Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Five: The Grant Wedding Part V: The Honeymoon Begins
"The Wedding was perfect, and I think I'm in love!" exclaimed Julie jubilantly.
"But, do you know which handsome Officer you're in love with?" asked her new Brother-in-law tongue in cheek.
"Oh, that hit the nail on the head, Nathan!" boomed William, laughing that Julie had met her sparring match in her new Brother-in-law, who seemed to notice everything, and in addition knew deftly how to handle his new Sister-in-law!
"Why, Brother, Dear, why ever would you say that?" questioned an innocent Julie, deciding she might just be a little in love with her new Brother-in-law, who totally had her pegged.
"There were quite a few of my Buddies who were awfully gaw-gaw-eyed! Perhaps I should warn my dear Sister that Officers are trained to read people. Inscrutably so," he added succinctly.
"Hmm, I did gather that, by some of the weird questions they asked! I've got it narrowed down to three and they've all agreed to write! Whoever writes the most loving and lustful letters will win my heart!"
"Julie!" reprimanded her Mother.
"You're having a contest?" Nathan asked incredulously.
"Let's just call it a screening process, shall we?"
"Julie, it is way past time we go!" nudged Viola, looking pointedly at the Bride and Groom, who had been stealing loving glances at each other all night long, but even more so since the Fireworks and after!
"We have a very early Train in the morning, and Arabella for one needs her sleep!" Viola continued firmly.
But since Julie didn't take the hint, Viola grabbed one of her obstinate Sister's arms, motioning for Anthony to grab the other.
"Miss Julia Elyse Thatcher, our carriage awaits!" smiled Anthony, using his most commanding tone.
Nathan and Elizabeth kissed and hugged the three goodbye.
Miraculously, all the very different personalities had bonded as Family during their time together, and all were a bit melancholy about parting, although they'd see each other soon.
Sir Anthony and Arabella had especially enjoyed their time in the Wild West, and even the fancy Viola, who had come to appreciate her new more understanding relationship with her Sister, had enjoyed meeting the down-to-earth Grants and her Sister's handsome Fiancee, now Husband.
Although they hadn't expected to be, she and her own Husband were quite impressed, proudly welcoming him to the Family.
"The Wedding and Reception were really perfect, you two. We loved being a part of it!"
"We loved having all of you. It means the world that you made the trip all the way from England!" thanked Elizabeth.
"It's been so wonderful having you here and getting to know all of you! Elizabeth's right. It really does mean the world to us!" assured Nathan.
"We'll see you in Hamilton!" promised Elizabeth, as the couple waved while escorting Julie to their Carriage.
"Safe Travels," called Nathan. "We'll see you soon!"
"Darlings, I do believe we've had a most successful Wedding! My, your Guests seemed every bit as excited about their Wicker Hampers of Food and Recipes to take home as they were about the Sailboats and Fireworks! After all that work, getting the Recipes made into a Book, well, that just made Madelyne and me so happy! Anyway, we've taken care of anything and everything you'll need in the Lodge," and then Grace smiled, knowing that all they truly needed was each other.
"Your many Wedding Gifts have all been moved there and neatly piled in the nearest corner of the Living Room. Well, we started in the corner. Let's just say they sort of expanded out into the Room! Just don't trip over them. It's going to take you forever to even open them, much less write Thank-you's," she warned. "Oh, and there are quite a few from both Families and our Hamilton friends who couldn't make the trip, that you'll want to pay special attention to. We tried to sort, but there were just too many! It was quite hopeless!"
But the twinkling, far-away look in Nathan's and Elizabeth's eyes clearly told her, unwrapping their Wedding Gifts was not a current priority, which caused Grace to leave her Daughter and new Son-in-law with a knowing, very contented, smile.
These two were meant to be, and it warmed her heart to know her Daughter was desperately in love with this particular Man, who would love and protect her at all costs!
She reached up to hug her new Son, "I don't even have to tell you to take good care of her, because I know, without doubt, that's a given. And if I could have chosen a Son, Nathan, it would most certainly be you! I'm so delighted you're part of our Family!"
Deeply touched, Nathan embraced her and humbly kissed his elegant new Mother's cheek, holding his hand on the other cheek for a moment with the slightest of touches.
No one would have ever imagined the warmth and regard, even love, these two now had for each other!
"Sweethearts, there's plenty of food and drink! You won't go hungry! Have a wonderful Honeymoon and don't worry about the Children. Grace and I have this completely covered. And the Grandfathers are going to be helping, too. So, no worries, whatsoever!" assured Madelyne. "And there's enough food in there to feed an army! I doubt you'll need to cook all week long. But I must say, Darling Daughter, I couldn't be happier or more proud to leave my Son to your loving care!"
Elizabeth hugged her new Mother with tears in her eyes, so grateful to have her in her life, which caused Madelyne to tear up a bit too!
Theirs was a solid relationship, already cherished by both, with Elizabeth gladly becoming the Daughter both Madelyne and Archie so desperately needed, showering her with their attention and love.
The Couple then lovingly embraced and kissed both their Mothers in immense love and gratitude for the gift of their beautiful, very special day.
"Thank you both so very much for our magnificent Wedding. It was so much more than we could have ever dreamed!" assured Nathan.
"Perfection. Absolute perfection!" exclaimed Elizabeth, as she looked dreamily into her new Husband's eyes.
"We're going to get out of your way, and head back to Hope Valley! You've got to be exhausted!" exclaimed William.
"William!" cautioned Grace with a tentative smile.
"Oh, well…but not too exhausted, of course, but…" and then he realized he was unnecessarily rambling, and making a mess of things at that!
"It's okay, Father!" laughed his Daughter.
"Maybe a little exhausted, William," grinned Nathan, hoping to put him at ease.
"You two forget about everyone and everything, except each other. Have a wonderful Honeymoon! How can it not be in this beautiful setting?" asked Archie. "Wish I was spending a few more days here myself!"
"Archie Grant, don't you dare get any crazy ideas! It's their Honeymoon!" admonished Madelyne.
Everyone laughed, knowing it wouldn't have taken much to talk him into staying!
"Later, Dad. We promise it's yours and William's whenever you want it. After this week, that is!"
"Point taken," laughed the Fathers.
Elizabeth kissed her Father and her new Father-in-law, while Nathan embraced his own Father and his new Father-in-law.
"Thank you both!" "For helping to make our Wedding exquisite," the Bridal Couple said in tandem together.
"And now for the hardest part of all, it's time to say Goodbye to you two!" said Nathan lovingly, looking almost as sad as the two Children looking up at him.
And so, he knelt down on one knee to their level. Elizabeth draped her arm on his shoulder.
The Grandparents stood watching this new Family, and all four were amazed at how very much of a Family they already were!
"Your Mother and I will be home in about a week, and that's going to pass really fast. But we need you both to take really good care of each other and your Grandparents. Do you think you can do that for us?"
They both nodded.
"Allie Bean, you especially take care of your little Brother. And Jack, my Man, you need to take care of your Big Sister. Can you both do that? Can you take care of each other? And mind your Grandmothers and Grandfathers?"
Both nodded vociferously, but both looked near tears.
Little Jack's lower lip was already in pout mode.
"Dad, are we really married now?" asked Allie, very seriously and very matter-of-factly.
"As married as it gets!" assured her Father, as he smiled up at his Bride and took her hand.
"Which makes us an official, real Family. Now it's you, Allie, Jack, your Mother, and me. And that's forever, Allie!"
Both Parents beaming, they proudly lifted and waved their new Wedding Bands as proof!
Allie wrapped her arms around her Dad's shoulders, then embraced her new Mother around her waist, holding on tightly.
"You're Wedding Gown is the most beautiful I've ever seen, Mama!"
Elizabeth smiled so tenderly as she embraced her new Daughter and kissed the top of her head.
Allie had never called her that before, although it was Jack's preferred name for her. She had called her 'Mom,' but never 'Mama,' and somehow it just felt right.
"Maybe you'll want to wear it someday, Sweetheart. I'll save it just for you!"
"Someday, very, very, very, very far away, young Lady!" interjected her Dad.
"Oh, Dad!" and there was that famous eyeroll!
Nathan picked up Little Jack as he also stood, "You were great, today, Buddy! Just great! Did you like those Sabers?"
"Wun fas!"
"Yes, we did run fast. Really fast! I love you, Jack! Be a really good Boy for me! And no ink till I get Home! Then we'll draw some pictures, okay?"
Elizabeth marveled, Nathan always knew what Jack was trying to say, sometimes even when she didn't!
"Don't forget, you both need to take care of Rex and Reggie. I know it's a lot of work, but I believe you can do it!" urged their Mother. "By the way, where are Rex and Reggie?"
Then glancing over at Godfrey, "I'm sure Mr. Godfrey would be happy to help if you need it!"
That brought a huge smile to Godfrey's face. He loved being needed, especially by his Miss Elizabeth.
"Of course, Miss! The Pups are already in the Carriage ready to ride Home with Master and Miss Grant."
"Thank you, so much Godfrey!" and although they had already said their Goodbyes for the week, the Bride blew him another kiss.
She then turned her attention back to her Daughter.
"Sweet Allie, I love you so much! You know, you're the Woman of the House in my absence! Enjoy your time with your Grandparents."
"Mama, is it okay if Jack wants to sleep in my room?"
"Are you sure he won't be in the way?"
"No Ma'am. He won't. I don't think he'll cry if he's with me."
"That's so thoughtful, Allie. Best Big Sister Ever! But make sure he behaves!"
She kissed her new Daughter, and Nathan handed Jack to her, as he wrapped his arms around Allie.
"Come here, you Sweet Thing! Be good for your Sister, and mind your Grandparents! I love you so much, Son!" and she smothered him with kisses, as a Mother can still do with a Child who is still Toddler aged.
Jack planted a huge kiss on his Mama's cheek, then reached back for his Dad, to give him a huge sloppy kiss, too!
"Wuv u, Daddy!"
"I love you too, Son!
And bending down to kiss Allie, her Dad choked up a bit as he voiced aloud what they had frequently said to each other over the years, "I love you bunches, Allie Bean!"
Allie reached up to also kiss her Dad, "I love you bunches, too, Dad. Don't worry, Jack and I'll be fine! Won't we Jack?"
Jack nodded, looking up at his Sister with a big smiling face!
The Children started away hand in hand, but turned and ran back, squeezing in one last hug and kiss with each of their Parents.
"Here, we'll come to the Carriage and see everyone off!" suggested Nathan, as he helped his Wife navigate the Grounds, and the Grandmothers took Allie's hands, and the Grandfathers took Jack.
"Dad, do you finally get to move into our House?" asked a worried Allie.
"Absolutely, yes!" he assured.
"In fact, we're going to move your Dad's things from Uncle Bill's into your new House tomorrow!" promised Archie.
"So, everything will be there when he arrives Home!" assured William.
"Thank you both for that!" said Nathan with a grateful smile.
He had been feeling a bit unsettled with his Family in one place and him in another. It had been especially difficult to not have Allie with him, as they were so very used to living together and doing everything together.
Although he had tried not to show it, he had missed her terribly.
Somehow, the Grandfathers' comments helped the Children to know their Dad was really coming Home, and that brought smiles to their faces, as their Parents waved them Goodbye on their first separation as an official Family.
Choruses of "Love you!" "Bunches" "Goodbye!" and "Happy Honeymoon!" rang out into the night air, as Nathan and Elizabeth blew kisses and watched till the Carriages had turned the bend and were no longer in view.
In the silence of the Night, with his arm around her, Nathan looked down at his new Wife and tenderly asked, "Is that a tear I see?"
"It's just that…"
He wrapped her in his arms.
"I know, Darling," he whispered. "But they're going to be fine, in the best of care! They get to enjoy their Grandparents, and we, well we get to enjoy each other."
Even in the dark, lit only by the Stars and a scattered bit of lighting, she could see the sparkle in his eyes.
He tenderly wiped her single tear, kissing it away, and swooped her up into his arms, and in that instant, pure joy flooded their very souls.
Their first moment finally alone.
He kissed her as she held onto his neck, using her other hand to caress his now shadowy stubbled cheeks.
Then with all the strength needed and more, he effortlessly and lovingly, carried her down the stone path that led up to the Lodge.
"Besides Newton and Sargent, we're the only ones here, you know," he whispered in a low voice.
"You're all I need," she whispered back.
"Better not let the Boys hear you say that!" he teased back.
She laughed and buried her head in his shoulder.
He carried her up the steps, but at the top of the steps, he turned so she could see the North Star shining brightly over their Lake.
"Mrs. Grant, that is our North Star, just as surely as we're each other's North Star. Our love will burn as brilliantly and as constantly as that magnificent Star shining so brightly in the Heavens on this our Wedding Night, and I pledge my word, I will do everything in my power to make you, my Darling Wife, the happiest Woman who has ever lived."
Her lips couldn't reach his quickly enough, landing so forcefully on his, it took him aback until he was able to steady himself and fall forward into her kiss, returning it with equal force and passion.
He then turned to carry his Bride across the wide Porch to enter the Lodge. But as his hands were quite full, it was Elizabeth who scrambled in the dark to find the doorknob with her one free hand.
Somehow miraculously, the doorknob was finally found and opened, leaving her Husband to kick the door open with a flourish, and lovingly carry his Bride over the threshold of their second Home, with the most gentle of words.
"I love you, Elizabeth Grant. With all my being I adore you."
"I love and adore you, Nathan Grant! Beyond what I ever dreamed was possible to love and adore someone!"
But as the Groom gently set his Wife down, still holding hands, they looked down to see what was halting them from moving forward, then turned to each other with eyes opened wide, unsure what to do next…
Somehow the seemingly hundreds of wrapped Presents had fallen from their formerly supposed neat stacks, spreading themselves all over the floor, expressly and directly in their path, staunchly hemming the Bride and Groom in at the Door!
"This isn't good…" and that was all the Groom could say.
They were surrounded by mounds and mounds of Presents, beautifully wrapped Gifts from people they loved.
Nathan and Elizabeth fell against their closed front door, as that literally was all they could do!
"It's like we're barricading the Door!" grinned Elizabeth.
"From what? Newton and Sargent?" he asked, turning his head slightly, grinning ear to ear.
"Although, I suppose there could be some lost Wedding Guest wandering around somewhere," he teased.
"All the more reason to barricade! From everybody and everything! Even Newton and Sargent! You never know!" she laughed.
He laughed too, and turned to touch her lips with his, but could barely turn his large dress booted feet around in the barrage of Presents totally hemming them in.
She reached out to steady him, grabbing him to her, but he had no place to put his hands as she was literally hemmed against the door. And he was hemmed between her and the many Presents that seemed to have exploded and multiplied in number!
He lost his balance trying to switch his feet around, and had to put up his arms around her to brace himself, almost falling into her and the Door, even with her trying to help maneuver him!
Judging by her laughter, she totally thought this whole crazy situation was the funniest thing she'd seen all day, with barely a spot to hold her 6ft 3in Husband's large frame, but without telling him, she loved the feel of him powerfully surrounding her, and was quite happy to stay right where they were, entrapped with her handsome Husband in an area not much bigger comparatively than that of a postage stamp!
He brought his lips to hers, both unintentionally imprisoned in a spot barely big enough to contain them. At least he meant to kiss his gorgeous Wife, but she pulled him even closer meeting his lips before he had the chance. She was still laughing between their kisses. A high-pitched giggly laugh that he thought somewhere in the back of his mind was the sweetest sound he had ever heard.
With his arms spread above her bracing himself against the Door, they kissed, literally bonded together, until they both realized they'd be standing there all night unless something was done!
Indeed, something had to be done quickly, and it was going to have to be one of them to do it!
"You stand here," he suggested.
Elizabeth laughed even harder, "As if I could do anything else, Darling!"
He gave her a look of mock exasperation, and hunkered down to the floor, pushing and spreading Presents as he went, trying his best not to squash them, until he had enough space to get down on all fours and push the blasted things, at least out of the way enough to start clearing a slight path for them.
"You know I really do appreciate all this, but Elizabeth, we are drowning in Gifts. Literally!"
"Oh, Baby, you look the cutest ever!" she laughed.
He playfully glared up at her, looking up from crawling on his hands and knees.
"Great, just what every Man wants to hear on his Wedding Night!"
Which made her burst out with uncontrollable laughter!
"But you do look cute and so very adorable!" she squeaked out between her giggles and laughs.
"Not helping, Mrs. Grant!" though he couldn't help but laugh too!
"If I only had our Camera!"
"Don't you even think about it!"
"I'm sorry, but you do. You just look adorable!"
"Hmm. And here that never was one of my grown-up aspirations! Possibly, when I was two…"
"I would have loved to see you when you were two! No doubt positively adorable! Does your Mother have lots and lots of pictures?"
He just shook his head with an embarrassed smile!
"More than you'll ever want to see, I'm afraid. And knowing my Mother, she'll show you every single mortifying one! You know, Love, there's no way all these Gifts fell, just no way," he deduced.
"What makes you say that?"
"Because they were placed here by some of the Men after they saw our Mothers leave."
"How do you know that," asked Elizabeth, fascinated.
"First, if they had fallen, they would have bounced out in disarray. At the very least haphazardly. These are in perfect alignment, just in the wrong place. Second, they left space for the door to open and close. Again, if they'd fallen, some would have been directly in the path of our Front Door," he ruefully explained. "And we wouldn't have been able to open it!"
"So, they got lazy and just placed them as soon as they stepped into the room, working back to the Door?"
"Exactly," he nodded.
"Oh, our Mothers would not be happy!" she shook her head.
And at that thought, they both burst out laughing!
"Wonder which one would have been the angriest?" she added.
"Hard to know! Although my Mother is Scotch-Irish and speaking from experience, that's a temper you don't want to cross! But, either way, I'd say those men were pretty smart to have run when they did!" concurred Nathan, laughing, thinking of Grace's and Madelyne's would-be wrath had they known!
"The two of them together might have been lethal," he laughingly, but half-seriously, added.
He finally cleared enough of a path that he could squeeze through with Elizabeth, if he lifted her and her huge Gown's skirt and train above the Gifts.
"Can you hold your Train up a bit, Babe?"
That was the only way to not topple the new stacks he had made, in order to clear a path for them!
He kissed her quickly and lifted her up, "Trust me?"
"Implicitly!"
"I'm lifting you up high, Love, so hang on!"
She giggled, but fully trusted him, dangling in mid-air with only her Husband's arms for support.
He inched through the tight path he had cleared, holding her as high as he could, barely getting her Gown past the ever-growing mounds of exquisitely packaged Gifts, even with her trying her best to hold the Train up!
"Look! I can fly like Peter Pan," she giggled.
"Don't make me laugh! I don't want to drop you!" he begged.
But he couldn't resist, "Yeah! In a Wedding Gown no less! Maybe Wendy?"
When they finally made it through, he fell down on their massive Sofa, carefully lowering her down to him.
"See, a perfect landing, just like you are Peter Pan…"
They lost no time in meeting one another's lips, making up for all the lost time the wayward Presents had caused.
A huge romantic Fire roared in front of them, with Trios of large Pillar Candles flickering away inside Glass Hurricanes, at each end of the rustic Mantel. Another Trio of matching Pillar Candles, staggered in height, sat on a Tray placed on the low large Table in front of them, also flickering in large glass Hurricanes.
A gigantic Bouquet of their Wedding Flowers also graced the Table, along with additional Bouquets on every other Table surface spread throughout their massive Living and Dining Area.
Everything looked quite stunning, but all they saw was each other!
They kissed and snuggled until they finally both fell back into the voluminous pillows around them, still touching along the length of their bodies, with their hands intertwined, happily collapsed together. Elizabeth watched as Nathan bent and laboriously removed his Dress Boots, stretching his long legs out in front of him with his still sock-covered feet resting on the Table.
She quickly curled her legs up under her Gown, snuggling in closer to her Husband's torso.
"Do you realize we're finally alone?" he asked.
"Yes, and this is also the first time we can actually relax! It's Heavenly. Absolute Heaven!"
"Here, Love, give me your feet."
She lifted her gown up enough to find her Wedding Heels and plopped them in his lap, where he removed them, set them on the Table, and gently started rubbing her exhausted dancing feet.
"Oh…. This really is Heaven. Now, I'm never going to let you stop!" she moaned.
"My, this Room really is so beautiful, Darling!" she added, glancing around the room.
"Yes, it is. Totally beautiful," he agreed staring directly at her.
She felt his almost reverent gaze and fell onto his shoulder, gently placing her head there, knowing exactly what he had meant and feeling exquisitely loved, as though she finally belonged somewhere, and without doubt, it was with this Man, her Husband.
"I can't believe it's ours, Nathan."
"We're incredibly blessed, Lisabeth."
"Yes, we are, Darling. You make me feel so cherished."
"You are cherished, Love. Totally and completely cherished."
And he kissed her in a way that only he could do, making her feel his love in her very soul.
They sat there for a while not saying a word, just taking each other in, as well as the fact that this beautiful place was theirs, their second home, built with Nathan's own hands.
But more importantly, they were taking in the fact, they were completely each others'.
After a while of shared communal silence, Nathan whispered into her ear.
"Champagne, Darling?"
"Yes, please! Just a sip or two!"
The Iced Champagne Bucket was within his reach, and Elizabeth watched, as her Husband stretched his long frame just slightly to grab the Chilled Bottle.
He kissed his Lisabeth one more time, tearing himself away from her just long enough to uncork the Bottle.
The loud Popping noise reverberated, with an intense explosion of bubbles causing the Cork to fly across the Room, with the excess Champagne flowing out onto the Table in front of them!
"There you go!" he smiled as his Wife squealed in delight.
She grabbed the Crystal Champagne Flutes set before them, holding them close for Nathan to pour.
"To my Ravishing Bride. May your life and our life together be everything you desire."
And he passionately kissed his Wife, holding her face tenderly with his free hand, letting it lovingly drop to her neck, where his fingertips sent a shiver down her spine.
"To my Ravishing Husband. May your life and our life together be everything you desire."
And she passionately kissed her Husband, reaching up with her free hand to tenderly touch his now very stubbled cheek.
"Do I need to shave?"
"Not a chance, Love. I love you just the way you are! Stubble and all!"
They clinked their glasses to honor their toast, and each took a sip.
"Hmm, I don't think I've ever been called ravishing before. Let me think, that means attractive, enchanting, and entrancing!" he teased, with great emphasis on each of the three "e" words.
"You'd better get used to it," she whispered in his ear, "because you're all those things and more, Nathan Grant. But, I'm curious, how do you know the exact words of the definition in the Dictionary?"
"A Man has to have some secrets," he winked.
She just shook her head, clearly still puzzled. She had noticed it before, when someone asked a question, he always had the exact answer. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, unless…
"Darling, do you have a photographic memory?"
He sidestepped that question with a little subterfuge, distracting his Wife, by staring only at her lips with his lop-sided grin, the message of which she quickly got, as they were unequivocally drawn back together.
There was a Tray of Finger Food on the Coffee Table as well, but neither was really focused on that kind of hunger.
He did, however, select the two most perfect bites, setting them out on a small plate for them to share, and after dipping them, fed one to his Bride, who returned the favor.
After feeding each other a single perfect strawberry, both dipped in Devonshire Clotted Cream, made by none other than Godfrey, their eyes met and locked on each other's, even before Elizabeth had a chance to think about icing her Husband's nose with the Cream.
For one split second, Husband and Wife both looked down demurely to the wooden floor beneath them, as though they might suddenly be shy with each other.
But that split second disappeared in a flash, as quickly as it had happened, and their eyes locked again, both speaking the language of utmost desire without any words at all.
It was their desire for each other, the desire that had been there from almost their first meeting, that filled their hearts and even the room about them.
Without words, the Groom kissed his Bride and swooped her up once more, into his strong arms, carrying her from their main Living Area into their Master Bedroom for the very first time, never once taking his eyes off of hers.
Her eyes never left his either, and the apprehension of last week, that she thought she might feel, was non-existent. It had instantly vanished when Nathan had reassured her about her own insecurities, and again today when she had seen her Groom standing by their Gazebo, waiting for her to walk down their makeshift aisle of a cleared path to marry him.
And then, yet again, when he had flirtatiously led his new Wife outside their Reception Tent to their own private spot. They both knew in that very intimate moment that their passion for each other was beyond what either could have ever imagined. Their feelings in that instant had become definitive, moving into something greater than each of them.
The Groom also had thought there might be nerves, that it would be normal, but tonight, he was calm and confident that their love would carry them through whatever was meant to be part of their future, as long as they faced it together.
On so many levels they were already one, except for this last intimacy which they would give one to the other, tonight, and for the rest of their lives, as God, Himself had ordained.
They were ready and they were longing for each other, needing each other.
Oh, there were butterflies for both to be sure, but the good kind of butterflies, the ones that make you feel warm and cherished and secure.
Neither was nervous.
Both had the deepest love and utmost respect for the other, always showing tons of care and tenderness one to the other, allowing them to relax in the knowledge that tonight was about them and only them.
Had they been able to see anything besides each other, they would have noticed the romantic Bedroom that had been prepared for them by their own Mothers' and Elizabeth's Sisters' hands.
Grace had taken the Lavender Orchids and Roses from Elizabeth's Bridal Spray, and put them in the Waterford Vase Nathan had given his Bride at her Bridal Party, placing them on the Couple's bedside table.
Viola and Julie had filled their Master Suite with Lavender and deep Pink Rose petals, more Rose-toned than Pink, along with petals of the many other Flowers used at their Wedding, scattering them all over Madelyne's loving Gift to the Couple: a stunning new hand-crocheted Bedspread and Shams in a beautiful Ecru.
Granda's old Wedding quilt, beautifully aged, was spread across the bottom of their huge Bed, which had been custom-made to be more than long enough for Nathan's tall frame.
The Silken Netting perfectly matched their Ecru Bed Linens and romantically enveloped the Bed, falling generously from its four thick rugged posters.
Madelyne had helped Godfrey prepare a tray of elegant food, along with a second bottle of Champagne on Ice, which she set on the huge rustic Dresser before their Bed, just in case it was needed.
Julie had snatched the Emerson gold leather-bound Book of Poetry Nathan had given Elizabeth on their first date and placed it by the Orchids and Roses her Mother had re-arranged. "Just in case they need some added romance," Julie had winked.
But the more experienced, married Ladies were not to be fooled.
"Julie! I hardly think that's necessary!" laughed Grace as everyone joined in. "But, it's a lovely thought, Darling. Truly lovely!"
Just enough Candles flickered throughout the Room here and there for ambiance, leaving the same golden sheen as Elizabeth's Wedding Gown.
Finally, the Bride and Groom were together in a Room he had built for them alone, their own Master Suite.
The Groom sat down on the edge of their Bed still holding his Bride, and they kissed again, in that way Elizabeth had so flirtatiously teased that night so long ago, back in the livery stall when he was tending to Sargent.
But this time there was no holding back…
Elizabeth turned to get up, but not before her new Husband told her something.
"Darling, I've never seen a Bride look more beautiful than you have all day than you do right now. You literally take my breath away. You did when you were walking down that grass Path to marry me, and you do now. The only word I know that comes close to touching you today is resplendent. It was a word my always joyous Grandmother Grant often used, one I heard as a small child, but couldn't say. All-day today, at our Wedding and our Reception, that word danced over and over in my mind and in my heart. And I know I am the luckiest Man in the World to have you for my Wife."
He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her Wedding Band, and she cried. With big tears falling down her Face.
"I don't deserve you, Nathan. You are too good to me. You always know exactly what I need and even desire, even when I don't know myself. I adore you. It's me, Darling, I'm the lucky one!"
He dried her tears, holding her close, caressing her, whispering sweet little things in her ear, till he was able to make her radiantly smile again, and even laugh a bit.
"You're an incorrigible flirt, Husband," pretending to be stern.
But then she melted, "And don't you ever stop! But just so we're clear, only with your Wife."
"Tell me again, who would that be? Could that possibly be this Beauty on my lap?"
She puffed out her lower lip, just like her Son when pouting, and instead showed him, pressing her lips against his in a kiss he'd not likely ever forget.
"Only me, Love. Only ever me."
She finally slid from his lap, turning her back to her new Husband, who lovingly kissed her neck, then he slowly and carefully started removing her Granda's Antique Diamond Comb, as well as the hairclips from her swept-back low chignon, one by one, allowing her hair to gently fall, cascading around her shoulders and down her back, creating an angelic halo effect in the golden light.
Her handsome Husband was truly in awe, having never seen such a beautiful being, and yet he was seeing only the back of his gorgeous new Wife.
He began running his long fingers through the strands of her hair, and she luxuriated at his touch, arching her back, allowing her head to fall back into his hands for total support.
He took a deep breath.
Then without words, but with total understanding of what she wanted from him without her asking, he swept her long silken hair over her shoulder, tenderly kissed her neck again, and unbuttoned the very tiny top Pearl Button of her exquisite Wedding Gown.
He bent his head to kiss her pale skin, which had been hidden underneath her Gown, but was now there for him, alone, to see, and she could feel the growing stubble of his beard against her soft skin, causing her breathing to grow faster.
He then unbuttoned the second Button, leaving a second kiss, then a third followed by yet another tender kiss, slowly working his way down the long row of Pearl Buttons, leaving her with a little shiver at the end, as he gasped at the magnificent long curve of her spine.
When he reached the very last Pearl Button, Elizabeth allowed her exquisite Gown to slip to the floor, then she stepped out of it in her matching lace corset, turning herself and her full attention to her new Groom.
His breathing was quick and shallow in anticipation, and she shyly lowered her lashes before she met his eyes again.
Now, it was her turn for the time being, and for the first time of many times to come, Elizabeth began removing the Leather Shoulder Strap that laced through her Husband's Golden Epaulettes.
He carefully unfastened the Latch to his Holster removing his Weapon, then stretched to reach their Bedside Table and placed the holstered Gun inside the top drawer there, quickly returning his full attention to his new Bride.
As both were gazing deeply into each other's eyes, Elizabeth slowly unbuckled her Husband's Belt, dropping it to the floor with the Buckle creating a loud thud.
She then tenderly caressed his Dress Serge, from the Gold Cording at his shoulders to the Red Wool across his chest, slowly moving to the Gold Buttons from top to bottom, where she methodically and very slowly began unbuttoning each and every one.
At last, his Serge conveniently fell from his broad shoulders, and she finished removing it for him, allowing it to fall next to her beautiful golden Gown, leaving her Groom clothed only in his Henley and Suspenders before her.
In her haste, she tore his Henley buttons open and caused his suspenders to fall from his broad shoulders.
The process had been slow up to now, but necessity intervened, and as they rapidly continued, completing the task at hand, they held each other in the most tender and loving of embraces, standing together, fully aware, they were indeed Husband and Wife.
Then Nathan gently lifted his Bride, who was still wearing her Wedding Pearls, onto their Bed, where they passionately professed their deep love for one another, until they were completely fulfilled as the two became one.
They were fully comfortable and at ease with each other, beautifully unencumbered in any way, gently exploring this new realm.
At one point, Elizabeth's Pearl Bracelet came between them, and Nathan lovingly lifted her wrist, squinting, trying his best to find the clasp in the dim candle-lit room. Fumbling a bit at first, he finally did, managing to unhook it, but without realizing there was a second safety hook to manage as well, which was completely different from the first, and much trickier, but thankfully, he quickly figured it out, managing it mostly by feel.
When he finally finished, Elizabeth turned her back just enough for him to unclasp her Pearl Necklace with her Grandmother's Diamond Cross Pendant. Having mastered the Bracelet and now with his eyes more accustomed to the dim light, he confidently collected himself to master the Necklace's larger clasp and similar safety hook as well, doing so between their earth-shattering kisses, which definitely added an extra layer of required skill to his task, but was not at all unwelcome.
When victorious, he was surprised and touched to find the Diamond North Star Necklace he had given Elizabeth, laying under the Diamond Cross, and he tenderly kissed it as it sat in the crevice of her clavicle, sending a chill through his Wife's body.
He paused just long enough to take her face into his own hands, breathlessly choking out the words, "You are excruciatingly beautiful, Lisabeth."
Then he took his long fingers and though he had never done it before, figured out how to remove her Pearl Drop Earrings, gently, one at a time, as she was busy showering him with fervent, impassioned kisses, thinking somewhere in her subconscious mind, that his taking the consideration and time to remove her Pearls so tenderly, even her Earrings, might just be the most intimate and romantic thing she had ever experienced.
All the Pearls and the Diamond Cross with them went flying to who knows where, but neither even noticed.
Then finally exhausted, the two lay totally contented beyond their dreams, in each other's arms.
This was their Wedding Night lasting the whole night through and well into the next day with their love overflowing.
Ironically not a single word had been spoken, other than those when the Groom removed the Bride's Wedding Pearls, as words simply weren't necessary between them.
For love was in their eyes, in their hearts, and in their touch.
And thus, each was communicating at a depth few Newlyweds are able to comprehend.
Perhaps neither was even able to really speak, for their love filled the Room with an intensity neither had previously experienced, and that intensity eviscerated the need for all the usual things such as endearments, expressions, or sounds of any kind.
All they needed was each other's touch.
That alone was more than enough.
For it was an overpowering love between them that so closely intertwined them together on every level, that they really didn't know where one ended and the other began.
One heart, one mind, one body.
They were finally one as Husband and Wife together.
Lying in each other's arms like this, neither of them could imagine anything greater than the closeness they had just experienced.
As their Pastor had said, the greatest gift of Marriage is to simply love and be loved, enjoying each other, partnering together in all that life offers.
It was because of that most precious gift of love, their contentment in each other was complete and their joy was boundless.
And all of that would simply continue to grow as they partnered through their beautiful life together.
There had been no sleep till dawn came.
Both exhausted, both full of amazement, both feeling more alive than they ever had.
"Close your eyes, Darling," as Nathan stroked her hair spread against his chest.
"Mm…" she sighed and finally closed her eyes finding the sweetest of sleeps, wrapped lovingly in her Husband's arms.
Hours went by with Nathan still holding her, not moving an inch, not wanting to wake her, but mostly gazing and reveling in the gift of his beautiful new Wife.
Luxuriating in their union, feeling as nothing in the world existed but her, marveling that she was his to love now and forever.
Finally, he closed his eyes for a bit too, but being the light sleeper and early riser he was, he soon awoke, although by now it was early afternoon.
He gently kissed the top of her head, and whispered, "I adore you, my Darling Wife."
She was sound asleep, so he rose, and laid her gently back on their pillows, kissing her once more oh so gently on her cheek, and then tore himself away.
He began his daily grooming ritual, realizing as he looked in the mirror, he had never felt so blessed or so happy. After completing the basics, he started to shave, then remembered Elizabeth saying she liked scruff, so he stopped himself.
"So, scruff it is, my Darling!"
He eyed his Blue Silk Pajamas, hanging along with Elizabeth's exquisite Negligee for last night, both still unworn, and quietly grabbed his Pajamas to quickly slip into.
He then silently hung Elizabeth's Bridal Gown and his Dress Uniform Serge, their Wedding Attire, on the hook he had conveniently placed on their Bathroom Door because he realized there was no way her Gown would even begin to fit into their rather large Wardrobe.
He then proceeded to quietly straighten their Bedroom.
After he closed the Drapes to keep out the glare from the sun's light, something they had forgotten to do last night, he couldn't resist kissing his Bride once more, then turned to sneak into the Kitchen to make his Lisabeth an early Breakfast.
Or more accurately a very, very late Brunch, as much of the day was already gone…
As he walked into their main Living Area, the Stone Floor was cold against his bare feet, but still surrounded by Elizabeth's love, it wasn't even noticed, as an inexplicable feeling came over him.
This was his and Elizabeth's Home, their Home away from Home.
And now for the first time in his young life, he truly understood what that meant.
Before Elizabeth, it had been only a dream, one he hadn't dared let himself entertain.
But then she had walked into his Mountie Office that day so long ago and his life was forever changed.
Somehow, he had known even back then, she was his everything.
She was his Home, and unbelievably this beautiful place he had built was also now their Home together.
It was overwhelming in such an extraordinary way.
He restarted the Fire from last night in their huge Fireplace, walked into their Kitchen, and quietly removed an iron skillet, along with a mixing bowl. Then he gathered the Eggs and began his task of making his Bride a much-loved Meal she could eat on waking.
Yes, there was Food waiting for them, but her new Husband was determined this most important First Meal, they would share together as Husband and Wife, was to be prepared by his very own hands…that's how much he loved her.
And he wasn't fixing her just anything. He was preparing a childhood favorite that Godfrey himself had taught him to make. As he was waiting on the skillet to get hot before pouring the batter in, as Godfrey had instructed, he started a pot of Coffee and a pot of Water for Elizabeth's Tea, then put on a small sauce pot for the Cherries he would add Sugar too and turn into Syrup that would be poured over the Main Course he was serving his Bride.
After some time, Nathan finished his endeavor of love and returned to their Bedroom with a beautiful Tray of the Brunch he had lovingly prepared, along with a vase of fresh Wildflowers, Elizabeth's favorites, that he had gone outside and picked himself.
Just inside their Bedroom Door, he couldn't resist a lop-sided grin, for his new Wife had moved over in their Bed into the exact spot he had left.
"Keeping it warm for you," she murmured with her eyes still closed.
He smiled.
He hadn't made a single sound, but she had felt his presence missing when he had left their Bedroom, and then again, she had felt him when he returned.
Of course, the wonderful smells of the Dutch Baby Pancake with her favorite Cherries didn't hurt, nor the hot Cherry Syrup he had made himself! All that, mixed with the scent of the Chamomile Tea she preferred and the strong Coffee he preferred, wafted through the air, causing her to fully waken and sit up in their bed.
"I'm so hungry!"
"How can you look so beautiful waking up?"
His look was one of awe and reverence.
But he quickly remembered his mission, and grinning again, sat the tray on their Nightstand, then sat himself on the edge of the bed to feed her. But she was having none of that as she pulled him into bed beside her.
They both laughed together, as he tumbled back on her.
"Good morning, beautiful Wife!"
"Good morning, handsome Husband!"
"So, you're going to test my serving skills, eh?"
"Yes, just after you kiss me, my Love."
It was a command and he happily obliged, laughing at her obstinance.
"Now, may we eat?" he asked teasingly.
"Maybe," she answered beguilingly.
"Let's try before this gets cold."
He did finally manage to feed her one bite…
"This is THE most delicious thing I have ever eaten. How did you learn to make this?"
"Oh, I'm a man of many talents."
"This is a Dutch Baby Pancake. It's Godfrey's recipe! He always made it for me when Cook was off! He taught you to make it, didn't he? It's perfect, Love, and this Cherry Syrup is divine! I can't believe you went to the trouble to do this!"
And at that moment, she realized that her new Husband had not overlooked one single detail in making their First Meal together perfect. Even down to her favorite Wildflowers, he had picked himself.
"You're totally spoiling me."
"Are you complaining, Mrs. Grant?"
"Never," and she nestled into him.
"You really are going to make this difficult, aren't you?" he said in a low voice.
"Pretty much, but if you hand me the Plate, I might be convinced to share."
He kissed her longingly, then stretching to reach it, handed her the Tray he had lovingly prepared for them.
"Oh, and I love the Wildflowers!"
"They're all for you!"
"Thank you, Love! Now, let's hurry and eat, so we can go back to sleep!" she whispered excitedly.
"Sleep?" he asked with raised eyebrows. "You don't even want to know what time it is."
"It's a Bride's prerogative to sleep in, I'll have you know!"
She stuffed his mouth with a huge bite of Dutch Baby Pancake and Cherry Syrup.
"Wow! I'm getting to be a pretty good Chef, aren't I?" he marveled.
"Ever my humble husband," she teased. "And yes, my Darling, you are the best, at any and every single thing you do!"
And she meant it, as his lips rapturously found hers.
They finally got back to the matter of their food, eating faster and faster between giggles, flirty grins, and complete contentment, till finally all they could do was clear the Tray on their bed and get back to the business of loving each other.
"I've never been so happy," she said in a voice that showed her amazement. "It's a happy level I never even knew existed."
"Same for me. Why did we wait so long, again?" he teased.
"I don't know, I think it had something to do with your stubborn fiancée. Silly girl! Wasting so much time! How could she have been so stubborn?"
"Just because! Besides her stubbornness is part of the reason I fell in love with her!"
"Uhm. Why did I fall in love with you? I can't even list the reasons. There is a plethora!"
"Just make sure you never forget that plethora of reasons, my dear Mrs. Grant. We might need to write those down in the near future. Just to keep for reference, of course!"
"Mrs. Nathan Grant, Mrs. Elizabeth Grant, Mrs. Grant! Do you realize how beautiful that sounds?" she asked excitedly as she waved her new Wedding Ring around to catch the sparkles from the afternoon sun, which were being magnified a hundred times by the mirror's reflection!
"It sounds like Heaven to me," and he looked deeply into her eyes till there was nothing left to do but get lost in their love, all over again.
"Oh, how I love, you Lisbeth. I never even imagined anything like this. And believe me, I've tried. But this, this is so much better than I could ever dream."
"Likewise, my Darling, likewise. In every single way."
And she tugged at her Husband, pulling him even closer to her…