Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Two: The Grant Wedding Part II: Guests Arrive

The Wedding Flowers were done.

The Chairs were arranged.

The Tent was Reception ready.

The Food Tent was abuzz with cooking.

George was everywhere, doing whatever was needed.

The dogs, Rip, Rex, and Reggie were all over the place, as well, but with all the Wedding excitement, they stayed fairly close by, not wanting to miss out on anything!

Nathaniel and Lee were in their places as the Ushers, waiting for the onslaught, as Guests started arriving, promptly, at 2 PM.

The afternoon sun was shining making the water sparkle as though diamonds had been randomly cast, on its calm slightly rhythmic surface.

Elizabeth slyly looked outside through one of the Lodge's large front windows, determined to miss nothing.

The rest of the Wedding Party were lined up at the other front windows, chattering and giggling excitedly, ready to watch this real live boating extravaganza that was about to occur before their very eyes.

"I have to see this! Look how excited, Father! They love it! This was the most wonderful idea, and you made it happen," she kissed her Father, thanking him. "And look, the Ladies remembered their dress umbrellas!"

Instead of hats, the women had been asked to bring their fancy umbrellas, and the result was pure enchantment.

"This will certainly be a Wedding to remember!" William concurred.

It had been Nathan's idea to christen Lake Granda on their Wedding Day and provide Boating Excursions for the Guests, but he had been so busy with everything else, it had been her Father who had insisted on taking the project on, paying for it, and making it happen!

"Just consider it my right as your Father!" he had said, thrilled to see the both of them so excited to be able to give this gift to their Guests.

There were eighteen pristine glossy white Sailboats with their massive sails ready to hoist. The boats were now tied loosely to Lake Granda's dock with sails furled, each manned at the helm by professional Sailors, all dressed in nautical white trimmed in blue, sailing hats with ribbons included. The Sailors were patiently waiting to transport each of their Wedding Guests, two at a time, for a full tour around Lake Granda.

There were shouts of excitement from their Guests that could be heard all the way through the closed doors of the Lounge, and as more Guests arrived and realized they were all getting Sailboat rides, too, on this Lake that was the most beautiful they had ever seen, well their joy was indescribable.

"I've never been in a Sailboat before!"

"Look at this water, you can see straight down!"

"This is my kind of Wedding!"

"This is the best Wedding I've ever seen!"

"What a way to spend a perfect afternoon!"

"I've never seen water as blue as this!"

"This is magical!"

The comments went on and on, each and every one of them with more excitement than the last.

What the Guests didn't know, was that there was a picnic hamper on each Sailboat, well stocked with sandwiches, fruit, dessert, and bottled drinks for each person. A system was set up that allowed the hampers to be restocked upon docking for new passengers.

When William did things, they were super organized, and this gift for his Daughter's and new Son-in-Law's Wedding was no exception. He demanded perfection normally, but for these two, it was even more important to him that everything go as smoothly as possible. He had even insisted on an upgrade from Rowboats to Sailboats.

"Much more exciting," he had insisted.

"Sweetheart, there are life jackets for everyone, and they're mandated for those who can't swim. Also, each Sailor is a certified Lifeguard. Just so you know not to worry, everything is safe!"

"You've thought of everything, Father! So perfect!"

"And look at the smiles. Everyone's so excited and happy! Even those watching the Sailboats from the Deck!" she continued.

"Just wait till they hoist their sales!"

Elizabeth and her Father watched with great pleasure and excitement as the white glossy Sailboat boats languidly scattered across Lake Granda's calm waters, with now hoisted Sails, magically sailing across the Lake, creating a stunning vista.

"What a majestic sight, Father, just majestic! I've never seen anything like it!"

"Truly incredible my dear Daughter," and he reached to kiss her cheek. "You know, your Lake Granda is officially being christened right before your eyes. And what a way to christen it, on this your Wedding day! Your Granda would be so very proud!"

"You know Father, I believe Granda is proud. It almost feels like she's here with us right now. She'd love to be sailing across the water!"

Then she wistfully added to that thought.

"But I so wish Nathan were here to see this!"

And the Bride's eyes glistened with longing for her Groom, needing him by her side, wanting to share everything with him life had to offer, particularly this very special part of their Wedding Day, which had been his idea!

Especially this magnificent, enchanting moment…

"Bill, you didn't!"

Now the ultra-calm Groom was beginning to panic.

"Nah! I didn't lose it," the judge reassured him.

Nathan breathed a huge sigh of relief!

"Or did I? Nah…I just misplaced it!"

"Bill Avery, you did what?"

Nathan was beside himself.

"It's here," Bill defended, "somewhere…"

"I am the Groom and I happen to be getting married in less than three hours, and you, my Best Man, are telling me I have no Wedding Ring…for the…Bride?" Nathan choked the words out of his mouth. "Bill, that ring is the equivalent of two Diamond bands, and if you must know, the European Diamonds cost a small fortune!"

Bill was rifling through everything in the Living Room as fast as he could.

Throwing pillows and papers everywhere.

"You sit!" and Nathan meant business. "No, stand! And stand still!"

Bill did as he was told.

"Spread eagle!" commanded the Chief Inspector, and he had never meant business any more than he did now, even when apprehending the most violent of criminals.

This was personal!

Nathan started at the top, frisking every inch of the Judge in his own Living Room.

"You better hope Elizabeth's Wedding Ring is on you or…"

"Or what?"

Nathan didn't even respond with words, only an icy glare.

"Now sit," ordered Nathan, pacing, trying to retrace every step Bill had taken since he had given him the Wedding Ring to keep.

"Wait a minute you had a jacket on. A blue jacket. Where is it?" asked the Groom. "I saw you put it in the pocket!"

"Adeline took it out back to wash."

Nathan had a look of absolute horror on his face.

He ran through to the kitchen and out onto Bill's back porch where Adeline kept the laundry baskets.

He tore through the two baskets there, hoping against hope the blue jacket would be there.

"Please, God, please! For Elizabeth's sake, please help me find her Wedding Ring!"

Bill came out to the porch.

"Don't shoot me, I just want to help."

"Bill, you've 'helped' more than enough. Way more than enough. How about you just sit this one out!"

Bill had never seen Nathan so upset. Why Nathan could barely look at him.

'And when he does, I'd rather him not!' thought Bill.

Even in his anger, Nathan could tell what Bill was thinking.

"Okay, we have to calm down. But when I think how hard those Diamonds were to locate and match. But what's worse, I don't have a Wedding Ring! Elizabeth doesn't have a Wedding Ring! Her custom-made Wedding Ring. Thanks to you, it's gone!"

Nathan was beside himself at the very thought.

Bill was not being helpful, still going behind Nathan and repeating everything he had already done.

Nathan desperately needed air, so he stepped outside, mostly to get away from his Best Man.

There it was! Bill's jacket was hanging on the line!

He ran and grabbed the jacket, undoing the upper pocket, where he had seen Bill put the ring, but it wasn't there.

He tore through the remaining pockets, shaking the jacket as hard as he could.

But there was nothing.

Nathan turned to go back into the house, but as he got to the steps, he just couldn't go back in there and face Bill again.

So, he sat down on the steps and prayed.

He prayed hard, "Please Dear God, calm me so I can think clearly and retrace where the ring has been, from my hand to Bill's and after. Help me to somehow find this ring. I can't start out my marriage like this. Please God, not like this."

The next words were mouthed in utter anguish.

"Why, oh why did this have to happen?"

He placed his face down into his hands propped up on his Knees, and for one split second, he caught a glimpse of something beneath the stairs. It didn't look like a ring, but whatever it was, it had a flash about it. A bright flash. But as soon as it was visible, it had disappeared.

Desperate, he fell to his hands and knees and started digging in what appeared to be mud with his bare hands.

Bill came out looking as though even he was feeling sick! To see his best Friend, the Man he considered just like a Son, down on his hands and knees, frantically digging as fast as he could, well, let's just say there was a lot of guilt hanging in the air.

It was then Bill realized he had thrown out some bathwater earlier.

'This is bad. I've even caused him to be digging in mud!' realized the Judge.

Another minute or two passed and suddenly Nathan fell back on the ground with mud-covered hands, shouting, "Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!"

"Is that filthy thing the ring?" because try as he might Bill could see no sparkle whatsoever.

Nathan nodded.

"What in the world happened?" asked Bill incredulously. "How did you find it?"

"It's got to be an answer to prayer because this ring was buried, but for one shining split second, I somehow saw a flash, and then it was gone!"

"Well, you couldn't have seen a flash. There's no flash there. Just mud!"

"Let's just call it a Wedding miracle, Bill! However it happened, I'm thanking the good Lord above! Hey, why is it muddy under these steps? We haven't had a drop of rain in days."

But when Nathan looked up at his Best Man, he just started shaking his head and cackling, because he knew, Bill had done it!

"Nathan, I'm sorrier than a tick stuck in honey!"

"Bill, I'm sorry, but you're going to be stuck in the honey with that tick just a bit longer."

Bill reached out for the sparkle-less ring, still covered in mud.

"Oh, no you don't. This stays on me till we walk down the aisle and are standing in our positions. Then and ONLY then, will I give it to you for the split second it takes for you to hand it back to me!"

"Well, you don't have to be so hostile about it!"

"Consider yourself lucky, Bill. Very lucky! I need soap, a soft brush like an extra toothbrush, or even get mine, and a soft towel. Oh, and a small basin. I'm not taking any chances putting this puppy in a sink! And you're not touching it!"

Bill collected the needed items, and sat at the kitchen table, as Nathan worked and worked on the ring, filling basin after basin with clean water, till finally all the mud was gone. Next came the soap suds, and Nathan scrubbed and scrubbed, and rinsed and rinsed. Till finally, the ring was every bit as beautiful as when Jefferson, his jeweler, had given it to him, if not even more sparkly.

Finally, the Groom could breathe.

But then a horrid thought hit Nathan.

He had to restrain himself to calmly ask his Best Man.

"Bill, why was this ring not in its gold velvet box? And do I dare ask where is the gold box?"

"Can I take the fifth?" then for good measure, "I'll find, it! I promise!"

And there it was, Allie's famous eyeroll, like Father like Daughter, as good as if she had done it herself, maybe better!

Bill thought he might just need to make himself useful as Best Man, in order to try to redeem himself a bit, because he seemed to be just spiraling downward as far as he could go to claim the title of worst Best Man in history.

So, the Best Man drew a hot Bath for the Groom, who needed cleaning, well actually de-mudding, and calming as much as any Groom ever had, so he took Bill up on his offer, and soaked till he could not waste another moment before getting dressed in his Dress Serge Uniform, complete with Saber and all the cumbersome Regalia that entailed. And oh, that dreaded hat, but it was mandatory when in full dress Regalia. Thank goodness, he only had to wear it on the ride into the Ceremony!

His Tux would have been so much easier.

"But for some reason, Elizabeth changed her mind, and for her, I'll do anything!"

"Nathan, I'm really sorry!" said Bill as he plowed into the room.

"Good grief, Bill, I'm naked!"

Nathan threw his hand to his face and just slowly sank down into the water.

"Oh, Adeline, where are you when I need you?"

As he mouthed bubbles to the top of the tub, a random thought came to Nathan.

"Yep, this is definitely a case of the Groom babysitting the Best Man! Wonder if I could lock him in his room? Or better yet, lock him in the jail with Tilley? Now, that's an idea! Why in the world didn't I think of that earlier?"

But the only thing Bill heard from the next room after he had re-closed the door, was a low moan from the Groom…somewhere deep from under the water.

Elizabeth had had the perfect day, one as though she was moving through her very own Fairy Tale, one that was better because it was real life, as George said.

Minus Bill's ring escapade, which had been anything but calm, more like stress to the max, Nathan had had a peaceful day, one of assurance, one of excitement because his life was about to become what it was meant to be with the woman he loved more than life itself, at his side forevermore.

He had checked in on the Children, and spent some alone time with Allie and Jack, realizing they were also going through big changes, and some more than they knew, that would be made official tonight.

"You know, Allie and Jack, this evening we become a real Family. And I want you to know the Wedding tonight is about you too. Allie becomes your Mother's Daughter and you become my Son. But you know, maybe the best part of all, you two officially become Brother and Sister. Now, that's pretty exciting!"

"It's the best!" exclaimed Allie, full of excitement.

"Best!" mimicked Jack. "Awee my Sisser!"

Nathan pulled both of them to him, hugging them tightly.

"I'm the luckiest Man alive! I love you two to the Moon and back! And always will."

"Love you, Dad!"

"Wuv ou, Daddy!"

"Son, it's time for Grace and me to take the Children to the Lake. You'd better kiss them goodbye, so we can get going."

He kissed them both.

"Always remember I love you no matter what!"

The Children kissed him back and hugged him like they weren't going to let him go.

"Hey," he laughed. "I'm seeing you in a couple of hours!"

Madelyne laughed and scooted the Children out, "Why don't you two go find your Granda?"

"Mother, any last-minute advice?"

"You don't need any, Son. You and Elizabeth are solid. But since you asked, I would say this one thing. And it's important. Listen to her closely, and love her well. It's that simple and you'll have your best life together."

"Wise words. You always know what I need. I love you, Mother. I love you more than you can ever know!"

"Son, I've loved you with my life; in many ways, you are my life. You are your Father's and my Legacy. But in all my dreams, I never dreamed any young man could grow up to be as great a Man as you are today. I couldn't be more proud of you."

Nathan kissed his Mother's cheek, "You might be just a bit prejudiced!"

Then added, "You know, Mother, I feel Colleen with me. I always feel her with me, but today, it's like she's inside me, making me strong."

He laughed, "Keeping me calm."

"I have no doubt that she is, Nathan. My, she loved you with a vengeance! You were her shining star from the day you were born to the day she left us. You've made her very happy, Nathan, to have taken Allie and raised her into the beautiful young lady she is today, all the while giving her the love Colleen herself would have given her had she been able to do so. As hard as it was for me to give Little Allie up, I know we made the right decision. She would have never thrived being alone on the ranch, without a child in thirty miles. Not as outgoing as she was and is! But, you know I really struggled with that. It was like losing Colleen all over again when the two of you left. Yet, I couldn't leave the Ranch. It was our only livelihood! I struggled being heartsick for myself, but mostly for the sacrifices you were making to give a little Girl a life full of people and other Children."

"But Son, I say this with love. We made hard choices and those choices haven't made it easy on you. Nothing in your life has been easy even your Childhood. Until now. This is a changing point in your life, Nathan. The bad is gone, the hard is gone. I want you to go into this marriage expecting nothing but goodness and happiness. Now, sure there will be raindrops, and maybe even a few storms, but this is your new life, Nathan, and I just know this is your joy. Treat it as such, and instead of expecting the worst as in the past, always, always expect the best. For your best is yet to come. And it starts today as you and Elizabeth become one. You deserve happiness, Son."

Nathan couldn't speak, for he knew his Mother was right.

"I'll admit, it's been hard. And yes, at times it's been hard to accept all the joy. Sometimes a sliver of doubt breaks in – can life really be this good?"

"But, I've given this relationship my all. This joy with Elizabeth is innate, something I can't even control. It will never break. I know that now, Mother."

Madelyne gave her Son a perusive look.

"It's okay, Mother. I do deserve happiness. I know that now. This is my joy, my life as it's meant to be and I'm embracing it with all of my being."

"That's all a Mother can ask, Son!"

The Groom hugged his Mother, "I've never known so much joy."

"And that my Son is exactly the way it should be," she took his cheeks in her hands, caressing his rugged jawline, feeling the slight stubble, remembering how soft his skin felt when he was a little boy.

Then she took this big tall Man in her arms just like she had done back when he was that little boy who didn't get to ride the pony he wanted, or when he fell off the high part of the rock wall on the Ranch, or when he ran in for a hug because Colleen had unmercifully teased him about girls.

She held her little boy, tightly to her, and hugged him one last time before this handsome Man before her took on the responsibility of marriage and his own new Family.

Back at Bill and Adeline's, when it was finally time for Nathan to dress, he was surprised that his Best Man had laid out his Uniform, everything pressed, buttons shining.

"Bill, you didn't have to do this."

"Are you kidding, Adeline would have my hide if there's one wrinkle in this thing! Let's get you dressed."

"Bill, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, I was beginning to think you didn't need your old Best Man!"

"Were you nervous?"

"When?"

"I know you were nervous at your Wedding. But your Wedding night, were you nervous?"

Bill let out one of his classic guffawing laughs.

"Like a bull being led to slaughter!"

"Bill, that's not helping!"

"Let's put it this way, Nathan. I truly was terrified when we got to the Hotel. I knew it was right, but, well, it's a lot of pressure. But then something happened."

"What?"

"I noticed Adeline's hand shaking just the slightest bit as she was brushing her hair. And I realized she was as nervous as I was. And that just made me forget everything and take her into my arms."

"And no more nerves?"

"No more nerves. Just let it happen naturally. You both will know when the time is right. And I promise you it will all fall into place. Better than you can ever imagine it!"

"Bill, I think you just might have extricated yourself from all that honey you were stuck in a bit ago! That's exactly what I needed."

Nathan looked into the mirror one last time checking his uniform, and his hair, giving it one last swift brush.

And at that precise moment, the sound of a trumpet blasted into the house.

"Your escort awaits," laughed Bill. "We've got a Wedding to go to! And Nathan, don't worry about the ring, let's let Harold safe keep it since he has to stand behind you anyway."

"But you do know, Bill, out of all my Best Men, you're my very Best Man."

And that was when crusty old Bill teared up.

"Aw, come on let's get a move on."

But Nathan knew Bill had needed that, and perhaps he did too.

As they walked down the steps and out the front door, there was the Commissioner, Aaron, Gabe, and the Superintendents all looking spit and polished with their Horses, as well as Bill's and Nathan's.

The Commissioner called, "Wedding Rank and File. Attention!"

It was as though the horses themselves obeyed the command, standing motionless, with heads high. The Wedding Party lined up for Inspection, as that was the Military way.

"Inspection Complete. At ease! Mount!"

And just like that, the Groom and all his 'Best Men' were off to a Wedding.

At the Lodge, the 'Maids and Matrons of Honor' were all dressed, looking perfectly beautiful!

The Children looked enchanting.

And the Wedding was almost here.

Unknown to Elizabeth, her Mother had found antique jeweled Hair Combs, in the colors of her Bridesmaids' Dresses and her Wedding Flowers, for each of her 'Maids and Matrons of Honor,' and they truly looked exquisite in their hair.

"Elizabeth, you really need to be getting into your Gown," reminded Grace. "It's almost time, Dear!"

"Just one more thing, Mother. Do you know where Allie is?"

"The Children are back in their Bunk Room, Dear. I'll go get her."

"Thank you, Mother."

A few minutes later, there was Allie, standing before Elizabeth.

"Oh, Allie, you look so beautiful! The dress is perfect for you! There's just one more thing you need," Elizabeth said with a smile. "Come close and sit with me."

"You look beautiful too. I can't wait to see your Gown!"

"I'll put it on as soon as we finish this," and Elizabeth pulled out a long box from her dressing table drawer. "My Gown matches yours, you know! And our Flowers match too!"

Allie's eyes grew wide, "Really?"

"Really! Allie, when I was a girl, just your age, my Grandmother on my Father's side, gave me this and I wore it for most of my childhood and even into my teenage years. It means a lot to me, Allie, and since you are my Daughter, I want you to have it."

Allie nervously opened the box.

"Oh, Mom. It's beautiful. Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. It would make me very proud if you would wear this tonight."

Allie nodded through her sniffles and kissed her new Mother.

"I love it. I really do. It's so beautiful. I love the heart hanging from the gold chain, and I've never had a Diamond before ever," she cried.

"It's more than just a bracelet, Allie. I'm giving you my heart too. You shine in my life just like that Diamond, Sweetheart. Don't ever forget that. And I want you to know, both you and Jack are in my heart exactly the same, together, forever."

Allie was trying hard to stop crying, but she was able to finally get out what she wanted to say, needed to say, as Elizabeth fastened the gold bracelet on her tiny right wrist.

"I don't really remember my Mother much, but I know she wants me to let you be my Mother. I'm so happy to finally have a real Mother. And I could never wish for a better one than you. I love my Dad like the whole wide world because he's been my Mother and my Father. But now, he just has to be my Father now that you're my Mother and I promise to love you both exactly the same, just like you all love Jack and me the same. I know I can do it."

"That means the world to me, Sweetheart," and Elizabeth held her sobbing Daughter, caressing her hair, loving on her as only a Mother can do. You know, I'm glad we decided on the Headband instead of Flowers. This suits you best!"

"I…l love it so much."

"Here, now, let's get you cleaned up and ready for our Wedding!

"Elizabeth, I hate to interrupt, but you really must get dressed," insisted Grace.

"We're finished, Granda!"

"Allie, my Dear, you look like a Princess! How lucky am I? I'm getting a real live Princess for a Granddaughter!" and she hugged Allie like she wished she had hugged her own Children at that age.

Allie excused herself as Viola and Julie entered with Madelyne.

"Sis, you need to get dressed now! There's a crowd of people out there, and more handsome men in Uniform than I've ever seen in my life! Get a move on! I need to get out there!"

Elizabeth laughed, "Oh, yes Julie, forget my Wedding!"

"At least you have your fancy undies on," noted Viola pulling back her Robe. "Now, let's get this gorgeous Gown on you, or I'm going to wear it myself!"

Both Sisters held Elizabeth's arms as her Mother and about to be Mother-in-law positioned her Gown for her to step into.

Both Mothers had tears in their eyes as they stood back and watched Viola and Julie began to button up the many buttons in the back.

"I've never seen you look more beautiful, Darling!" cried her Mother.

"You look like a vision, Elizabeth, a perfect vision," choked Madelyne. "My Son is a very lucky Man, indeed."

"I've never been so happy. Is he here yet?" the Bride asked anxiously.

"Not yet," answered Julie. "He's not due for fifteen more minutes."

"Fifteen minutes and I get to see him!"

"Fifteen minutes your life changes forever," reminded Viola. "But in the best possible way."

"You get to spend your life with that handsome hunk of a Man! I'm so jealous!"

"Julie! Behave," and her Mother meant it.

"Well, it's true!" retorted Julie.

"Oh, my Shoes!" cried the Bride. "I'm barefoot!"

As was the custom, the Commissioner and Bill rode stalwartly on either side of the Groom, with all three horses in step.

This was a mission. A mission of happiness for one of their own.

One they admired, respected, and even loved.

This was a mission of love for their own Chief Inspector Nathan Grant.

The glistening sun was still out in all its glory, shining on them, leading the way.

"I've never seen such beautiful land," remarked Harold.

"Wait till you see Nathan's Lodge and Lake. Acres of the most majestic land in the country."

"Sir, you're welcome to visit with your Wife anytime," offered Nathan. "There's a nice guest room waiting."

"Why, I might just take you up on that, Son! It's been a long time since I've been out in the

wild."

Aaron and Gabe just grinned, because they already had their 'in', but the two Superintendents had so far been left out.

"Hey, don't forget us!" shouted Raymond Baslow.

"Ah, you're just jealous, Ray!" laughed Shade Simpkins.

"You will be too when you see the place!" taunted Bill.

"Guys, enough. You two are absolutely invited. And I'm holding you to it! That is if you two let me borrow those fancy boats of yours when I'm up your way!"

"Whenever you visit, they're yours. But Ray's here needs a little work, so you might want to bring life jackets! What's that thing called Ray? Oh, I remember, rhymes with Titanic!"

"Yeah, at least we don't have icebergs, you coot!"

The men laughed because they all knew Ray was forever working on his dilapidated boat, whereas Shade kept his in tiptop shape.

"Hey Groom, any nerves yet?" razzed Gabe.

"Not a one, Gentlemen. Not a one!"

They rode on in silence in high spirits, with both the Groom and his steed wanted to cut out in front and race to his Bride.

"Hold on Newton, Boy. We're almost there!"