Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Chapter 3, Page 22
Allie and Karen had taken Robert and Roberta upstairs to get ready for bed. The dancing was still going on downstairs, but it was late for the little ones to be up. They had a long day and so did Allie and Karen who stayed up late the night before. So, after the twins heard a story and fell asleep, Allie and Karen laid down on the other bed for Dorothy and George, and fell asleep too.
Downstairs, the the merriment was contagious as Bill kept the wine flowing. Dancing and laughter filled the air. There were several female and a few male visitors dancing, but no one cared, they were having a very fun time! When Nathan and Dee thanked everyone for coming, there was one last toast by Dorothy who thanked Rosemary, Bill, Lee and Sam for such a beautiful evening and Henry Gowen for driving her parents half way here. "This night is truly a night to remember!"
Nathan went upstairs and woke up Allie and Karen to take them home. Archie stayed to clean with the rest of them and hugged his son and future daughter-in-law goodnight. Both Emily and Archie smiled and nodded at each other. Henry and Lee drove them home and then Lee went back to help clean up.
Nathan kissed Allie goodnight and Emily retired to her room. Karen's dad came and got her. Then, Nathan walked Dee home. They just stood in the living room hating to say goodnight and still filled with the love of family and friends. Now, they took one more moment to hold eachother and just relax in eachother's arms. "Did I tell you how absolutely dazzling you looked tonight?" asked Nathan.
"Yes, but you can tell me again," Dee smiled as she snuggled her head against his chest.
He tenderly lifted her face up to his and melted into her lips. She felt warm from head to toe. She wished this feeling would never end. Bravely, Nathan pulled away from her and said regretfully, "I better go before I show you how absolutely alluring you are." They kissed one last time before he left.
Dee was singing and waltzing around the living room when Faith came downstairs. "The princess is home," as she clapped her hands.
"Oh Faith, I do feel like a real princess, with a Prince Charming!" Dee radiated with joy.
It was Sunday morning and everyone came back to reality. At church most of their friends and family looked a little bit tired but happy. Dee was still glowing. Dorothy, George, and family, and Bertie and Ted met them in church and they all sat together taking up both sides. Pastor Joseph talked in his sermon from 1st Corinthians Love is Patient, Love is Kind...Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love. It was a perfect choice for a Sunday homily after an engagement party. Dee had the choirs ready to sing an Advent song, O Come, O Come Emmanuel and they did good without practicing. That was the best thing about Christmas songs, most people knew them by heart.
After church, the Grants and the Gleixners met for breakfast at Billees. There wasn't much choice as Bill and Sam were tired too, but not too tired to prepare some biscuits left over from last night, with sausage gravy, eggs, and a piping pot of hot coffee. They all talked about the wedding of course and the ladies knew after they ate that Rosemary and Dottie were going to open up the dress shop just for them. They had promised the dresses would all be ready by Christmas. When mentioning Christmas, Dorothy said, "I hope we have good weather again since Mom, Dad and Walter have to take the stagecoach to Brookfield. If we do get snow while at our house, we'll make room for everyone!"
"I can just see that! The kids on the floors with blankets and one bathroom." George joked.
"At least you have a bathroom," Bertie smiled. "I hope we get indoor plumbing soon!"
"Archie, you are more than welcome to join us," Dorothy extended the invitation.
"Yes, Dad, please do!" Nathan nudged Archie. Emily just smiled.
"Well, if it's all right, I'd be much obliged. Thank you." Archie nodded.
"All right ladies, let's get over to Dottie's dress shop now before the next stagecoach ride that Dorothy has to catch." Dee suggested, then leaned over and gave Nathan a kiss. "See you later," he winked.
The ladies were all excited to see the dresses, shoes, and accessories for the big day. Dottie and Rosemary had picked out some dresses for them to choose from. Getting their measurements and trying on the dresses started the giggling. "Being on Valentine's Day, Dorothy I'd like you to wear red and Allie, as the bridesmaid, I'd like you to wear pink." Dee suggested.
It didn't take too long and they were all set, except for Dee, who still was undecided about which wedding dress she wanted. "It'll be a surprise for you all!"
Much too soon, it was time for Dorothy and Bertie to travel home. Henry always the gentleman, picked up Bertie, Ted, and Walter to drive them half the way home until they met Mr. Romano and he would finish driving them to Brook Springs, while Dorothy and her family caught the stagecoach to Brookfield. They all hugged eachother goodbye and wished them safe travels. "See you soon. It'll be Christmas before we know it!"
