Okay, I am SO SORRY for not updating sooner, but I've started back at school now and I do not have the time to write and update the way I do in the summer months, so do not worry if I go a while without updating. I really wish I could update more often but often just cannot find the time to write a new chapter that's decent. Anyway, I've been waiting for Valentine's Day to upload this next chapter because it a very special one that all of us #Hearties will be looking forward to in the show eventually. So enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!
July 17th, 1910.
Today was the day Elizabeth had been waiting for since Jack's proposal. Kate Thatcher and Abigail Stanton put the finishing touches on Elizabeth's hair and made sure her dress was perfect. In just a few short hours, Elizabeth would no longer be Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher but Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton. Elizabeth was both excited and nervous all at once, though nobody was more excited for the wedding than Julie. The three women heard a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" asked Elizabeth hoping it wasn't Jack.
"It's me!" shouted Julie and Elizabeth let into the room "Elizabeth you look so beautiful!" shouted Julie excitedly.
Kate stroked Elizabeth's cheek and said, "My little girl is all grown up now."
William knocked on the open door frame and said, "Reverend Anderson wants to know if you ladies are ready to begin the ceremony."
Elizabeth took a deep breath and said, "As ready as we'll ever be."
Abigail smiled, "Good luck Elizabeth."
"Love you Lizzie," said Kate kissing her on the cheek. Julie did the same and followed her mother to the newly restored church, leaving William and Elizabeth alone.
William walked over to his daughter and took her hand, "Lizzie, before I walk you down the aisle. I want to give you some fatherly advice. This is going to be the hardest thing a father can do is give away his daughters. But Jack is great young man, and there is no better person to love and take care of my little Lizzie Beth."
Elizabeth wiped away at the tears forming in her eyes and said, "I love you Daddy."
"I love you too sweetheart," said William. Father and daughter stood in the back of the church and then proceeded to enter as everyone in the audience stood. Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat when she laid eyes on Jack, her Jack. His hair was nice and neat and his suit was as well done as ever.
When William Elizabeth stopped in front of the altar, Reverend Anderson began the ceremony, "Who gives this woman to this man?"
"Her mother and I do sir," said William.
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and led her next to him up front, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Elizabeth Thatcher and Jack Thornton. This event is the first event to happen in the newly restored church and what better way to honor God than the joining of two hearts with each other and with God. I believe you both have prepared vows."
Jack and Elizabeth both nodded. Jack took a piece of paper out took a deep breath before he began, "Elizabeth, when I first met you, I knew you were different. Even though you didn't seem like you were cut out for country life, you proved yourself, and at the same time, you stole my heart. I love you Elizabeth because you're the one, the only one, for me."
Elizabeth choked back the tears before she began her vows, "Jack, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you weren't just here because you happened to assigned here. I knew it's because you were here to babysit me," she said and everyone laughed, "But now that I stand here and commit myself to you, I think it was destiny that you were assigned here to Coal Valley at the same time I moved here. You're also the only one for me."
Reverend Anderson handed the couple the wedding rings, "Elizabeth, do you take this man to be your husband, for better or for worse, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," she said and placed the ring on Jack's finger.
"Jack, do you take this woman to be your wife, for better or for worse, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," said Jack and placed Elizabeth's ring on her finger.
"By the power invested in me, God, and the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!"
Jack and Elizabeth leaned in and kissed long and hard. It was even more magical than their first kiss, because this kiss symbolized the beginning of a lifetime together as husband and wife. The couple didn't want to stop but eventually they pulled apart grinning from ear to ear, "May I present to you Constable Jack Thomas and Mrs. Elizabeth Victoria Thorton!"
Cheers and applause filled the church as Jack and Elizabeth linked arms and walked down the aisle as husband and wife. Elizabeth had tears in her eyes and she swore that she saw tears rolling down Jack's cheeks as well. The couple walked outside to spend a moment in private before the congregation joined them for the reception at the café. Jack stopped Elizabeth and leaned in for another kiss, "Happy wedding day beautiful."
Elizabeth chuckled and said, "Happy wedding day sweetheart. I love you."
"I love you too," said Jack, "Are you ready for a lifetime together?"
Elizabeth smiled and said, "I've never been so ready for something in my entire life."