Author's Note:

FINALLY: The wedding is here! YAY!

I'll be honest, I rewrote the altar kiss about 4 times. I wanted it to be sweet and chaste (because they are in front of practically all of Hope Valley, and well, we all know Nathan.) But, I wanted it to convey all the emotion and love, and HAPPINESS that they both deserve. (And I wanted Nathan, despite his reserved nature, to be caught off guard and bowled over!) So, I hope I did it justice.

The good news is, there are lots more kisses, still to come. They are getting married, after all! (insert applause emoji here) XOXO -Sarno

Chapter 122. I Do

Nathan stood in the back of the church, now calm. He'd been nervous when he'd first arrived, and paced a little bit, but after a prayer from Joseph, he'd become calm. Very calm. Calm like he hadn't been in a very long time. He was so very certain about Julia, and confident in her love, that peace just simply took over. It was now his front and rear guard. So, he rested in it.

He breathed deep and looked out the window at all their friends arriving. Three of the four groomsmen - Bill, Archie, and Gabe - were helping everyone find seats on the wooden benches Nathan and his father had built. Jake, the fourth groomsman, was of course, with Julia.

Chuck, Grace, Lillian and the kids were seated on the right side. Penny and Ben sat just behind them, with Mike and Alex on the same row. The Weiss family, and Cat and Emily, sat on the next row, with Minnie, Cooper, and Angela just behind them. Several other kids from school, and their families were seated there, too.

The Yosts sat on the left side, and Rosemary sat with the Flynn's, just behind them. The empty spot beside Rosemary indicated that she was saving a seat for Lee, who was charged with driving the wedding party. George, Jimmy, and William sat on one of the latter rows, not far from Henry. Behind them there were quite a few others that Nathan couldn't make out from this angle.

The sound of the church door suddenly got Nathan's attention, so he turned. In walked his mother, looking beautiful. Charlie was just behind her, though he hung back.

Rebecca walked right up and embraced her son. She held him a long time, in a proud mother's embrace. When she pulled back, she looked him over. He was at complete peace and…dare she say, excited? She could feel it, and he hadn't seemed this excited, since before he'd left for Mountie training.

"How are you doing, son?" She asked him, as she searched his face and eyes.

"Ready." He told her, and she could see it was true.

Finally, Rebecca revealed something she'd held in her hand since she'd walked in - a small corsage for his lapel. And she went to work to attach it. "You always did look so very handsome in blue." She told him with a proud motherly smile.

He watched her work, thankful for her steadfast, stone-strong resolve that had taught him so much. "Thanks, Mom." He said softly.

When the corsage was well attached, she smoothed down his lapels and took him in. "Just wait till she sees you." She smiled. "You are something else, son."

"Thanks, Mom." He repeated, shy this time.

"Though…" She titled her head coyly and smiled, "…wait till you see her." Even Rebecca was anxious to see her son's face when Julia walked down the aisle. "You did good, son. You found someone who really, really appreciates you, and would do anything…" She paused and swallowed. "For you, and Allie."

"And, I would do anything for her." Nathan confessed. "And Allie, and you." He reminded her.

She reached one hand up and cupped his handsome cheek. "I know you would, son." She smiled again, sadder this time. Nathan recognized that look and knew exactly who had come to her mind. Rebecca spoke low. "I wish…Colleen…"

"I know." Nathan told her. "Me, too."

Rebecca patted his lapel with one hand, again, and cleared her throat. "Well, Charlie and I should get out there." She told him, motioning her head toward her escort.

Nathan led her over to where Charlie was waiting patiently. Nathan extended his hand. "Charlie, thanks for coming so far, and being here with us. It really is an honor to have you."

Charlie shook and told him. "The honor is all mine, Nathan."

Nathan grinned thankful. "And thanks for setting up everything for us, at the ranch, for the honeymoon."

Charlie smiled. "Most of the credit there, goes to Danni. When she heard you were getting married, and coming, she was thrilled." Danni was a distant cousin of Charlie's who worked at the ranch, and was also practically part of the family. She was half Métis - her father was related to Charlie, and her mother, a native. Now in her late forties, Danni had always been like an aunt to Nathan. She had come to work at the ranch when Nathan had been about 14, and had always been close to both him and Colleen. Much like Charlie, she was an expert when it came to horses. And her Métis heritage played a lot into that - her mother had been well-known for her horse expertise - and had passed it on to Danni.

"I'll be sure to thank her, then." Nathan told him. "It's too bad she couldn't come for the wedding."

Charlie replied. "Somebody has to hold down the fort at the ranch. Those horses don't feed themselves."

Nathan chuckled. "No, they don't." He paused. "It sure will be nice to see her."

"Danni's really excited to see you too, and to meet Julia." Charlie told him. "She'll be waiting at the train station when you arrive, and she'll get you settled. Everything should be in order."

Nathan replied. "It's very kind of her."

"She'd do anything for you, Nathan, you know that." Charlie said with a wink. "That soft-spot she had for you when you were young has only gotten softer."

Nathan smiled, remembering how kind she'd always been. Danni Walker wasn't much over 5 feet tall, and was as tough as nails, but had a heart of gold. Soft gold.

Just then, the groomsmen entered the church. Bill told Nathan. "It's almost time."

Nathan nodded, but then looked Charlie in the eye. "Thanks so much, Charlie." They shook one more time.

Then Nathan looked at his mother. She smiled big and told him. "See you out there, son."

Nathan nodded again, and Charlie extended his arm to Rebecca. He escorted her out of the church and to the meeting point, at the back of the wedding venue.

Gabe looked Nathan over. "Well, you look just fine." He surmised.

Nathan chuckled low. "Of course I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

Bill just chuckled and looked at his watch. "Because, it's time for you to get married."

Paul Blakeley and Cooper Canfield stood over to the side, one holding a guitar and the other a violin. And when Paul slowly started to pick the guitar, the ceremony began.

Charlie was the first to go down the aisle, and he escorted Rebecca, who was dressed in the periwinkle blue that Julia had chosen, as wedding color. She wore a small corsage of wildflowers, similar to Nathan's, on her lapel. She looked beautiful with the wistful updo Fiona had given her, and walked with such elegance, all eyes were on her. Including Charlie's, in fact, he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. And her sky blue eyes shone under his gaze, as he walked her to the second row, and sat close beside her.

Next to walk the aisle, were Joseph and Nathan. Completely unbeknownst to him, as Nathan entered, he was so radiant, that he commanded attention. All eyes were captivated, and fixed, on him. Today, he just had a presence about him, an enthralling force, in that handsome navy-blue three-piece suit. The man who had so often faded into the background, and preferred it that way, was now the center of attention. And he just fit there, like he was always meant to be noticed and seen, and to stand out, in a good way.

Nathan and Joseph walked to the end of the aisle, turned, and stood just in front of the arbor.

Then Nathan looked out, over the crowd, and felt those familiar butterflies he always seemed to feel, anytime he knew Julia was close by. His eyes landed on Henry's car, and the two shadows inside, now starting to move around. Jake was standing just next to the car, those his eyes were fixed now. Nathan followed his gaze, which of course, led to Fiona, now on Bill's arm, starting her way down the aisle.

Fiona held a small wildflower bouquet and looked radiant in blue. When the girls had asked what dress Julia wanted her bridesmaids to wear, she had only chosen a color: periwinkle blue. No more specifics than that, each woman could choose whatever dress suited her. Julia had kept it simple and uncomplicated. She only wanted these four women - Fiona, Faith, Elle, and Allie - to stand next to her, to be there beside her, as she married the love of her life. Nothing more.

Bill looked so proud and fatherly as he walked Fiona down. All eyes were on them as they arrived at the arbor and split. Bill went to the right to stand on Nathan's side, and Fiona to the left to attend Julia.

All eyes moved to the entrance again, as Archie started down, escorting Faith. They walked slow and with the music, as Paul continued to strum along. Cooper had joined in with his violin shortly after the ceremony began, and the music was just lovely. Slow and sentimental, as Archie and Faith walked to the end. They too, split: Archie went to stand on Nathan's side, and Faith took her place next to Fiona.

Next, Gabe came down with Elle. Nathan watched them, and there was no mistaking their happy smiles. When they got to the end, Elle took her place next to Faith. And Gabe gave Nathan a brotherly pat, as he turned and took his place, at his good friend's side.

Nathan smiled in response, and then let his gaze come to the entrance once again. And there was Allie. So bright and resplendent. She looked so pretty and so mature as she walked by herself down the aisle. Nathan couldn't take his eyes off his little girl, felt as though she'd grown up before his very eyes, over the span of five minutes. Memories flashed through his mind - of her at four, five, six years old, so little and adorable. Now she was a young woman, and he couldn't help but get choked up, as she walked toward him.

Every eye was on this father-daughter duo, the love and commitment between them evident to everyone present. When she got to the end, Allie didn't go directly to her place, beside Elle. Oh, no. Instead she went straight to her Dad, rose up on tiptoes, and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you." She whispered, as she set back on her heels and moved to her designated spot, beside Auntie Elle.

Nathan was a wreck as he choked out the words to return her sentiment. "I love you, too, Allie girl." He managed, just before she was out of earshot. She smiled at him and wiped a happy tear.

Then, Nathan brought his eyes back to the entrance of the aisle. And there she stood. Julia. On Jake's arm. The music changed, though he didn't notice. There was even a small commotion as everyone stood, but he didn't notice that either. When Paul and Cooper began to softly play The Wedding March, Nathan didn't hear that either. Though, neither did Julia.

Nathan just gazed at his bride - so breathtaking and beautiful - and felt all of the emotions, every single one, till they were running over. He didn't even try to contain them, any attempt would be useless anyway.

Julia leaned on Jake as she looked down the aisle. Once her eyes were fixed on Nathan, she didn't see or hear anything else. His eyes drew her in, and everything else became white noise. He looked so handsome and brilliant in that suit, and she remembered Rebecca's sound advice: just breathe. And so, she did just that, as Jake led her down the aisle.

And she walked toward him, her true love. With complete abandon. Nothing held back. As if all the little steps of her life had culminated in this moment right here. As if…her entire life, she had actually been walking toward this man. And right now, right here, she was right where she should be - walking a simple aisle, next to a simple pond, on an ordinary day, in an ordinary town…towards an extraordinary man.

When they got down to the arbor, Joseph's voice just barely broke through, muted, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

Jake answered. "I do." Then he looked down at Julia and kissed her on the cheek. As he pulled back he whispered, "Love you, sis."

And she smiled. "Love you, Jake."

Jake took her hand, the one that wasn't holding a bouquet of flowers, and put it in Nathan's. Then, he took his place as groomsman, proudly standing up with Nathan, between Gabe and Archie.

Her hand securely in Nathan's, Julia looked up at her beloved. And he looked down at her. She felt a happy tear escape and make its way down her cheek, but she didn't move. She was captivated by this wonderful man before her. All of her focus was on him. And he gazed right back at her, his ocean eyes full of love.

And finally, he smiled and whispered, as only he could do, "Hi."

Julia's face broke into the biggest, happiest smile, when she heard that simple word. One he had used so often, it could have perhaps become common. But, oh no, not with him. It would never be common. Not when it came from his lips. That was a word that he said when he didn't know what else to say, when he was caught up in emotion, as she was right now. It meant that he felt it too. And so, she loved that word. And she loved the way he said it. And, she loved the way her insides went to mush, each and every time he drawled it out.

And so, she answered. Though, she added on that one endearment that she knew he loved. "Hi, my love." And he made that wonderful smile. The happy one that went up into his eyes and made those crinkles at their corners. The one she adored, and wanted to see every single day, for the rest of her life.

And so, Nathan was caught - just gazed at his bride. He'd never seen anyone so beautiful. In fact, he'd been captivated the moment she'd appeared. Her dress was magnificent, accentuated every beautiful curve and fell so naturally to the ground. No pomp, no circumstance, no extravagance. Just Julia.

Her eyes were riveting and drew him in. Her lips, a deep mauve, alluring and inviting. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. He was…taken.

Joseph looked back and forth between them, each captivated by the other, and smiled. He waited a few long seconds, but they didn't move.

So finally, he just started. "Welcome friends, family, and loved ones. Welcome to Hope Valley, and welcome to Nathan and Julia's wedding celebration, where we come together, in the presence of God, to unite their two lives as one. Thank you for being here today, allowing Nathan and Julia to start their married life surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them. Thank you for sharing in the formal commitment they will make to one another, and for offering your love and support to this union." Joseph paused and looked around the room.

Then he brought his gaze back to Nathan and Julia. "Let's get started." Joseph told them, a little louder than necessary, and at last, they both looked his way. Finally, he had their attention.

Joseph continued. "Today, Nathan and Julia will receive God's greatest gift: another person to share their path with, to grow with, change with, be joyful with, and to stand with, as one, throughout life, and when trials and tribulations come. I think it is fitting, therefore, that we should begin this ceremony by asking for God's blessing on this marriage." Joseph told them. "Let us pray."

Everyone bowed their heads, and Joseph continued. "Heavenly Father, we gather together today, to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. We rejoice that Nathan and Julia have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. Lord, we ask your blessing upon them now, and upon their marriage, as they enter into this holy covenant, before You. Lord, bless them both, their family, their household, and their journey together. Bless all who are gathered here today. In the name of Jesus, Amen."

Joseph looked up and nodded at Rebecca. She came to the front, picked up a bible from the front row, and read aloud the passage that Nathan and Julia had chosen. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." She paused and looked up. "1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 8." Rebecca closed the Bible, smiled at Julia and Nathan, and returned to her seat.

Joseph looked around at the crowd, and continued. "Nathan and Julia have chosen to write their own vows to each other. So, at this time, I will ask them each to recite the vows that they have written." Joseph told the audience. "Julia, why don't we start with yours?" He asked. Julia nodded slowly, turned, handed her bouquet to Allie, and faced Nathan again.

Then she did a funny thing - Julia opened her palm and pulled a tiny rolled-up piece of paper out from under her engagement ring. Nathan's face broke into a smile. But she wasn't fazed, she just unrolled the paper and looked shyly at her groom. Then she took a deep breath, and started.

"My beloved Nathan, I would like to start by saying that your heart is so beautiful, that I trust you completely - heart and soul. So, wherever you lead, I will follow. Where you go, I will go." Julia paused and then continued. "My love, I promise that you will never be invisible, at least not to me. I will always see you, and hear you, and listen to you, and consider you. You will always have a voice as long as I'm around." He smiled and she held his gaze, her eyes full and sincere.

"No matter what comes our way, I promise to stand beside you. Remember I told you that my feet are cemented to the ground in your corner? Well, it's true. I will always be on your side, I will always have your back, and I will always be in your corner. Cheering you on, pushing you gently, or comforting you. Whatever you need. You can count on me." Julia paused and held his gaze, to make sure he heard her say, "My every loyalty is to you." With those words, Julia could see Nathan's emotions raw and on the surface now. His eyes were full of tears and he sniffled.

She took another deep breath. "Nathan, I promise to always have your best interest at heart, and to count you higher than myself. I promise to keep confidences, so you can confide in me. I promise to be a good friend, someone you can talk to and share things with. And I promise to always hold your hand, even when we grow old."

Julia paused, she wanted this one to hit home. "And I promise to always do my best…to fill your life with flowers." Julia smiled as she said it, and Nathan chuckled tenderly. He loved that.

Julia took another deep breath and continued. "Nathan, you are my safe place, so I will be that safe place for you. You are my best friend, so I will be your best friend. You are my refuge, so I will be a refuge for you. You are my home, so I will be home for you." She gazed up at him and sniffled.

"My love, I promise to respect you and to honor you. And I promise to be faithful and to love only you." Julia gazed deep into his eyes so intensely now, his insides became mush. "Nathan, your love is so pure and true. And you give it so freely, and selflessly, without reservation. I promise to love you with that same kind of love. I promise to cherish you, and the love that you give so freely. I want to love you like that." His heart was racing now.

Julia swallowed and blinked back tears as she continued. "Nathan, you are my true love, and I promise to give you my whole heart and my whole self. All that I am." She smiled, through the tears, into those ocean eyes. "I will love you fully, deeply, wholly, and I promise to love you for as long as I live. I am totally, completely, and…ardently yours. Forever."

As she finished, another tear escaped, and this time, Nathan reached up and wiped it. His touch had never felt more tender, and made her tremble on the inside. But even so, Julia held his gaze, and let the intensity of her words sink in. She meant every single declaration she had made, to the very last letter. And she wanted him to know.

Joseph broke the silence. "That was…very moving, Julia." He smiled at her. "Nathan, have you prepared your vows to Julia?"

Nathan sniffled and gave a tiny nod. He pulled a folded piece of paper from his suit pocket, and opened it.

"My dearest Jules. When you came into my life, I had only two goals: to keep Hope Valley safe, and to raise Allie." He paused and told her. "But, YOU." He smiled. "Like the sunshine, YOU broke through the clouds, and you challenged me. You made me want more out of life." His gaze never left her, but he paused. Then, when he was able to continue, his voice cracked just slightly, as he told her, "You made my heart beat again." His gaze was intense and sincere. Julia's eyes filled with tears, her mouth fell open just slightly. "So, I promise that I will always challenge you, and dream big with you, and live life to the full, with you. I will never again let myself settle, and I will never allow you to "just get by"." He told her with a smile, and she smiled back. "I will always push us toward the more."

Nathan glanced down at his paper, took a breath, and then continued. "Julia, I promise to honor you. I will always put your needs above my own, and consider you before myself. I will cherish you and hold you in high esteem. You are a gift to me, and I will always treat you that way, with kindness and tenderness, as you deserve." Another glance, and next came the words that were so Nathan. "I promise to protect you, and to keep you safe. I promise to provide for you, and to take care of you." His heart really was so beautiful.

He kept going. "Jules, I will always be there for you. Whether you need a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on, or an ear to listen. I want to be that person, I promise to be that person." She sniffled.

"Julia, you love with an unconditional love. You love a person completely, flaws and all. And, you love with your whole heart, no holding back. I promise to love you like that. In my love, you will find complete acceptance, and unwavering commitment, and absolute dedication. And I promise to give you all of myself, I will never hold anything back from you." Another glance at his paper. Julia just gazed at him and was so thankful for Rebecca's words in her head: just breathe.

"Julia, you are my best friend, and so, I promise to be your best friend; your confidant and companion. I promise to be your steadfast partner, in whatever life throws our way. I will always take your feelings into consideration, and will always put you first, and have your best interest at heart." He continued. "I also promise to be there for you in good times or bad. Let my love be the anchor you can hold onto in any storm. I will wrap you in my arms and be your refuge and your safe haven. I will be your place of comfort."

Nathan swallowed. "Jules, I promise to grow with you, as a person, and as a couple. I can't wait to discover each new day, each new depth, of our love, together. I promise to dream with you, and to always support you, in those dreams."

He sniffled, smiled crooked, and looked deep into her eyes. "Julia, you are my rib." She smiled. "So, above all, I will love you. Deeply. Faithfully. Completely. With all my heart, and everything that I am. I pledge my fidelity and my faithfulness to you, Jules. I pledge my whole heart, my whole self, to you, and you alone." He paused and then finished. "You are my true love. My one and only. Always and forever."

As Nathan finished, the emotions were electric between them. Another tear escaped, this time from Nathan's eye. Julia reached up and gently wiped it away. Her touch was so sweet and soft that Nathan's breath stopped in his throat. He captured her hand in his. And he didn't let go.

"Nathan, that was very beautiful." Joseph said softly. Nathan returned the piece of paper to his suit pocket. Julia nodded ever so slightly, so only he could see, completely agreeing with Joseph's words. Nathan smiled.

Joseph turned toward the groom, and continued the ceremony. He spoke louder now. "Nathan, do you take Eleanor Julia Matthews to be your wife, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in heath, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

Nathan gazed at Julia and told her. "I do."

Joseph turned toward the bride. "Julia, do you take Nathaniel Sullivan Grant to be your husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in heath, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

Julia told Nathan. "I do."

Joseph smiled and looked at the wedding party. "Could I please have the rings?"

From the bride's side, Faith nodded, stepped forward, and placed a ring in Joseph's hand. Gabe did the same from the groom's side.

Joseph looked at the two rings in his hand. Then he held them up and spoke to the crowd. "The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver." He showed the bride and groom. "Nathan, Julia, may these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken."

Joseph held out his hand, first to Julia, who picked up the larger one, and then to Nathan, who took the smaller one. When they were ready, they both brought their gaze back to Joseph.

"Nathan, repeat after me."

Nathan took Julia's left hand in his, and nodded. Joseph said the line first, and Nathan repeated. "Julia, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness." And Nathan slid his Grandmother's wedding band on Julia's finger, just next to the engagement ring he had also given her. When his eyes came up to meet Julia's, she smiled happily.

Joseph continued. "Julia, will you please repeat after me?" Without taking her eyes off of Nathan, Julia nodded, and took his left hand in her's. She held out her father's ring, ready to make this man her husband.

But she didn't wait for Joseph. She just slid the ring on his finger, and made the promise. "Nathan, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness."

Nathan smiled crooked, happy. And he didn't let her let go of her hand, but held on, again.

Joseph just smiled at both of them, and kept going. "Nathan and Julia, you have professed your vows of marriage before God and all who are assembled here. And you have exchanged rings, as a promise to one another. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to now pronounce you: husband and wife." Nathan and Julia both looked at Joseph, and then, back at each other, thoroughly elated.

And then Joseph said the words the groom had been waiting far too long to hear. "Nathan, you may now kiss your bride."

As soon as Nathan heard those words, he smiled in anticipation, and took a step forward. As a man of character, he had fully intended for this kiss, in front of a crowd of people, to be modest. He and Julia had even planned it that way. But he hadn't factored in the energy that was between them, or the happiness that felt as though it would bubble over, inside of him. Or the emotions that would be so raw and honest, in this moment. Nathan's hand was even trembling with that emotion, as he brought it up and tenderly placed it on Julia's cheek. He saw the catch of her breath as he did, and the unmistakable love in her eyes. As he bent to claim her lips, she met him halfway.

Nathan felt her arms come around his waist, as she pulled herself in closer. Even before their lips met, there was fire. And that fire mixed in with the happiness, that was overflowing now. And the fire was intense and blazing, between two people who loved each other so devotedly. Their beautiful confessions of love were like fuel, and their heart-felt promises like flame. And though the kiss was tender and sweet, the fire and the passion in it, was undeniable. As their lips moved in harmony, they were both completely caught up.

It was, after all, the kiss to begin a lifetime.

And so, they both relished it - Nathan cherished the soft feel of Julia's lips, while she savored his tenderness. And they felt every emotion, every happiness, let it all crash over them, like waves.

And as they kissed, somehow, muted, as if in a far-off place, Nathan almost thought he heard faint applause, and perhaps even whistling. The crowd had completely faded into the background, as his lips moved over hers.

When they finally pulled back from the kiss, Nathan kept ahold of her, and smiled intensely. Happiness was very beautifully written on his face, and Julia just took it in. She gazed into those ocean eyes, with her own loving intensity.

Finally, Joseph's voice broke through. "Ladies and gentlemen, friends, and family, it is my great honor to present to you, for the very first time: Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Grant!" At those words, Nathan simply smiled, again that happy smile - the one that she loved so much. And Julia smiled right back - those dimples that Nathan adored.

He took her hand and turned them side-by-side, to face the crowd. And the crowd applauded. Jake, Penny, and a few others whistled, as Nathan and Julia just smiled at each other.

Nathan looked out at the crowd and then back at his bride.

They were married. She was his wife.

Finally it came back to him, what he was supposed to do now. So, Nathan went into action. He hooked her hand, the one he was still holding, over his elbow, and started down the aisle. He escorted his wife straight out of the wedding venue, and to Henry's car, as had been planned.

When they got there, Nathan turned and told her, "We're married!" He happily hugged her, but he didn't stop there. He swept her up off the ground, and spun her around in a joyful circle. Julia giggled and held on tight.

As he set her back on her feet, he kissed her again. Sweet and romantic…and happy. Then he kept his lips close as he told her. "Hi, Mrs. Grant."

Julia smiled at his use of that hi once again. And she replied. "Hi, husband." He laughed.

Nathan and Julia finally glanced back toward the wedding site, just in time to see Jake escorting Allie down the aisle, and toward them. She walked happily on his arm, and laughed heartily at something Jake whispered to her.

As she and Jake approached, Allie finally glanced up and found Nathan and Julia standing there, arm in arm, waiting for her. And she took off. Allie launched herself into their arms, smack dab in the middle. They both engulfed her in an embrace, and held her between them, in a family hug.

Jake hung back and watched them - this brand-new family, embracing happily.

He took his time approaching, to allow them more time. Jake was so slow in fact, that Gabe and Elle were soon right behind him. Finally though, when Nathan looked up and saw the rest of the wedding party arriving, he pulled back to include the others. When Julia saw Jake, she immediately reached out for him.

Julia hugged her brother. "Congratulations." He whispered.

Jake hugged Allie next, and told her. "You did great, Kiddo."

Allie just smiled and told him. "Thanks for walking me, Uncle Jake."

Then she glanced over, noticed more of the wedding party arriving - Gabe and Elle, then Bill and Faith.

Jake took a step toward Nathan and told him, "Congratulations." He started to extend his hand, but instead, Nathan pulled him into a brotherly hug.

"Thank you, Bro." Nathan said as he patted him three manly times on the back.

Julia smiled at the two men, and then embraced Elle. Gabe went straight for Nathan, extending his congratulations. And so it went, as the wedding party arrived. A time of jovial, delighted congratulating ensued. And it went all the way around the group, until everyone was there - the bride and groom, Jake, Allie, Gabe, Elle, Archie, Faith, Bill, and Fiona. Even Rebecca and Charlie joined in the happiness, too.