"Happy Wedding day!" Kate cried bursting into Elizabeth's room and pouncing onto her bed.
"Oh, what time it is?" Elizabeth muttered not opening her eyes but knowing from the bright room it was later then she usually woke up.
"It's time to get up! Abigail has you on a tight schedule today if we're going to get you married on time." Kate told her still bouncing.
"You are making me seasick, can't you wake me up like a normal person?" Elizabeth sighed sitting up to face Kate smoothing her hair.
"I thought about it, but this is probably the last time I dare enter your room without invitation. Once your a married women I won't be able to wake you up like this so I'm soaking it all in." Kate said giving her a smirk as Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
"There's one positive thing to come out of marriage." She teased making Kate laugh.
"What's first on this schedule?"
"Breakfast, bath, hair, make up, snack, dress, then wedding." Kate smiled as Elizabeth grinned unable to hide how excited she was.
"What is Jack doing today?"
"Oh Jack is under strict instructions not to come anywhere near you. Rosemary is in charge of that." Kate said.
"Of course she is" Elizabeth laughed.
"I have something for you before your day becomes to busy." Kate said turning quiet as she reached behind her pulling out a little wrapped gift.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked.
"You have to open it" Kate sighed as Elizabeth tore open the paper pulling out a little journal. She opened it up flipping through it. Each page was filled with different hand writing as she skimmed each one.
"I know that it's hard not having Mother today, and when your married or having children. So I asked all the women in town to give you some advice that a mother might give. Abigail put a ton of recipes, Rosemary wrote five pages, everyone filled it up with love and words of wisdom that a mother would give. Julie and Viola wrote some too, I know we don't have family really but, these people are our family and they were so excited to make this for you. I just thought maybe, if you ever have one of those time you don't know what do to, and were wishing for some advice from a mother, you might still have this. " Kate said softly.
"It's perfect." Elizabeth whispered reading the last page written by her sister.
"I don't have any advice for you, but I do know how loving and kind and true you are. Aunt Agatha once said you were just like Mother that way. I know Mother and Father would be really proud of who you are, and they would love Jack because he loves you so much." Kate said with a little shrug.
"I love it, thank you, I will truly cherish it forever." Elizabeth smiled wiping a tear as she gave Kate a hug.
"You can't start crying yet, it's going to be a long day if you start crying now." Kate whispered making Elizabeth laugh through her tears as she pulled back letting Kate go.
"You and me right?" Kate asked.
"You and me forever" Elizabeth smiled squeezing her hand.
"Girls! Elizabeth! Lord in Heaven are you not awake yet!" The heard Rosemary yell from downstairs clearly having let herself in.
"You ready for this?" Kate laughed.
"I'm ready" Elizabeth smiled.
"It's to bad your family couldn't come today." Abigail said running a brush through Elizabeth's long curls as Rosemary started to put make up on her.
"I know, but Viola couldn't possibly make the trip with a new baby. And Julie was just here, Uncle Henry is away traveling for work, Grandmother is in Paris. It was just to short notice." Elizabeth said softly.
"Well, they will have to come visit when you two are moved into your new house." Abigail said.
"Yes, and in the mean time. I'm just glad I have all of you, your my family too." Elizabeth said smiling at Abigail in the mirror of her dressing table.
"To bad Julie didn't stay a few more days, she would have been here when Jack got back." Kate said.
"Kate you should go get dressed, we only have 20 more minutes before we need to be at the church." Rosemary said glancing at her.
"Ok, good luck." Kate smiled at Elizabeth before going into her own bedroom where her pale pink dress hung by her door. Rosemary had surprised her with it this morning, Kate had just expected to wear one of her dresses from Hamilton. It was beautiful and Kate was so grateful Rosemary and Clara took the time to make it for her. Especially when Rosemary and Abigail didn't have her dresses. Kate reached up pulling it down.
"Here we go" She whispered.
Across town Jack paced the Jail office as Bill tried his best to shine Jack's boots and Lee looked in the mirror straightening his tie for the third time.
"We should go." Jack said glancing out the window. Cat Montgomery and her children walked by on the way to the church in their Sunday best.
"It's still to early." Lee said for the third time in ten minutes.
"And you don't even have shoes." Bill pointed out frowning as he tried to get out the scuff.
"Let me try." Jack said.
"And get shoe polish on your surge, no way." Bill frowned.
"Jack, why don't you sit down and relax" Lee offered taking a seat on Jack's desk. Rip sat watching them all, looking back and forth between them.
"Relax!" Jack scoffed shaking his head.
"Hello!" A voice called as the door swung open. They all turned as Charlotte Thornton strode into to office.
"Ma!" Jack cried going to give her a hug.
"What are you doing here?" Jack cried when he let her go.
"You didn't think I would miss my own son's wedding did you? Your brother sends his best but he couldn't leave work" Charlotte said.
"Tom with a job, somethings will never stop sounding strange" Jack chuckled.
"Charlotte, good to see you." Bill greeted her with a handshake.
"You too Bill, and Lee, thanks for taking care of my boy here." Charlotte said reaching up to fix Jack's hair.
"Ma, stop! How long are you staying?" Jack waved her hand away.
"Just the day, leaving early tomorrow, I'm on my way to the new settlement out west."
"Are you ever going to put down roots?" Jack chuckled.
"Not if I can help it. So how you doing son? Cold feet yet?"
"No, none actually" Jack shook his head.
"Just impatient" Bill smirked at him.
"I don't want to be late!" Jack said again.
"Jack, your the groom, it's not going to start without you." Lee chuckled again.
"Well I don't want Elizabeth waiting for me."
"Rosemary will come get us when it is time for us to go. You know women, they are always late." Bill assured him.
"Not Elizabeth" Jack frowned.
"Well with rosemary running she show like she is, she will be." Bill said making them laugh.
"Sit down Jack, take a load off." Bill said.
"If someone tells me to relax one more time.." Jack muttered making everyone else in the room laugh.
"How do I look?" Elizabeth asked as Kate stepped into the room after she had seen Abigail and Rosemary leave. In the crazy rush and excitement that had been their morning Kate wasn't sure she even had a minute to sit down. Abigail, Rosemary, Clara, Faith and many of the other women were in and out all day helping them and checking on things. They had not had a minute to think since waking up. But now, alone in Elizabeth room, a calm seemed to wash over them as Elizabeth did a little twirl for Kate. Kate looked at her sister, she was always beautiful of course. But today was a different kind of beautiful. Rosemary had tied her hair back away from her face in a fancy knot. A small flower wreath sat on top of her head with some white ribbon hanging down the back. Kate had seen the wedding dress many time as Rosemary and Clara had been making it but she never imagined it would look so beautiful as it did on Elizabeth. Long sleeve white lace with a hooped skirt and a train that trailed on the floor behind her. Kate was at a loss for words as she grabbed her sisters hand beaming at her.
"You look like those china dolls Grandmother used to buy for me and never let me play with, except even prettier then that" Kate whispered at a loss for anything else to compare her sister too. Elizabeth giggled squeezing her hand.
"Turn around, let me fix your hair." Elizabeth said softly.
"Shouldn't I be taking care of you today?" Kate asked but she turned to Elizabeth could tie back the front of her curls from her face.
"I will always be your big sister, no matter what day it is. Oh Katie you look so beautiful" Elizabeth smiled as Kate turned back to look at her.
"I can't want for Jack to see you in that dress" Kate breathed still unable to accept how perfect her sister looked.
"Knock knock, well aren't you two a picture" Abigail gasped coming into the room as both girls turned to her.
"Is it time?" Elizabeth asked.
"It is, are you ready?" Abigail asked. Kate looked up at Elizabeth who was smiling as she clasped her hands together.
"She's ready" Kate giggled.
Abigail and Kate carried Elizabeth's train being sure to keep her dress off the ground as they made their way to the church where everyone was sitting in silence waiting. A curtain had been put up so no one could see them enter but Elizabeth still stayed behind the closed doors as Kate hurried in to help get everything ready.
"Mrs Thornton!" Kate smiled surprised to see her standing in the back by the door.
"Kate! So good to see you, my don't you look fancy." Charlotte gave her a hug.
"Another surprise visit?" Kate asked.
"You know me, how's our Lizzie doing?"
"She's good, excited" Kate grinned.
"Jack too, I thought that man was going to wear a hold in his floor pacing like he was" Charlotte rolled her eyes making Kate laugh.
"It's been a long time coming."
"Truer words never spoken. I should take my seat so they can get started." Charlotte gave her a wink before heading to the front of the church.
"You look beautiful Opal" Kate grinned as the tiny girl gave her a hug.
"I can't wait to see Miss Thatcher." Opal cried.
"Remember Opal walk slowly and throw the flowers evenly." Rosemary said as she fixed her dress. Opal nodded and looked up at Kate nervously.
"You will do wonderfully" Kate assured her. Suddenly the piano started and Kate dashed to the side out of view as Robert and Cody pulled open the curtain. Opal walked through first after a wink from Kate, then Philip then Rosemary and Abigail before the curtain closed again. Kate caught a glimpse of Jack who stood ever so stoic in the front of the room in full mountie uniform. Kate eased the doors to the church open helping Elizabeth step inside and fixing her train perfectly.
"You are the most beautiful bride I ever did see" Kate breathed softly as Elizabeth reached out her hand and Kate took it tightly in her's. It was decided long ago that Kate would be the one to give Elizabeth away with little discussion on the matter. Neither would have it any other way.
"Still you and me?" Elizabeth asked her voice shaking a little.
"you and me forever" Kate nodded softly as they grinned at each other and the curtain was pulled open again. Kate held Elizabeth's arm linked in her's as they started walking. She looked up at Jack who was watching them with a big smile on his face his eyes full of wonder like he couldn't believe how beautiful Elizabeth was. No one spoke, no one moved, all eyes were on the bride as she made her way down the aisle to Jack. At the end Kate stopped, and unhooked Elizabeth's arm from her's felt a little like she was removing her own arm as the meaning of what she was doing came over her. This was it, they're last seconds as the Thatcher Sisters. The last second Elizebeth's life would revolve around her. But it was best, Jack was a wonderful man and he would take care of Elizabeth and do anything for her. So Kate reached out and placed her sister's hand in Jack's as he gave her a wink and a nod. Kate stepped back to join Abigail and Rosemary behind her sister as the prayer began. Kate glanced around, Laura was sitting near her in the front row and gave her a smile. The church was full, some people even had to stand in the back. Paster Frank spoke about the blessing and joy of marriage. Abigail read from the Bible passage that Elizabeth and Jack had loved so much. Kate noticed that neither the bride of the groom ever took their eyes off of each other smiling the whole time. When it was time for the vows Kate listened as both of them professed their love to each other in their own words. She turned smiling at Abigail who was crying by the time they were done. They were both so heartfelt and sweet, Elizabeth had a tear rolling down her cheek and Jack was speaking in that tight way he only did when he was getting emotional. After that they each slid the ring onto the other's finger and Paster Frank pronounced them husband and wife. He didn't even finish telling Jack he could kiss her before he had pulled Elizabeth into his arms making everyone in the church laugh and stand up clapping for them.
"Well Miss Kate, we did it" Abigail smiled as she and Kate followed them out of the church.
"Did you ever think from our first day in Coal Valley, that we would be here?" Kate asked.
"Oh yes, I knew from that first we all had dinner together we would be here one day." Abigail laughed.
"Well if you are not the prettiest bride I ever did see." Charlotte smiled as she greeted Elizabeth in the saloon as people started making their way over from the church for the reception.
"I'm so glad your here." Elizabeth smiled giving her a hug.
"Oh I wouldn't miss this for the world. You two finally tying the knot. According to every soul in this town it's been in the works for years." Charlotte chuckled.
"Not giving way anymore of my secrets are you Ma?" Jack asked coming up to them handing Elizabeth a glass of champaign.
"Now Jack your married, your not allowed to have secrets!" Charlotte scolded him making them laugh.
"If everyone would grab a glass we would like to make a toast" Abigail called as people started to find their table.
"You two stand right here" Rosemary said leading Jack and Elizabeth over to the front of the room, near the place cleared for dancing.
"Just for one second today I would like a chance to hold my wife" Jack muttered. As Rosemary shifted him this way and that trying to aline him perfectly. Elizabeth giggled as Rosemary pushed her into place next to him before going to her table. Kate glanced at Abigail who gave her a smile and nod as she stood up. The room went silent as everyone turned to Kate.
"Thank you everyone for coming to celebrate this wonderful day with us. As most of you know, Elizabeth and I were only supposed to stay here a year, tops. That was four years ago now." Kate said making everyone laugh.
"We found a home in Hope Valley thanks to all of you, and Elizabeth found a home here in Jack. I feel like I had a first class seat to this most beautiful love story, two people who went from… well not being able to stand each other, to a beautiful friendship, to falling in love, making this promise and building a life together. I think it's safe to say you two truly have a love that conquers all. It's been a beautiful thing to watch. And to Jack, For years it was just Elizabeth and I. You came along and somehow, fell right into place with us. You became such a big part in both our lives. Thank you for always putting my sister first, and for loving her and caring for her like you do. You have been a part of our little family for a while Jack, and I'm glad it's official now. To Jack and Elizabeth" Kate said raising her glass.
"Here here!" Everyone cried toasting them. Jack winked at Kate as Elizabeth was wiping her tears.
"Alright everyone, time for the bride and grooms first dance!" Rosemary called as Cody started the music and Abigail took their glasses from them. Everyone settled into their seats as Jack lead Elizabeth into the center of the dance floor holding her as they began to slowly dance.
"Finally" Jack whispered as the room was calm and he was able to peacefully hold her in his arms for the first time all day.
"Finally" Elizabeth echoed smiling up at him.
"So do we call her Mrs Thornton now?" Cody asked as he stood with Kate watching them dance.
"Yes… that seems so strange." Laura smiled.
"Mrs Thornton. Mrs Jack Thornton." Kate repeated the words.
"Is it strange?" Laura asked her.
"Well I won't be calling her that." Kate shook her head.
"No I mean, that she's married."
"Oh, a little. I guess it will take a few days to get used to. But Jack has always been family. And she's happy, that's all that matters." Kate shrugged.
"Do you think you are going to get married some day?" Laura sighed. Kate glanced at Elizabeth and Jack, she didn't think she had ever seen her sister so happy in all her life.
"Maybe, if I ever find someone like Jack." Kate shrugged as the music ended.
"I think they are the most romantic this ever" Laura shook her head watching Jack kiss Elizabeth softly on the cheek whispering something in her ear to make her laugh.
"Yuck! Love is gross" Cody made a face at them making the girls laugh.
"Can I have this dance Miss?" Jack asked coming up to Kate holding out his hand.
"Of course Kate smiled as Jack pulled her onto the now crowded dance floor.
"I wanted a chance to talk. To you today before the night got to busy." Jack said.
"About what?" Kate asked.
"Well, I wanted to thank you for all the help you put into this. And I do mean all, not just the flowers and decorations. I mean all of it, right down to yelling at me when I made her cry when I was going to take that job in Caper Fullerton four years ago." Jack said giving her a smile.
"Couldn't let a perfectly good romance go to waste." Kate shrugged.
"I never had a sister, I always just had Tom, but if I did, well I imagine she would be just like you. Running barefoot, racing horses, beating me in cards." Jack teased making Kate laugh.
"You know I made a lot of promises to Elizabeth today but I want you to know, I made some to you too. I know your almost all grown up, but I promise to be there for you no matter where live takes you Kate. I want you know that you became a part of my life today too and I love you."
"I love you too Jack, thank you for making my sister so happy." Kate smiled.
The night was late by the time people started to leave the saloon. Opal was asleep on the bench in the corner and Kate was helping Abigail with the dishes in the kitchen as Jack and Elizabeth were saying goodbye to the people leaving.
"I'm going to head out." Charlotte said coming up to Jack and Elizabeth.
"Ma your not riding tonight are you?" Jack asked.
"No, I pitched my tent in the field behind Abigail's." Charlotte said.
"Oh but you can't sleep outside!" Elizabeth cried.
"Of course I can! It's summer, the weather is beautiful, I'd rather be outside. Besides it seems Kate is taking up Abigail's spare bedroom and I'm not going to stay with you two on your wedding night." Charlotte said firmly giving Elizabeth a teasing smiled as she turned red.
"It was good to see you Ma." Jack said giving her a warm hug.
"You too Son" Charlotte said.
"And you Mrs Thornton, I could not imagine anyone better for my Jack"
"Thank you, that means so much. Please come visit more often, we love having you around." Elizabeth said giving Charlotte a hug as well.
"I will these old bones will have to settle down at some point I suppose."Charlotte said with a chuckle.
"Will you write when you get to where your going?" Jack asked.
"I promises I will" Charlotte smiled before heading out.
"We should go too, we have to leave before dawn tomorrow to catch the train." Jack said quietly and Elizabeth nodded. She was so happy but also so tired, this weekend had been so long and busy.
"Of course, you two go" Abigail said over hearing them.
"Oh yes, come on everyone let's see the newlyweds out" Rosemary clapped her hands and the remaining crowed of 30 or so people followed them out where Lee had Jack's wagon waiting.
"Enjoy your trip, we will see you in a week" Rosemary said giving Elizabeth a hug.
"Thank you for everything Rosemary" Elizabeth smiled holding her friend tight.
"You did good." Lee shook Jacks hand making him smile.
Elizabeth glanced around the crowed suddenly realizing she had lost track of Kate in the past few minutes.
"Ready?" Jack asked taking her hand to help her up.
"Where's Kate?" Elizabeth asked looking around wildly. Jack dropped her hand glancing around too looking for her when suddenly the saloon doors swung open.
"Wait!" Kate yelled as she ran down the stairs and people parted allowing Kate to run to Elizabeth.
"I went back to put the dishes away and everyone was gone. I thought you left" Kate said.
"Oh Katie I'm sorry." Elizabeth said gathering her up into a hug.
"We would never leave without saying goodbye" Jack assured her putting a hand on Kate's shoulder.
"You be good for Abigail, make sure you listen to her and help out" Elizabeth said pulling Kate away a little bit to look into her face.
"I will" Kate said.
"I know you will, oh I will miss you, we will be back in one week ok" Elizabeth said.
"Miss you too" Kate said as they held each other tightly again. Jack knew this was hard for them. A week was a long time for them.
"See you soon sweetie, we will send you a telegram when we arrive." Jack said giving Kate a hug when Elizabeth finally let go of her.
"We will be just fine, you enjoy your honeymoon" Abigail stepped up putting her hands on Kate's shoulders.
"Thank you Abigail for everything" Jack said as Elizabeth searched Kate's face.
"Have fun" Kate gave her a reassuring smile.
"Ready?" Jack asked.
"Yes" Elizabeth nodded and Jack helped her climb into the wagon as everyone was calling their goodbyes. Elizabeth turned back as Jack was driving away as Kate was waving from her place between Abigail and Rosemary.
"It's not to late to change your mind" Jack said.
"I love you for saying that. But we are going to have a wonderful honeymoon and she will be perfectly fine with Abigail." Elizabeth smiled leaning into his side as he steered the horses home.
"Do you have to bring the wagon back to town?" Elizabeth asked as Jack stopped them in front of the row house.
"Bill is riding here with Lee and Rosemary. He's going to pick up the team and drive them back." Jack said as he hopped down. He went around helping Elizabeth down.
"Did I tell you yet how beautiful you were today?" Jack sighed brushing some curls behind her ear that had fallen from her bun after the long day.
"I believe I lost track of the number of times" Elizabeth smiled slipping her arm into his as they climbed the steps.
"Guess what, I don't have to go home tonight." Jack grinned.
"You are home" Elizabeth smile.
"Well then Miss Thatcher, shall we?" Jack asked with a sudden motion he bent sweeping her into his arms as she gave a little gasp.
"Jack!" Elizabeth laughed as he pushed open the door with his boot stepping inside and closing it behind him before he put her back on her feet. As soon as she was standing again he pulled her into his arms kissing her deeply making Elizabeth sigh as she leaned into him.
The next morning Elizabeth woke up to feather light kisses on her back and shoulders. She gave a content sigh before she even opened her eyes, smiling. She had thought many times about what it would be like to wake up with Jack next to her. She expected to feel a little awkward but truthfully she had never felt so happy and relaxed.
"Good morning" Jack whispered seeing her smile as Elizabeth rolled over to face him, his head propped up on his hand leaning over her.
"Good morning" She smiled as he leaned down to kiss her lingering as she ran her fingers through the back of his hair right where it met his neck.
"How are you? You ok?" Jack asked pulling away and searching her eyes.
"Mmm I'm perfect." Elizabeth gave him a reassuring smile.
"You looked so peaceful I wanted to let you sleep forever but we have to get going if we want to make our train." Jack said softly.
"I can't wait"
"Me either, in the meantime I made us a quick breakfast before we go." Jack said sitting up allowing Elizabeth to sit up next to him.
"Jack!"
"Come on, let's eat quick and I will load up the wagon" Jack smiled at her.
"You are spoiling me" Elizabeth gave a happy sigh.
"You bet, get used to it" Jack smiled.
