Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Four: The Grant Wedding Part IV: The Reception
The Reception Night promised to be every bit as glorious as their Wedding Day and Evening had been. And both had been rapturously glorious. Perfect with perfect imperfections that had made the day both memorable and heart-rendering in the most special of ways.
After Nathan's and Elizabeth's private moment outside, the Groom grabbed his Bride's hand as they ran down the incline back to their Guests.
"Are we always going to feel this when we touch?" Elizabeth asked with widened eyes.
"Absolutely," he smiled back with assuredness. "This, my Love, never goes away. Not ever!"
They had been thinking the onslaught of Rice and Rose Petals was long over, but when they saw the Judge and a Brigade of Mounties headed their way, they knew better.
"Do we head them off or face the music?" whispered Nathan.
"I'm with you!" answered Elizabeth softly.
"If I know Bill, he's going to use every last grain of that rice. If we don't let him use it now, he'll ambush us later and we'll be waiting for the barrage all night! I say let's get it over with. Put your other hand over your eyes, and hold on tight. We're going to run straight through to the Tent!"
They did exactly that and as soon as they got to their Guests still standing outside, Bill and the Mounties commandeered their second onslaught, every bit as powerful as the first, if not more!
But Nathan hunkered down over Elizabeth and practically carried her to safety, shielding her as much as was humanly possible with his own body.
When the two neared their Reception Tent, even Bill knew he had overdone it, because Adeline was standing in the entrance, giving him a glare like no other.
She ran to Nathan and Elizabeth and started shaking and smoothing rice off of them as fast as she could.
Rosemary, as soon as she could tell what was happening, also ran to help!
"Rosemary and I'll help the Bride! You help the Groom, Bill, now!" instructed Adeline.
"Yes, Ma'am. Wow! I didn't know we had so much of that stuff. Pretty impressive, huh?" bragged Bill.
The Bride and Groom, but more importantly his Wife and Rosemary, just glared at him.
"I regrettably must apologize for my Husband Child!"
"No worries, almost as good as new. Are you okay, Love?" asked the concerned Groom. "Here, let me get that out of your hair."
"Do I look okay?" asked the Bride.
"You look ravishing!" still holding her hands, he reached to kiss her cheek, even as they were being shaken out and smoothed down.
The Couple finally was presentable enough to go inside the Grand Tent to form their official Receiving Line. As soon as they did, the open Tent entrance was quietly closed behind them, with lights from above and around, brightly coming up everywhere.
In addition to the white incandescence from the rustic Chandeliers lighting the Tent, tiny white lights twinkled from everywhere, casting a golden tone perfectly replicating the extra-long tapers glowing on each Table.
The Tent was both elegant and rustic with all the Garlands of Flowers dropping from the Ceiling and the massive Stone Urns in every corner of the Tent.
In addition, to honor the Bride's choice of Gown, boughs of Metallic Gold Mesh interlaced with more twinkly lights, also interspersed the Floral Garlands and were hung ceiling to ceiling around the Tent, creating a sumptuous 'moonlit' hanging garden.
The same Metallic Golden Mesh also covered each of the many, many Tables, which were set in the finest China, Crystal, and Silver money could buy. This extravagance had been at the insistence of the Thatchers and was definitely their touch, which was indeed more beautiful than Hope Valley had ever seen.
The entire dreamlike setting, beautiful mix of elegance and rustic, made each and every Guest feel totally spoiled and catered to!
Elizabeth and Nathan had been worried it would be too over the top. After all, their rustic outdoor setting for the Ceremony had been completely simple and natural, but Grace, with Madelyne's assistance, had insisted on the contrast, and they had had so much fun putting it together, the Couple just went with it, hoping everyone would just relax and enjoy it all!
Without a doubt, every single Guest did exactly that. For it's not often in life you get to be a part of sheer opulence done in a most tasteful way. The Thatchers and Grants were so warm and welcoming, not a single person felt out of place, but instead just fabulously pampered. And they loved it!
But not to worry, there were still plenty of simple touches too, in the rustic Chandeliers, Natural Flowers, Tables and Chairs, Stone Urns and especially in the Food to come.
The Thatchers and Grants gathered next to Bride and Groom, forming the Receiving line, now ready to receive their many Guests.
First in line was Commissioner and Mrs. Harold G. Blakely, followed by the many Mountie Officers by Rank and File.
When Julie saw that happening, she quickly grabbed Viola and Anthony and drug them over to stand by the elder Grants as they were standing by the Thatchers, with the Line being headed of course, by the Bride and Groom. There Elizabeth's Baby Sister quickly and very brilliantly became a part of the Grants' formal Receiving Line, allowing her to meet each and every Single Officer in attendance with certainty, leaving none out!
Elizabeth glanced and smiled to Nathan, "I would have expected nothing less of my Sister, Love!"
"Those poor men aren't going to know what hit them, Darling!" smiled Nathan.
The irony was Julie's attendance in the line appeared to be over when the Mountie portion of the line ended, as her mission had been completed. Proven by the fact, she was now entirely engulfed by several single handsome Officers and was quickly moving them to a more private spot to hold Court. She was giddy with her monumental success and beyond ecstatic the rest of the night, being attended to by the most handsome Officers there, other than the Groom that is!
The Bride and Groom greeted each Guest with Hugs, kisses, and a personalized word of thanks for attending their Special Day. There were so many Congratulations and Best Wishes back, that the line took quite a bit of time. Especially given that all of Hope Valley was in attendance, as well as Friends from all over, including Monsieur and Madam Pierre Le Havre from Union City, among many, many others who had traveled just for this special event!
Many were spending the night at Nathaniel's massive home, as the Queen of Hearts had been booked to capacity months ago! Others were staying with Hope Valley Friends, who along with Nathaniel had been gracious enough to offer their homes.
But in true Hope Valley spirit, every single Guest had a place to stay, with Elizabeth and Nathan knowing they would be treated like Family, wherever they ended up.
"Just the most beautiful Wedding ever," proclaimed Adeline.
"Magic, just magic Elizabeth!" rang out Rosemary's melodious voice. "If I do say so myself!"
"Nathan, all the very best, Neighbor. It's going to be a great life!" smiled Lee. "I'd welcome you to the Family, but you already are Family, so that would be redundant!"
"I've never seen anything like this, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world!" declared Florence. "Just enchanting!"
"If ever two people belong together, it's the two of you," insisted Ned. "The very best!"
"We've never had as much fun as Jesse and I had in that Sailboat. Thank you more than you could know!" cried Clara.
The comments went on and on till finally the Best 'Best Man,' who had been separated from Adeline, brought up the end.
"You two are like my own," and with tears coming to his eyes, "and short of my own Wedding Night, I've never been so happy. I don't have to tell you to love each other well. You already do, and it's a marvelous thing to see! But I'm warning you, I want lots more Grandchildren, because even though those Kids call me 'Uncle,' they know and everyone else knows, those are my Grandkids! And I want more soon! You hear?"
Elizabeth smiled lovingly at her new Husband, then at Bill, hugging him close, "We'll see what we can do about that, Bill. You know we love you, and yes, you're a third Grandfather to the Children, along with Nathaniel being a fourth. They are more than blessed to have all four!"
By that time, chants of "First Dance" "First Dance" "First Dance" had arisen, and were increasing in intensity, but the Guests were a bit puzzled because, in this massive Tent, there was no Dance Floor in sight.
But at that very moment, the entrance to the Tent opened, darkness had fallen, and what everyone saw took their breath away. For in the exact same spot where the Guests had set for the Wedding, although they hadn't noticed lights strung above them, they had been there all along, and their Chairs had been replaced by the most gigantic Dance Floor, they had ever seen.
And it was all under the brightest of Stars, with Lake Granda's breezes flowing!
Again, perfection!
Everyone filed out to surround the Dance Floor trying to get the very best spot to see it all!
The Stringed Orchestra had set up in the furthest corner away from the Lake and was already playing beautifully, wafting their melodies throughout the night air.
After everyone was situated, leaving only enough room for the Groom to lead his Bride up the Stairs and to the Floor, the Guests started clapping along with their chant.
The Couple, who were still inside the now empty Tent, looked lovingly at each other, and surreptitiously stole one last private kiss, before they met back up with their Guests just outside.
"Ready to Dance, Mrs. Grant?" asked the Groom with sparkling eyes.
"So very ready, Chief Inspector Grant!" smiled Elizabeth with her still radiant face.
The Bridal Couple made their grand entrance to thunderous applause, and then happily followed the incantations of "First Dance" to the center of the huge Dance Floor.
The massive size wasn't to be opulent by any means, it was simply because there wasn't a person in Hope Valley who didn't love to dance. And tonight, for perhaps the first time they could all do it together if they wished, instead of crowded cycles of a few taking turns at a time, in the Queen of Hearts.
But that was for later…
Now it was time for the Bride and Groom's First Dance.
Under the Stars and with those Lake breezes gently blowing, there could be no setting more romantic.
The Couple really originally wanted to do their favorite Waltz, but it depicted a Winter Scene, and this was a Summer Wedding, so they had settled on dancing to "Melody of Love" instead.
Nathan had sung the song to Elizabeth many times and she loved it dearly, but the lyrics were short, only two stanzas, and she always complained she wished it were longer, till finally, Nathan had taken it upon himself, months ago, to write several extra verses for her.
All of them depicting his love for her, her love for him, and their love together. In fact, some of the passages were taken from their love letters and notes to each other. The personalized gift had stunned her, making her love the song beyond measure, with it becoming her very favorite, as most of it now, was written expressly for her by the Man she adored.
As the Groom led his beautiful Bride to the Dance Floor for their First Dance together as Husband and Wife, their Guests started clapping again as they had been anxiously awaiting this moment.
The music began playing their special song, increasing in volume, building the drama and suspense for what they were about to observe.
Nathan, regal in his Dress Uniform, held out his long hand and drew his Wife closely to him, gracefully leading her perfectly in step, around the Dance Floor, dancing intimately together to their version of 'Melody of Love' now their favorite that was uniquely theirs.
They slow danced together in perfect step and synchrony as if they had to put forth no effort at all. It was natural. They were simply expressing their deep love, and relaxing in the fact, they truly were now one, all the while swaying to the music. All this was enchantingly expressed and reflected in their very First Dance.
And even more so with their Marriage, the Wedding Couple created the perfect image of two people coming together as one, now moving as an exquisite singular entity, fluidly across the Floor, in each other's arms.
All the Guests knew the first two verses, but they were quite puzzled when verse after verse continued with the Groom seemingly singing the unknown words in a low voice to his Bride.
Personal words, private words, ones that caused their Guests to run wild filling in the blanks of Nathan's whispered words of love to the Love of his Life as shown below…
Hold me in your arms, Dear
Dream with me.
Cradled by your kisses, tenderly
While a choir of angels from above
Sings our melody of love.
[Instrumental Interlude]
Heart to Heart forever
Lips entwined.
I am yours and you are mine, all mine
Heaven wrote the music up above
For our melody of love.
Melody of love. (*73)
Our Hearts sync in true love
With no doubt
Spilling and sharing our secret truths
Selflessly with such intimacy
Knowing our melody's strong.
[Instrumental Interlude]
Together true smiles come
Effortless
Adoring, cheering and building us up
Sweet tender touches carry us through
Loving voices turn dark into light
Singing melodies of love.
Melody of love.
Carefully, tenderly, we both rise
Mid love's throes
Faithful, growing, inspiring and more
Knowing the deep essence of our Souls
Our years together will surely prove
Our own melody of love!
Our sweet melody of love!
Our endless melody of love…
The Couples' First Dance couldn't have been more intimate or romantic. Everything a First Dance should be and oh, so much more!
The Dance ended with the Groom tenderly kissing his Bride, who reached up and caressed his cheek. They exchanged "I love you's" in anything but a perfunctory way, weaving more anticipation and emotion into those three words than could be imagined by most.
The Couple's joy and love were infectious, and everyone couldn't wait to join them in Dancing, but there were a few more special Dances planned, one even the Bride and Groom didn't know about.
Because Elizabeth had had the discussion about their favorite Waltz being a Winter Waltz with her Mother, and although Grace hadn't been able to convince Elizabeth it would be appropriate anyway, she had convinced the Stringed Orchestra.
Grace could, indeed, be quite persuasive when she put her mind to it
As their First Dance was coming to an end, or at least the Newlyweds thought it was coming to an end, instead the Orchestra played a transition they had composed themselves, that smoothly moved from the one song to the introduction of their favorite Waltz.
Whispers erupted around the Dance Floor, as the music began to be recognized.
"Oh, this is the amazing Skater's Waltz they performed at the Mountie Ball," whispered the Commissioner's Wife, which was the exact same recognition to everyone who had been in attendance.
"People have no idea what a treat they're in for!" said another, as people moved even closer to the Dance Floor, straining to see the Couple of Honor, not wanting to miss a moment of what was about to come.
And another, "How splendid! I can't believe we get to watch them dance this again!"
Yet another, "They dance this ethereally; they're exquisite dancing together, especially this!"
"It's magical," agreed another.
The Mothers were standing together, and couldn't help overhearing a few of the very complimentary remarks, anxious to see their Adult Children Dance this particular waltz together!
"Oh, Grace this is Nathan's favorite, and he can dance this like a dream!" bragged the proud Mother.
"I've heard, Madelyne, and can't wait to see! In fact, I pulled some strings so that I could!" admitted Grace, looking a bit guilty.
"I'm so glad you did," laughed Madelyne.
The Couple, who had immediately recognized the music, parted just enough to formally acknowledge each other, as was required for the more formal Waltz they were about to dance together, "The Skaters' Waltz, Op. 183 by Waldteufel, their favorite! (*74)
The Waltz did indeed depict a wintry day in Paris, France, with ice skaters skating on a frozen Seine River. The music even included the ringing of sleigh bells, which was more than ever appropriate now, as the Couple already owned their own sleigh with the Coulters.
All the magical memories of the Mountie Ball came flooding back.
"Darling, this time, we ARE at our Cabin in the Woods," whispered her Husband, and Elizabeth smiled because she had told Nathan to imagine that very thing so many Months ago!
"And we're just skating across that frozen pond," she reiterated Nathan's own words from that special night.
Well, that's exactly what they did, they imagined loving each other, alone in their new Lodge, but this time as Husband and Wife, which was their brand-new cherished reality.
As before, those two things were their focus, the music and their deep love one for the other, but the fact, they were now married, transcended everything from before, and raised their Dancing to a level neither had previously ever experienced.
Their Waltz was so very intimate. So romantic under the Stars. So very elegant. No one else was even there. Both were alone, only with each other. And it showed irrefutably to those watching.
Nathan took his Wife, holding her in the perfect hold, and leading her in three-quarter time, elegantly spinning her around the Dance Floor as if they owned it.
Stepping strong on each first beat, making sure their shoulders remained perfectly parallel to the Floor, as was proper. Everything came naturally to them as they went gliding across the Floor together, as though on ice, almost floating. Their brains passively reminded them of each step, without even thinking, and their bodies took over with grace, swaying with perfection to the music as though they were truly one single entity. And finally, they truly were, in every way.
All the feelings they had for each other were poured into this their Wedding Waltz, they had thought they wouldn't get to Dance, but now incredulously were, and the result was nothing short of incredible.
Even Anthony and Viola, who had danced many a Waltz at Windsor Castle, were amazed at the perfection with which the Bride and Groom danced together.
"It's magical," whispered Viola, and that was all she could think to say.
Even Julie, the skeptic, was mesmerized, not at all believing this rugged Mountie could move with such grace.
"Why he could give the Hamilton boys lessons," she whispered to Viola, with several Officers in tow!
The Couple was literally floating all over the Dance Floor.
The Train of Elizabeth's Ballgown fell out about her, and the golden image against Nathan's Red Serge took everyone's collective breath away.
This was a perfect Waltz made even more perfect by the love emanating from each of them.
And as they Danced with everyone in awe, the Stars brightened above them, serving as a spotlight, making their Dance ethereal, something out of a Fairy Tale from long ago.
Viola was right: it was indeed magical in every way!
As the music started coming to a close, and the last step was danced, the Couple finally parted, still holding hands, as the Groom formally bowed to his Bride, both smiling gloriously, happier than they had ever been in their young lives.
William led Grace and Archie led Madelyne up the Stairs to join their Children.
To honor their Parents, the Bride and Groom had chosen a favorite Lullaby precious to both Families.
First Nathan took his Mother-in-law's hand, as Elizabeth took her Father's and they danced to the Lullaby Granda had taught Grace and Grace had taught her Daughters, singing it for them when they were mere Babies. At the same time, Archie took Madelyne's hand and danced along with the two Couples.
CHORUS
Too ra loo ra loo ral
too ra loo ra lie
too ra loo ra loo ral
hush now don't you cry
Too ra loo ra loo ral
too ra loo ra lie
too ra loo ra loo ral
that's an Irish lullaby
Over in Killarney, many years ago
my mother sang a song to me in tones so sweet and low
just a simple little diddy in her good old Irish way
And I'd give the world if she could sing that song to me today
REPEAT CHORUS
Oft' in dreams I wander to that cot again
I hear her softly hummin' to me as when she did back then
I I fell her softly huggin' me as in days of yore
when she used to rock me fast asleep outside that cabin door (*75)
REPEAT CHORUS
As the Dance ended, Nathan kissed his Mother-in-Law both on her Cheek and Hand, and Elizabeth kissed her Father, thanking them and making their new relationships as a Couple official.
Then William began dancing with Grace, as Nathan held out his hand for his Mother, and Elizabeth met her new Father-in-Law.
This was the Lullaby Madelyne, and even Archie had sung to their Babies, both Colleen and Nathan, and being of Irish descent, the Lullaby was an inbred part of Archie, as his Mother had sung it to him, and her Mother to her and on and on.
But the versions used for both Families had been the folk ones, not the formal version written in 1913. Different but familiar. But also beloved.
They Danced the entire song again, welcoming their new Family Members, and reveling in the solid relationships that all six members had already established.
Because of their Children's Marriage, this was an extended, united Family full of love.
Next, the Orchestra began playing a Favorite of the Bride honoring her desire for Wedding Roses as well as the Garden she longed for. The entire Wedding Party stepped up to the Dance Floor to Dance along with the Bride, the Groom, and their Families.
Love's Garden of Roses:
Come, dearest heart, 'mid the flow'rs of June,
Come out in my garden so bright;
I've roses, bright roses of ev'ry hue
And sunshine for the whole day.
There is laughter and song in my garden
And a spell over all the land.
Ah! Never a fairer world could be,
To wander hand in hand.
Come to my garden of roses;
Winds whisper low.
Ne'er was so sweet a garden
With love aglow.
Laughter and love in the sunshine;
Joys all divine.
Come, oh come to my garden,
Dearest heart of mine.
Come dearest heart, where the flow'rs enfold
A dream that is tender and true.
'Tis here we may find in a rose's heart,
A message glad for me and you.
There is laughter and song in my garden,
And such bliss that our hearts can tell,
In the world we walk together,
Where love alone doth dwell.
Come to my garden of roses;
Winds whisper low.
Ne'er was so sweet a garden
With love aglow.
Laughter and love in the sunshine;
Joys all divine.
Come, oh come to my garden,
Come, dearest heart of mine. (*76)
The Orchestra, now accompanied by the Bagpiper, next played a Love Song that everyone knew and loved, very loud and full of pep, transitioning from just Wedding Party to also Guests!
The stunning beauty of the rhythmic spectacles they had all seen lured each and every Guest to the Dance Floor to join the Bride and Groom and their Parents, dancing, moving, swaying to the melodious music of the Stringed Orchestra, accented by the Groom's beloved Pipes, each ready to Dance this spectacular night away!
The lilting Dancing that followed was like none other. None of them had danced under the Stars before, out in the middle of nature, by the most exquisite Lake they had ever seen. And it was an amazing experience that would not be soon forgotten!
After about an hour of Dancing, it was hard, if not impossible, to pull their Guests back into the Tent for Dinner and Cutting the Cake!
But Grace, not a novice to hosting large gatherings, had literally thought of everything!
No one wanted to leave, so instead of dragging everyone off the Floor, Servers instead passed out Sparklers and Striker Lighters to everyone who was still Dancing!
The Orchestra quickly did a musical countdown, "Three!" - "Two!" - "One!" "Strike!"
And as the many, many Sparklers were all lit at once, the Dance Floor came aglow, alive with a different kind of movement!
Brilliant, Flashing, Glistening, Luminescent, Sparkling, and even Scintillating.
There was a collective gasp, seeing so many Sparklers burning away in unison, raised in the night, trying, but hopelessly competing with the many bright Stars above them in the dark sky.
Especially the Children's reactions to just watching the spectacle, but honestly the Adult reactions were just as alive with amazement!
The novel idea got everyone's attention in a way nothing else could have and gave time for the Bride and Groom and their Families to be seated inside the Tent, allowing all the Guests to quickly move from the Dance Floor outside to their Tables inside.
A separate area with their own Tables had been set up for the Children, and although both Nathan and Elizabeth would have loved for Allie and Jack to have stayed with them, they begged to sit with their Friends, feeling quite grown up to have their very own space!
Both smiled as Allie led Jack off hand in hand, "I promise to take excellent care of my new Brother!"
"You do that, Allie. Remember he's still small. Promise you won't take your eyes off of him Sweetheart, and whatever you do, stay in the Tent with the Rest of the Children."
"I promise, Dad!"
"Darling, they seem to be joined at the hip," marveled Elizabeth as she watched them walk away.
"Yes, it appears they've got this Brotherly, Sisterly thing down pat. Although, given Colleen and me, I'm sure there will be a few ups and downs to come!" winked Nathan.
"Three Sisters? I could write a book on that alone, my Darling!"
"With your two, I have no doubt!" smiled the Groom, tongue in cheek.
Nathan and Elizabeth didn't need to worry at all, for all the Children were under heavy young adult supervision in their corner of the Tent, and were being attentively and safely cared for.
Glasses Clinked and Archie Grant stood up with the First Toast of the Evening, lifting his Glass high, in an authentic Irish brogue.
"To My Son and Ravishing New Daughter-in-Law: Welcome to the Family, Love!"
"Here's to you both, a beautiful pair
On the birthday of your love affair
Here's to the husband and here's to the wife
May yourselves be lovers for the rest of your life." (*77)
"May you have a world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family,
Their love impart, and
Irish blessings in your heart." (*78)
He then took her hand and lovingly kissed his beautiful Daughter-in-law on her cheek.
"Welcome to the Grant Family, my Darling Daughter!"
Then with love overflowing, Archie heartily embraced his Son!
All three were fighting tears.
Next William Thatcher stood with glistening eyes and raised his Glass high!
"To my Adored Daughter and my Already Much-loved Son-in-Law: Welcome to the Family, Son! Grace and I wish you both, first, brilliant Romance, which you already have. Second of all Family, which you already have, but oh yes, we Parents want more Grandchildren to love. It's wonderful how that works! So much easier the second time around (everyone laughed). Many more Grant grandchildren. So, pencil that in on your calendars (everyone laughed more)! Third of all Faith, which you and the Children both have in immense measure. Fourth of all, Fame, although you may already have that wanted or not!" grinned William, secretly referring to Nathan's books no one yet knew about. "Fifth, Fortune, but only if desired, because I of all people know what a double-edged sword that can be! And Fifth, last but not least – may each and every one of your Dreams come true, separately as Individuals, together as a Couple, and together as a Family! May God's richest Blessings fall upon you!"
William then very emotionally kissed his Daughter, the Bride, and unable to keep back his tears, he heartily embraced his new Son-in-Law.
"Nathan, Grace and I are so very proud to officially welcome you to the Thatcher Family, Son!"
Next came Commissioner Blakely.
"It's such an honor to take part in the Wedding Festivities of this great couple! I believe a Man's honor is measured by his humility, and with that being the case, our Chief Inspector is at the top of the most honorable. We are deeply honored to have him lead and serve with us. He has fallen in love with someone who is his equal in every way, as beautiful as he is handsome, and as caring as he is empathetic. They share a very high code of honor and service, constantly giving to others. And because of that, their future together can be nothing but formidable, full of blessings and gratitude. May God reign his Glory about you!"
The Commissioner also gently kissed the Bride, then formally saluted the Groom, and although in Uniform, excitedly grabbed him in a full-on bear hug!
Next Bill stood to offer his Toast.
"When I met Elizabeth so many years ago, she very quickly became someone very important to me. And if truth be known, William and Grace, in your absence, I adopted her as my Daughter. We've been through a lot together, but may I say I have never seen her shine as beautiful and as bright as she is tonight! And it's because of the Gentleman sitting next to her. The Man I threw in jail on his first night in town – might as well get that out there – or he will. He's never going to let me live that down, Best Man or not (laughter)! How was I to know he was the new Constable (hysterical laughter)? So, I guess it's fair to say we started out a bit shaky, but I can tell you now, having gone through more than most people go through in a lifetime together, with this Gentleman by my side in life and death situations, there is no better. He's had my life in his hands more than once, and I'm still standing. Not too many people know this – but it's because this Man had my back and saved me from myself and others! So, yes, he's become my Son, a Son I love very much. To see the love these two have together, well, it warms my old soul, and I smile every single time I see them together or hear their names mentioned together. May your marriage be blessed, and may the Good Lord 'grant' you everything you wish and more! From my heart to yours!"
Smiles abounded.
Bill dotingly kissed the Bride and warmly embraced his "Son." Even Nathan couldn't miss the tears glistening in Bill's eyes.
Next, Nathaniel stood to give his Wedding Toast.
"Rarely in life, do you meet a Man and know without really knowing him, that he is rock solid, everything a Man should be, and more. That's exactly what happened the moment I met the Chief Inspector, who was our Constable then. He wanted to borrow my Cabin to serve Dinner there for a first date with the beautiful Elizabeth who is now by his side. Of course, I said yes. I'm a romantic at heart and Nathan simply glowed when he talked about his Elizabeth, but what he didn't know was that I understood completely. Since my beautiful Wife was also named Elizabeth. And I knew right then that whoever this young Lady was, that Nathan loved his Elizabeth every bit as much as I still love mine. How could you not be willing to help play Cupid (laughter)? After that obviously successful first date (more laughter), Nathan and I found we had some business to conduct with each other, and in that business, as usual, I thought I totally had the upper hand. But our Chief Inspector drives a hard bargain and set a very firm stipulation to be met, and that was for me to be included as part of his and Elizabeth's Family, or the arrangement was off. I'm so glad I accepted that stipulation. I gained a Son, a Daughter, a Granddaughter, and a Grandson, of the highest caliber, and I am the one who ended up being richly blessed beyond priceless measure. Tonight, that is what I also wish for our beautiful Couple, that God return the favor in magnificent ways: may the Bride and Groom both be richly blessed beyond priceless measure their lifelong through! You are, and will always be, Family. And you are, and will always be, much loved!"
The tall distinguished Man with the snow-white hair gently kissed the Bride, who was crying by now. He kissed her as a Daughter, tenderly drying her tears, then he lovingly embraced his chosen Son, who was now that in every sense of the word.
Then William stood and made the announcement everyone was waiting for.
"We hope you've worked up an appetite and are ravenous because Dinner is now Served. We have Formal, we have Informal and all of it is as good as it comes! But with the Surf and Turf, if you'd like a bit of insider advice, don't pass up any of the Surf. All the Coating is the top-secret Family recipe of Archie and Nathan Grant. Don't try to coerce them out of the recipe. It won't work. Even with force. I've already tried! The Servers will come to each Table with filled Plates and Platters of extra Food. And don't hesitate to ask if you need anything whatsoever. Knowing my Wife, it's probably here! Seriously, on behalf of our honored Bridal Couple, Grace and I hope you just relax and enjoy the Wedding Feast!"
When he used the word Feast, well, he was right. Most had never seen such an expansive menu of such delectable and varied foods! There was enough to more than fill all the hearty appetites, as well as hampers of Food ready for each of the Guests to take home with them.
The menu seemed endless, and everything had been fixed on sight to perfection, on the grills, and in the smokers.
Dinner started with Godfrey's Shrimp Cocktail with Tropical Fruit Dressing, which was a rave hit with all! The Ladies who had had it at Elizabeth's Bridal Party were beyond thrilled to be having it again. And those who were tasting it for the very first time were amazed at the unique flavorful notes dancing on their tongue.
The meal followed with Chilled Cantaloupe Soup that was elegantly topped with tiny Chards of Smoked Proscuitto floating on top.
The Turf main course entree consisted of Standing Rib Roasts, smoked to perfection, accompanied by perfect explosions of Yorkshire Puddings and Crème de Horseradish.
The Surf main course entrees consisted of the best cuts and types of Fish known to Man, as well as Calamari, Clams, Crab, Lobster, Scallops, and Shrimp, all either broiled or breaded in Archie's now-famous breading recipe!
As for the Sides, there was every vegetable imaginable, each fixed uniquely and deliciously.
There was Corn Souffle, Potatoes Dauphinoise, Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Tempura Green Beans with Spicy Mayo, Roast Butternut Squash Risotto with Slivers of Maple Bacon and Goat Cheese, Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots, Braised Leeks, Creamed Spinach, and Sweet Potato Coins.
Then there were the Salads: Endive, Tomato, and Burrata Mix, Roasted Corn and Heirloom Tomato with Goat Cheese, Mediterranean Bean Salad, Mixed Fruit Salad, a Pear and Pomegranate Salad, a Gourmet Scallion Cole Slaw with Sesame Seeds and a Sweet & Tangy Dressing, and finally, Wilted Greens with a Warm Sherry Vinaigrette.
All this was topped by Bill's Famous Mile-high Yeast Rolls, which were exceptionally good tonight!
Each and every single bite was more delicious than the last!
Needless to say, there was an assortment of the very best wines to accompany each course of the meal! And the best of Champagnes later to accompany the Wedding Cake!
Every possible palate, plain, fancy, and in between was more than satisfied, with everyone begging for recipes, which unknown to their Guests, was a wish fulfilled. Because with the exception of Archie's Coating Recipe, every single dish's recipe had been prepared into a Book and placed in each hamper of Food that would leave with each Guest!
People, including Bill, were begging Archie for his coating recipe, and he was having fun thinking up new ways to deny giving it!
"I think you're having just a bit too much fun with this, Dear!" teased Madelyne.
To which Archie quickly kissed her cheek and went back to his current story as to why it was impossible to share his Family's beloved recipe!
Oh, how he could tell a yarn! Like no other, for sure…
The Bride's and Groom's eyes met and they couldn't help their all-knowing, but flirting smiles.
"If I eat a single more bite, you're going to have to carry me to the Lodge," Elizabeth threatened.
Which didn't shake the Groom at all.
"That's exactly what I plan to do," he countered with a wink and wicked grin!
After much dining peppered with wonderful conversation among new and old Friends, the moment had finally come for the Bride and Groom to cut their Wedding Cake.
As the servers gathered the Champagne, pouring the delicious nectar into exquisite Champagne Flutes for all, the Bride and Groom moved to stand behind the central round Table, holding their amazing Wedding Cake, towering up over the table.
It was all White except for the real Lavender Orchids cascading down and around the Cake, falling into a puddle made up of all the Wedding Flower Petals.
It was so simple, yet so elegant.
"Oh my, I'm glad we had practice on our Engagement Cake!" whispered the Bride to the Groom.
"This one's a lot taller, Darling. How do we proceed?"
"Perhaps here," suggested the Bride.
They found a spot, they thought they could cut together without toppling their entire cake.
"But there's no knife..." whispered the Bride.
Nathan winked, then smiling, ceremoniously withdrew his saber to oohs and aahs, carefully placing the saber's handle in his Bride's hand and encasing his hand firmly around hers.
"Three, two, one…" and they cut the first slice perfectly together, breathing a sigh of relief with amazed expressions they had not misjudged, leaving their Cake still standing!
The Groom graciously fed his Bride a small bite, and then laughingly kissed the crumbs away.
But the Bride got a little more rambunctious, giving him a bigger bite, yes, but he handled that.
What he hadn't expected was the streak of icing she ceremoniously planted down the length of his nose!
He smiled through the dripping icing.
"Be thankful, I'm a Gentleman. But just you wait, Love! Consider yourself forewarned!"
"Threats!" she teased.
"No, your new reality!" and he kissed her back, getting the icing on her nose as well, both of them laughing together!
She reached to kiss him, "I look forward to that reality, Chief Inspector!"
And they smiled their secret smile, now with icing dripping from both noses!
There were comments: "How sweet!" "Now that's so romantic!" and on and on.
But the Bride and Groom were well used to this by now, and wouldn't have had it any other way!
As soon as people had eaten their Cake and drank their Champagne, the single ladies gathered for the Bouquet Toss. The Florists had made a traditional Bouquet of Lavender Orchids and Lavender Roses since Elizabeth wanted to keep her own, and this Bouquet would be much easier to toss.
There was a crowd of anxious single women vying for that toss!
Elizabeth eyed the crowd, turned around, and then hit straight for Faith, who caught it with glee!
Carson, their Photographer, came quickly to her.
"You did it! You know what this means!" and gave her a quick kiss, both smiling brightly.
The one Elizabeth hadn't been able to locate was Julie, who was still off somewhere with one of her Officer Beaus!
'At least she's having fun somewhere!' thought Elizabeth, although if she knew her Sister, she'd be insisting on a second Bouquet Toss so she'd have her chance!
William stood once again.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are so honored to have had you with us on this most special Day as our Honored Guests. We have one more surprise in store if you don't mind to step outside, and face Lake Granda!"
They did as they were asked, but not before a very vociferous round of applause.
For no one had ever been to a Wedding they enjoyed more.
Little did they realize, more was coming, a phenomenal 'more' at that!
As the crowd gathered outside on the Dance Floor and faced the Lake, the Orchestra and Piper, who had played all night during Dinner also relocated outside, now playing a new type of music, almost patriotic in nature, loud and flamboyant.
"Lisabeth, this way!" the Groom whispered, eyes sparkling.
She followed hand in hand, as he slyly led her through the back of the Tent, where they stood overlooking their Lake, completely alone, for the first time since they'd had a private moment in their own Lodge.
"This is Heaven," she whispered.
"Um-hmm," was his raspy answer.
He placed his Bride in front of him, wrapping his arms around her, and clasping his hands at her waist, lowering his head to rest against her silky hair. She nestled into her Husband and he was intoxicated with her scent. It was White Lily and Lavender, but it was different somehow. And he realized he was completely lost in her.
The power she held over him just by existing, he had never experienced before.
Not like this.
She was intoxicating.
Her slightest wish would have been his command, and he would have moved Heaven and Earth to make it happen.
He lightly kissed her neck, moving slowly up to her ear where he whispered to his Bride, who blushed and smiled, clasping her hands over his, feeling his warm breath take over her body, causing her breath to become rapid, both shivering in the night breeze, but not at all because of said warm breeze.
With racing hearts, her knees weakened as she leaned back with the full weight of her body against his, wanting only to be with him.
Nothing else existed for either.
Their rapid breathing rapidly began syncing together. And in their total body embrace, they began to breathe together as one, with one movement, as though they shared only one shallow breath between them.
If they could have been any closer, they would have been, but it was impossible.
His strong muscles made the slightest involuntary movement, and his woodsy, leathery scent enveloped her. She could stand it no more, turning in his arms, grabbing his neck, and frantically pulling him to her.
Their lips met in an explosion of passion, passion one for the other that had been building from the moment they met. But this wasn't the passion they had held at bay over the past year. This was something much more. Something that overtook them and consumed them and demanded fulfillment.
She clutched his neck with abandon, not letting him out of her grasp, till there was not a single thought between them, kissing him as though her very life depended on it.
Both were gasping for breath, and both knew they had to pull back, because all their Wedding Guests, every single person they knew, was standing hidden just yards away, and very soon, they would have to make themselves presentable to extend their thanks and their goodbyes.
But maybe not just yet.
"Oh, Lisabeth…" and he could barely get the syllables out.
"Nathan, darling Nathan, I…" and all she could do was kiss her Husband again, leaning into him.
She slipped her slender hand into his Serge, sliding it between the golden buttons, and both felt the fire of her touch.
"Not helping…" he gasped, and took her hands, bringing them to his lips to chastise with a kiss.
She buried herself into his embrace, falling into him, trusting him completely to support her, now knowing their passion was undeniable, something beyond them, very strong, very real, and it would carry them through on this, their Wedding Night, in a glorious way neither had before experienced.
From this moment, there was no apprehension, they were confident with each other, leaving no doubt that all was as it should be, and they would soon truly, gloriously, be one.
The Skies above were now dark, glistening with only the brilliant Stars it held, and in a matter of moments, from each of the Sailboats, with Sails Furled in and down, came a loud pop, then another, and another, and so on and so on in rapid gunfire succession over the entirety of Lake Granda.
Splashing triumphantly across the black celestial skies, the random loud shooting bursts of brilliant and transitory magic, followed one booming burst after the other, each creating instant masterpieces above for all to see!
The Fireworks were dazzling and in every color of the Wedding Flowers!
This artistic endeavor hurled across the midnight Sky in mesmerizing explosions of splayed vibrance, creating awe and wonder in everyone who was watching below!
Each blast was a brand-new unexpected pleasure, rapidly succeeding the former one, all leaving indelible impressions in the mind even when the images disappeared as in an implosion of unseen smoke!
Truly a feast for the Senses: Extraordinary Visions of Sight; Booming, Crackling and Popping Sounds; and Pungent Smells of Smoke and Sulphur. But almost Taste and Touch, as well. For the heavy scent of smoke hung in the air, as though you could very easily reach out and do both.
What a spectacular way to end a night!
What a magnificent way to end a Wedding Celebration!
This one would go down in the books as the most enjoyable, joyous, and wondrous Wedding ever!
Earthly perfection in every way, resulting in a Heavenly Wedding of two very, very honorable and special servant people, whose love, everyone knew, would be just as strong if they had gone off alone and had that very small, private Wedding, they had originally thought they wanted.
But this Celebration of Family and Friends? It had been breathtaking and transcendent with pure love.
Everyone, especially the Bride and Groom, had no doubt whatsoever, this was the way the Grant Wedding was truly meant to be…
(*73) "Melody of Love," Hans Engelmann, Edison Symphony Orchestra, 1903, Public Domain
(*74) Emil Waldteufel, "The Skaters' Waltz. Op. 183," or "The Skaters," 1882, Public Domain
(*75) "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby)" James Royce Shannon, 1913, Public Domain
(*76) "Love's Garden of Roses," Haydn Wood, 1915, Public Domain
(*77) "Irish Wedding Toasts and Wishes," Public Domain
(*78) "24 Irish Wedding Blessings and Prayers for Your Wedding Ceremony," Irish Blessings and Prayers," "Blessings for the Reception," Public Domain