Hi Hearties

Thank you so much for reading and all the wonderful reviews.

I hope you're enjoying reading this at least half as much as I am writing it.

This chapter entails Jack and Elizabeth's wedding and I really don't think I did it justice but please let me know what you think.

I did struggle over the timeline of this story as I wanted them married before Christmas. I even Googled when school should break up in the US! (Friday before Christmas) I'm Australian so I didn't have a clue. (We have our long summer holidays over the Christmas period here.) I figured though since the writers don't always do things according to the period of time - period clothing not entirely accurate, language can often be too modern and the fact that Elizabeth would likely not even be allowed to be in a courtship, let alone married due to her teaching position (which doesn't bother me.) - I thought I'd take the plunge and hope not to frustrate readers. The Thornton's and Tom wouldn't have found out about the wedding till Saturday morning, they still ended up arriving into Hope Valley by midday Sunday!

Also, I hope you're enjoying having Rip and Pr Frank in the storyline. I realise they won't be there for Season 5 but I decided to leave them in anyway.

Thank you again for reading and I would really appreciate a review if you have the time.

Chapter 3

Jack stood anxiously at the front of the Church. His eyes wandered over the congregation as he nervously tried to avoid eye contact with anyone.

"Jack you'll be fine." Lee said giving him a pat on the back, and Jack nodded trying his best to agree.

Tom looked over at his brother and gave a half-supressed laugh. It was normally Jack who was the composed one he thought. He then looked out into the congregation and saw his Mother glaring at him. He quickly maintained his own composure and looked elsewhere.

Jack noticed heart palpitations in his chest and wasn't sure how much longer he could stand. He hoped having Elizabeth by his side would calm him down.

The Church double doors opened and in came Opal and Cody. Cody walked proudly down the aisle towards the front while Opal mostly skipped. Cody sat down in the pew on Jack's side of the Church and then Opal made her way over to Elizabeth's. She spotted Brownie on the pew and she took him in her arms and squeezed him before sitting down.

Rosemary then made her way down the aisle. Her eyes met Lee's and he gave her a loving smile.

Julie then made her entrance, her eyes clearly on Tom. Jack noticed and his mind wandered momentarily to the two of them. Hoping that having them here wasn't going to cause any sort of unfavourable interruptions.

Abigail then entered and took her place up front with Rosemary and Julie.

It was then the entire congregation stood. Jack saw Elizabeth entering through the double doors and he locked his eyes on her. He watched as her Father walk her into the Church and they made their way towards him.

Jack couldn't take his eyes off Elizabeth, he had never seen her look as beautiful as she did in her wedding dress as his bride. His eyes met hers and he looked at her adoringly.

She finally reached him at the front of the Church and she let go of her Father's arm.

Mr Thatcher placed Elizabeth's hand in Jack's and went to take his seat amongst the congregation.

"You look beautiful." Jack whispered so only she could hear, and she gave him a small smile.

Jack's nerves started to ease as he held onto Elizabeth's hands.

Elizabeth looked up at him slightly nervous but started to calm as she felt Jack's hands enclose around her own.

Pastor Frank waited for the congregation to be seated before starting.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here this evening to witness this man and woman join together in Holy Matrimony.

Firstly, Jack and Elizabeth would like to share a few words with each other, and with us all."

"Elizabeth" Jack started. "When we first met, you know you infuriated me. I even placed the blame on you for my initial unwanted placement here in Hope Valley. But as time went on I realised my early assumptions of you were wrong. I realised I loved you and we both came to appreciate this town we now live in." He said while momentarily looking out at the congregation before returning his eyes to Elizabeth.

"Firstly, I noticed your stubbornness, but then realised it was also one of your greatest assets. It's what makes you so determined, and is what drove you to take a teaching position here on the frontier. I soon also realised what an amazing teacher you are to the children here, and what an asset you are to this community." He looked over at the boys sitting next to Cody and then over at the girls before giving Opal a smile.

Jack noticed Opal hold up Brownie so he would have a good view of the ceremony.

Jack gave the little girl a wink and she softly giggled which didn't go unnoticed by Elizabeth. Jack then turned his attention back to Elizabeth.

"I also noticed your dread of spiders, snakes and other creepy crawlies, which was sometime advantageous on my behalf as you solicited a need for my attention." Jack said grinning and she grinned back. "You then surprised me when I noticed you had an appreciation in the countryside and you became comfortable here. I had already grown to love you by then but you still surprised me. It wasn't something I suspected from a young lady from Hamilton. It was quite alluring seeing you this way, with me being a country boy. Knowing you could appreciate the quiet country side, bright starts and babbling brooks." He said and they both smiled remembering their night out camping with the children.

"I could see you being happy living here, and with me. I noticed my love for you was reciprocated and it made my heart soar. There's been so many events over the years that has stopped us from getting here, especially the last few months, but I'm so glad we finally made it here today. You have made me so happy Elizabeth, in the good times and the bad. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone but you."

Elizabeth's tears started to trail down her cheeks. Jack gently wiped them away with his thumb and gave her a smile. She smiled back and composed herself before starting.

"I came here to Hope Valley not knowing what to expect. I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I got a lot more than I bargained for. Not long after arriving I met an infuriating Mountie." She said giving Jack a smile and the congregation laughed. "While infuriating I also found you intriguing, and you appeared to show some slight interest in me. That said however, I also had to vie for your attention as you did mine.

You saw me in Hamilton and the way I could appreciate that life, and I saw how it worried you. That said though, it never entered my mind that my old life would take me away from you. Hamilton is nothing compared to Hope Valley and it's certainly nothing compared to you. I don't miss the motor cars, mansions or the French boutiques. How could I want that since now I have horse rides, a house you're soon going to build me, and Rosemary who made me my beautiful wedding dress." Elizabeth smiled over at Rosemary who had placed her hands over her mouth and had small tears in her eyes. Elizabeth then looked back at Jack and found his eyes once more. "My life here, my teaching position, the children and all the people in Hope Valley have made me happy, but most of all Jack it's been you. You have made my heart so full that I couldn't want for anything more, and that is why I'm standing here today. I want nothing more than to be your wife, and for you to be my husband. I love you Jack…"

Elizabeth smiled through her tears and Jack gave her hands a firmer squeeze before they smiled at each other.

Pastor Frank then continued to officiate the ceremony.

"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

"I do." William Thatcher pronounced as he gave Jack a small smile.

Jack and Elizabeth both smiled at him before returning their gaze onto each other.

Jack then looked over his shoulder and nodded at Cody.

Cody stood up holding a small white pillow in his hand that held the wedding rings and he brought them up to Jack and Elizabeth.

"Jack Thornton do you take Elizabeth Thatcher to be your wife?
Do you promise to love, honour, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others
and holding only to her forevermore?"

"I do."

Elizabeth grinned at the realisation Jack had officially agreed to be her husband.

Jack gently removed a ring from the pillow that Cody held out, before taking her hand and ever so carefully sliding the ring onto her finger.

"Elizabeth Thatcher do you take Jack Thornton to be your Husband?
Do you promise to love, honour, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others
and holding only to him forevermore?"

"I do."

Jack felt elated at hearing Elizabeth's words and he gave her a smile. She took Jack's ring from the pillow Cody held out and then took Jack's hand and slid the ring onto his finger.

"With the power invested in me. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jack, you may kiss your bride."

Jack and Elizabeth took each other hands before their lips met and they lingered momentarily. Once they pulled away Elizabeth gave Jack a big grin and he smiled in return.

"May I present to you Mr and Mrs Jack Thornton." Frank announced.

The congregation cheered and Jack held out his arm to Elizabeth. She took hold of it and they made their way down the aisle before exiting out the double doors.

Elizabeth continued to tightly hold on to Jack's arm as they entered the white marquee set up down by the lake. It was filled with white tables and chairs, and the entire room had a beautiful warm glow to it from the numerous candles placed around the room.

"Jack this looks beautiful." Elizabeth said in awe of what her Father and friends had all prepared for them.

"Not as beautiful as you Mrs Thornton." Jack said and Elizabeth smiled before they gently kissed.

"It feels a little surreal Jack, thinking we are finally married."

"It does, and I am liking it so far."

"I am too." Elizabeth said feeling elated at the thought.

Jack guided her across the room and they stood waiting momentarily as all the guests silenced.

"I would just like to say a few words on behalf of myself and my wife…"

Elizabeth looked up at Jack and gave him a big grin as all the guests cheered.

"Firstly, we would like to thank Abigail, Rosemary, Julie and all the ladies of Hope Valley. You all planned and organised to make this day extra special for us.

And, most assuredly I would like to thank my beautiful wife…" Jack said, his eyes gazing into Elizabeth's before glancing back out towards their guests "As you all know, she faithfully waited for me to return to Hope Valley in the hopes this day would eventuate, and I can't even express at how please I am she did.

Elizabeth and I would also like to thank you all for being here, for all the support you have given us during our courtship and the period moving towards marriage. I realise I was absent for a great deal of our engagement but I'm so pleased that when I wasn't here I could trust that Elizabeth would be taken care by all of you, as she has been since the day she arrived in Hope Valley. Elizabeth and I have been very blessed to have all of you in our lives.

Thank you and I hope you all enjoy the rest of your evening." Jack finished and the guests clapped.

"The bouquet!" Rosemary called out.

"Oh… yes." Elizabeth exclaimed as she watched the single women start to gather together.

She turned around and threw her bouquet of flowers over her shoulder before turning around and realising Julie had caught them.

Julie had a big grin on her face as she looked over at Tom. Elizabeth rushed to her side and gave her little sister a hug.

"I hope I'm not pre-empting this Julie Thatcher."

"Oh, you know me, of course you're not!"

The two sisters hugged again before Elizabeth returned to Jack's side and Julie headed over to Tom.

Music quietly played and Jack offered out his hand to Elizabeth.

"Would you care to dance with me for the first time as your husband?"

"I would be delighted." Elizabeth agreed as she took Jack's arm he had offered out towards her.

She felt herself relax into him. The day had been amazing but she now felt she could unwind after all the excitement.

"I had an amazing day but I'm somewhat relieved it's over."

"You are?" Jack asked a little surprised.

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"I loved the wedding but after having to avoid you all day, it feels nice to be able to talk privately and be with you again."

"I understand." Jack replied placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I missed you today too."

Elizabeth rested her head on Jack's shoulder and he pulled her in closer as they danced quietly for a while.

Not too far away Elizabeth noticed Tom and Julie dancing together.

"Has Tom mentioned anything to you about Julie?" She enquired.

"Not a word. Have you heard anything from Julie?"

"All I know is that my Father is escorting them both back to Hamilton tomorrow.

Thankfully he never sent a chaperone to escort us."

"Have you forgotten, he did send you an escort to Hope Valley when you first arrived. It was me!"

"Well, it was a good thing he sent you wasn't it." Elizabeth said and they both laughed.

"Who knows though Jack, maybe Tom and Julie will be good for each other."

"Your Father has only just come around to accepting me into the family, I really hope this isn't going to cause further issues if he is pressured to have to accept another Thornton."

"I'm sure if Tom and Julie stay out of trouble my parents will be fine."

"Well, let's just hope they behave themselves."

Elizabeth slightly shrugged unknowingly. "I think they have grown up a little. I say we not worry about it unless we have reason to."

Jacked nodded in agreement.

"My Father gave us an open invitation earlier today, he stated that he would like it if we came for a visit to see him and Mother."

"He did?" Jack asked a little surprised and Elizabeth nodded.

"He did come all the way to Hope Valley to give us his blessing, and gave me away to you at the wedding. I don't think we need to be so surprised or have any cause for concern. I'm certain he has the best of intentions inviting us to Hamilton."

"After today, I think you might be right." Jack said giving her a smile. "I think it would be a good idea to go visit them, especially since your Mother wasn't able to make it today."

"And maybe we'll even smooth things over with Viola." Elizabeth stated getting up her hopes.

"I wouldn't want to push our luck."

"You're probably right. I think it's going to take a little more convincing for Viola to come around. If only she could see how happy I am, with you and with being here in Hope Valley."

"Well maybe she will if we make some time to spend with her."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement.

Jack pulled Elizabeth in closer while continuing to dance.

"So, are you going to tell me where you're taking me tonight Jack?"

"Are you sure you want to know now?" Jack coyly asked.

"I have had enough surprises for one day, I can't wait any longer Jack." She said smiling.

"Well Elizabeth, I'm taking you to a little cabin out in the forest."

She grinned, approving excitedly. "It's only 20 minutes from here so it won't take us too long."

"Oh Jack, it sounds amazing."

"It's getting pretty late and we have a few photos to have taken. We should probably get a move on." Jack said as Elizabeth nodded in agreement and they moved on to try find the rest of the wedding party.