A/N:
Here's the wedding. I hope you like it. Have a great day!
Chapter 44
After the fifth "Uh…humm" Grace finally got the young couples attention. While they stopped kissing, they did not release the hold on each other. Elizabeth's expression was one of slight embarrassment and frustration of getting caught and having to stop. Elizabeth's frustrated expression reminded Grace of Elizabeth's youth when she would get in trouble as a child when she thought she wasn't doing anything wrong.
"I told you young lady!" Grace began until she saw Elizabeth roll her eyes. Grace just shook her head at her daughter's reaction.
Charlette shook her head and placed her hand on her hip. "Jack…"
"Ma, please. I don't want a lecture."
"Then you should have listened to me. Now what are we going to do?"
"Well, pa said that when you two snuck off before your ceremony to meet, you snuck back into your room and bribed the flower girl with candy." Sassed Jack.
"What? Well…Fine!" Everyone laughed.
"So, ma, what do I need to do to bribe you, your favorite candy bar?"
"I had to give my flower girl a candy bar and promise to get her cotton candy when I got back from my honeymoon." Stated Grace and then realizing she spoke out loud.
"Wait, you snuck out too?"
Grace's red face told them the answer. The four of them laughed even more.
"Then why are you giving us such a hard time?" Asked Elizabeth.
"Because we're mothers." Said Grace.
"Let's go you two before we all get in trouble." Said Charlette. As they began to walk to the door Charlette continued. "At least put the blindfolds back on and pretend you listened to us." She said shaking her head.
"I can't believe you young man" Charlette began as her and Jack walked down the hall.
"You always told me that I frustrated you the most when I acted like you." He stated with a big grin. She playfully smacked the back of his head and laughed.
"Ouch." Jack stated with a grin.
Grace looked at her middle daughter. "What were you thinking young lady? Sneaking off to play kissy face with your fiancé."
"And I don't feel bad about it at all." Sassed Elizabeth with a growing smile.
Grace laughed and bumped Elizabeth's shoulder with hers.
…
After Elizabeth settled into her dressing room, Grace could see the peace that took over her middle daughter. The time with Jack, albeit short, was exactly what Elizabeth needed. Grace smiled knowing the connection her and Jack had. She was grateful that her daughter found her person she will happily spend her life with.
There was a knock on her door. "Come in" Elizabeth responded.
Her father slowly opened the door and stuck his head in. "Is it ok if I come in?"
"Yes father. You may come in. We are all dressed."
When Willaim stepped in, his eyes found Elizabeth standing tall in her wedding dress. His eyes started with her head, and he slowly looked her over to her feet and back up to her beautiful smile. He was speechless. She was so beautiful. She reminded him of her mother on their wedding day.
"Elizabeth Marie…you are…you look so beautiful." He stumbled over his words. "You look just like your mother did on our wedding day."
Elizabeth smiled. That was the greatest compliment he had ever given her. "Thank you, father. That means so much to me."
"Is it ok if I still walk you down the aisle? It's getting that time."
"Yes father. Please."
Grace stepped in and opened a flat box that contained a beautiful small tiara. The tiara was about an inch tall with intricate designs of flowers on it. It looked old but it was in beautiful condition.
"Elizabeth, I wore this at my wedding and my mother wore it at her wedding. Her mother did too. This is a family heirloom that has been passed down from generation to generation to generation. Now, it is time I pass it down to you."
"Oh, mother. It's beautiful! Would you please place it on my head for me?"
"My dear, it would be my honor."
Elizabeth squatted down enough for her mother to comfortably place it on her head. After adjusting it for a moment, she said, "It's perfect."
Elizabeth stood and looked at it in the mirror. "Oh mother…it's perfect."
Grace gave her a smile. "It's time dear. I need to find my seat. I love you!" With that, Grace gave her a gentle hug and kiss on her check.
William stepped forward and extended his arm after handing Elizabeth her bouquet of flowers. He handed her a handkerchief, "Here, you will need this."
Elizabeth looked up and saw her mother standing at the door looking back at her daughter. "Elizabeth, I love you."
Elizabeth smiled at her mother. "Mother, I need a favor from you, please."
Grace quickly walked back to her daughter and stood in front of her. "What do you need dear?"
"Mother…" Elizabeth hesitated. "Would you please walk with us down the aisle?"
Grace stood frozen in front of her daughter. She heard the words, but they didn't sink in.
"Mother, I would like for you to walk me down the aisle too. Would you please do me the honor of walking me down the aisle with my father?"
Without saying a word, Grace stepped beside her daughter and took her arm. "My precious daughter, walking you down the aisle to the man who is made for you will be one of my greatest honors in life."
Elizabeth squeezed her mother's arm. "I love you."
"I love you dear child. Now, lets go. I know your soul mate is waiting for you."
…
Charlette stood in front of Jack and gave him a huge smile. "Jack, you love that woman with your whole heart, and I will be happy."
"Yes, ma. I will do my best."
"Then I will be happy. I have something for you."
She pulled out a small velvet box and handed it to him. Jack slowly opened the box and instantly knew what he was looking at. He had a tear in his eye immediately. He took his finger and ran it around the edge of his father's pocket watch. He admired the watch his entire life. He would often look at it on his father's side of the dresser. He would hand it to his father while he was finishing getting ready to leave the house.
"Jack, this is your pocket watch now. Take care of it and pass it down in the family when the time comes."
"Ma, are you sure?"
"Yes, He would have wanted it that way."
"Thank you!" He gave her a hug. Then took the watch out of the box and opened it.
"I just had it cleaned. It is in perfect shape. I love you, son."
"I love you mom."
"I need to go and find my seat. You have five minutes."
"Ma, could you do one more favor for me?"
"Anything for you, Jack. What do you need me to do?"
"Ma, would you please stand with me?"
Along with a smile, a tear formed in the corner of her eyes. "I would love to stand with you."
"Thank you, ma. I love you."
"I love you, Jack."
…
Jack took those five minutes to think about his father. Stand in front of the mirror above the sink in the bathroom, "Pa, I hope you would be happy with me and my choices in life. I know you approve of Elizabeth. Somehow, I feel that you may have had a hand in all of this. I will remember every lesson you taught me, and I will become a man, a husband, and maybe a father in which you will be proud of."
Jack's mind turned to Elizabeth, his precious life partner. He considered himself blessed that she loves him. He didn't know why, but he was grateful, nonetheless. He looked at his new pocket watch from his father and realized that it was time. Frank stuck in head into the room and nodded for Jack to follow him. With the biggest smile he could have on his face, he placed the pocket watch in his right front pocked and took hold of his mother's hand and followed Frank.
…
Jack stood in the front of the church with Frank to his right and Tom, his best man, to his left standing beside their mother who was standing beside Jack. He placed his hand in his right front pocket and rubbed the watch to remind him of his father's presence. Jack looked up and noticed there were a lot more people in the audience than was invited. Jack leaned over to Frank to ask, but Frank answered before the question was asked.
"They are Elizabeth's whole class. They just showed up. We couldn't turn them away."
Jack laughed. He wasn't surprised. They loved their precious teacher as much as she loved them. "Of course, you couldn't. Elizabeth will be excited to see them."
The music changed and he noticed Abagail standing at the entrance to the church. She gave Jack a smile and then nodded toward her husband. Under his breath, he heard Frank say, "I am a blessed man." Jack patted him on his back, "Yes you are."
Frank's face turned red. Abagail found her place and the music changed again to the wedding march.
The crowd stood and Jack couldn't see the back of the church. He saw the top of the doors opened and knew that had to be Elizabeth. He wanted to see her but couldn't. He was getting a little antsy with anticipation. He saw her a few minutes ago, but this was completely different. Now, in front of God, family, friends, and Elizabeth's class, he wanted to see his bride.
Elizabeth stood at the entrance to the sanctuary holding onto her father's and mother's arm. She smiled when people stood and turned to see her. She immediately noticed her whole class was there. She raised her hand with the bouquet and gave them a special smile and nodded her head. When her father and mother started down the aisle, she noticed Jack standing tall and strong. He took her breath and she stopped walking. She didn't know if she would be able to walk and was certain if it wasn't for holding her parent's arms, her legs weren't strong enough to hold her up.
He was handsome. Even though they just saw each other, it was different in the sanctuary. In this place and at this moment, she was promising Jack her life and a future with him. Then she saw it. Jack's smile grew and the dimples formed and overtook his facial features. After pausing for a moment, she realized her legs were working and tried to rush down the aisle. Her parents kept her from running.
When she was standing in front of Jack, they couldn't take their eyes off of each other. Frank began talking about the importance of marriage and then asked who would give this woman away in marriage. They didn't hear a word of it. Frank was just back ground noise to them. They were so focused on each other. She was lost in his dimples, and he was lost in her eyes.
Their trance was broken when William took Elizabeth's hand and place it into Jack's hand. They stepped closer together and faced Frank. Before Frank began, Jack reached with his other hand and lightly pinched Elizabeth on the arm.
She looked in his direction and leaned in a little bit. "What was that for?"
"I wanted to make sure you were real." She looked and noticed his dimpled smile. She melted at his expression.
Elizabeth started to say something, but Frank leaned in and whispered. "Maybe you two should concentrate on me for a few minutes." He chuckled at the love between them.
"Oh." Elizabeth softly said. They turned their attention to Frank. "I promise I won't be long." They laughed among themselves.
Frank smiled at the couple and closed his notes. He looked straight ahead at the couple.
"Love comes to us in many ways. Sometimes love finds us early in life. Sometimes love finds us later in life. Sometimes love finds us after a tragedy. Sometimes love finds us unexpectantly. I don't think it matters how love finds us, the important thing is that love finds us.
Today, we come to witness the most amazing gift in life, true love. We witness true love between Jack and Elizabeth. Granted, their relationship has been different…and fast."
Everyone laughed at that statement.
"Their journey began around twenty years ago. Jack's father was a police officer in a town where Elizabeth's father had a warehouse. Through life's circumstances, Elizabeth's father and Jack's father became good friends. Jack's father noticed a picture of a young Elizabeth on William's desk. Along with her father, Jack's father also became good friends with Elizabeth. He would call her 'His Cinderella' and often gave her a Cinderella doll. While Jack and Elizabeth didn't meet then, that is where their journey began. Jack's father prayed for Jack and Elizabeth to marry later in life.
Then Jack's job brought him to Hope Valley on an assignment. Jack and Elizabeth's first meeting did not go very well."
Again, everyone who knew the story laughed remembering that event.
"Actually, she scared this investigator. He skipped out on the second meeting because he was afraid of our own, little Ms. Thatcher." Frank sassed with a huge smile.
Everyone was laughing at this moment. Jack's face grew red, and Elizabeth had a victorious smirk on her face.
"Once Jack realized she wasn't as rude as he thought, his father's prayers began to take hold. I think it was three days later they were talking marriage. Really you two, were you trying to set a world record or something?"
Elizabeth shot her eyes up to Frank and grinned. Jack laughed at the statement.
"We liked Jack but thought this was moving too fast. That was until Elizabeth spoke with my dear wife. Abagail and Elizabeth had a sister talk one evening and Abagail expressed her concern with the speed of their relationship. After talking with Elizabeth, Abagail's concern vanished. She knew this was a relationship that was going to last a lifetime. And that is what we are here to celebrate today.
"Jack and Elizabeth have decided to recite their own vows to each other."
Jack took a deep breath to calm his mind. He wasn't nervous. He just didn't want to mess this up.
"Elizabeth Marie Thatcher." Jack took a moment to look deep into her eyes while he took a half a step to be closer to her. He wanted her to hear and feel his words. He spoke slowly and deliberately. "In our very short time together, I have fallen in love with you. You are a kind and compassionate person who always looks out for others before yourself. You love your students as if they were your own kids." Her students cheered at Jack's words to agree with his statement. After the small laughter died down, Jack continued. "Elizabeth, I am not a perfect man, but my love for you is perfect. I will do everything I can to show you my love for you each day we have together here on earth. God has blessed me with you, and I will not take it for granted. For all of eternity, I will experience everything that is you and what makes you special. I look forward to the ups and downs of life because, from this moment forward, we walk this life together. I promise to keep you, to love you, to cherish you, and to honor you for the rest of my life."
Frank smiled and turned toward Elizabeth. She nodded and she took the same deep breath Jack did. She wanted to make sure he understood her love for him.
"Thomas Jack Thorton. I am sorry I scared you so much when we first met that you avoided me the next day at school. I promise I won't do that again." Family and friends erupted in laughter at her words, but also at the smirking look on her face. After the laughter died down, she continued. "My whole life I wanted a love that meant everything to me. A love that made me want to be with the person I loved. A love that…a love that made my toes tingle. Jack, my toes haven't stopped tingling since we first touched. Jack, I never expected to find love when I came to Hope Valley, but somewhere along the way, without even realizing it was happening, you became the most important person in my life. You are the love of my life, and I am blessed to be your mate for all the days of my life. I look forward to a lifetime of todays and tomorrows. Whatever may come our way, we walk hand in hand and face it together. I promise to keep you, to love you, to cherish you, and to honor you for the rest of my life."
Frank smiled at Elizabeth. He cleared his throat. "This is the perfect example of imperfect people loving perfectly."
Frank reached toward Tom who gave him the wedding bands. Both were new rings. Elizabeth's ring matched the ring given to her by Jack's mother. She was grateful for the engagement ring, but she was excited to join it with a new ring that was just Jack's and Elizabeth's. It matched perfectly. Jack's ring was a simple man's wedding ring. On the inside of the band of each ring, they had the following engraved. "With All My Love". Neither knew the other did it.
"These rings are a perfect symbol of their love, never ending. I think we can all see that simple truth in them today. Jack, please present this ring to Elizabeth."
"Elizabeth, with this ring, I promise you all of who I am. I promise to always love you and think of you first in our life. You are my greatest earthly treasure, and I will fan the flame between us and only us. You are my true love. I pledge everything that I am to you."
With that, he slowly and deliberately placed the ring on her ring finger of her left hand. After placing it there, he slowly raised her hand to his lips and place a gentle kiss on the back of her hand without talking his eyes off of her eyes.
Frank took Jack's ring and gave it to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, please present this ring to Jack."
"Jack, with this ring, I promise you all of who I am. I promise to always love you and think of you first in our life. You are my greatest earthly treasure, and I will fan the flame between us and only us. You are my true love. I pledge everything that I am to you."
They wrote the ring vows together. They wanted to have the same vows to each other. To them, it was perfect and exactly the way they feel for each other.
Frank smiled at them and motioned for Jack and Elizabeth to face each other. "Jack, Elizabeth, my greatest pleasure is to announce you as husband and wife. Jack, you may…"
Frank was cut off by Jack and Elizabeth leaning forward and kissing each other. They couldn't wait for Frank to announce them. They needed to kiss each other. Everyone cheered at their eagerness. The kiss wasn't long or a deep kiss, but it was the most moving kiss they have ever shared or experienced. The first kiss as a married couple was full of love for each other. When they pulled apart, they rested their foreheads against each other, and both had goofy smiles on their faces.
"We did it!" They both exclaimed. They leaned in again and slowly kissed. Frank cleared his throat. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. Thomas Jack and Mrs. Elizabeth Marie Thorton."
The crowd erupted again with loud cheers and applause as they stood. Jack leaned over and whispered, "I like the sound of that."
Elizabeth smiled, "Mrs. Thorton. It has a great ring to it doesn't it."
"I'm glad you like it because you are never going to lose it." He smiled.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
…
After a few pictures, they began their walk to the café. They wanted a few moments to themselves. They detoured through the park and the water fountain. They sat on the bench they have shared so many times. They didn't say much during their walk. They were just enjoying their time together without the crowds. When Elizabeth looked up to her husband's glowing face, she lost her breath at the expression of love in his eyes. His dimples were on full display, and she couldn't stand it anymore. Her lips had to be on his. He noticed the look of passion in her eyes, and he lost the ability to breath. When he noticed Elizabeth leaning in for a kiss, he met her halfway. Their kiss was a passion filled kiss, but not too much in public. When they pulled apart, he leaned his forehead against hers.
"Elizabeth let's get this party over with quickly."
She stood and pulled his hand for him to stand. "Let's go!"
They walked into Abagail's café to another round of cheers. Family and close friends were gathered enjoying conversations waiting for the new married couple to arrive. Elizabeth and Jack sat at a table just for the two of them. Throughout the evening, people would take the time to come and congratulate them. They enjoyed their time with their friends and family, but they just wished for five minutes of uninterrupted time together.
After forty five minutes, the dance floor opened. Jack smile and reached out his hand. "My dear wife, would you like to dance with me?"
"Wife…that will take some getting use too. I would love to dance with you."
She took his hand and let herself be led to the dance floor, which was a small section in the middle of the café.
As they began to dance, Elizabeth looked up to her husband. "This is the first time we danced with music."
"He laughed. I think I prefer no music."
"Why is that hubby?"
"Less distractions."
Jack pulled Elizabeth closer as they danced. Quickly, the music faded, and the people disappeared. They only thing they noticed was each other. They were lost in each other's eyes.
"Jack, thank you for making today so special."
"Elizabeth, you are the one who made this special. Thank you."
They kissed as they dance without realizing the who group of family and friends were watching them. After the dance, William asked if he could have a dance with his daughter. Jack grinned and reluctantly released his beautiful wife from his grasp.
Jack turned around and noticed his mother coming to him. He opened his arms and she walked right into his embrace.
William and Elizabeth danced a few moments before he spoke. "Elizabeth, I am sorry for how I acted. I was just worried you two were moving too fast and this marriage wouldn't be on the foundation for it to last a lifetime."
"It's ok father."
"No, it isn't. I should have known better. I know you and you always make good decisions on your life."
"Thank you, father."
Charlette was enjoying her dance with her oldest son. "You dance like your father."
"I should, he is the one who taught me. I am just glad I remember how."
"Lizzy has told me that you two dance often."
"Yeah. I enjoy dancing with her."
"Have you actually danced with music?"
"Not until tonight. How did you know?" He asked with his face turning a little red.
"Jack, how do you think your father knew those things." She smiled at him.
"Ma, please do not finish that story." He pleaded.
Charlette smiled at her oldest son. No matter how old he is or how mature he is, he was still a little boy to her.
"Ma, I miss him." He said with a sad, little boy look.
"I know sweetheart. I am sorry he can't be here to witness this tonight. I miss him too."
They dance for a few more moments together.
"Ma?" He asked slowly.
"Yes, son. What's on your mind?"
"I think you and Adam should give your relationship a chance. If he lives up to what you want and what I think he is, I am ok with whatever you two decide."
She leaned back in his embrace to look into Jack's face. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah" he stated softly. "I think I like him. He impressed me today. He seems like a nice man, and I can tell he likes you a lot. I can also see that you like him a lot too."
She danced a couple of more moments. "I think he does too. And…so do I. We are going slow, but I would like to see him again."
"Great. I look forward to getting to know him more when we come back from our honeymoon."
"So" Charlette began with a smirk. "The background check came back good?
Jack laughed while tilting his head back. "Yes, it did. The mailbox incident did show up along with the donuts in the school parking lot." He sassed.
"What do you think Tom will do?"
"He loves you too. It may take him a little longer, but he will come around. I will help him. We just want you to be happy."
"Thank you Jack. That means the world to me. If I haven't told you recently, your father would have been very proud of you."
Jack's eyes teared at that statement. "I hope so."
…
After several dances with other people, including Abagail, Vi, Julie, and Grace, Jack went looking for his wife. She just finished with her dance with Frank. She couldn't remember everyone she danced with.
"May I please dance with my wife?"
Elizabeth smiled at her husband. "I thought I would never find you again."
…
Charlette grabbed Frank's hand and asked for a dance. "I would enjoy dancing with you."
"Frank, thank you for what you said during the ceremony."
He looked at her confused.
"Don't act all innocent with me preacher man."
He chuckled. "I was wondering if you were going to catch that reference."
"I did."
"Charlette, sometimes love comes later in life. Go at your speed with Adam. Don't rush things. Get to know each other. And if you enjoy each other, spend more time with him. You are not forgetting your Thomas by continuing with your life. You will always love Tom and you see him every time you look at your two boys, nothing will change that. I also know Adam wouldn't want to change that."
"Thank you, Frank. You are really good at this."
…
Another hour went by with Elizabeth and Jack snacking on their food, talking with family and friends, and dancing with whomever wanted to dance. Finally, Jack and Elizabeth were ready to leave and enjoy the evening together. They were both a little nervous, but they were also excited to explore that part of their relationship they have waited on. Tonight, however, they wouldn't have to hold back any longer.
"Jack, may we go soon?"
"You read my mind, beautiful."
"Let's sneak out."
"I don't think they would let us. Let's tell everyone we are leaving."
Jack stood beside Elizabeth and got everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Elizabeth and I would like to express our love to you and thank you for celebrating this special day with us. We love you all and we are thankful you spent your day with us. With that said, we are leaving for our honeymoon. We will see you in two weeks."
They waved at everyone and began with hugs and kisses for family. When Jack hugged Abagail, she whispered in his ear. "Everything is set. I will be there at noon to drive you to the airport."
"Thank you sis." His grin spoke volumes and her eyes began to water. "You are the best sister anyone could have."
"Jack…now go. Enjoy your evening."
…
When they walked out of the café, there was a car waiting for Jack and Elizabeth. It was decorated by Frank and Tom with tin cans tied to the bumper and white shoe polish decorated the windows. They both laughed and got into the car.
"Jack, will you at least give me a hint on where we are going for our honeymoon?"
Jack pretended to think about it for a few minutes and gave her a mischievous smile.
"Fine. Just drive then and I will enjoy the scenery."
He smiled when she huffed. He reached over and took her hand. "Elizabeth, I hope you will enjoy what I have planned. Please, sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet."
"Yeah, it has been busy the last few hours, but I wouldn't change a thing about it."
"Me either."
Jack drove around town for a few minutes hoping she wouldn't catch on to what he was doing.
"Jack, are you lost?"
"No, Nani. I am not lost."
"Are you sure? We have passed the same store three times. Do we need to stop and ask for directions?" She teased.
"Sweetheart, don't even say that in joking."
She rolled her eyes. "Just tell me and I will help you find it."
"I know exactly where I am going."
After another trip around town, he started to the destination he had planned.
"Are you always this impatient?"
"Sure am."
"Huh…"
"To late to back out now."
"I would never think about that. I guess I just have to get used to your impatience. Are you this way with everything?"
"Yes, pretty much."
They both laughed. Then he pulled into her driveway.
"Jack, did you forget something?"
"No. This is where we will spend our first night together as a married couple."
"My…I mean, our apartment?"
Jack put the car in park and turned to face Elizabeth. "I know we are both nervous about tonight because we have never done this before. I wanted you to be comfortable. Well, as comfortable as you can be. I can't image any other place on earth you are more comfortable than your apartment. Plus, our first time together should be special for both of us. What better place than our first apartment?"
Elizabeth stared at her husband in disbelief. He was so thoughtful in thinking about her and how to make her comfortable. If she wasn't already deeply in love with this man, she would be now. "Jack! That is so thoughtful. And I think you're right. Are we staying here for the entire honeymoon?"
"No. That wouldn't be much of a honeymoon with everyone still in town. I have other plans. Abagil will be here tomorrow at eleven to take us to the airport."
"The airport?"
"Yes, the airport. Then we will begin our next phase of our honeymoon. We have a flight at one thirty to our honeymoon destination. We will stay there for the next two weeks and fly back that Saturday. We will have Sunday here before we head back to work on Monday. "
"Where?"
"Patience, Elizabeth, patience."
She gave him a pouting look with her bottom lip sticking out and batting her blue eyes at him.
"Wow! That's a powerful look."
She continued holding the look, but a smile was starting to break through the pouty lips.
He gave her the dimple smile that always makes her heart melt. "May I take my amazing wife into our apartment?"
She reached for his hand, "Let's go husband."