Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 7, Page 75

Prelude to Nathan and Dee's wedding!

The week was slow at first for Dee, but the closer she came to the wedding, she knew her long wait was finally just about over. Luckily, she had no lessons on Fridays anymore since Superintendent Landis hired a permanent music teacher for Brookfield. She also planned on taking a two week break for their honeymoon. She knew she was going by train, but Nathan wasn't budging as to where, just how much time to take off. Of course she could rely on Rosemary to help out Elizabeth with the music lessons and she didn't even have to ask, as Rosemary was one of her closest friends, and such a thoughtful one at that.

Her excitement grew as she knew her family was coming in for the wedding by means of automobile just like they did for their engagement party. The Mounties had made arrangements for them to be driven part of the way by one family up north until Henry met them half way and drove them the rest of the way to Hope Valley. Henry also offered to drive everyone to the church when the time came so as to keep them all warm and Lee offered to drive the Grant family.

Bill too had offered to keep an eye on Hope Valley while Nathan was away on his honeymoon, with Constable Gabe from Brookfield coming by to check on things. Thankfully, his superintendent approved and the groom was free to enjoy his trip with his bride.

Rick and Sam had Billees all cleaned and spiffed up. The furniture was polished, the floors were shining, the windows were cleaned, the champagne was chilled, and beautiful wedding decorations and Valentines were hung with care under Rosemary's specific directions. The food and drink table had red and pink candles and flowers on a white tablecloth. The reception would provide hors d'oeuvres and appetizers along with coffee, punch, and champagne, and of course, Emily's wedding cake. Bill arranged for several of the Mounties to come dressed in their serges and stand at attention when the bride and groom entered. There were a few tables around the edges of the room, but Rosemary wanted room for talking, visiting, and dancing. Rosemary hired a violinist to play along with Angela at the piano, and Molly singing, during the gathering and Lee would then play records on the phonograph for dancing. Later, in the evening would follow a dinner for family, bridal party, and good friends.

Pastor Joseph went over the wedding ceremony itself including readings, followed by a short homily, exchange of vows and rings, then the final blessing! It was so exciting for Nathan and Dee. They hadn't told eachother their vows they wrote and Nathan hoped his expressed his overwhelming joy of having Dee with him for a lifetime. Dee hoped hers expressed her eagerness to be Nathan's bride as she had secretly dreamed of it throughout her youth and here they were ready to wed and it all was a reality!

It certainly was a full day for the Gleixners when they arrived Thursday evening. As promised by Bill, Dee's parents, Ted and Bertie, and brother Walter had rooms waiting for them at Billees. Dorothy her sister, and husband George, along with twins, Robert and Roberta would also be staying in the rooms next to them. Everyone was on time and Dee had arranged for her mom, sister, Emily, and Allie all to have their hair done on Saturday with her at Fiona's. Molly said she would help. The men would have to come on Friday if they needed a haircut, but she promised Nathan a cut and shave on Saturday morning first thing, before the ladies.

When Nathan and Dee had talked earlier to Archie, he was all on board, ready to witness his son become a devoted husband. He told him in all seriousness how proud he was of him and that he wished he could go back in time to have seen him as he grew into the honorable man that he was today. It really meant a lot to both of them. Nathan and Archie hugged and both grew misty-eyed. Dee was smiling and treasured their closeness.

Later they spoke with Ted and Bertie. Dee shared with her dad how they would start from the back of church and walk together to the front. Ted felt the responsibility of turning his precious daughter, his little chickadee, over to a new man in her life. He couldn't be happier or more confident that this marriage was truly the best future for his daughter. They hugged for a long time and Dee thanked her dad for being the best father she could ever hope for.

When the day finally came, it was sunny, but cold. Henry being the chauffeur for the day, picked up the ladies and brought them to Nichols and Dimes for Fiona to do their hairdos. It was filled with nervous, excited chatter. Emily told Dee that Nathan was up early and couldn't sleep. He had even gone on rounds and rode Newton like the wind again, taken a warm bath, and had already gotten his haircut and shave.

Rosemary stopped by and gave both mother their corsages, and wrist corsages to both Dorothy and Allie. She had a beautiful pink and red roses with baby's breath bouquet for Dee waiting for her at the church. Lee had taken to the men boutonnieres for Nathan, Bill, and Walter and both fathers.

Dottie had the dresses all pressed and ready to go, so she had asked Henry to pick them up and deliver them to the right homes. Of course, Dottie and Henry both were enjoying eachother's company so this turned out to be a great idea.

When they dropped off Allie and Emily's dresses at Nathan's they picked up the gorgeous wedding cake that Emily had tearfully made and spent most of her day, Friday, working on it. It would be her very tastiest and prettiest cake ever!

Bill had groomed Newton and hooked up a beautiful carriage for the newlyweds to ride from church to Billees in style. Molly even made a floral wreath for Newton.

Yes, the day for Nathan and Dee was about to change their lives for a lifetime. Nathan and Dee had found their true love, and would finally marry their sweetheart!