A/N: Hey guys. This is a longer chapter than usual which I guess is good :) I suppose that happens when you try and write a 19th century wedding, lol. My brain is fried with all the research but hopefully it will be worth it. Time for the bride and groom to get ready. Will everything go to plan? Ooooohhhh….getting nervous…
Gracious thanks to Calim for the beta and your suggestions about that extra little section were perfect.
Please keep your thoughts and reviews coming, they make me smile every time I read them!
Chapter 136
Grissom stepped from the room a few minutes after Sara had left not entirely sure what to do with himself.
"You look a little lost," the captain said, joining his almost son-in-law.
Looking up the hallway, Grissom smiled as Anna chased her brother into the living room. "I am," he admitted, facing the older man. "I'm not quite sure how to pass the time without driving myself crazy. Being around people just makes me more edgy and I don't want to crease my suit, so it's a little early to change just yet…" He shook his head. "Filling three hours when you feel like I do is kind of…difficult…"
"Are you happy with the ceremony?" the captain asked. "The routine and what you need to do?"
Swallowing, Grissom glanced in the direction of the hall and gave a nod. "I think so…"
The captain closely studied Grissom's expression and twitching eyes knowing the rancher was going over the ceremony in his head. "The reverend is already here, Gil. Would you like to go over it one more time with him? It will give you something to do for a while and may well put you at ease a little."
Blowing a nervous breath, Grissom looked back to the captain, his right eye still twitching. "Do you think he would mind?"
Laughing, the captain flung his arm over Grissom's shoulders. "Of course he won't mind. That's his job, Gil. Why do you think he's here so early? He wants to make you feel comfortable and if that means we do another walkthrough then let's do it."
Nodding, Grissom managed a smile. "Okay…"
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Sara's head flopped from side to side as her mother yanked on the strings to her corset, wincing as it grew tighter and tighter around her body.
"I don't know how I'm going to get through today with this thing," Sara gasped.
"You will," Laura answered giving the middle chords another tug.
Holding her hands to her now very flat stomach, Sara sucked in a breath. "It's so tight, mother, I can barely breathe. At this rate, I'll end up passing out before I even get to the altar."
Halting her fastening, Laura sighed. She'd become so obsessed with Sara looking nothing less than perfect that she'd forgotten about her daughter's comfort.
"Do you want me to loosen it a little?" she asked. Looking over her shoulder, Sara gave a weak smile and that gave Laura the answer to her question. "Okay," Laura agreed. "Just a little, all right?"
"Thank you, mother," Sara sighed with relief as Laura loosened a couple of the strings.
Rana stepped into the room ready to help where necessary before moving on to help Grissom once he'd decided it was time for him to dress.
"Is Gil still downstairs?" Sara asked her.
"Yes, ma'am," Rana answered, moving to the closet to take out Sara's dress. "He's going over some things with the reverend to make sure he's ready."
Sara smiled as she felt the last tie being fastened. "Always a perfectionist," she whispered.
"He always has been," Laura agreed taking her daughter's shoulders and turning her around both women missing the smile that Rana gave to herself. "We need to slip your dress on before we do your hair, honey, otherwise we will probably make a mess of it while trying to get it over your head."
"Okay," Sara breathed nervously.
"Just loosely," Laura continued. "We can fasten it all up a little later." Giving a nod, Sara swallowed and suddenly felt very hot. "Try and control your nerves," Laura advised as Rana stepped up and held the dress out to the lady of the house. "I can see you getting flushed and I know it's tough but you can do it…"
"Yes, mother," Sara replied quietly, taking another breath.
Laura gave a smile. "Arms up…"
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After finishing several practice runs Grissom knelt alone at the altar. The reverend stepped from the hall to leave him to his own thoughts while the captain stood by the doorway and waited. There was just a niggling in the older man's brain that Grissom would be better having someone around for support. At least for the time being.
The rancher, eyes closed, spoke a silent prayer while clasping his mother's locket through his shirt, holding it close to his heart. Today of all days, he needed God's support.
Upon hearing whispers behind him, he gave the sign of the cross and opened his eyes. Pushing himself up, he turned to see Brass standing in the doorway with the captain. The sheriff offered a wave and Grissom smiled, immediately stepping from the place of worship to greet his friend and best man.
"Good morning," Brass greeted with an outstretched hand and a smile. Taking his hand, Grissom was instantly pulled into a manly hug. "You're going to see it through then?" Brass joked.
Standing back Grissom gave the sheriff his trademark raised right eyebrow and Brass scoffed.
"Joking, Gil…" he said raising his hands, "…joking…"
"Hmmmm…" Grissom mumbled, his eyes narrowing. "Such jokes I could live without today."
Giving a grin, Brass took a look around the hall. "I see you have outdone yourself as usual, Captain," he congratulated, very impressed with the layout.
"My daughter deserves nothing less."
The sheriff's lips puckered. "I'd agree with you on that one."
Looking the lawman up and down, the captain reached to his shoulder and flicked away a piece of fluff. "I hope you scrub up just as nice, Jim," he laughed. "I know Laura has your suit ready upstairs whenever you want to change."
"I'm sure I won't let you down and I'm looking forward to it," Brass replied. "I also need a flower…" He pointed to his jacket pocket.
"Laura has them all sorted," Grissom replied. "I'm sure she'll ensure we are all properly dressed before the ceremony."
"Oh, you can place a wager on that one," the captain chuckled.
Smirking, Grissom pulled out his pocket watch. It was just gone 10am. "Three hours…" he mumbled then sighed. "It feels like time is standing still…"
"Nerves biting at you?" Brass asked, reaching up to fiddle with his cravat.
Grissom gave a nod. "You could say that," he admitted wondering whether or not he could get away with sneaking to the stables. Now Brass was here, he could play host for him for a little while.
"How about a quick morning bourbon?" the captain suggested but held up a hand when Grissom frowned at him. "I know you're not a heavy drinker but, it might calm your nerves a little. Just one won't hurt…"
"I agree," Brass cut in. "A quick drink will settle those pinches…"
Grissom rolled his eyes then stepped to the doorway and glanced down the corridor. Spotting Amelia lead her daughter towards the stairs, he grinned. Anna would make a lovely bridesmaid. He liked the little girl a lot and it nipped at his feelings out having children. Blowing out a silent breath he turned away, knowing his emotions were certainly getting the better of him. It was just going to be that kind of day and he knew it.
"Okay…" he finally agreed on a sigh. "Anything to make the clock go faster I guess…" He moved through the doorway, the captain and Brass following.
"Ah, there you are…" came a familiar voice and Grissom turned to see Catherine emerge from the dining room. "I was expecting to say hello before…" She hiccupped and held her hand to her mouth, "…oh excuse me…before breakfast but it seems I found the food before I found you. Anyone would think you are avoiding your guests…"
The rancher managed a smile. "No, Catherine. I'm not avoiding anyone, I was just running through a few things and I needed a little time to myself."
She pouted, looking to the captain and sheriff. "Good morning, gentlemen."
"Good morning," they both said together.
"Lovely day for a wedding isn't it?" she giggled, taking Grissom's arm. "I thought you'd be getting ready by now," she continued as Grissom continued down the hallway.
"Not quite," he admitted. "Still a little early and I'd like to keep my suit as pristine as possible." He glanced to her. "It won't take me long to dress."
"Men," she scoffed. He frowned but ignored the comment knowing Catherine was just being her usual shelf. "So where are we off to?"
He avoided rolling his eyes at her although he was tempted. "We are going to the lounge for a tipple," he answered.
"Oh, goody…" She smiled brightly, glancing over her shoulder to the captain. "I love your parties. Are we breaking out the champagne this early?"
The captain laughed. "If you would like champagne then you shall have champagne."
"Excellent," she cooed, pulling on Grissom's arm. "I just love champagne."
"At this hour?" he questioned as they reached the lounge.
"At any hour," she shot right back.
The rancher sniggered, gesturing for her to enter the room. She did so with a smirk as Brass followed behind her.
"Uncle!"
Grissom and the captain turned to see Nicolas and Gregory heading their way.
Folding his arms, the captain looked his nephews over, thinking they looked like they'd just gotten out of bed. "Yes, boys?"
"Umm…" Nicolas ran a hand over the back of his neck. "We wanted to see Sara but we…overslept I think…"
"Slightly," the captain answered and Grissom grinned. "You two are just useless at getting out of bed unless someone drags you out."
"Sorry," they both apologized together.
Shaking his head, the captain slipped his hands into his pockets. "No harm done and you're up now so…"
"Where's Sara?" Gregory asked.
"She's gone to get ready," Grissom answered.
"Already?" Nicolas questioned.
"Yes, boys," the captain confirmed. "There is a lot for a bride to do on her wedding day."
Gregory scratched his head. "Oh…well…can we go up and see her? We have something for her…"
Grissom's eyes narrowed.
"Like what?" the captain probed.
"Just a little…surprise," Nicolas answered. "From the two of us for her big day. I promise we won't cause a fuss or anything."
Grissom and the captain exchanged a look.
"I'm not so sure that your Aunt will be very impressed at being disturbed at this time. Sara is under a lot of pressure…"
"Please…" Gregory begged, clasping his hands together.
The captain sighed. "What do you think, Gil?"
"It's a good surprise, right?" the rancher asked them.
"Yes," Nicolas replied.
Glancing back to the captain, the rancher gave a shrug. "All right. I'm happy to let them go up if you are," Grissom said.
"At your own risk then, boys," the captain advised. "Be quick and do not be any trouble or you will find yourselves sleeping in the stable."
Smiling happily, the brothers began backing away. "We won't be," they promised before turning and rushing for the stairs.
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Rana passed Laura another heated rod to slip into Sara's hair. Patiently, but nervously, the bride-to-be watched as ringlets fell about her face, a mew from the bed catching her attention. Looking up from the mirror she was holding, she spied Dickens staring at her from atop the covers.
"I'm not sure if he likes it or not," she said. "But I think he's getting a little bored."
Carefully, Laura twisted the hair around the rod, giving it a few seconds before swiping it out to form a perfect curl. Looking over her shoulder she glanced at the kitten. "I'm sure he loves it although I'd rather he wasn't in here."
Frowning, Sara looked up to her mother. "Why?"
"Because…" Laura handed the now cooler rod back to Rana, "…if he decides to leap on your dress he could create a disaster with those claws…"
A knock at the door broke the conversation and all three woman glanced towards it.
"Can you see who that is?" Laura asked the housekeeper.
"Yes, ma'am." Rana placed the rod down and quickly moved to the door, opening it to see who was outside. "It's Mr. Nicolas and Mr. Gregory, ma'am," Rana announced.
"Now what on earth do they want?" Laura complained not liking the disturbance.
Sara gave a shrug. "Let them in and find out?" she suggested.
"Fine…" she growled. "Let them in…"
Stepping aside, Rana allowed the boys to enter and they did so quickly, stopping sharply when they saw the stare they were getting from their aunt. Nicolas was holding his hands behind his back and it sparked Sara's curiosity.
"You've picked a rather inconvenient time to grace us with your presence, boys," Laura informed them and they glanced to Sara.
Gregory smiled. "I don't know…" he began. "Half done hair kind of suits her…"
Laura raised her hand to playfully slap him and he quickly jumped backwards. "I'm just kidding." He laughed.
Sara snickered but in all seriousness, her mother was right. "So what's so important?" she asked.
"We have something for you," Nicolas answered, revealing his hands and a box. "We made it ourselves and…" He swallowed, "…would like to know if you would do us the honor of wearing it. We were going to give it to you at breakfast but we overslept."
With her eyes narrowing and lips pouting, Sara carefully pushed herself from the seat, lifting her dress which wasn't fastened properly yet while taking care not to step on the train. Holding out her hand, she took the wooden box from her cousin and opened the lid.
"Oh…my…" she whispered, glancing down at the contents. Laura craned her neck to see what was inside as Sara carefully plucked out a corsage.
"It's a…" Nicolas pointed, "…silver pin with white rose and orange blossom."
"And we'd be honored if you would wear it," Gregory added. "We managed to buy the pin with our allowance and…found the flowers ourselves…"
The brightest smile found Sara's lips as she looked at the offering in awe. It truly was beautiful. "That's very touching," she said sincerely, looking to her mother then her cousins. "And it's very pretty."
Both boys nervously shuffled their feet. "So, will you wear it?" Gregory asked.
Sara looked back to her mother and Laura gave a smile. "It's entirely up to you, Sara," she said. "The one from the shop was your choice and we were planning on a wrist corsage, but, it isn't quite as personal as this…"
"Or as beautiful," Sara added. Returning her attention to her cousins, she bashfully nipped onto her bottom lip. "Thank you. I would be honored to wear your gift."
Nicolas and Gregory gave a laugh of joy before Gregory jumped forward with his arms open wide intent on giving Sara a hug but, Laura swiftly blocked him.
"No!" she shouted, pointing a firm finger. "Do not go near the dress. You will get it dirty and crease it." Gregory blinked in surprise then swallowed. "Back off…" Laura ordered firmly.
Laughing out loud, Sara handed the corsage to her mother and Gregory held up his hands, backing away.
"Okay…okay…" he conceded. "Sheesh, you women are crazy today."
Laura glared at him and Nicolas quickly took his arm. "I think we should go before she destroys us."
"Uh, huh…" Gregory agreed.
"Wait!" Laura said, stopping them and they froze. Placing the corsage down, she moved to the bed and picked up the kitten. "Take him with you please," she asked, holding out the cat. "I worry about him in case he decides to play with Sara's dress."
Rolling her eyes, Sara sat back down as Gregory hurried to take Dickens from his aunt.
"Please put him in your room so he doesn't become a nuisance," Laura instructed.
Gregory gave a nod. "Yes, Aunt Laura."
"And tell Gil that Rana will be free in about an hour to help him dress. If he isn't up here by then, I'll be coming to find him personally."
Again, Gregory nodded but a little more swiftly this time. She sounded so serious it scared him.
"Off you go…" Laura flapped her hand through the air.
"Yes, ma'am…"
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After receiving the message from Laura, Grissom managed to excuse himself from Catherine's company and sneak off to the stables. He was thankful Brass agreed to keep her occupied as well as play host to new well-wishers while he was out.
It was nice to get some air. The house had become incredibly stuffy with all the body heat and for the first time that morning, as he unbolted the door to the stable, he felt relaxed. An immediate snort greeted him as he walked towards the stalls and he knew his friend was aware of his arrival.
"Hey, boy," the rancher said as he reached a hand over the half open stall door to rub through the center of Dante's ears. The horse gave another snort, his tongue slithering from his mouth to lick at Grissom's hand as he pulled it back. "I thought I'd come and say hello before the ceremony otherwise it would be a while before I got another chance."
Taking a step back Dante gave a nod. A loud neigh following.
The rancher laughed. "That's your way of saying good luck, huh?" Dante gave another nod as Grissom reached to the basket on the table behind for an apple. He held out the fruit and the horse quickly took, watching as his master offered a second one to the filly in the stall next door. As the rancher turned back to his mustang, he sighed heavily. "I never dreamed in a million years that this would be happening…" The horse shook his head now, agreeing as he chewed and Grissom smiled, taking out his watch to check the time once more…
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After spending about an hour with the horses Grissom returned to the house and headed straight upstairs to get ready. Brass was already up there changing so he knew his time had come to do the same.
He'd just pulled on his pants and buttoned up his shirt when a gentle knock came upon the door and he glanced at the mantel clock. Rana was right on time and he smiled, walking across the room to let in his helper.
"Are you ever late?" Grissom asked her as she stepped into the room with a small package in her hands.
Rana gave him a smile. "In all the years I have been looking after you, Mr. Grissom, sir, have you ever known me to be late?"
Smirking, he moved back to the closet and she followed. "No. However…" He turned back to face her as she drew in closer behind him, "…I'm not so sure I actually need your help. I'll be fine…"
She placed the small package down and reached into the closet for his waistcoat before he had the opportunity to do so himself. "Finally mastered the art of fastening your tie properly then have we, sir?"
Clearing his throat, his eyes narrowed at her. "No…" he admitted on a long innocent drawl.
"Then, you need my help, sir," she retorted. He fought his grin as she held up the waistcoat. "Turn around, please."
"Fine…" he sighed, doing as she asked. "Is Sara doing all right?" he asked as Rana helped him into the garment.
"She's doing fine, sir. She is not far from being ready."
Now Grissom swallowed. "How about…personally?"
Rana smiled as she flattened her hands down the back of the vest to ensure there were no creases. "Turn back around." He did and faced the housekeeper as she began fastening the buttons. "She's coping well…" Her eyes met his for a brief second. "And, I know in my bones that everything will be fine for you both." After fastening the last button, she looked back into his eyes but held his gaze. "May I say something, sir? I…" She hesitated and frowned, "…just don't want to be out of my place by doing so…"
Grissom's lips puckered as the older woman certainly grasped his curiosity. "Go ahead," he replied softly.
"I still think back to the very first day you came to us…" She reached for his blue cravat that lay on the back of a chair, "…that lost, scared, innocent little boy…" Slipping it around his neck she smiled. "Groomed in the way of the Grove you were. You worked hard, did as you were told and never complained but now…" He frowned as she began tying the knot. "I find it quite overwhelming where we are now."
"What are you saying?" he asked.
Pausing, she removed her attention from the tie and looked into his eyes. "I be saying, you are not that innocent boy anymore. I am proud of you, sir, but things be very different after today."
"Why?"
Her smile returned as she re-focused on her task. "Because you be a Sidle. There is much responsibility and lots of weight on your shoulders once you're a part of that. You can't be running away again."
His chest swelled at her words never realizing exactly how much she cared for him. "I won't be running anywhere," he replied gently. "I think my destiny has always been here. Even when I moved away it was as if I would always come back."
"Then…it is your calling, sir. This place…" She stepped back, looking all around, "…these people…Miss Sara…Just, be happy and don't ever let anyone change you. Be proud of your roots and be proud of who you are."
Sucking on his bottom lip, he studied her for a moment. "Like you?"
"I always be proud of who I am," she answered. "Because I take care of people like you."
Now he smiled, bright and true, reaching for her hands to clasp them tightly in his own. "You have always been a wonderful woman, Rana. Your love and dedication for the people you work for is unbound and, I thank you for your words and your support."
"No thanks needed, sir. It is just who I am. And I'm just like you…"
*** "Beneath the service of her eccentricity, one of those unselfish creatures- found only among women- who will, for pure love and admiration, bind themselves willing slaves, to youth when they have lost it, to beauty that they never had, to accomplishments that they were never fortunate enough to gain, to bright hopes that never shone upon their own sombre lives. He knew enough of the world to know that there is nothing in it better than the faithful service of the heart; so rendered and so free from any mercenary taint, he had such an exalted respect for it, that in the retributive arrangements made by his own mind- we all make such arrangements, more or less..."
*** - Extract taken from A Tale of Two cities by Charles Dickens
A/N: Awww... Bless Rana. I want to give her a hug, lol. The next chapter should be it! Are we ready? :P