PARADISE HILLS RESORT
"So this is where you will say your vows," Cheryl, the pleasant wedding planner told them. "Sunset is 6:08 pm tomorrow so the ceremony should begin about 6:00. How does that sound?"
"Perfect."
"Pastor David Robards will be officiating and here he is now." She held her hands out as a gray haired man joined them.
"Evening folks." He shook everyone's hands and then stood with his back to the water. "Shall we practice?"
Jack kissed Elizabeth's cheek and smiled. "22 hours and 9 minutes to go," he mentioned. She giggled and walked down the wooden deck path toward her father and Tom, Julie, and Elisa.
Elizabeth looked out at the set up. It was breathtaking in the dark. She couldn't imagine how amazing it would be at sunset.
Cheryl stood at the end of the wooden path. "Ok, folks. The first song will begin and Elisa, our beautiful flower girl will walk, scattering red rose petals along the path." Elisa walked slowly toward the front, pretending to scatter her flowers on the path. "Very good, sweetie. Next will be Tom and Julie." Tom offered his arm and walked down the path toward the Pastor. "Ok. Now, the music will change and Elizabeth and William will start walking."
"Ready, Bethie?"
"Yep!" He chuckled and led her down the path, kissing her cheek and slipping her hand into Jack's when they arrived under the flowered archway.
Jack looked at his lovely Elizabeth, candles flickering in her eyes, a huge smile on her face. "Maybe we should just do this right now," he suggested.
She squeezed his hands. "Tomorrow, babe. We can wait one more day."
The pastor went through the vows making sure they were exactly the way the couple wanted. "Then, I will tell you that you can…." Jack didn't wait, he just pulled her against his chest and kissed her, getting a laugh out of everyone there.
When he pulled back out of their kiss, her cheeks were flushed and a shy smile was on her lips. "Jack, take a walk with me." He nodded and held her hand as they walked back down the wooden, candlelit path. She stopped and took off her brace and her other shoe, giving them to Charlotte, and then gently set her feet in the sand, loving the feel of the cool sand between her toes.
"Ready?"
She nodded and intertwined her fingers with his, anxious to be alone with him. They walked for a bit and then he took off his shoes too. She realized they were in the shadows so most likely no one could see them. She moved her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, the emotion and romance of the beach and the weekend propelling her forward.
"Can you believe we are really here, in Aruba, getting married tomorrow?" she asked a moment later.
"Thank goodness because I am finding it super hard to resist you right now," he admitted. She apparently decided that kissing his neck and slipping her hand inside his shirt would help the situation. "Good heavens, Elizabeth, we need to stop." He gently removed her hand from his shirt and stepped back a bit. "If you keep that up, I can't be sure I will be able to stop."
"Sorry. Um, you're staying at the villa tonight, right?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"Yeah, I have the key."
"Ok. Walk me back to the hotel?"
"How's your leg?"
"It's a little achy, but I should be used to that by now." He scooped her up in his arms and started walking. "Babe, I know you're strong but it's a long walk to the hotel."
He carried her past the sand to the even ground of the parking lot. He set her down and slipped his own shoes on and then walked the rest of the way to the hotel. They rode the elevator to the top floor where their group of suites were. "So, tomorrow, Elizabeth."
"What about tomorrow?" He slipped his arms around her waist, looking deep in her blue eyes.
"Tomorrow I marry this pretty girl named Beth something-or-other."
"Oh, that girl again?" He leaned closer, their foreheads touching, feeling her warm breath on his lips.
"Mmhmm. This time, I know her last name will be Thornton for at least the next fifty years."
"That sounds good. Beth Thornton."
"It sounds perfect, and you know why?"
"Why?"
"Because she was born to be my wife and the mother of our five amazing children."
She smiled, so incredibly happy she could hardly contain herself. "You are the most adorable, wonderful, amazing man I have ever known and I consider it an honor to be your wife." He moved slightly and kissed her slowly. "I love you, cowboy."
"I love you too, Beth something-or-other."
Elizabeth walked into the suite that she was sharing with Julie and Elisa.
"Aunt Beth! You're getting married tomorrow!"
"Yes, Sweetie pie, I am."
"Can I sleep with you?"
"Sure."
"Yay! Julie said I had to ask you."
Julie walked in the room, her hair wet from a shower. "So, Beth. How did your walk go?"
Elizabeth smiled and felt her cheeks get hot. "Um fine. I'm going to get ready for bed." The bathroom was steamy from Julie's shower and all three of their dresses were hanging up to get rid of any wrinkles that traveling may have caused.
She smiled at her dress, imagining herself walking down the aisle toward the most insanely handsome groom she had ever seen. His hair perfectly messy, his dimples in full view when he caught her eye as she walked toward him. "Tomorrow, sweetheart. I'm all yours."
THE NEXT MORNING
Elizabeth wrapped her robe around herself as she walked to the door.
"Flowers for Elizabeth Thatcher?"
"That's me." She smiled at the large bouquet of deep red roses and baby's breath. "Thank you."
She closed the door and pulled out the card.
GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL
ELEVEN MORE HOURS AND YOU'LL BE MY WIFE. I CAN'T WAIT.
I LOVE YOU,
COWBOY
She pulled out her phone and took a picture. "I can't wait either." She texted him even though what she really wanted was to see him.
"Hey, cowboy."
"Hey, beautiful. How are u this morning?"
"Couldn't b better."
"That's good 2 hear."
"The flowers R beautiful. Thank u."
"My love, the flowers pale in comparison 2 u."
"Wow, that's quite a line."
"Only the truth, sweetie."
"I miss u.. Where r u?"
" the villa. U can't come over tho."
"I could."
"Nope. Off limits until 2night."
"That's 11 hours!"
"I kno but I made a promise that I would not see u until the wedding. It will b worth the wait. Trust me."
"I love u, Jack."
"I love u 2. See u at sunset, Beth something-or-other."
"I'll b there."
A FEW HOURS LATER
Tom, Bill, and William took Jack out for lunch, kind of a bachelor thing and to help pass the hours until the wedding.
"How are you holding up, Jack?" Bill asked him.
"Oh, fine. Just...ready."
"You two should have done a sunrise wedding, then you would already be married," Tom teased.
"That would have been an idea."
William sat quietly as everyone else chatted. He was having mixed emotions about giving away his Bethie. True, they hadn't had a good relationship for awhile, but that didn't mean that he loved her any less. He was proud of the woman she had become. He was proud of her independence, even though he struggled to tell her. He was even proud of her choice in husbands. The man sitting before him was kind and strong and he loved Elizabeth and he would take care of her. He couldn't ask for anything more as a father, except maybe if they lived in the same state as him. That would help.
"William? You doing ok?" Jack asked him, noticing his silence.
"Of course. Couldn't be happier."
"Good. Could I speak with you a moment?" Jack asked.
"Sure." They walked out to the deck of the restaurant and watched the sail boats and parasailers.
"Sir, I just want to make sure that you and I are in a good place. Are you ok with Elizabeth and I getting married?"
"Of course I am. I assure you, I would not have paid for all of this if I wasn't."
"Well, yes, and we are both grateful, but I'm not speaking of the money. I mean, are you really ok with me? I know I'm not as successful as some may be but I do love her with all of my heart and I will…"
"Jack, I know you aren't Charles but I also know she didn't love him. I know she loves you. I'm completely ok with you marrying Beth."
Jack let out a deep sigh of relief. "I'm so glad. Thank you." Jack shook his hand and smiled.
THE RESORT, 4 PM
Elizabeth allowed herself a long soak in the jetted tub, allowing the bubbles to massage away any last bit of nerves that lingered. Now, she was just excited.
"Beth, the ladies are here to do your makeup and hair! We've got 90 minutes until show time!" Julie yelled through the door.
"I'll be out soon."
Elizabeth went under the water for a moment, rinsing the vanilla coconut shampoo out of her hair. This was it. Time to make herself into a bride. She dried off and slipped her robe on, walking out of the bathroom.
"Lets do this," she said with a huge smile.
"Aunt Beth! Look at me!" Elisa ran in with her princess flower girl dress on, spinning around and jumping at the same time.
"Oh, Peanut! You are gorgeous!"
"Elisa, are you ready to get your hair done?" Julie asked.
"Can I have makeup too? Please? It's a special day!"
"Maybe a little lip gloss."
"Thank you, Julie!" Elisa crawled up on the chair with a huge smile on her cherubic face.
THE VILLA
The men were getting ready at the villa with Jack. It was an hour until show time and Jack was feeling a bit nervous.
"Cold feet, bro?" Tom asked as he watched Jack pace.
"Nope, only warm toes here. Just ready. I can't wait to see her dress and say our vows and dance with her and…"
"Keep in mind, her Dad is right over there."
"I wasn't going to say anything embarrassing, Tom. That part of our lives is never going to be in a discussion with him."
"Good plan." Jack was definitely ready for that part of their lives to change however. "You have the self-control of a saint, I think."
"Sometimes. It hasn't been easy to wait, but it's important to her."
"You've got it bad, that's for sure, bro."
"I'm in love, what can I say? Love means putting the other person ahead of yourself. You'll get it one day, Tom, and you won't know what hit you."
Tom didn't acknowledge Jack's statement. He was glad to have Julie in his life and he did have strong feelings. They'd said "I love you," but Tom didn't feel it like Jack seemed to. It worried him a bit. Maybe it would just take more time.
"I'm going to get ready," Jack told him.
"Jack," Tom said, stopping him. "Congratulations, bro. Dad would be so proud of you."
Jack nodded and hugged his little brother. "Thank you. That means a lot."
THE RESORT
Julie zipped Elizabeth into her dress and smoothed out any tiny wrinkles she saw. "You look exquisite, sister."
Elizabeth felt it. She turned and looked at herself in the full length mirror. The dress was perfect. The light, natural makeup felt good for a beach wedding, as did her hair. The top half of her hair had been gathered at the back of her head, twisted at the sides with a ribbon and tiny baby's breath interwoven into something resembling a crown or halo. The rest flowed freely allowing for the breezes that came off the Caribbean.
"Lets go," Elizabeth said, anxious to see Jack. "I'm ready." She looked down at her boot, wishing it wasn't there, but grateful it wasn't a cast. She was going to wear it until it was time to walk down the aisle and then she was going barefoot.
AT THE BEACH
Ten minutes. Jack only needed to wait ten more minutes. He turned under the flower archway and looked at the water. The sun was getting lower in the sky, reflecting off the water.
"Almost ready, son?" William had walked up to him and extended his hand.
"Yes, sir. Very ready."
Grace joined them, adjusting William's tie. "You look handsome, Will." She smiled and winked at him.
"You look beautiful, Gracie." He kissed her cheek and winked back. If Jack wasn't mistaken, he saw a blush creep onto Grace's face.
"Jack, you look very dashing." He smiled at her term and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you, Grace. You look lovely."
The Pastor walked up and greeted them. "Time for everyone to take their spots."
Jack's heartbeat sped up with anticipation as he turned to face the wooden path exquisitely lit up with purple and ivory tea lights in their lanterns.
He watched as Charlotte on Bill's arm walked up and joined him and then Grace moved over next to them. Pete and Clara and Viola and Lionel joined them as well.
He stood watching as he saw Elisa standing at the end of the walkway, barefoot, with her basket, waiting for her cue from the music. She waved, apparently very excited to get moving. He waved back and blew her a kiss.
At precisely six o'clock, the violin music began and Elisa smiled. She counted to three and then walked slowly toward him scattering red pedals as she went. When she got to the front, she wiggled her finger for him to bend down. He did and she kissed his cheek. "I love you, Uncle Jack."
"I love you, Peanut." She walked over next to Charlotte and Bill and Grace.
Julie and Tom made it to the front and then the music stopped for a moment.
"Ready, Bethie?" William asked her.
"Yes, Daddy." She slipped her fingers in the crook of his elbow as they took their spot to wait for the music to start.
Jack stopped breathing for a moment when he finally saw Elizabeth. Tears filled his eyes and he blinked quickly to clear them. He wanted to see her without any problems.
The music started and she walked toward him, a calm smile filling her face, the light from the sun turning everything around them pink and orange. It was breathtaking. She was breathtaking.
William placed Elizabeth's hand in Jack's and kissed her cheek. "Take care of each other," he told them and then stepped toward Grace.
Elizabeth and Jack were now facing each other, their fingers joined. "Hi, beautiful," he whispered.
"Hey, handsome," she whispered back.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here this evening, to witness and bless the joining of Jack Thornton and Elizabeth Thatcher in marriage. The union of marriage in heart, body, and mind is intended for their mutual joy and is not to be taken lightly. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"Her mother and I do," William said with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled at him and then returned her attention to Jack.
"Jack, please repeat after me. "I, Jack Thomas Thornton, take you, Elizabeth Grace Thatcher, to be my wedded wife.."
Jack squeezed her hands. "I, Jack Thomas Thornton, take you, Elizabeth Grace Thatcher, to be my wedded wife."
"To have and to hold, from this day forward.."
"To have and to hold, from this day forward…"
"For better or for worse, for richer or poorer.."
"For better or for worse, for richer or poorer…"
"In sickness or in health, to love and to cherish…"
"In sickness or in health, to love and to cherish.."
"For as long as we both shall live."
"For as long as we both shall live." Jack smiled as he finished. Elizabeth grinned knowing it was her turn.
"Elizabeth, repeat after me.."
As Elizabeth said her vows, the sun was slipping below the water, casting a lovely calm, blue glow on everything. The lanterns burned brightly and a slight breeze blew. She looked deep into his green eyes and poured her heart into her vows, amazing herself that she hadn't burst into tears. This was perfect. He was perfect for her.
"For as long as we both shall live."
"For as long as we both shall live," she finished.
"May I have the rings?" Tom and Julie handed the Pastor the rings and then stepped back.
"Jack, please take Elizabeth's ring, place it on her finger, and repeat after me. This ring is a symbol of my unending promise of love and faithfulness."
Jack slipped the ring on her finger next to her engagement ring and repeated, "This ring is a symbol of my unending promise of love and faithfulness."
"Elizabeth, please take Jack's ring, place it on his finger, and repeat after me. This ring is a symbol of my unending promise of love and faithfulness."
As she placed the ring on his finger and repeated her promise, she felt a tear drop fall on her hand. She looked up at Jack. He had tears on his face. She realized the ring now on his finger, must have made him think of his dad. "Oh, babe." She reached up and touched his cheek.
He knew he wasn't supposed to yet, but he stepped closer to her and kissed her forehead, lowering his head so their foreheads were touching. He just needed to feel her close.
"Tonight, with the repeating of their vows and the exchanging of their rings, I now pronounce that Jack and Elizabeth are husband and wife. Jack, you may kiss your bride."
Jack smiled, placing his hands on her face. "I love you."
"I love you too." She raised up on her toes and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his waist, unable to wait any longer.
Their family smiled and clapped as they kissed in the moonlight.
"Yay! Aunt Beth, you really are my Aunt now!" Elisa said as she threw her arms around them. Elizabeth picked her up and hugged her.
"Yes, I am, Peanut."
Everyone else walked up and congratulated them and eventually they started walking to the outdoor pavilion off to the side of the hotel.
Jack gently tugged his wife's hand and pulled her into the shadows. "Come here, Mrs. Thornton."
"Coming," she said with a laugh.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her until they had to breathe. "This dress, babe. My goodness.." He slid his fingers under the straps and then bent down to kiss her shoulder.
"You like it?" she whispered.
"That's an understatement." He kissed her lips again, his hands traveling to her waist and then the low draping fabric in the back. His fingers slid just under the fabric in the back, making her shiver with anticipation. "Are you cold?" he asked.
"No. Not cold. The opposite of cold," she stammered. He smiled and kissed her slowly, pulling her deeper into the perfect oblivion he was creating with his hands and magical lips. "Um. Jack, we need to get to our dinner." She said the words, but immediately missed him when he stopped kissing her.
"Yeah." He kissed her again and then scooped her up and carried her to the party.
Everyone clapped as they entered the pavilion, lit up by twinkle lights and candles. "It's Jack and Elizabeth Thornton, everyone!" Cheryl yelled.
The music started for their first dance. "Jack, did you tell them to play this?" The gentle guitar sounds of Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight," played on the speakers as he pulled her close.
"Of course I did. It's our song."
"Yes it is." She smiled and snuggled into his arms as he started singing in her ear. One more perfect thing to add to the evening.
The father daughter dance came next. Elizabeth had arranged for "Daddy, Dance with Me" by Krystal Keith. Although, she questioned her choice once they listened to the words. The tears flowed as they realized what was happening.
"Bethie, I just want you to know that I am so very proud of you."
"Thank you." She leaned against his chest and sighed, feeling like she was a child and he was rocking her to sleep.
"I want you to know that I think Jack was a perfect choice for you."
"I think so too."
"Even though I gave you away, I will always be there for you both." He kissed her cheeks and forehead. "I love you, sweetheart."
"I love you too, Daddy."
By the end of the song, Elizabeth was emotionally spent. What a wonderful day and it wasn't even over. She immediately searched for her new husband, finding him chatting with his mom at a table. He looked up as she walked over, giving her a grin. She walked up behind him and hugged his neck. "Hi, husband."
"Hello, wife."
"I was thinking maybe we could leave soon?"
"Don't you want to eat dinner?"
"I'd be ok with eating at the villa."
"Ok, well, I'm going to dance with Mom and Elisa and then we can go." She nodded, feeling a bit jealous that she had to share him with the other loves in his life. Then she remembered...they were going to have many years to dance together. She could share him for a few more minutes. "You ok?" he asked her.
"Of course. I've never been better."
Elizabeth watched as he danced with Charlotte and Elisa and Jack watched as she danced with Tom and Bill.
By the time dinner came out, they decided to eat with everyone else before leaving.
Finally around ten o'clock, the newlyweds got in their Jeep to drive the five miles to their villa. Jack grabbed her hand and kissed it. "It was perfect," he said simply.
"It was."
"Doing Ok?" She nodded. "Honey, there's no hurry tonight. We have all the time in the world."
"I'm glad. I don't want to rush."
He pulled into the driveway, parked the Jeep, and then walked around to open her door. "It's beautiful here," she said as she took in their surroundings.
"Wait until you see the views from the deck. It's amazing." They walked up to the door and he unlocked it. Then he picked her up and carried her across the threshold. "You've been on your leg a lot today."
"I have but it feels ok." Instead of putting her down, he leaned forward an inch and kissed her soft lips. "Thank you for taking care of me."
He put her down and held on, not wanting her even an inch away. "Of course."
"I mean for the last few months. I really appreciate everything you did for me."
"You're welcome." He touched her soft shoulder, sliding his fingers under the straps of her dress, giving her goosebumps. "I have a gift for you."
"Jack, you've given me so much. I don't need anything else, just you."
"Lets go see what it is." He took her fingers and pulled her behind him into the master suite.
She looked at the bed where there was a gift bag from Victoria's Secret. It made her pause for a moment. "You went into Victoria's Secret and bought me a present?"
"Two actually but I'll save one for tomorrow. I just want you to be comfortable and feel beautiful at the same time. I think that will accomplish that."
She bit her bottom lip and walked over to the bed. She pulled out a very lovely silk robe. It was pink and would match her tank and shorts set perfectly. She turned and looked at her husband. Suddenly, she loved him even more and that made her want to wear his thoughtful gift. "I'm going to go change. I'll be out soon," she told him. She walked over to her suitcase, opened it, and pulled out her Angel tank and shorts. "Babe, can you unzip my dress for me?"