Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 7, Page 77
Nathan and Dee's Wedding Reception
As the new bride and groom walked down the aisle with the congregation all standing and clapping, Sam was waiting in a carriage outside the church with Newton who had a beautiful wreath of roses around his neck that Molly had created. Nathan helped his charming bride into the carriage and cuddled up close to her as they spread a blanket over their laps. Everyone waved as they slowly went around town in style.
Nathan gave his wife a tender kiss and Dee told him, "I've got my love to keep me warm."
"For a lifetime," he smiled.
They arrived last in front of Billees and when they stepped down, Nathan went over to Newton and gave him a few pats thanking him for being part of his wedding! When they walked in, Constable Gabe called the Mounties to, "Attention!" This was quite the surprise for Nathan as they walked through the two rows of red serges across from eachother and into the room.
Applause broke out again and Dee and Nathan couldn't help but laugh as they looked around and saw their friends and family. Rosemary had accomplished a stunning decor of Valentine hearts and wedding bells flowing around the room and the roses and candles added volumes of romance to the atmosphere. Everyone was well-dressed and joyful. There was also a very excited social committee group there, the Chickadees, that were definitely a merry bunch. Dee nodded at Jane, and Jane winked as she acknowledged that they all were ready when Dee gave them the signal later.
The violinist and Angela playing the piano, provided graceful music as the guests were mingling. Molly stepped in to sing a few songs. 'By the light of the silvery moon', 'Me and my gal', 'A pretty girl is like a melody' which was a perfect choice for Dee and 'A good man is hard to find' which she directed to Nathan, but eyed Bill instead. When she stopped singing to take a break, Lee had put on various music records on the phonograph, including some that Jane had brought with.
Nathan and Dee were the first to dance as customary. They danced to their own tune of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"! Dee couldn't help but sing the lyrics to Nathan and the two of them felt swallowed up in their love as if they were the only two people in the room. They were an enchanting couple to watch as their love emanated from them!
Soon the music changed to a waltz, and Ted Gleixner tapped Nathan's shoulder and danced with his little chickadee. As they danced Ted was once again misty-eyed as they talked about how happy Dee was now. He gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead and told her, "You will always be my little chickadee!"
Her brother Walter tapped her shoulder next, so Ted allowed his son to cut in and went to his wife Bertie to dance. Walter and Dee were laughing and joking about him having two left feet. "I can't dance, but I wanted to let you know how amazing you and Nathan look together. I'm just so happy for you both."
"Yes, me too. Thanks Walter, you've always been there for me growing up. Now, why don't you go ask that attractive lady over there to dance. Her name is Fiona, and she's quite fun. Don't worry, you dance just fine," and she pushed her brother in Fiona's direction.
Meanwhile Nathan took Emily to the dance floor and they were talking about how so much had happened since he and Allie came up to see her at the farm. He went there brokenhearted after Elizabeth's rejection, and now here they were dancing at his wedding with the love of life and his soulmate, Dee. They were both so happy too that Emily was now in Hope Valley and had reconciled with Archie, and taught Allie so much that he wasn't able to. Emily hugged Nathan and told him, "You now have a gorgeous woman in your life who is as beautiful inside as outside. You are indeed blessed!" Emily felt a tap on her shoulder and looked to find Archie requesting to dance with her. She blushed, but Nathan told her, "Go ahead and you both have fun!"
It didn't take long and Nathan was dancing with Allie. "Did anyone tell you that you look very pretty tonight?"
"Yes," she shrugged. "No boys did though."
"They better not." Nathan laughed but was serious. "You are still my girl, remember that," as he hugged her.
Everyone was mingling and some were dancing. The Chickadees were some of the first to dance the fox trot. Their husbands joined them, but those alone each grabbed another Chickadee. Minnie and Joseph were actually dancing the fox trot too! Minnie had learned when Jane was giving dance lessons, and showed Joseph at home. They really impressed the group. So, naturally, Ned couldn't be out done so he had Flo out on the floor enjoying themselves.
Henry took this as a easy cue to take Dottie in his arms and dance. Dottie told him how stylish he looked and he was quite taken aback at just how charming Dottie was. Their attraction for each other was growing and their relationship was moving forward to both of their delights. Being alone was so hard, and now they discovered eachother's fondness. This was better than the good doctor had prescribed for Henry's high blood pressure for sure!
Marie and Bob Landoch were just watching at first while Karen and Allie tried to fox trot, but then they too joined in having fun.
Carson and Faith were there together and Nathan was glad they were, as he asked Carson to take pictures. That was going to be their wedding gift for them. The two of them were so grateful to be back together again and were looking forward to their own wedding in a few months.
Rosemary had such a delicious array of appetizers and hors d'oeuvres displayed for the guests with punch, coffee, and lemonade for the children. Emily's amazing wedding cake was so exquisite that Dee and Nathan were not wanting to cut it. Rosemary encouraged them to do so. Dee and Nathan walked over to Emily and thanked her with a kisses and hugs.
Bill clanged his glass and asked everyone to come and watch the cutting of the cake. Dee placed her hand on top of Nathan's and together they cut two slices of cake. Nathan took a slice and pretended he would smash it into Dee's mouth, but the look from Emily was enough to stop him. So, Dee reciprocated in kind but they both used their fingers to swipe the excess off of eachother's lips with a kiss. Rosemary went over and continued to cut the slices of cake and put on plates. Sam poured champagne into glasses. When Bill and Dorothy walked over to the Dee and Nathan, first Bill gave a toast followed by Dorothy and everyone cheered to the bride and groom as they kissed a little longer. "To Dee and Nathan, may God bless them and their new life together!"
Rosemary didn't waste anymore time and gathered any single ladies in the crowd to gather together for the bouquet tossing. Allie, Karen, Molly, Dottie, Faith, and Fiona stepped forward. Dee looked at them all and laughed. Who would catch it?
It was Molly! She turned as red as her hair and couldn't help but check to see what Bill's reaction was. He was charming as usual smiling his half-smile.
Soon, Walter had his sister sit on a chair and called his childhood friend, Nathan over. "Nathan, it's your turn. You my friend, can toss Dee's garter to some lucky guy." Nathan didn't waste any time, he gently lifted Dee's dress as Dee turned bright red like her roses were and quickly covered her back up. When Dee got up she put the chair on the stage and winked at Jane. Then Bill, Henry, Carson, Sam and Walter waited for the garter. The winner was Henry! Dottie grinned happily.
Jane walked over to Lee and told him to put on the jitterbug record per Dee's instructions. Lee nodded and soon the lively music was taking over the room. The laughter was contagious as everyone was on the dance floor kicking off their heels, and loosening up their ties. The fun was just beginning as the Chickadees were showing off all their steps they had faithfully practiced. It was definitely a roaring good time. Luckily Molly had seduced Bill on to the floor and he was thoroughly enjoying himself as he let his guard down. Dee tapped him on the shoulder and Molly obliged. Then, she took him on stage with her and sat him down on the chair. The Chickadees quickly surrounded him dancing all around and grabbing his tie and shimmied all about. Bill tried to leave, but Virlinda pushed him back to his seat. There was Teresa, Debbie, Janice, Joyce, Luciana, Catherine, Diane, Dawn, Darlene, Hope, Brenda, Kathy, Gail, Leanne, Mary, Marge, Sherri, Susanne, Frederica, Linda, Margaret and several more shimmying and dancing their hearts out. Everyone in the audience, including Molly, were laughing and Bill finally joined in.
"Wow ladies! You sure got me back!" Bill admitted. Nathan hugged Dee for her 'two-can-play-this-game' answer to what Bill had put Nathan through. Dee was hoping Nathan would enjoy it.
The reception continued with champagne and dancing until almost dinnertime. Everyone had enjoyed themselves immensely and didn't want to leave, but the Chickadees stayed and left last.
"Wasn't that a blast!" Jane asked her group.
"Better than I expected!" Liz answered.
Maryanne piped up, "I'm so glad we practiced, we really pulled it off tonight gals!"
"I hope we left an impression on Bill!" Carole joked.
"Oh we did sister, we did!" Edie confirmed.
