth donned tables filling the street.

Godfrey had been given a team of servers, and they all worked together under Godfrey's stern yet loving direction to make each and every guest feel pampered.

Godfrey himself made the rounds to each table to make sure everything was satisfactory.

Two violinists, Adeline had recruited from Union Center, also wandered among the tables, taking requests from the guests, and filling in when neccessary with their own most romantic music.

To listen to their dual harmony wafting through the night air was both beautifully haunting and priceless to the soul at the same time.

It was a musical dining experience to cherish and not be forgotten.

The stars were coming out, twinkling brightly above the garlanded lights strung elegantly over them, as the lovely scents of flowers filled the air.

Hope Valley's Main Street had literally been transformed into a luscious musical garden.

Each and every place setting held a golden North Star Ornament for each guest to take as a memory of the night.

Conversations at each table were abuzz about the Wedding Plans, most of which they were hearing about for the first time.

But Elizabeth was still keeping a few things secret.

The guests wondered why they were going to be spending the day, but they were getting nothing from the Bride, except an order to be there no later than 2 PM.

"Dress comfortably as you are tonight. It's an Outdoor Wedding. Have lunch and come straight to the Lodge grounds. Drinks and Snacks will be available throughout the day, followed by a wonderful Dinner just after our Vows!" the Bride announced excitedly. "We can't wait to see you there!"

That brought a slight smile from Godfrey as he knew exactly what was in store for their guests.

They were going to be thrilled.

"Rosemary, you've outdone yourself with this meal!" exclaimed several who were sitting with the Bride and her Family and the rest of her Bridal Party, including Adeline, Felicity, and Laura.

"I wish I could take the credit. This was all Godfrey. He insisted. For his Miss Elizabeth, he said."

"That makes this even more delicious! Mother what we would we have ever done without Godfrey?"

"He's Family, Elizabeth, and he wanted to contribute. He loves you so, Darling!"

"I've got to get him to share his secrets!" prompted Madelyne. "Each bite is more delicious than the last!"

The meal had started with Shrimp Cocktail, but with a special Fruit Cocktail Sauce that tasted divine and was a secret Thatcher Family Recipe, often served at special Dinner Parties. It was elegantly served in Champagne glasses. Everyone was raving.

This opener was followed by a light and colorful Salade Nicoise, individually plated and perfect for the early summer.

This was followed by the main course of Seared Scallops with Brown Butter and Lime, served on a Bed of Creamed Corn, with a side of Grilled Asparagus.

Bill had made his famous yeast rolls to make the meal complete, but these were made in miniature. Tiny little pops of flavor that literally exploded in the mouth!

Of course, there was a selection of wines for Dinner, as well as Champagne to be served for the Dessert Course.

As the Ladies' perfect Alfresco Bridal Dinner came to an end, Godfrey and his team escorted the Ladies back inside the Café, where the tablecloths were lifted to show mounds of presents in all the floral colors surrounding them.

"Elizabeth, you sit here! We decided the best way to honor you is to show you our love in a physical way, with presents galore! Welcome to your No Game Bridal Shower!" announced Adeline. "Well, maybe just one game!"

Then she handed a sheaf of papers to Allie to pass around with pencils and proceeded with instructions…

Elizabeth sat anxiously with a bit of trepidation, for she had seen many Hope Valley Bridal Shower Games, and some weren't so kind.

"Ladies, you have 5 minutes to read each statement and determine if it applies to the Bride or to the Groom. Circle your answer. One, two, three….go!"

"Do I get to see?" asked the Bride.

"Absolutely not. Your Bridal Party knows the answers. So, you'll hear along with the rest of us as we say them aloud!"

"That doesn't seem quite fair!" complained the Bride. "Allie, did you help them?"

"No, mam, I didn't!"

But then she laughed and said, "But I bet I know the answers!"

"I bet you do, too," laughed Elizabeth as she hugged her new daughter. "We girls have to stick together!"

Adeline called time.

"Question #1: Who is the crabbiest in the morning? Bride

Elizabeth looked non-plus!

"How do I even know you're right?" asked a frustrated Bride.

Then she laughed, "But you probably are! He does go on Rounds very early!"

"Dad's pretty much always cheery in the morning!" offered Allie.

"That's very good to know; thanks for that confirmation, Sweetheart. One less thing to worry about!" laughed Elizabeth.

"Question #2: Who's the more accomplished rider? Groom and yes this was unanimous!

"Well that's hardly fair," complained the Bride, but there was no remorse, as this was not even really a contest, although the Bride could hold her own in most riding instances. But the Groom was totally untouchable!

"Question #3: Who's the better cook? Bride

"Thank you!" interjected Elizabeth.

"Question #4: Who's the better dancer? This was split, even with the Bridal Party, so everyone got this one. Because everyone agreed the couple was tops on the dance floor!

"Question #5: Who says I'm sorry first? Groom

"Should I be offended?" asked the Bride.

"Possibly, something to work on there," retorted her best friend.

"Question #6: Who has the better sense of direction? Groom, unanimously. He was the best tracker around, after all.

"Question #7: Who initiated the first kiss? 'Both' was the correct answer.

Elizabeth blushed just remembering that first kiss, and it didn't go unnoticed by anyone!

"Must have been some whopper!" shouted Molly. "Look she's blushing even more!"

"Question #8: Who wants the most children? Bride, although there was a heavy contingent for Groom too.

"Question #9: Who is the patient one? Groom

"Well, I never. I'm patient too!" exclaimed the Bride.

Everyone just turned and stared.

"Moving on to Question #10: Who said I love you first?" Groom

Elizabeth smiled radiantly.

"Question #11: Who is the better planner?" Both

"No contest there, we both are definitely planners!" laughed Elizabeth.

"Question #12: Who is more romantic?" Groom

"But, I'm a close second. Oh no, something else I have to work on!"

The Ladies all laughed, as prizes were handed out to Florence, Julie, and Madelyne for answering the most questions correctly.

Rosemary and Felicity started passing out the presents for the Bride-to-be to open.

"Oh, Felicity, this is wonderful. You don't how much I need sheets. They're beautiful. Thank you!"

Next was a set of beautiful china mugs from Taleisha in Elizabeth's favorite shade of blue.

Followed by an exquisite stemmed cut crystal bowl from Sophie.

An assortment of Brass Candlesticks from Florence.

A Picnic Hamper from Faith.

A handmade quilt in pastel colors made by Mrs. Weiss.

A set of elegant Sherry Glasses from Fiona.

A basket full of Hand Embroidered Towels from Molly.

A silver photo frame from Claire.

And the list went on and on…till there was literally a mound of presents surrounding the Bride.

Elizabeth was thrilled, not only with her many already cherished gifts but even more so with the love of her friends!

She began to softly cry in spite of herself.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for these lovely treasures, but also for just being you and always being there for me. You fill my heart and I dearly love each and every one of you!"

Then through her tears, she pointed to the Bridal Cake surrounded by all the lovely floral Cupcakes.

"Let's eat before I start to sob!"

As the men were finishing their meal, suddenly Hickam's Band started playing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," as they gathered around the staircase. (*61)

So naturally, everyone's eyes turned there as well.

Nathan couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Coming down the staircase, were two of Ty Cobbs teammates, in their Tiger Uniforms, carrying two bags of what looked to be full of baseballs!

Bill jumped up to meet them at the base of the Stairs and pointed them in the direction of the Bar.

At the same time, Aaron tapped Nathan on his shoulder and asked him to come with him to the Bar.

Nathan was in shock as he stood before two of the Tiger's best pitchers.

Suddenly, there was a dead awe-filled silence in the once raucous room.

"Hi, I'm…" as the lead pitcher stretched out his hand to the Groom.

"Bill Bailey and you're Bernie Boland, two of the best pitchers in the league! An honor, Sirs!"

And Nathan shook both their hands, not believing this was really happening.

"How, where…" he started to ask.

"Well, the Judge here, heard we were at Union City for a Pitching conference, and let's just say your Judge can be quite persuasive! I don't think the train would have let us back on if we hadn't come here tonight!"

Nathan glanced at Bill, who looked like he had just performed a miracle. Which, technically, with these two men standing before him, he had.

"Yes, you're probably right about that!" agreed Nathan, as Bill shrugged.

"We understand your Tigers won a game today. Can all Tigers come up front to the Bar? Bernie and I have something for you."

One by one William Thatcher, Max Spurgeon (who had been absent for the game), Henry Gowan, Nathaniel Helmsley, Joseph Canfield, Michael Hickam, Johnathan Epping, Jesse Flynn, and Thomas Weiss came up to the Bar.

"I'd also like to ask a fantastic fill-in ump to come and join what we're pretty sure is his favorite team too!" offered Bernie.

Archie was surprised but excitedly walked to the front of the Saloon to stand with his Son.

Then the two pitchers handed each of the Tigers their own golden trophy, with each man more ecstatic than they could have dreamed.

"Now we need…the Groom!" summoned Bill and Bernie.

Nathan moved front and center as both men handed him the huge golden Trophy, as Coach of the Winning Team.

Nathan was speechless.

"Well deserved, and we both wish you the very best on your Marriage!"

Nathan thanked them as he shook their hands.

"And now if you don't mind us crashing your Bachelor's Party one last time…"

"We were upstairs signing away. And believe me, we'd rather have been down here with you! But, here's an autographed Baseball for every single person here!"

Well, there might as well have been a stampede as everyone bustled their way to where the action was, shaking hands with their honored guests and taking an autographed Baseball of their own.

Needless to say, Bill Avery had outdone himself as Best Man to a much-loved Son!

"Nathan!" shrieked Elizabeth as she ran to him.

"How was your Bachelor's Party?"

"Darling, you wouldn't believe it if I told you. I can tell you every man in Hope Valley is going home ecstatically happy tonight! Especially your Groom. Details later. How was your Party?"

"The same. It was perfect."

"What can I do to help?"

"Absolutely nothing. Except take your Bride-to-be home!"

That order came directly from Rosemary, and both could tell she meant business.

"We'll handle cleanup and gather the gifts and even deliver them. Go now, enjoy your time together!"

She reached to kiss both Nathan and Elizabeth and scatted them out the door.

They drove to the pond and just sat in Lee's car holding each other.

Their nights had been so perfect, neither needed to speak.

"Take off your shoes!" ordered Nathan, as he removed his own.

Then he jumped out of the car and opened the door for Elizabeth, but instead of letting her walk barefooted, he swooped her up and carried her to the dock's edge.

There they both sat under the golden moonlight, dipping their toes into the cold water.

"Look at the stars, Nathan!"

"There's our North Star!"

"Where?"

He put his arm around her, bending his neck to lay his face close to hers, and pointed to the right of them, where the brightest star of stars was shining.

"Oh…"

And their lips met in an explosive kiss, as their star shone above them!

Their love was written in the stars.

They had found their way in each other…

(*60) "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

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