Author's Note: My apologies for the long delay in updating. Between life and work I have been too drained to do anything, and when I finally did sit down to write...nothing. I have had horrible writer's block for the last two weeks and spent most of my attempted writing time just re-reading what I already had and staring at the keyboard. My sincerest thanks for your patience, and for the push a couple of you gave me over in the Suspenders Facebook group.
I know, for as long as it's taken, this is pretty short, and more glimpses than a flowing story, but in the spirit of moving on because there is more to come (insert Wedding March or other suitable music, and more ways to take my bitterness out on Lucas), this is what I've got. Maybe I can come back later and update the chapter.
Chapter Thirteen
"We're getting married!"
Grace smiled fondly at her daughter's announcement and went back to eating her breakfast. "We know, dear," she chided.
"What Elizabeth means is, we've decided to get married here, in Hamilton," Nathan explained.
Everyone stopped and stared in disbelief, except Jack, who continued singing to himself and mashing his food around the table in front of him.
"Here?" Julie asked, bewildered.
Elizabeth turned from redirecting Jack to face her family. "Yes, here." She narrowed her eyes at her sister as she saw Julie's grow wide with excitement. "But we are not having a big society wedding. We still want it to be small, just family and a few close friends. We don't need a huge ceremony and gala reception; that's not who we are."
"Well, if you're having the wedding in Hamilton, there will have to be some to-do about it," Grace pointed out. "People will expect it."
"I don't really care what people expect, Mother," Elizabeth argued. "I just want to marry the man I love and start our life together. I know Father won't be able to walk me down the aisle, but at least I can have both of my parents at my wedding this time."
"I'm afraid your mother is right, Elizabeth," William said gently. "Like it or not, there are certain expectations that come with being a Thatcher. Your wedding to Jack was announced in the society pages, even though it didn't take place here. If we don't at least acknowledge your pending marriage, people will think we are ashamed of it or that we don't approve." He reached across the table to put his hand over Elizabeth's. "And we do approve of it. Whole-heartedly."
"I have an idea," Julie chimed in. "You make the necessary announcements to the Hamilton Post, the church bulletin, and wherever else, but only give the date, no time or place. Say it will be 'an intimate ceremony', then people shouldn't be offended when they don't get an invitation."
"And what about gifts?" Elizabeth asked. "Even if they aren't invited, you know our friends will send the usual assortment of beautiful things, and we have no need for stacks of silver serving trays or dozens of crystal goblets in Hope Valley," she added, citing some of the things that had arrived prior to Viola's wedding to Sir Lionel.
Grace shrugged, unconcerned. "We will ask that in lieu of gifts, they make donations to the Northwest Mounted Police Widows and Children Fund, or to the Hamilton Children's Society."
"Hamilton Children's Society?" Elizabeth queried. "I haven't heard of that."
"It was started last year," William explained, smiling. "Your sister is actually the chairperson."
"Julie?" Elizabeth turned to her sister. "Why have you never mentioned it?"
"It didn't seem important," Julie shrugged. "I clearly was not meant to be a teacher but working with you in Hope Valley made me realize I wanted to do something to help. To do more. Father's financial advisors helped me start the Children's Society. We raise money for less fortunate families here in Hamilton and the surrounding area, for food, clothing, and education. It's not much yet, but we're also starting a scholarship fund, in case they want to go on to college or get specialized job training, so they can do more than just work the mines and factories."
Elizabeth wrapped her sister a hug. "I'm so proud of you Julie. I think you found your passion, your place. This suits you."
"I think Elizabeth and I can agree that both of the causes you mentioned are a worthwhile use of the buzz our wedding will create," Nathan added. "Just as long as the attention stays off of us."
"Well, you're going to have to suffer some attention, dear brother-to-be," Julie teased, winking across the table at Allie. "You are the groom."
"And just how soon are you intending the wedding to take place?" Grace asked, trying to steer the conversation back towards their plans.
"As soon as possible," Elizabeth stated. "I know Father isn't ready to be out and about yet, but we need to start planning our return home. Nathan and I have jobs to get back to and Allie has school." She paused, smiling fondly at her fiancé and the children. "And this will be our first Christmas as a family. I want it to be in our home."
William and Grace exchanged looks of disappointment. "I know you have a life to get started back Hope Valley," he said. "But you have a home here, as well. Christmas is only a few weeks away, and your mother and I have never gotten to celebrate our grandson's birthdays…"
Nathan watched Elizabeth's face fall as she took in her father's words. "What if we stay here for Jack's birthday and Christmas but go home in time for New Year's?" he suggested, squeezing her hand. "It will still be our first family Christmas, just a bit…bigger than we planned. And it seems kind of fitting that the New Year be the start of our new life."
With Grace Thatcher at the helm, wedding plans fell into place quickly. (Nathan thought privately that were she and Rosemary ever to team up, they could complete a mission faster and more efficiently than the best Mountie commanders.) Nathan had heard back from his parents, both of whom were now planning trips to Hamilton. Much to her surprise, the pastor who had christened Elizabeth and her sisters was still in Hamilton, and he agreed to perform their ceremony. Commissioner Collins and Superintendent Godfrey were invited to represent Nathan's Mountie brotherhood, and after a couple of long and somewhat theatrical phone calls, it was decided that Bill, Lee, and Rosemary would also make the trip to Hamilton. The rest of Hope Valley would organize a reception when the new Grant family got home.
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"You're sure this is what you want?" William asked, watching Nathan shift uncomfortably in a tux while the tailor measured him. "Elizabeth said you and Jack were going to be in matching suits."
Smiling at the little boy parading around in a miniature version of the formal ware, Nathan nodded. "I want to surprise her. I know we said we don't want anything too fancy, but this is our wedding. It deserves a little bit of formality."
"I just assumed that if you weren't wearing a suit that you'd be in uniform," William explained.
Nathan grimaced as he studied his reflection but met William's eyes in the mirror. "Other than the fact that my dress uniform is a couple thousand miles away, I want to show Elizabeth that she comes first for me, that she and our kids are more important than my job."
"Well, I certainly can't argue with that."
"Besides," Nathan added. "It can't hurt to have something appropriate for social functions here in Hamilton, or if we go to a show or something in Union City."
"More surprises for Elizabeth?" William enquired, pleased that this Mountie was making an effort to include at least some parts of the finer side of Elizabeth's life.
Once the tailor was finished and had packed up his things, Grace saw him out while William returned to his room to rest. After settling Jack upstairs for a nap, Nathan headed out to see a jeweler recommended by both William and Grace for Elizabeth's wedding ring. He knew what he wanted, and just hoped it could be made in time.
"Her engagement ring is a family piece," Nathan said, explaining the significance of the ring and its stone. "I was hoping to have her wedding band made with our children's birthstones in it. Her son was born in December, and my daughter in September."
"So that gives us blue topaz and sapphire," the older man explained. "That will be a beautiful combination. Let me show you some ideas."
"Do you need the original ring?" Nathan asked, taking a box from his pocket. "Elizabeth was very reluctant to let me have this and expects it to be returned to her finger promptly when I get back, but I thought it might help to see it."
The jeweler nodded, pleased to have a customer so well prepared. "Excellent! Let me just measure and make a quick sketch, and you can have this right back. We certainly don't want to disappoint the lady."
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Elizabeth and Allie had spent a good portion of the day shopping, both for the wedding as well as the new house that would soon be built in Hope Valley. When they were done, Elizabeth led the way to a jewelry store, hoping to get Nathan's wedding ring purchased. "Alessandro makes most of the jewelry my mother and sisters wear, and the things that I wore growing up. He has some of the most stunning pieces I've ever seen, but also a lot of things that are beautiful for their simplicity and craftsmanship."
"Miss Elizabeth!" the small Italian man greeted them as soon as they entered. "Such a pleasure to have you back in my little shop! How can I help you and your lovely companion today?"
Elizabeth grinned. "I need a wedding ring for my soon-to-be husband," she explained. "I have a rather unusual request, but I thought if anyone could do it…."
"We will get you whatever you need, you have my promise!"
Allie watched the man's eyes widen briefly when Elizabeth put her left hand on the counter, her own narrowing suspiciously.
"My engagement ring is my husband-to-be's birthstone, so I was wondering if there is a way to incorporate my birthstone into his wedding ring."
"And as I recall, that would be the ruby of July, correct?"
"That's right!" Elizabeth grinned. "I can't believe you remember that!"
Alessandro beamed. "And how would you like it displayed?"
Elizabeth frowned. "That's what I don't know. Nathan is a Mountie, so his job obviously entails lots of riding, and he does a lot of work with his hands. I wouldn't want the stone to be lost or damaged. Not to mention I'm sure there's some sort of regulation against wearing fine gems while arresting criminals."
"At least it will match his uniform," Allie chimed in, her lips turned in a teasing smirk.
"But I don't want it to make him any more of target than he already is."
Alessandro's eyes gleamed with excitement. "What if I put the stone on the inside of the band?"
Both Elizabeth and Allie looked intrigued, so he pulled a ring from the display. "See how this gem is completely embedded in the band? If I put yours on the inner side and use a smooth stone, it would be undetectable. No one besides you and your husband, and your lovely daughter of course, would even know it's there."
"That actually sounds kind of perfect for Dad," Allie pointed out. "He'll be proud of the ring regardless, and this way he gets to keep a piece of you close, no flash or fuss."
"It does sound perfect," Elizabeth agreed, looking skeptically at the jeweler. "But can it be done in less than two weeks?"
Alessandro nodded confidently. "For you, Miss Elizabeth, it most certainly can."
Elizabeth beamed, thanking him profusely. She drifted off to look for gifts for her parents and sister and Allie started to follow, then stopped and turned back to the jeweler.
"Apparently your father isn't the inquisitor in the family, eh?" Alessandro teased. "You want to know why I recognized your mother's ring?" he asked quietly.
"He's not and I certainly do," she replied, not sharing his humor.
Alessandro tapped a folder on the counter, the very one she had watched him slide out of sight when they came in. "Then I'm sure you can keep a secret," he conspired, winking. "Your father was here yesterday, with that exact ring, placing a special order for her wedding band. And let me assure you, they are both going to be pleasantly surprised. I think it bodes well for their marriage that they think so much alike." Allie grinned back at him, then quickly toned it down as Elizabeth returned and said she was ready to go.
"Elizabeth!"
Allie and Elizabeth turned at the sound of her name, startled to see who had hailed her.
"Tom! What are you doing in Hamilton?" Elizabeth exclaimed in disbelief, reaching to hug him.
Tom returned the embrace and nodded towards Allie before he explained. "I'm working here, at least for a few months." He paused, turning serious as he reached for Elizabeth's hand. "I heard about your father. I hope he's recovering well?"
"He is, thank you," she replied. "I think having Jack and Allie here has been a great help, though some of Jack's antics have been enough to wear me out, so I can only imagine how much he exhausts my father."
"I'm sure he doesn't mind a bit," Tom chuckled.
They were stopped from any further discussion by the arrival of Charlotte Thornton. "Lizzie! I didn't expect to see you out and about today."
Elizabeth reached out to hug her mother-in-law, then turned to introduce Allie. "I know you two have written a few times, but I'm so happy you get to meet in person. Charlotte, this is Nathan's daughter, Allie Grant. Sweetheart, this is Jack's mother, Charlotte Thornton."
Allie reached to shake her hand, but Charlotte pulled the girl into a hug. "We're practically family, young lady. There's no need to be so formal."
"We have two more for the guest list," Elizabeth announced when they got back to the Thatcher's'. "We ran into Tom Thornton while we were out. His job has him here in Hamilton for a while, and he saw the announcement in the paper. Since he's family, I invited him."
"Is he bringing someone….significant with him?" Julie asked slyly. She and Tom had broken things off years ago, but she still wondered about him from time to time.
"He is," Elizabeth replied, watching her sister pout with disappointment. "His mother. Charlotte is in town visiting him, so she's going to extend her trip a few days and stay for the wedding and Jack's birthday."
"And you don't think that will be….awkward?" Julie wondered. "Your first husband's mother and brother, watching you marry someone else?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "They know that Jack would want me to be happy and for his son to grow up with a father, and they've met Nathan. They know he's the right man for us." She smirked. "Tom even offered to walk me down the aisle if Father isn't up for it."
"I bet that offer alone will get Father back on his feet in no time," Julie retorted, joining her sister's laugh.
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In the midst of all the wedding plans, Elizabeth received a surprising phone call from the elite all-boys school in Hamilton. According to the headmaster, she hadn't responded to their written inquiry, and they wanted to confirm she still wished them to hold a spot for her son.
"I'm a teacher. Why would I send my own child away to boarding school?"
The man was clearly puzzled by her answer but explained. "Your fiancé said you were going to stop teaching once you were married, that you would be too busy traveling and writing your next book to waste your time in a classroom. Should I be talking to Mr. Bouchard about this? Or perhaps the boy's father?"
"His father is dead, and Mr. Bouchard will be shortly if I don't get an explanation."
"Umm…" the man on the other end of the line suddenly sounded very nervous.
"Thank you for your call," Elizabeth said pleasantly through gritted teeth. "But as I have no intention of giving up teaching when I get married, and I most certainly won't be marrying Mr. Bouchard, I don't believe my son will be needing a place in your fine institution. Good day, sir." She slammed the receiver down hard enough to make it bounce back onto the table.
"Do I want to know what that was about?" Nathan asked cautiously. Behind him, Julie and Allie peered around the door, their faces filled with concern.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and took a deep breath, holding it for a moment before exhaling slowly and opening them. "Apparently, Lucas intended to send Jack off to boarding school once we were married."
"Why…?" Nathan started to ask, but thought better of it, choosing instead to just fold her into his arms and hold her until she calmed down.
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"I can't believe that two days from now we'll be married!" Elizabeth sighed happily, leaning into Nathan's embrace. They had finally managed to find a few minutes alone together, sneaking away to a corner of the library.
"Finally," Nathan murmured back, then resumed leaving a trail of soft kisses along her neck and cheek.
With the arrival of both Archie and Alice Grant, the Coulters, Bill Avery, and Elizabeth's Aunt Agatha, nearly all the bedrooms were full, and everyone seemed to have an opinion on the wedding. Julie wanted Nathan to wear his dress uniform, going so far as to call Bill to have him bring it from Hope Valley. Bill and Lee both volunteered to stand up with Nathan, while Agatha insisted Julie and Rosemary should be bridesmaids, despite Nathan and Elizabeth's wish to have just Allie and Jack as their attendants. Rosemary grudgingly approved of the dress (distressed not by the style, but that she didn't get to design and make it for her best friend) but thought Elizabeth should wear one of the new styles of pearl and bead caps, or at least a veil. Nathan's parents were both thrilled to see their son and granddaughter again and had fallen instantly in love with both Elizabeth and Jack, but were barely cordial with each other, making their every encounter awkward for everyone.
"Is it too late to take the kids and just elope?" Elizabeth asked softly, her eyes closed and a soft smile lighting her face.
Nathan chuckled, his breath tickling against her neck. "But then we'd have to either take them with us for our honeymoon weekend, or face everyone when we drop them back here before we go. And I am really looking forward to a couple of days alone with you."
Julie's wedding gift was a weekend away at a small resort about an hour outside of Hamilton. They'd have unlimited room service if they chose to stay in, or they could venture out for carriage rides, hikes, or exploring the local shops. She pointed out that Nathan had suffered the pomp and flash of Hamilton society better than any of them expected—from shopping to the bridal tea and bachelor poker game to the onslaught of well wishes—and deserved something more his style. She also insisted that there was no way she would let them have their wedding night literally down the hall from their entire family. And, of course, all of that family meant there were more than enough people to keep an eye on the children for a couple of days.
"It's all moving fast now, isn't it?" Elizabeth stated. "We get married December 19, come back here Monday the 22nd, celebrate Jack's birthday the 24th, have Christmas, and then we leave for Hope Valley Saturday the 27th. We'll ring in the new year—and new decade—in our own little home."
"And come spring, we'll get started on our new bigger home," Nathan added, holding her contently. "I'm trying not to think about everything together like that, because I don't want us to feel rushed, but at the same time, I can't wait for everything to happen. In two days, we'll be a family, and within two weeks, we'll all be home. Finally."
Another note: I know that telephone call was pretty random, but that idea has been sitting in my "to do" list since the beginning. I just needed a way to work it in, but since it's based on Elizabeth being engaged and that isn't going to be the case much longer (I don't consider that a spoiler since we can ALL plainly see where I'm planning for this to go...)