Allie lay in bed on the day of her Dad and Quinn's Wedding, rereading the letter Quinn had given her the night before.
'Dear Allie
Happy Wedding Eve, I can't believe tomorrow I get to stand beside you and your Father, before God and all our friends and become part of your family.
Becoming part of your family and your life is a dream come true for me. Spending time with you and your Dad is the most amazing thing I get to do, and I am so thankful I can now do it every day for the rest of my life.
I wish I had the chance to meet your Mother, and although I couldn't, I know she is still watching over you. When your Dad asked me to marry him, I made her a promise. I promised her I would love you as she does, be there for you as she would, and never let you down. You can trust me, Allie. I promise to respect you, defend you, and fight beside you whenever you need me to.
I am going to do the same thing for your Dad.
I love you
Quinn'
Nathan woke; he blinked as he lay still, trying to figure out what he had heard. It came again, a sob. Allie. Nathan threw back the covers and rushed into her room.
"What is it, Allie? What's wrong? "Nathan asked gently as he sat on his daughter's bed next to where she lay. He stroked her hair as she curled into him.
"I'm sorry I woke you; I am not sad, Dad; these are happy tears," Allie explained, wiping her eyes. Allie pulled her hand from under the covers, the letter from Quinn in her hand.
"I might have had the same reaction last night when I read mine," Nathan explained. "I am even more glad Quinn didn't want to say our vows at the wedding in front of everyone."
"Would you like to read it, Dad?" Allie asked. "I don't mind if you do."
Nathan thought about reading the letter, curious to see what Quinn had said to his daughter. He hesitated, though, wondering if Quinn had meant the words to be private, only between Allie and her.
"Maybe I will, but later, I am not sure I could take the emotion right now; it's already a pretty emotional day." Nathan chuckled when Allie nodded in agreement. "Are you ready for today, Allie?"
"I'm ready, Dad; I promise these are happy tears; I can't wait for you and Quinn to get married." Allie's face was solemn as she reassured her Father. "Can I ask you something, Dad?"
"Anything," Nathan said.
"Would you be upset if I wanted to call Quinn Mum? Would you think I was betraying my actual mum?" Allie asked quietly.
"Of course not, Allie, and I am sure Quinn would love it too. You don't have to force anything; do what feels right for you when it feels right." Nathan remembered the day Allie had called him Dad out of the blue, how good it felt and how he would never tire of hearing her call him that.
"Now, maybe we should get up and have some breakfast; apparently, we have somewhere to be this morning," Nathan teased.
Nathan walked downstairs to start breakfast for him and Allie; peeking in, he saw Gabe was still sleeping and decided to let him be for a bit longer; there was no sense in them all being awake so early.
Standing at the stove preparing the coffee, he thought about Quinn's letter to him. Nathan knew he would read the letter repeatedly and keep it safe. He smiled when he remembered the words Quinn had written.
'Nathan,
You are the love of my life. I didn't realise a love like ours could exist.
I can't imagine my life without you and Allie by my side. The two of you complete me, and spending eternity will be my greatest joy.
When you asked me to marry you, I promised Colleen I would look after and love Allie with everything I had; I made her the same promise about you.
You are the best man I know, my best friend and love, and I am my best self with you...'
There was more to his letter, but his thoughts were interrupted by Allie and Gabe, heading towards him, teasing each other as they bounded down the stairs.
"You're up bright and early; anyone would think you had something special to do today," Gabe teased his friend, pleased when Allie rolled her eyes at him.
Nathan shook his head at his friend and continued making the coffee, "this will be you in a couple of weeks, and I will be glad to be there teasing you about what time you get up."
Gabe slapped Nathan on the back and started helping to prepare breakfast for them.
Quinn woke above the Cafe for the last time and lay there smiling, thinking about what a momentous day today was. After the previous year and all that happened, it was hard to believe she was this happy; at times, she hadn't thought she would ever feel happy again. She could barely believe today; she was finally marrying her true love.
Quinn knew it was far too early to start getting ready, but she was too full of nervous energy to remain in bed, so she quickly slipped into a dress and headed downstairs into the kitchen. She heard footsteps as she finished the coffee and looked up to see Sam, another early riser, she thought.
As they were finishing their breakfast, Fiona and Faith rapped on the door before entering and greeting them, full of excitement.
"We were wide awake early this morning and decided to come over and see if you were awake," Fiona explained. "It's far too special a day to stay in bed, not that you will need time to look stunning, Quinn.
The four of them shared another cup of tea before washing up, glad the Cafe was closed for the day and they didn't need to worry about interrupting customers. Quinn had suggested heading upstairs when the door opened again, and Rosemary rushed inside.
"Good morning, ladies; I see you were all off to an early start. I thought I'd come over and offer to help with whatever you need me to do this morning. I have some time before I need to see to the Church." Rosemary was full of energy, and her enthusiasm was catching; they all raced upstairs and started on their various tasks.
Quinn couldn't quite believe her eyes looking at a self in the full-length mirror. Rosemary had done a fantastic job on her dress; if possible, it was even more beautiful now that she had her hair and make-up done. Fiona had done her hair, and Quinn loved the style she selected, an updo that showed off the dress's neckline. Her hair was twisted into an intricate pattern that sat just above the nape of heck; it was elegant and pretty. Quinn had decided to do her own make-up; she never wore much and wanted to keep it as simple as possible. She wanted to feel and look like herself today.
As she studied her face, checking for imperfections in her make-up, she thought of her parents, wishing her Father and Mother could be there and see her on her wedding day. Blinking back the tears, she decided not to dwell on what couldn't be, instead focusing on the positives. One of the biggest positives of her relationship with Nathan was Allie, and she decided to go and see her stepdaughter. Allie had arrived last, having spent the morning with her Dad and was in with Faith, who was finishing her hair.
Despite promising she wouldn't, Quinn couldn't help asking how Nathan was. Allie giggled and said he was very excited but very nervous and had to have Uncle Gabe help him do his cufflinks. She laughed as she told them he had checked his pocket watch so many times Bill threatened to take it off him.
Quinn looked around as Faith finished Allie's hair, staring in awe at these incredible women who were with her, helping on her special day. All of them were beautiful, inside, and out, and she once again thanked God for guiding her to Hope Valley and this loving community.
Quinn reached out her hands to the others, and they formed a circle, "Thank you all so much for everything you have done for me. I couldn't have done it without you, and I wouldn't want to," Quinn's voice wobbled with emotion.
"No tears Quinn," said Sam, "you don't want to start all of us off, do you?"
Quinn was saved from answering by the sound of the Lee downstairs calling them. He was here to transport them all to the Church, and while it might be a tight squeeze, it was better than driving.
The women grabbed last-minute items, including their fresh bouquets, and headed downstairs. As they reached the kitchen, Quinn could see Lucas standing next to lee.
"I hope you don't mind, Quinn; I offered to drive some of you lovely ladies. I didn't want your dresses to crush," Lucas explained.
"Of course not, Lucas; it's very much appreciated."
"You all look wonderful," Lee said. "I think we better get going; I heard there is a very nervous Groom waiting at Hope Valley Church for you, Quinn."
Standing in the front of the Church with Gabe and Bill, Nathan tried to resist the urge to pace back and forth. He thought he had been nervous at home, but it was nothing to the nerves he felt now. Each time he looked up, he was met with a sea of faces, all looking toward him and the others, smiling expectantly. His hand reached for his pocket watch, but the sound of Bill clearing his throat made him pause. He glanced at Bill, who frowned and shook his head, then to Gabe, who smiled broadly. Nathan would enjoy it immensely when Gabe and his positions were reversed.
"it's been one minute since you last checked your watch; she is coming." Gabe was trying to reassure his friend while holding back his laughter.
Nathan acknowledged his friend's comment knowing they had been incredibly early; he hadn't been able to sit at home and wait. As he turned to say something to Gabe about payback, he heard a car horn from outside, the signal the bride had arrived.
There were murmurs, and hushed conversations as the congregation realised that Quinn had arrived. Now he knew she was here; he looked around at his friends in the Church pews and smiled, feeling entirely different. Taking a deep breath, he prepared to see Allie and Quinn coming toward him, ready for the ceremony to follow. He watched as Rosemary left the Church to check on the women; coming back inside, she smiled at him and sat at the Piano, ready to play the music as they walked down the aisle.
As Nathan saw the curtains at the end of the aisles twitch, he looked up to see Allie walking towards him, beaming. Nathan felt his eyes well with tears, and his throat tighten with the emotion of seeing his daughter looking so beautiful. He couldn't believe how like her Mother she looked at that moment, and he could see the beautiful woman she would become. He was happy and sad, knowing she had to grow up but wishing it wasn't happening so quickly.
Allie reached the end of the aisle and stepped toward him; he was surprised as Allie had planned to stand alongside Quinn and the other women. When Allie reached him, she gave him a quick one-armed hug before kissing his cheek and taking her place opposite him. He looked down at his feet, trying to control his emotions before facing everyone. As he turned to look at Gabe and Bill, he realised he wasn't the only one overcome with emotion; they, too, were trying to swallow back tears. Once again, Allie, with her simple gesture of love and support, had shown what a mature woman she was becoming.
Allie stood beaming at their friends and family in the Church, her face alight with happiness.
The curtains moved again, opening for Faith and then Fiona, who followed close behind. The ladies also looked stunning in the dresses Rosemary had created and smiled at Nathan as they took their places next to Allie.
A hush fell over everyone inside the Church as Rosemary started to play the Wedding March. Turning, they saw Quinn standing there as the curtains parted, supported by Sam.
Nathan's breath caught; he always thought Quinn was beautiful, but today she was radiant, and he had never seen her look more lovely. He watched as she looked at him, their eyes meeting, and he saw her smile of pure joy, just for him. Nathan couldn't contain his smile, his face lighting up, glowing with the love he felt for her.
Quinn seemed to float down the aisle toward him, the eyes of their friends following her as she made her way to where he stood. There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd as they watched the two of them gazing at each other, the love radiating from them almost tangible. Lee looked over and found Rosemary's eyes, smiling at her, happy for them both. Ned, sitting next to Florence, leaned over and kissed her cheek. Sitting next to Elizabeth, Lucas reached over and took her hand in his, squeezing it, pleased when she smiled brightly at him.
Sam looked around as she walked with Quinn, supporting her on the journey to Nathan. She was grateful that her friend had found a love like Nathan and Allie's after all she had been through and a town like Hope Valley to support her.
Sam smiled as Nathan walked toward them, unable to wait for Quinn to reach them. He stepped forward and took Quinn's hand smiling as Sam stopped and let him escort her the remainder of the way down the aisle.
Nathan paused at the top of the aisle and quickly kissed Quinn, smiling at her and whispering, "I love you so much."
"I love you too, Nathan," Quinn replied, squeezing the hand she held. Looking over at Allie, they chuckled as she rolled her eyes at her Father's antics.
The Church was hushed as Nathan and Quinn exchanged their vows, their voices clear and confident. Joseph hesitated as he was about to declare them husband-and-wife because Quinn turned to Allie, holding out her hand and beckoning her forward to stand next to her and Nathan.
Joseph laughed and changed the words he had been about to say to include Allie, pronouncing them husband, wife, and family. Finally, Nathan heard the words he had been waiting for, "you may kiss your bride," and didn't hesitate to take Quinn in his arms, much to the crowd's delight.
Nathan and Quinn's kiss was quick but sweet, sealing their commitment. Nathan might have continued the kiss except for Gabe, who cleared his throat, interrupting them.
As everyone cheered, Nathan and Quinn hurried down the aisle and outside, stopping at the base of the stairs. As people filed out behind them, they were in time to catch Nathan twirl Quinn around, lifting her off her feet and kissing her once again, this time much more soundly.
As the crowds gathered around them, offering congratulations and well wishes, Nathan reached out to Allie, bringing her close to him. "I love you, Allie; you look so beautiful."
"Thanks, Dad, you look pretty handsome yourself. Doesn't Quinn look amazing?"
Nathan agreed with Allie saying, "I am the luckiest man alive to have you as my daughter and Quinn as my wife." Reaching out, he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her forehead. As he hugged his daughter, he drew Quinn into the embrace, so the three stood there as a family unit.
Mike Hickham, the volunteer photographer for the day, looked over and snapped a picture of that moment. Mike knew we didn't have to wait to develop the photograph; he had beautifully captured one of their first moments as a family.
As the bridal party climbed into Lucas and Lee's cars, heading to the Saloon for the reception, the rest of the guests walked to meet them there. When Nathan and Quinn arrived, Mike asked them to wait before going inside so he could capture a few more photographs with them and their attendants. It also gave Gustav and the wait staff time to set up the buffet and prepare for everyone's arrival.
Nathan, Quinn, and the others patiently posed while Mike took numerous photographs of them in different configurations. Finally, Mike was satisfied that he had captured enough photos to adequately remember the day, and the bridal party was allowed to go into the Saloon and catch up with their guests.
Nathan and Quinn stood together, greeting their friends who wanted to congratulate them. After speaking to most people, Nathan and Quinn took the opportunity to mingle and walk amongst the crowds as they headed towards the buffet. As they stood filling their plates, Nathan watched as Allie mingled amongst her friends, pirouetting in front of her girlfriends to show off the beautiful dress that Rosemary created. He was less pleased when he saw Robert looking across at his daughter.
Quinn saw Nathan looking and touched him gently on the hand, "let her have this day, she looks wonderful, and everyone around her should admire her."
Nathan said, "I don't mind her being admired, as long as it's from a distance." Quinn chuckled, at his fatherly response, shaking her head at him.
Once everybody had eaten their fill, Gustav and his team pushed the tables back, creating a space for dancing. As Rosemary played a Waltz on the phonograph, Nathan took Quinn in his arms, spinning her around the dance floor.
Everyone stood watching the beautiful couple; they were striking together anytime, especially today when they looked like something out of a fairy-tale.
Gabe watched them for a moment, then asked Fiona to dance, followed by Bill, who danced with Faith. Robert stepped forward and asked Allie to dance so the young woman wouldn't be left out. The bridal party were joined by Rosemary Lee, Ned and Florence, Lucas and Elizabeth until the dance floor was packed with their guests.
Quinn laid her head against Nathan's chest as he led her around the dancefloor. "I didn't realise what a fantastic dancer you were, Nathan; this is a talent you have kept hidden from me. What else will I learn about you that I don't already know?"
Nathan smiled, "I'm a man of many hidden talents, Mrs Grant, and you have the rest of your life with me to find out what they are."
Nathan and Quinn danced for the next three songs before Nathan pulled back and took her hand in his, "come with me, Quinn." Dragging her off the dancefloor and away from the crowds, he walked outside.
"Nathan, you realise this party is for us; we probably shouldn't go too far."
Nathan squeezed her hand tighter and walked a little faster, 'if we hurry, Quinn, no one will miss us."
Nathan quickly drew Quinn into his arms, kissing her thoroughly, knowing there was no one to see them; everyone was inside.
As Nathan placed his lips against Quinn's, he felt this was their proper first kiss as a married couple, with no audience, and they weren't in a Church. Nathan kissed her with all the bottled-up emotions he had tried to suppress throughout the day.
Quinn could feel the pent-up emotions in Nathan's kiss, the urgency in the way his lips moved over hers, the tightness of his arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. Quinn met his passion with her own, returning kiss for kiss, pressing herself against him.
Gabe was the one to come and find them, stepping outside to look for the two of them. He snickered when he saw the two of them wrapped in each other's arms, oblivious to his presence.
Gabe cleared his throat loudly, catching their attention. "Am I constantly going to find the two of you sneaking around?"
"Not if you don't come looking for us, Gabe," Nathan replied.
Laughing, Gabe said, " it isn't me that is looking for you; your daughter sent me. Everybody wants to cut the cake and see you on your way to the honeymoon; I thought you would be looking forward to that."
Quinn didn't respond, but the heat rushed into her cheeks; blushing, she shook her head and walked away from the two men, heading into the Saloon.
"I hope you realise I'm keeping a record of everything you've done to me over the last two days, and I'm going to pay you back when it's your turn in a couple of weeks."
Gabe smiled, " I wouldn't expect anything less, Nathan."
Nathan and Quinn made their way to the front of the room, standing before the cake Minnie had made them. It wasn't a traditional wedding cake; it was made from Chocolate. Minnie was surprised at the request but realised it was perfect for this new family and happily made it for them.
Nathan and Quinn quickly cut the cake and handed it to everybody as dessert. Rosemary rushed to Quinn, "Come with me, Quinn; you need to change out of your wedding dress into a more suitable outfit to head out to the cottage."
Quinn looked at Rosemary, "oh my, it's that time; the day got away from me." Quinn suddenly felt breathless, heart racing at the thought of the honeymoon with Nathan.
Nathan had arranged with Lucas to have his change of clothes in a room upstairs, so he quickly changed out of his dress uniform and into clothes more suitable for the cabin. His bag, with the remainder of the clothes he needed for the honeymoon, was there as well, ready for them to leave.
Quinn looked around the bedroom above the Cafe where she had been sleeping since arriving in Hope Valley, ensuring she hadn't forgotten anything. She knew she was probably making Nathan wait downstairs for her, but she couldn't help it. She had changed out of her dress, hanging it lovingly on a hanger waiting for her to return and collect it. Now the time for the honeymoon had arrived; she was feeling nervous. This was so new to her and Nathan, and while she knew what to expect, she couldn't help but wonder about it.
Lee stood behind the car, waiting for Quinn and Nathan to climb inside after stowing their luggage in the back seat. He was driving the newlyweds to the cabin where they would spend their honeymoon. Lee chuckled, thinking of Mr Lewis and how shrewd he was offering the cabin; who wouldn't have fond memories of their honeymoon.
Bill had arranged to take Newton and Misty Dawn out the night before. There was a good-sized barn, well-equipped for the animals, so Nathan and Quinn could go riding if they so chose and get back to town if needed.
Bill had checked on the animals earlier that day; they were both fine and had enough feed to last the next several days.
Nathan and Quinn sat in the car's back seat, waving frantically to everybody still at the Saloon. They had said goodbye and kissed and hugged Allie, who was now standing with Opal and her family, happy to spend the time with them while her Dad and Quinn were away.
As promised, she would move Quinn's belongings into the Row house, so everything was set when she and Nathan returned. Allie couldn't wait to see Quinn's things in their home; even though she had witnessed Quinn and her Dad marry, she didn't think it would feel real until Quinn's things surrounded them and her Father and Quinn came home from the honeymoon.
Allie couldn't wait for the first night they spent together in the home, the three of them as a family.