Gabriel stood with Pastor Zeke just in front of the arch at the bottom of the staircase as the clock struck eleven. Nathan had walked Billy upstairs to join Lillian. With the brief talk with his father, Gabriel felt more ready than ever to begin this new chapter. It was just a matter of Billy and Lillian walking down those steps and the vows being said.
Footsteps drew everyone's attention. Gabriel looked up to see Nathan hurrying back down the stairs.
"Are they ready?" Bill asked from his spot next to the piano.
Emily, who had been taking lessons from Rosemary for the past couple of years, was seated at the bench. She was playing the music for the processional, with Bill standing by to give her cues.
"They are," Nathan replied, as he took his spot behind Gabriel.
Bill had Emily begin. Upstairs, Stephen and Alicia appeared around the corner first, making their way along the second floor hallway toward the stairs. Gabriel smiled up at his niece and nephew. As they started down the steps, Alicia started tossing her flower petals on the floor as she walked down the steps next to her sister.
Grace had started her way toward the steps as the two children had reached the top of the steps. With most eyes focused on Grace as she came down the steps, Lillian and Billy started their walk toward the steps. Gabriel's gaze had shifted from Grace to his bride already. Even with the side profile, distance and the banister blocking some of his view Gabriel already thought Lillian looked like a vision.
Lillian approached the top of the stairs as Grace reached the bottom. Bill had Emily change to 'Here Comes the Bride'. Anyone who had not yet noticed Lillian focused their attention on her now as they got to their feet as Lillian and Billy started down the steps.
Though Billy had been nervous when he had gone upstairs, all traces of nerves were gone from his expression. It had been replaced with pride as he stood tall and straight, his arm looped through Lillian's. Gabriel felt a sense of pride knowing that it was his son and his bride at the top of those steps. Perhaps Billy would never feel comfortable calling him Dad, but Gabriel knew it would not change how he saw the boy.
As for Lillian, Gabriel had never seen her looking prettier. She simply took his breath away. The white flowers and tulle against her red hair looked becoming. The dress fit her figure just right. The silver threaded through the material sparkled as she made her way down the steps toward him.
Gabriel felt hands come to rest on his shoulders.
"I know she's pretty but you need to breathe, Gabe," Nathan whispered in his ear. "I'll catch you if you pass out but it would be better to avoid it."
At the reminder, Gabriel consciously let out the breath he had not realized he was holding. Nathan made a good point. The groom passing out was not how he wanted people to remember his wedding day. He had a feeling Lillian would not want it remembered that way either.
As Billy and Lillian passed through the arch, Billy let go of Lillian's arm. Though the original plan was for Billy to shake Gabriel's hand, the boy impulsively embraced Gabriel. Gabriel hugged the boy back. As they stepped apart, Billy went to stand with Nathan and Gabriel reached out for the hand not holding the bouquet. He held that hand between both of his.
"You are a vision in white, Miss Walsh," Gabriel told her softly as he gazed into her eyes.
"You look quite dashing yourself," Lillian whispered back.
Moving to stand in front of the steps, Pastor Zeke began addressing those gathered.
"We are gathered here today, to celebrate a sacred union. A union to be formed between this man and this woman, but also the young man who has come into their lives."
Both Gabriel and Lillian looked at Billy at those words. The boy smiled back at them as he stood in from of Nathan, the Mountie's hands resting on the boy's shoulders.
Pastor Zeke continued with the ceremony using the traditional vows. When it came time to exchange the rings, Lillian handed her bouquet to Grace while Gabriel knelt down to untie the rings from the pillow that Stephen held. Rings in hand, Gabriel stood and handed them both to Pastor Zeke. After a short explanation of the symbol of the ring, the pastor handed Gabriel the ring for Lillian.
With steady hands, Gabriel held the ring in his right hand as he reached for Lillian's left hand with his left hand. Placing his left hand under Lillian's trembling hand to help steady it, Gabriel repeated the words that Pastor Zeke was saying before slipping the ring on Lillian's finger.
As Lillian went to take Gabriel's ring from Pastor Zeke, it slipped from her trembling fingers. Gabriel was about to kneel down to retrieve it for her but Billy moved quicker. Retrieving the ring, Billy stepped up to Lillian's left side.
"Would it make you less nervous if I stood beside you, Miss Lillian?" Billy asked as he placed the ring in the palm of her hand.
Gabriel blinked away the tears threatening to fill his eyes at the question even as Lillian nodded.
"It sure would not hurt, Billy," Lillian told him, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
Billy slipped his arm around Lillian's waist and stood at her side. Pastor Zeke spoke the words for Lillian to repeat. When it came time for her to put the ring on Gabriel's finger, her hand was shaking so badly that Lillian could not quite manage it. Gabriel saw Lillian's face flush, and the look of joy started to fade away. Once again, Billy came to the rescue by silently taking the ring from Lillian's trembling fingers and placing in on Gabriel's left ring finger. Billy then turned and hugged Lillian.
"It's okay, Miss Lillian. Don't cry."
Lillian giggled as she hugged Billy back, her smile coming back.
Pastor Zeke paused, giving Lillian time to recover. When Billy finally took a step back from the bride, the pastor looked to Gabriel and nodded.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride," Pastor Zeke instructed.
As Billy moved toward Nathan, Gabriel closed the distance between him and Lillian. Wrapping one arm around her waist, he held her close to him as he placed his other hand on her cheek, wiping away a few tears that were there. Slowly, he pressed his lips against Lillian's, intending to keep the kiss brief in deference to Lillian. However, his bride wrapped her arms around him and deepened the kiss. For the next few moments, the only other person Gabriel was aware of was the woman in his arms.
When they finally broke apart, it was to applause. Over the noise Pastor Zeke introduced Constable and Mrs. Gabriel Kinslow.
With one hand still around Lillian's waist, Gabriel reached out for Billy's hand bringing him close. Carson took a picture of the three of them and then instructed Nathan and Grace to move in close and had Stephen and Alicia stand on either side of Billy in front of the adults. After the pictures were taken, people came forward to congratulate the couple. Gabriel was aware of Nathan picking Billy up and taking the boy out of the crowd of well wishers.
Gabriel was not sure how much time had passed when Fiona finally started to try ushering people back to their tables so they could all eat. Beside him, he noticed that Lillian was looking a little pale and that her smile for their guests was forced. He slipped his arm around her waist.
"Are you feeling okay?" Gabriel asked her, holding her close to him.
Lillian rested her head against him. "I am feeling a little lightheaded," she admitted.
"Take her back to Lucas' office," Nathan said from behind the couple. "A little time away from the crowd and attention might be just what she needs," he finished, having already stepped around Gabriel and Lillian to help clear the way.
"Do you want me to carry you?" Gabriel suggested, as they started to follow Nathan.
"I do not think that is necessary," Lillian replied, wearily. "Just don't let go of me."
Gabriel kissed the top of her head. "Not a chance," he assured her.
Reaching the office, Nathan held the door open for the newlyweds. Gabriel led Lillian over to the settee as Carson followed them inside. Nathan stood at the doorway waiting to see what or if he was needed for.
"It was probably just a case of nerves," Lillian finally said even as Carson checked her pulse. "I am starting to feel better already."
Carson removed his fingers from her wrist and smiled up at her. "I am inclined to agree with you. I think you should take another ten minutes back here away from everyone and then get something to eat. You did eat breakfast, right?"
"I had a muffin," Lillian admitted sheepishly. "My stomach was all butterflies this morning."
Carson laughed. "Definitely get something to eat," he told her.
"Yes, doctor," Lillian replied.
"Would you like a glass of water?" Lucas asked, holding one out to Lillian.
"Thank you," Lillian told him, taking the glass and taking a sip of it.
"Nathan, could you let the guests know what is going on?" Gabriel asked, taking the second glass of water Lucas had brought with him. "Let them start getting food. We'll come join you, when Lillian feels ready."
Nathan nodded. "You know me. I just love giving speeches," he joked as he left the doorway and headed back out to the main room.
Lillian did feel better after a little time away from the crowd. By the time Gabriel escorted her back into the main room, plates had been filled and people were ready for Pastor Zeke's blessing and Nathan's best man's speech. Grace had seen to making sure there was a plate ready for her sister and brother-in-law when they joined her and Chuck at their table.
When it seemed like most people had finished eating, Bill got people's attention. After a short speech explaining that Gabriel and Lillian wanted the reception be a celebration of Faith and Carson's union as well, the judge revealed his cakes for both couples. At Lillian and Gabriel's insistence, Faith and Carson cut and 'fed' each other some cake. After Faith purposely made Carson wear some frosting, he made sure to return the favor to the amusement of the gathered guests. While Carson and Faith wiped the frosting off themselves, Lillian and Gabriel cut their cake and fed it to one another in a civilized manner.
Rosemary put on music while the cake was enjoyed and as people finished their dessert, couples started to find their way out on the dance floor.
A half hour after the dancing began, Nathan found Billy. After giving the lad a crash course on how to properly cut in on a dance, Nathan motioned the boy toward the dance floor. As the boy headed to the dance floor, Nathan walked over to the table that Elizabeth and Laura were sitting at. An exhausted Jack had fallen asleep in Laura's lap while Elizabeth held a sleeping Gabriella. As they had been away most of the day, Elizabeth had elected to bring Gabriella with her as she had not tried her daughter on a bottle quite yet.
"Is this the sleeping table?" Nathan asked, taking in his two sleeping children despite the music and conversations taking place around them.
"Yes," Elizabeth said. She nodded at the chair next to her. "Sit down so I can have a human pillow as well."
Nathan chuckled. "Yes ma'am," he told her, sitting down in the chair next to his wife. He reached out and put an arm around Elizabeth's shoulders, pulling her toward him. Still cradling Gabriella, Elizabeth settled her head on her husband's chest.
"Did you put Billy up to that?" Elizabeth asked.
Nathan followed her gaze to see Gabriel stepping aside and letting Billy dance with Lillian. "Guilty as charged," he told his wife. "Every young man should now how to properly cut in. You never know when it might come in handy," he commented even as Gabriel pulled Ally out on the dance floor with him.
"If I recall, you walked away when you saw me dancing with someone instead of cutting in."
"That dance was ladies' choice."
"So, are you saying you would have cut in if it had not been ladies' choice?"
"I do not care to speculate," Nathan replied, causing Elizabeth to chuckle. His eyes found Lucas and Fiona out on the dance floor. "Nor do I think I have to worry about cutting in on a dance between you and Lucas at any point in the future."
Elizabeth laughed. Deciding to change the subject, she said, "I am glad that Lillian seems to be felling better, though I definitely could understand her feeling a little overwhelmed. I remember feeling that way myself at our wedding."
"Yes, I do remember you getting a little pale on me," Nathan replied. "I was afraid to ask you what was wrong for fear you would tell me you thought you had made a mistake."
"Marrying you, Nathan Grant, was definitely not a mistake," Elizabeth replied. "Though that does explain why you just suggested that we sit in the shade and you had Gabriel bring me some water."
Nathan kissed the top of his wife's head. He was happy that she was feeling well enough to be here with him today, even if she was not quite up for dancing today. There would be other opportunities for them to dance in the future, he would make sure of that.
"So, Elizabeth, am I allowed to ask the bride for a dance today?" Nathan asked as one song came to an end and another began. Out on the dance floor, Lillian kissed Billy's cheek before the boy ran off to join Matthew, Cody, Christian and Vincent in one of the corners. Gabriel returned to dancing with Lillian even as Ally headed toward the table that Bridget, Ivy, Opal, Autumn and Emily were sitting at.
"You may," Elizabeth replied. "Though only after I get to enjoy my human pillow for a couple more songs."
Nathan chuckled. "I will agree to those terms," he told her, more than content to just sit with his wife and daughter for a little while.
Nathan and Elizabeth sat in silence, as Lillian and Gabriel enjoyed an uninterrupted dance together. Chuck and Grace then approached the newlyweds and Grace danced with Gabriel while Chuck and Lillian shared a dance. After that, Victoria danced with her son while Arthur Kinslow danced with his daughter-in-law. As that song came to an end, Nathan finally disturbed Elizabeth.
"I won't be gone long," Nathan promised Elizabeth as she sat up. Gabriella still slept in her arms.
"We'll be right here," Elizabeth promised him, as Nathan made his way to where Lillian and Arthur were dancing.
Nathan waited for the song to end and Arthur and Lillian had taken a step away from each other to approach Lillian. Holding out his hand to her he asked, "may I have this dance with the lovely bride?"
Lillian nodded her consent. Next to them, Evelyn had taken the opportunity to dance with her brother.
"How are you feeling, Lillian?" Nathan asked as they swayed slowly to the music.
"Much better than earlier," Lillian replied. "I am quite sure I looked like a fool during the ceremony and then that little lightheaded spell. Not exactly how I wanted people to remember me during my wedding."
"No one will remember those things," Nathan assured her. "When people think of today, they are going to remember how lovely the bride looked walking down those steps and how endearing it was to see Billy part of the ceremony, even if it wasn't planned."
"That is sweet of you to say," Lillian replied, not quite convinced. "Thank you for your hospitality and all the work you put into making this day special for us, Nathan, especially considering Gabriella's early arrival."
"It was my pleasure, Lillian," Nathan told her sincerely before the two lapsed into silence and enjoyed the rest of their dance.
"This little guy is starting to get big," Bill said as he held Gilbert up in the air in front of him, causing the little boy to giggle.
In a nearby chair, Rachel nodded her ascent. "He is. I don't remember Autumn seeming to grow up so fast," she commented.
Abigail chuckled. "She probably did, you just forgot what it was like," she told her. The two had grown close working at the café together. "Having Gilbert in the café during the days has brought back pleasant memories of Peter at that age. I am sure the words 'he is growing up too fast' came out of my mouth more than once."
"Maybe all mothers say that," Rachel said, watching Bill interact with her son. Her attention was taking away from them as a hand rested on her shoulder. Looking up she found Tyler standing next to her. "I thought you said you would be working all day?" Rachel asked, her husband even as she tilted her head back for a kiss.
Tyler obliged his wife, leaning in to give her a kiss before answering her question. "I am but I thought I would check in on my wife and kids," Tyler replied, straightening up and looking at Bill and Gilbert. "I see the judge is keeping our son out of trouble."
"I am," Bill replied, "So, feel free to go back to Mountie business."
"As most of the town is in here, not much is happening out there," Tyler commented.
"Then sit down and enjoy a drink before leaving," Lucas said, holding out a glass of fruit punch to Tyler.
"You didn't spike that, did you?" Bill asked, unable to avoid giving the saloon owner a bit of a hard time.
"While I will not deny I have done so in the past, I would not do that to a drink I hand a man in uniform," Lucas replied, easily before slipping away.
The group shared a laugh as Tyler sat down. Taking a sip from the glass, Tyler placed it on the table even as Autumn ran up to him. "Can you share a quick dance with me, Pa?" the girl asked.
"Guess I am not sitting after all," Tyler said, getting to his feet so he could fulfill his adopted daughter's request.