(The wedding day has arrived. Jack has gotten ready in the jail and Bill see's him and asks him "Jack what's wrong?"...I hope you all like my version of Jack and Elizabeth's wedding...thanks for reading)
Chapter 53 – The Wedding
Jack tugged on the cuff of his sleeve, "Nothing's wrong."
Bill stumbled over his words, "What? Well why…tell me…why are you wearing that?"
Jack ran his hand down his tie, "Because I want to," referring to the black suit he had on with the white shirt and black tie.
"I thought you were going to wear your new red serge? It's customary…" Bill said somewhat dumbfounded, especially since Jack never mentioned not wearing his uniform.
"Well, on more than one occasion Elizabeth has referenced Jack Thornton, the man, not the Mountie. So today I want to be that man. I don't think the Mounted Police will be offended, do you?" Jack asked.
Bill exhaled and slid his hands into his trouser pockets, "No...no they won't."
"I respect my job, very much, but today is a very personal day for me, I'm marrying the woman I love and she wants to marry me, the man. I want to honor that and wear a suit."
"It's a good decision, Elizabeth must be very pleased."
"Actually she doesn't know, so I am looking forward to seeing the look on her face," Jack grinned.
"I'm sure she'll be very happy, as you both will be today," Bill slapped Jack's shoulder, "You ready to do this?"
"I am," Jack gave Bill the small box that held the wedding rings, "hold on to these."
Bill placed them safely in his jacket pocket and patted it, "Safe and sound, ready to go."
Gabe entered the jail, "Are you ready Mountie Jack?"
"Gabe, thank you for being an usher for my wedding," Jack shook his hand.
"It's an honor," Gabe grinned, "we better head over to the church, you don't want to take a chance and see Miss Thatcher do you?"
"The next time I want to see Miss Thatcher is when she's walking down the aisle to me to become Mrs. Thornton," Jack smiled and nodded.
At the café activity was abuzz, the ladies all running around taking care of every detail. Julie was helping Elizabeth get dressed, giving her a pair of silk stockings and two white lace garters with pretty blue ribbons on them. "Blue for luck I suppose," Julie said. "The stockings are so silky and beautiful, you could just wear those!"
"Julie!" Elizabeth said as she slid each garter up her leg over the silk stockings. "I guess we should put the dress on next," she sighed, "I'm so nervous."
"Stay calm, everything will be fine," Julie said.
"I'm just nervous about getting ready, where's mother with the pins for my hair?"
Mrs. Thatcher entered the room, "Here I am. Now the hairdresser had me practice this," she said as she placed her items on the bed.
"I was mother's guinea pig in her job as hairdresser," Julie quipped, "but it was fun wasn't it mother? Don't worry Elizabeth, mother did an excellent job."
Elizabeth's hair was partially pulled up with a sparkling clip holding it in place with several long curls cascading down her back. Abigail tied tiny pale pink tea roses to a clip and then attached it to the tiara with the long sheer veil beneath that.
"Now unclip that veil, we'll put that on after the gown," Mrs. Thatcher instructed. Julie had the gown in her hands and Abigail took the veil. "Elizabeth, what is it dear?"
Elizabeth fanned herself with her hands, "Nothing, you are all making me nervous! This is so overwhelming!"
Abigail took over, "Everything is fine, here, take a sip of cool water, and relax. Everything is just fine and we're right on time."
Julie helped her sister step into her wedding gown and tied the grosgrain ribbons on her new white shoes into a pretty bow, while Abigail buttoned up the back, "So many little buttons…," Abigail whispered in Elizabeth's ear, "just remember what I said about that." Elizabeth nodded. The gown was fitted through the bodice, silk with lace and flowered pearl adornments on the neckline. The skirt was full with an organza embroidered overlay accented with pearls. Elizabeth carefully applied lipstick as her mother attached the tiara and veil to her hair. "Well, am I forgetting anything?" She stood, looking at her mother, sister and Abigail who looked on lovingly at Elizabeth as a beautiful bride.
"Just these pearl earrings and necklace," Kate held her daughter's hands, "they're a gift, happy wedding day my dear."
"Oh, they're so…so lovely, thank you," Elizabeth was overwhelmed as her mother placed the necklace on her daughter and Elizabeth put on the earrings.
Abigail's hand went to her chest, "Wait until Jack sees you…"
Elizabeth smiled, "I hope I get to see that…that my eyes aren't full of tears!" She checked in the mirror and then turned, "and what about you ladies? You all look so beautiful!"
Mrs. Thatcher wore a lavender and ivory gown with an ivory lace color. Julie and Abigail wore a lighter shade of lavender with wide pink sashes at the waist.
The ladies all giggled and helped Elizabeth down the stairs to where her father was waiting. "Oh my…Beth, you've never looked lovelier," he glanced at his wife, "hard to believe this day has come, our little Beth getting married. You're just beautiful my dear." He extended his hand, "Shall we? I believe there is a very happy young man waiting for you at the church…"
Elizabeth exhaled and grinned, "Yes, let's go…" She looked back at the ladies who gathered up bouquets of flowers and followed out the door.
Outside, Vernon stood by the coach, "My goodness! You are beautiful! That Mountie is going to faint in his boots when he sees you!"
"Thank you Vernon, you're very sweet," she took his hand and climbed into the carriage. Elizabeth took advantage of the ride to the church to thank God for this day and all the blessings in her life, she never felt so happy as she looked up at the blue sky and warm sun.
The church was filled with people when Jack and Bill arrived. They went around to the back of the church and entered through the back door, Reverend Anderson was in the small office area. "Gentleman, good to see you, glad there aren't any cold feet," he looked at Jack.
Jack half smiled, "Reverend…"
"We'll just wait back here until the bride arrives," Reverend stated.
Jack smiled and nodded, turning when there was a tap on the door. "May I come in for a moment?" Jack's mother looked around the slightly opened door.
"Yes, of course, we'll leave you two alone for a few moments," Reverent Anderson and Bill went outside.
"Mother, you look just beautiful," Jack smiled at his mother, wearing a pale blue lace dress with a satin sash.
"Thank you my darling," she hugged and kissed her son. "I'm so happy this day has arrived and just look at you, such a handsome man you've become, like your father," she inhaled, "he would have been so proud to be here today."
"Thank you mother, we have to think that he is here," Jack squeezed his mother's hands.
"Yes, of course. Now look, I'm not good at giving you advice, but I wish you the very best. Your bride is the perfect choice for you," she shook his hands to emphasize her statement, "so you do your best to make her happy and be a kind and loving husband."
Jack looked down, "Your advice has always been good mother and I will do my best. I'm sure Elizabeth and I will have a wonderful life together, thank you." Jack kissed his mother's cheek.
The back door opened and Bill and the Reverend stepped inside, accompanied by Gabe, "The bride has arrived."
Jack's mother gave her son a loving wink, "Now don't be nervous!"
Jack sighed, "I won't mother," he squeezed her hands once more. Jack patted Gabe's shoulder, "You're taking care of our guests right Gabe?"
"Yes sir," Gabe put his arm out to Mary Thornton, "Show you to your seat Ma'm?"
In front of the church, William Thatcher assisted his daughter out of the carriage, "Now please be careful, today is not a day to take your usual tumble."
Elizabeth gripped his hand tightly and moved slowly and carefully as Abigail and Julie held her gown and veil. Vernon stood close, just in case, beaming at Elizabeth, "Your sure look pretty," he winked, "smell good too."
Kate Thatcher came around, "Elizabeth, remember dear, walk straight and proud."
"Yes mother," Elizabeth responded, not really paying attention, intensely concentrating on not falling.
She walked to the church door, taking several deep breaths. Gabe opened the door, "Wow, Miss Thatcher you sure look beautiful."
"Thank you Gabe," she smiled, "Is Jack here?" She stretched looking behind him, peeking into the church.
"Of course he is, he's in the back with Inspector Avery," he leaned, "don't worry he seems pretty calm."
Elizabeth smiled, "I'm glad to hear one of us is."
Gabe offered his arm to Mrs. Thatcher, "May I escort you to your seat Ma'm?"
In the back of the church, Jack and Bill followed the Reverend into the church and took their places.
Elizabeth gasped as she heard the organ begin to play and the children begin to sing, "Oh they sound so wonderful." When the song ended, William opened the church door and nodded as Abigail and Julie entered and headed down the aisle while Cat played soft music on the organ.
William took one more look at Elizabeth, "You ready princess? I'm going to take you to your husband now…"
Elizabeth looked up in awe at her father for a moment, "Yes, I'm ready."
The music swelled and William opened the door and tucked Elizabeth's hand in his arm. Elizabeth took a deep breath and gripped her bouquet of flowers and ribbons a little tighter. She looked up, "Oh…" she was not expecting so many smiling faces greeting her. She and her father began their procession down the aisle as the music of the wedding march filled the church.
Jack's heart was pounding and he moved his hands from in front of him to behind him several times, it wasn't until Bill leaned over and whispered, "Relax…" that he steadied himself. He smiled at Abigail and Julie as they took their places and looked at his mother once more before he looked down the aisle and there she was. Jack gasped, "Oh …my…" he clenched his jaw as he looked at Elizabeth, a beautiful vision in her white gown, a sweet, confident smile on her face, she never looked more lovely, she was glowing. Jack blinked several times trying to control his emotions. She looked lovingly at him and he felt his knees go weak. He opened his mouth to say I love you to her but only managed to tilt his head, knowing she knew how he felt at this moment. It was when she bobbed her head slightly at the sight of his black suit that he really felt the passion fill him and he forced himself to stay put and not rush to her. He pursed his lips burning the vision of her into his memory.
As Elizabeth walked up the aisle on her father's arm, her only thoughts were to see Jack and for a quick moment she felt panicked, not seeing his red serge that always stood out. She gasped softly, whispering his name, not really understanding at first why he was wearing a black suit, she took several deep breaths, just to ensure she wouldn't faint. This incredibly handsome man was going to be her husband and she wanted to rush over to him. She fought tears seeing him in his suit, she knew he did that for her, he did that so she could marry the man who wore the uniform. "Oh Jack…" she whispered.
William kissed Elizabeth's cheek, "Best wishes my dear, I love you." Elizabeth could only nod, looking up at her father but quickly returning her gaze to Jack. William turned to Jack and extended his hand, "Take good care of her."
"Yes sir," Jack firmly shook his hand.
William patted Jack's shoulder, "Take good care of you too." Jack nodded.
The Reverend said something, but Elizabeth and Jack didn't hear him, they just looked lovingly at each other. Jack whispered, "You're so beautiful…" Elizabeth lowered her lashes, and lightly touched his jacket, sighing softly, "You look wonderful" was all she could manage to say as she touched his lapel. She turned and handed Julie her flowers.
The Reverend leaned forward, feeling the emotions of this moment, "We'll begin now, are you okay?" The couple nodded softly and faced the Reverend. Jack reached and held Elizabeth's hand.
"We've gathered here today to join these two people in marriage," The Reverend looked at a beaming Elizabeth and Jack, "God has blessed them indeed by bringing them to each other and by having family and friends here today to witness the joining of their love in holy matrimony. It is so fitting that this should be the first wedding held here in this beautiful church. Our groom, our Constable, donated the funds that helped build this wonderful church and school and our lovely bride is the teacher who educates our town's young people right here in this building."
Jack smiled and closed his eyes for a moment.
Reverend Anderson continued, "Jack, Elizabeth you must remember that everyone here today cares about you and have played a part in guiding you toward this day. We all want your marriage to be happy and joyous but there will be troubling times, and first you must turn to each other for strength and understanding, but don't be afraid to turn to these people who love and support you."
"Now…If you both will turn and face each other," Reverend asked. Jack turned, smiling softly as he calmy looked at her, admiring how beautiful she was, how her eyes sparkled. Elizabeth looked up at Jack's face, smiling and confident in her love of him, she finally stopped shaking and took a deep breath.
The Reverend continued, "Elizabeth, Place your hand over Jack's heart."
Elizabeth looked at the Reverend and then at Jack and gently placed her hand against Jack's chest.
The Reverend spoke to her, "You will be its protector. You will bring his heart joy and happiness. You will see that it is safe and never broken. You will fill it with love… and the laughter of your children. You will be there when it is hurting to care for it and help it stay strong. Your hearts will blend… to form a family. You will rejoice in the abundance of love his heart feels for you because it will bring out the best in you…as it beats for you and with you. His heart loves you like no other."
Elizabeth blinked back tears as she stared at Jack. Jack raised his hand to cover hers, pressing her hand against his chest. He was sure she could feel his heart pounding and he wanted to tell her he loved her, he wanted to pull her into his arms.
The Reverend turned to Jack, "Jack, take Elizabeth's hands in yours."
Jack swallowed hard and took Elizabeth's hands, squeezing them softly while looking into her eyes. He squinted slightly, fighting his emotions. Elizabeth licked her lips and looked into Jack's eyes.
The Reverend now addressed Jack, "These hands will always be there for you…to hold you… to comfort you… to guide you. To love you. To welcome you home. To soothe your aches and pains. These hands will caress your cheek and keep you close. These hands help bring out the best in you with the strength of their love for you. Cherish these hands…respect them. One day these hands will hold your children. They hold your life, your future…and you must always remember that these hands are stronger when joined together with your own."
Jack smiled, looking into Elizabeth's eyes. They both stared at each other, taking in this precious, memorable moment.
The Reverend cleared his throat, "Jack, do you take Elizabeth to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?"
Jack stared into her eyes, "I do."
"Elizabeth, do you take Jack to be your wedded husband, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him, for as long as you both shall live?"
Elizabeth blinked, looking at Jack's smiling face and softly replied, "I do."
The Reverend broke the silence, "Jack, repeat after me….I Jack…."
"…take you Elizabeth to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward…," he stared into her eyes, "I promise to love and cherish you for all my days…"
Elizabeth, "…I Elizabeth take you Jack to be my husband… I promise to love and cherish you for all my days..."
Jack's mouth curled wanting to respond. Elizabeth smiled, knowing he wanted to say something.
Reverend spoke, "Jack, loving Elizabeth as your wife, what symbol do you bring today to affirm the promises you make to her?"
Jack blinked back into the moment, "A ring…" he said in a whisper, never taking his eyes off Elizabeth. He took the gold ring from Bill and handed it to the Reverend.
"Elizabeth, do you also have a symbol to seal your vows and promises to Jack?"
"Yes, a ring…" she took the ring and handed it to the Reverend, who covered the rings with his hands and prayed over them, blessing the rings and those who wore them.
"These rings carry such significance, whether you are together or apart for even just a moment, these rings will be a constant reminder of the promises you are making to one another today."
"Jack, take this ring and place it on Elizabeth's finger…"
Jack held the ring tightly and took her hand, "Elizabeth, please accept this ring as my solemn vow to love you with all my heart for all my days." Jack slid the ring onto Elizabeth's finger. She looked down at it smiling.
She took his ring and repeated the vow and a small whimper escaped from her lips as she slid his ring on his finger. It took all their willpower not to lean in and kiss, although Jack did step closer.
The Reverend spoke, "Jack, Elizabeth, you have come here today before your family and friends and before God and have expressed your desire to become husband and wife. You have shown your love and affection by joining hands, and have made promises of faith and devotion, each to the other, and have sealed these promises by the giving and the receiving of two rings. It gives me great pleasure to pronounce that you are now husband and wife. Jack, you may now kiss your bride."
Jack smiled and slid a hand around Elizabeth's waist while Elizabeth placed her hand firmly on Jack's neck as they shared a tender, loving kiss, their first as husband and wife. Jack swayed slightly as he moved as close as possible, Elizabeth rested her other hand on his chest as she felt him pull her closer. After their kiss, they stayed mere inches from each other, smiling, laughing softly, staring into each other's eyes. "I love you so much," Jack whispered, his smile lighting up his face.
"I love you …" Elizabeth could barely speak, "I'm so happy…"
"Me too," he kissed her again.
They stayed that way for another moment, staring into each other's eyes.
Finally they turned to face their family and friends. Elizabeth took her bouquet from Julie and they walked down the aisle, Jack squeezing Elizabeth's hand in the crook of his elbow. They stepped outside the church, "You're finally my wife," Jack kissed her cheek, "you are beautiful Mrs. Thornton."
"Thank you, my sweet husband!" Elizabeth put her flowers to her face, trying to hide her huge smile, "kiss your wife again."
"Gladly," Jack wrapped his arms around her and they kissed repeatedly.
"Okay, okay…that's enough, we all want to get out of here and congratulate you!" Julie said as she squeezed by the happy couple.
Elizabeth and Jack happily greeted their guests and accepted all their well wishes. It was such a happy time. Elizabeth glanced at Jack shaking hands with her father, they both looked so happy and Elizabeth sighed. "Elizabeth, what a beautiful ceremony," her mother was at her side, "the Reverend was so poetic, did you give him those sentiments?"
"No, I didn't, but it was very moving," she looked down at her wedding ring, "what a beautiful day this is. I'm so happy mother," she hugged her mother tightly.
"Congratulations dear, I know you'll both be very happy."
"Mrs. Thornton?" Jack said, smiling when Elizabeth didn't turn around right away, "Ahhm, Mrs. Thornton?"
Elizabeth looked, "Jack! That's me! Oh say it again, it sounds so good!"
Jack swept her into his arms and spun her around, "Mrs. Thornton! I want the whole world to know you're Mrs. Jack Thornton!"
"Jack!" She brushed her hand across his face and kissed him.
Jack placed her down gently, "You look so beautiful, you took my breath away…"
She smiled, "Thank you," she touched the lapel of his suit, "I was surprised when I saw you in this suit, what changed your mind from the red serge?"
"Elizabeth, you told me you were marrying the man not the constable, so I wanted to be the man for you today," he glanced behind her, "I don't think anyone will report me."
Elizabeth grinned, "No, of course not and I was so proud to walk to the man…my man…" she put her hand on his chest.
"For the rest of our lives…I love you Mrs. Thornton," they hugged and Jack kissed her face several time making her giggle.
Jack turned to see his mother smiling. He went to her, "Mother, wasn't it a beautiful ceremony?"
"Yes dear, it was," she looked at them both, "I wish you all the best. I hope you'll always be this happy."
Hugs were exchanged and guests began heading to the saloon for a celebratory reception. The photographer positioned the family in front of the church for several photographs. He also took several of Jack and Elizabeth posed in front of the pond.
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and led her to their buggy. "Look, the buggy is all decorated," he smiled.
"Oh the children must have done this! It looks so festive!" Elizabeth walked around the buggy, eyeing all the decorations, laughing at the hand written notes of well wishes, "This one says 'have lots of babies Miss Thatcher', only Miss Thatcher is crossed out. I bet Emily wrote that and Gabe crossed it out and wrote Mrs. Thornton under it!"
Jack smiled, "Look this one says, 'Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mountie Jack', that's great!"
Elizabeth smiled as she continued looking at the decorations and messages from her students.
Jack stepped back and admired his wife, painting the picture in his head of her in her beautiful wedding gown, her sheer lace veil billowing out behind her, her beautiful smile. He felt so blessed and went to her, "Here, let me help you into the buggy Mrs. Thornton," he extended his hand.
"Thank you Mr. Thornton," she placed her flowers on the buggy seat, gathered up her gown with one hand as she took Jack's hand. Elizabeth stood in the buggy for a moment, waving to the small crowd, "Thank you all, see you at the saloon."
Jack jumped up, sat next to his beaming bride, "It was a beautiful ceremony wasn't it? The Reverend surprised me."
Elizabeth nodded and took his arm. "Me too, I had no idea he was going to say those beautiful things," she squeezed his arm, "it's like he could read our minds."
Jack turned, his gaze taking in all of her, "He'd be a blushing man if he could read my mind…" he smirked and clicked the reigns.
Once at the saloon, Jack stopped the buggy, "Seriously, the Reverend did say what I could never put into words. I'm so happy Elizabeth, we've waited so long for this day, now I want to dance with my beautiful wife," he kissed her sweetly.
"I love you…" she reached and squeezed his hand.
They entered the decorated saloon….there were white tablecloths and vases of flowers and pink bows and ribbons on the chairs. At the piano, several musicians with instruments were at the ready, when they spotted Jack and Elizabeth they began playing a joyful tune garnering everyone's attention toward the happy couple. Elizabeth looked to see Abigail nodding and putting her hand out, "I'll take your flowers, you need to dance with your husband."
Elizabeth smiled at Abigail and looked at Jack, "So, my husband, may I have this dance?"
Jack was overwhelmed by all the people gathered to wish them well. He followed Elizabeth's lead, shaking his head slighting thinking he would follow her just about anywhere right now. He pulled her a little closer than he should have, but he was overcome with emotion at this moment. Holding the woman he loved who just became his wife, his partner, his reason for living. He buried his face in her hair for a moment, trying to control his emotions as he felt her hand stroking his shoulder, "Jack, everything is fine….wonderful, you're finally my husband now."
"I know…I'm really so happy," he looked into her eyes and pressed his forehead against hers, "this day is better than I ever could have imagined. Thank you…"
"Thank you for giving me a beautiful wedding, for wearing your suit and being the most handsome man I've ever seen," she stared up into his eyes, their faces inches apart. They swayed to the music.
Jack licked his lips, "I love this saloon…"
"You do? Why?" Elizabeth smiled softly.
"Because, it was here that we first officially met…"
"Hmm, and you said I would never last a month here…." She loved his smile.
"I freely admit I was wrong…happily wrong," he smiled, "look at us now, husband and wife."
The music stopped and Abigail led the happy couple to their seats, so they could enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by all the ladies in town. The Reverend stood, "Let's all bow our heads and give thanks for this beautiful day and wish continued blessings on Jack and Elizabeth, their family and friends, and this wonderful food we are about to share with them."
William then stood, glass of champagne in hand, "I'd like you all to join me in a toast to our happy couple. While what I prepared to say doesn't match the eloquence of the Reverend's sentiments at church, I do wish them happiness, good health and prosperity. I am fortunate to have an outstanding new son in law," he grimaced, "who I imagine is fully aware that my daughter cannot cook!" The crowd laughed, "but she loves him and love helps us learn many new things. So here's to love! Cheers!"
Elizabeth looked lovingly at her father and then clinked her glass with Jack's and sipped her champagne. Jack whispered in her ear, "I'm glad you love me," he kissed her ear and nudged his nose against her.
"Jack! Of course I love you," Elizabeth took another sip, "now behave yourself."
"I will…for now," he drank and looked at her out of the corner of his eye seeing her grin.
After everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal and several dances, Abigail stood, "Okay everyone, time for wedding cake!"
Jack stood and took Elizabeth's hand, "I'd like to share a piece of wedding cake with my beautiful bride," as he led her to the cake.
"Jack? What are you doing?" Elizabeth followed hesitantly.
Jack looked over his shoulder and flashed that dimpled smile at her, "We're going to have some cake!"
He picked up the knife and took her hand, "Let's cut our beautiful cake." They both held the knife and cut the large white cake. Jack picked up a piece of cake and held it in front of Elizabeth, "Open…"
Elizabeth gave Jack a warning look, "Now Jack…" She took a bite of the cake Jack offered.
People were watching as Elizabeth picked up a piece of cake, and playfully waved it in front of Jack until he grabbed her wrist and brought her hand to his lips and chomped on the cake, "Yummm."
As Elizabeth wiped her hands with a napkin, Jack pulled her into his arms and kissed her. They were lost in the moment, enjoying their frosting flavored kiss.
Jack hugged her, "That was wonderful…and tasty," he licked his lips.
"Yes, it was," Elizabeth giggled, "Everyone saw."
"That's okay, that's why they're all here, to watch us, to look at us. Everyone likes to see people who are in love," he ran his fingertip down her cheek and several people sighed loudly at his romantic gesture. The responses made Jack look around and flash a bashful smile as he took his wife's hand. "Dance with me Mrs. Thornton," he led her to the dance floor.
He leaned close to her ear, "Now everyone can watch us but they won't know what I am telling my beautiful wife..."
"Hmm, what's that?" she said softly.
"That I can't wait to take her home and show her how much I love her…" Jack kissed her ear and spun her around.
To be continued...