A/N: There are several songs referenced in this chapter. You may want to at least pull up "You" and "The Look of Love" to play as you read. The others, you may just want to enjoy after reading the chapter. References to suggested versions on YouTube are in the A/N at the end.

Chapter 39: The Wedding Night and First Day

Amy cuddled up to Mitch as they drove the forty minutes or so to "Whispering Meadows." They reminisced about all that had happened in the last few hours. They were so pleased with how everything had gone. Amy expressed to Mitch how much she appreciated his special song for her and how precious to her heart was his pledge to Lyndy and his gift of the ring to her. She felt no sadness and only gratitude when she let Mitch know how perfect the song for his and Lyndy's dance together was and how much she appreciated the line he changed to include Ty.

"You didn't tell me you were going to record it yourself. I loved that surprise! It was such a fun song! You had it in mind the night we went to watch the meteor shower, didn't you?"

"I have to admit, it prompted the idea, but that night ended up being so much more meaningful than I'd imagined it! And now, I guess we may need to think about a dog," Mitch grinned.

Amy looked at him a little puzzled, "So there was significance to the dog reference, too?"

"Yes, she saw a person walking a Golden Retriever when we had our ice-skating date, and she thought it was pretty. I don't know if that's exactly the kind of dog we'd want for the ranch, but I do think her having a companion could be a good thing."

"You know, that might not be a bad idea since it's just going to be the three of us now. Lyndy may not know what to do with herself for a while," Amy said.

As they continued down the road, Mitch squeezed Amy's hand as he said, "And my beautiful wife, Jack had to tell me to breathe when I saw you step from the carriage!" he laughed.

"Well, no one held a candle to you at the end of the aisle, my handsome cowboy! You gave me butterflies!" Amy confessed. "And Sweetheart, the song walking toward you could not have been more perfect. I didn't realize when we picked it just how meaningful it would be."

"Yes, and I didn't expect it to make me cry! But seeing you, and all the emotions I was feeling in those moments…it took me by surprise," Mitch said. With that, Amy cuddled up even closer as Mitch put his arm around her.

Amy shared with him about the matching anklets Lou had purchased for them and what she'd said. It pleased Mitch to have that added assurance of Lou's support of them. And she held up the bracelet his mom had gifted her and said how she'd been so touched by Ginny's fondness for her.

"Mitch, I couldn't have asked for better in-laws! I'm so proud to be a part of your family!" Amy proclaimed.

Mitch squeezed her all the closer as he answered, "They are so thrilled to have you and Lyndy as their girls, Love! And to have another Mrs. Cutty," Mitch grinned.

The conversation segued nicely into Amy letting Mitch know how much she'd enjoyed meeting Mitchell and Helen and getting to visit for a few minutes with Claire and how she sensed that she was still struggling with the loss of Zach.

"Yes, I hope we can visit with them again before long. It's been rough for Claire. I think she's struggled with some of the same guilt that I felt over Zach, like there might have been more she could have done. We've always gotten together around the anniversary of his death just to support each other, but there's only so much that I can do. I think you might be a real help and friend to her."

"I'd like to try. I really like her!" Amy said.

By that time, they were turning into Whispering Meadows, and they both looked up admiring the sign as they drove through the entry to the ranch with great excitement, joy and pride to be arriving at 'their' ranch for the first time as husband and wife. And as they looked to the left, Amy reached up to lovingly squeeze Mitch's hand as they viewed their new "Serenity Stables" sign up on the barn.

"Darling, I can't thank you enough for the gift you've given me with all the work you put into preparing for my…our business together. I feel so loved," and Amy reached up to kiss Mitch on the cheek.

As he pulled the truck to a stop and parked, he turned to her and said, "You are so very loved, my angel, and you are so very welcome," and he took her in his arms to kiss her long and deeply.

As they slowly broke apart, Mitch smiled that endearing crooked smile and got out to walk around the truck to open Amy's door. As she was still in her wedding dress, he lifted her out of the truck to be sure she didn't spoil it trying to get out. As he set her down, he tucked her arm through his with his opposite hand covering hers. When they stepped up onto the porch, Mitch's strong arms swooped Amy up evoking her beautiful laugh. Amy reached down to open the door for him as he carried her over the threshold. Lisa had left it unlocked for them and spread yellow rose petals from the entry toward the bedroom. As Mitch set Amy down and quickly shed his coat and tie, with Amy amused at how swiftly he wanted to get comfortable, he asked, "Are you hungry…thirsty?'

She said, "I think I'm too excited to eat, and I still feel pretty full after our big lunch, but I could use a glass of wine," she responded having noticed the chilled bottle that Lisa had left on the island alongside a bowl of nuts and a beautiful bouquet of the same flowers that Amy carried in her bouquet.

"Who did all this?" Amy asked.

"Who do you think?"

"With all the details I'm seeing…it had to be Lisa!" Amy answered, and Mitch smiled and nodded yes.

Mitch had planned with Lisa to be sure there could be music available to play for their wedding night. He put the music on, and Amy kicked off her shoes as Mitch pulled off his boots, and they enjoyed a glass of wine together while cuddling on the couch. The first song he had on the playlist was 'It's Your Love.'(1) Among others were 'Your Everything,'(2) 'You,'(3) 'Make You Feel My Love'(4) and 'The One You Need.'(5)*

They were both feeling a little nervous, but the wine and music helped. When 'You' began to play, Mitch got up from the couch and reached for Amy's hand and said, "Dance with me?" and she rose to be enfolded in his embrace as they swayed to the music, both feeling the building flame of their closeness together. As the song finished, he gently tipped her chin and said, "My wife, you do look wonderful tonight! You hold my heart captive!"

Amy glowed in the warmth of his love as she responded, "Thank you, dear husband, and you have captivated mine!"

Oh, how Mitch cherished this incredible woman God had blessed him with – to be with someone that he knew without a doubt loved him back!

"I have something I'd like to show you," and he took her hand to lead her to the bedroom. He'd so anticipated this moment when he'd solicited his dad's help to move both Amy's and Lyndy's gifts into the bedrooms a few days before.

As she walked in, the first thing she noticed was the already turned down bed sporting the silky turquoise, satin sheets Lisa had specially purchased for them, along with French chocolates on each bedside table, the special touches so her. Then Amy's gaze moved across the room to see the beautiful dressing table realizing it had not been there before.** Her eyes grew big as she took it in.

"Oh, Mitch! This is for me?" she asked rhetorically.

She'd never owned anything so fine, and she was so excited to try it out. She walked over and ran her fingers over the glossy, rich wood and noticed the four words carved at the top, 'My Love, My Angel.' They were two of her favorites that he fondly called her. "Mitch, I don't know what to say! It's exquisite! Did you make it?"

"No, I decided not to put that pressure on myself with all we had on our plate. Lisa helped pick it out, but I did do the carving at the top."

"I absolutely love it! And those are two of my favorite names you call me. The love you shower me with continues to blow me away!"

She sat down to take it in. About that time, 'The Look of Love'(6) began to play. Very soon, she sensed the warmth emanating from Mitch's presence behind her and looked up to see the adoration in his eyes reflected in the mirror. He bent down to begin showering her neck and back with sweet, feather-like kisses sending chills through her. Slowly, his tall form rose, and those strong, gentle hands began to remove her hairpins and the flowers one by one. As her hair gently fell to her shoulders, piece by piece, the relieving sensation of one's hair letting down after being pinned up for so long washed over Amy. Mitch ran his fingers through her silky strands causing her to shiver as he lifted her hair over the front of her shoulder. His fingers then lightly traced down her back to untie the lace that held the back of her dress together. Loop by loop, he unlaced it. Once finished, he took her hand to pull her up and around to stand before him. Amy trembled under his loving gaze yet felt only love emanating from Mitch's eyes. He could see her back, now visible in the mirror, as her dress fell open and slid to the floor. It was at that instant that Mitch completely understood why they'd waited. The months of anticipation made this moment glorious! He stepped back, feeling speechless, to take in her beauty, the unveiling of the mystery of her feminine form. He memorized her every curve.

He then found his voice and raspingly said, "Amy, you take my breath away!"

In that moment, any vestige of apprehension in Amy fell away. She stepped out of the dress surrounding her feet and moved toward him with longing in her eyes as she began to finger the hair peeking from his shirt. Mitch's breath caught. One by one, she unbuttoned the buttons of his shirt, starting with the cuffs. As she got mid-way down his shirt, she ran her fingers through the hair on his muscular chest. Mitch's breathing increased and his heart raced. He'd never felt such passion, such deep love, such longing. His whole being ached for Amy. As she began to unbuckle his belt, he used everything within himself to will restraint, wanting to savor every moment of this final act of taking Amy as his wife in this treasured intimacy between them. When the rest of his clothes fell to the floor, he drew her into his embrace. There were no words to describe the feeling of melting into each other, moving towards becoming one. Mitch lifted Amy, again with such ease, and gently laid her on their marriage bed. As they tenderly explored each other, they found they could no longer wait to fully know one another. The mountain was climbed, then fulfilled. They blissfully clung to each other as their breathing slowed and came into sync. Holding each other close, they fell into a deep, restful sleep, secure in each other's arms.

Mitch awoke early the next morning to his tummy grumbling. As Amy began to awaken, she was very aware of Mitch next to her. It was a long-missed feeling to wake with such warmth beside her. She sensed him looking at her. When she opened her eyes, she saw him propped up on one arm with those beautiful, breath-taking ocean-blue orbs gazing at her, and that adorable, crooked smile beaming on his face. "Good morning, Sunshine! Did you sleep well?" he asked as he took her hand and gently kissed it.

"Like a baby!" she answered sleepily.

As he softly outlined her face with his finger, he whispered, "Well, you just stay right there, Babe, and I'll go start us some breakfast."

Amy smiled at this new, affectionate name he tried out on her and reached up to kiss him, and then turned back over, letting out a muffled moan as she buried her head in the soft, comfy pillow, blonde strands fanned across it, to catch a few more minutes of slumber. Mitch kissed her on her neck before leaving the room.

Lisa, so thoughtfully, had left pre-cooked bacon in the fridge, so Mitch simply heated it up. He wasn't yet sure just how Amy preferred her eggs, so to be safe, he scrambled them. As he worked, he discovered the card and monetary gift his parents had left. That was so much like them. He'd share that with Amy later. He made some toast, found some apricot preserves as an added option, plated everything, and placed it on a tray with a yellow rose from the bouquet Lisa left. He added coffee and orange juice and set an additional tray for himself, minus the rose.

As he walked into the room, Amy stirred. She sat up in the bed, pulling the covers around her, a little self-conscious in the light of day. "Mitch, that smells delicious. I'm famished! Would you please get me my robe since I never got to use it last night?" she sheepishly grinned.

"Hmmm, I think that's something you can do for yourself," he teased with impish mischief in his eyes.

"Mitch, seriously, help a girl out."

"Nope," he responded playfully.***

Amy flashed him a coquettish grin, hesitated a moment and then scurried to the chair where Lisa had laid out her white peignoir set. She quickly slipped it on, as she felt Mitch's eyes following her the entire time. She'd only taken time to slide into the filmy robe which allowed her form to be thinly veiled, much to Mitch's delight. "I will never grow tired of this," he thought.

"Amy, you are so beautiful!"

She blushed under his gaze but felt completely beautiful in his eyes! She came back to prop up in the bed, and Mitch laid the tray over her lap. Then he did the same for himself.

"Breakfast in bed? I feel like a queen!" Amy exclaimed as she promptly took a warming sip of her coffee.

"You are my queen, my angel!" and they turned to kiss each other good morning.

"I'm glad we don't have to feel rushed on our first morning together. Thank you, Mitch, for thinking to give us a full day together before traveling for our honeymoon."

For that, he was thankful, too! They needed some down-time.

As they finished their breakfast, Mitch sat their trays to the side and with anticipation in his eyes, slipped the covers back from Amy. Her beauty in the light left him stunned! She came into his arms with full abandon as they expressed their love once more.

With all the good stress, excitement, and very busy schedules they'd kept up through the weeks leading up to the wedding, the exhaustion fell over them in their relaxed state, and again, they fell asleep holding each other in a peaceful slumber until about 10am. Slowly awakening as their eyes came to rest on each other, Mitch said, "Good morning again, my wife!"

Amy responded with a sweet smile, "Good morning, my husband."

Amy donned her filmy negligee again and headed to the closet to secure the clothes she'd put on as Mitch adored her form once more. As she came back out, Mitch had pulled on some jeans but was shirtless with his back to her. Amy suddenly gasped as she, for the first time, saw two scars on Mitch's back. When Mitch heard her, he turned to face her, and instantaneously realized he'd never warned her about the scars from the wounds he'd received in Afghanistan, the reason for his medical discharge.

She walked over to him as he said, "Amy, I'm so sorry. I never see them, so I don't think about them often. I should have warned you."

Amy walked around behind him and gently traced around each wound and softly kissed each one. Mitch was so moved by the loving gesture on her part. They both sat down together on the bed, and Amy asked, "Mitch, what happened? Are you able to tell me?"

Mitch looked into her misty eyes and saw in them great tenderness and compassion. He gathered his thoughts and said, "Our platoon was on patrol in Kandahar and came under fire. I lost two buddies that day, and I took a bullet and some shrapnel. Then I spent a little over a month in the hospital recovering. That's when I received my medical discharge."

"I'm so sorry, Mitch. I can't imagine."

"Well, that's in the past now, though there are times it still comes back in dreams. But not as often now. Anyway, I have something else for you."

Amy realized it was hard for him to talk about, so she didn't push further and said, "You do? Mitch, the barn renovation, my table, what else could a girl possibly want for?!"

"Well, those were all 'just because I love you' gifts. But this is the wedding gift I picked out for you when I picked up your wedding ring," and he pulled a small box out of his bedside table handing it to Amy. As she opened it, he explained, "It's a Claddagh necklace.**** I thought both my girls should have this symbol, and the blue sapphire reminded me of what brought us together that very first day in Calgary…Sapphire! And then when the shape also reminded me of a horseshoe, I thought it was perfect."

"Oh, Mitch, you don't know just how perfect! I have something for you, too," and she went to her suitcase to pull out the wedding gift she'd had specially made for him. As she handed it to him, a dawning smile worked its way across his face when he saw the leather guitar strap of blue and brown hues with his name etched in it adorned by blue sapphires above and below.***** He couldn't believe how much they had thought alike in their gifts.

"Amy, it's beautiful, and so perfect…just like we are together!" and he wrapped her in a hug. When they pulled back enough to look in each other's eyes, Amy said, "And I know this is something we may need to save up for a bit, but as soon as we can, I want us to go pick out a 12-string guitar for you to hang from this strap."

His chin dropped just a bit, and then turned into a big smile. Yes, he was very loved by this woman in his arms! "Amy, how'd you know I've always wanted one?"

"I didn't, but it just seems fitting you should have one to enrich your playing even more!"

"Thank you, Sweetheart! And I'd love to shop for it together! And now, may I fasten your necklace on you?"

Amy turned and lifted her hair for Mitch to place it around her neck. As he closed the clasp, he leaned down to wrap his arms around her and kissed her neck just below her ear, then the warmth of his breath tingled down her spine as he softly whispered, "Do you know how much I love you?"

She turned in the circle of his arms and responded, "I think I'm realizing it more every day, but it's ok if you show me," she flirtatiously grinned as Mitch welcomed the invitation to soundly kiss her again. He loved that there was no more holding back!

"Well, I guess we should decide what we are going to do with the rest of our day," Mitch suggested.

It was a beautiful, sunshiny day, so they decided to take Maverick and Sapphire on a leisurely ride so Mitch could help Amy explore more of their ranch. Seeing Mitch in his cowboy hat and a saddle meant even more to Amy now, because now he truly was 'her cowboy!' He continued to make her heart flutter a little faster at the very sight of his masculine, cowboy silhouette. They held hands from time-to-time and often reached for each other in kisses. Amy found the land they owned at Whispering Meadows just as beautiful, if not more so than Heartland. She was looking forward to living this shared life doing something they both loved. She marveled at how much happiness had come into her grieving life in just a year's time! Little did she know the promise that note from Mitch held so many months ago. She had so much to be grateful for! And maybe, just maybe, it was time for her to be more aware of just who she was to be grateful to.

They came back from their ride and fixed some sandwiches for a light lunch and sat at their dining room table for their first meal at it together as husband and wife. Mitch surprised himself when he asked if Amy was okay with him saying a prayer. She was a little surprised herself but certainly welcomed it. He took her hand in both of his as they bowed their heads.

"Dear heavenly Father, our hearts are overflowing today with gratitude for the wonder of You bringing Amy and me together. Thank you, Father, for Your discernment of how well our lives and dreams would complete each other. You've gifted us beyond anything we could have ever imagined! Thank you for giving us each other and the healing we are finding together. Thank you so much for Lyndy! We pray You watch over and protect her while we are away. Help her not to miss us too much. Thank you for the means you have given us to provide for Amy's business needs, for giving me back this ranch that we can now share together. I had no idea when that opportunity happened what all it would mean, but You did! Thank You, Father! We are grateful for this food. Help it to nourish us for further activities today," and Mitch looked up and winked at Amy with a grin, which she returned with a squeeze of his hand and an escaping giggle. "Father, we thank you for marriage and all the joy and strength that it brings when two people truly love each other unconditionally. In Your Son's name we pray. Amen."

And Mitch lifted Amy's hand to press it to his lips.

Amy looked up at him admirably and said, "Thank you, Mitch. Do you think we could start reading from your Bible today?"

"I'd love that, Amy."

They finished their lunch and cleaned up the dishes, which reminded Mitch to share with Amy about Doc and Ginny's thoughtful gift to them. Amy also noted that she needed to thank Lisa for the special preparations she'd so lovingly done for them.

Mitch pulled out his guitar, and they jammed together for a little while, loving that they could harmonize with each other. One song they practiced was 'Feels Like Home' since it had so much meaning for them now. Singing like this was a new and welcome experience for them to be able to share together as a couple, and they both hoped they would do it often.

They decided to make sure they had everything set for catching their flight on time the next day. It was a noon flight that would put them into Nashville just before dinnertime, giving them time to pick up their rental car, get settled at the hotel, and make it to their first event reservation. The plan was to leave around 9am Monday morning, giving them plenty of time to get to Calgary for their flight and grab an early lunch while they waited to board their plane. They also packed a few snacks to tide them over. Mitch made sure everything at the house was secure and taken care of. Zeke and Charlie would be there the entire time to take care of the ranch and animals. Amy's horses would be moved over when they returned, as she wanted to be there to settle them into their new home.

Deciding to take early showers easily led to more special time together. Afterward, they relaxed while watching a movie and munching on a lovely charcuterie board and more of the wine Lisa left for them. It was not hard at all to turn in for an early night. Mitch particularly enjoyed watching Amy brush her hair while sitting at her new dressing table. As they propped up in bed together, Mitch reached for his Bible on the bedside table.

"I've heard that a good place to start reading is the gospel of John. Someone suggested while reading to notice how Jesus dealt with and responded to different kinds of people – that it's a good way to get to know him better, and one main purpose of the book is to build faith. I think we might both be desiring that right now," Mitch said, and Amy nodded. So he opened to the first chapter of John and began to read…

"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it."******

A/N: *, **, ****, ***** Links to the songs and photos of Amy's dressing table, her necklace and the guitar strap will be posted on the following three Facebook groups: Kevin McGarry Fan Page Home of #McGarries and SuspendersUnbuttoned Podcast; Nathan Grant Fanfiction! Home of Sunday Night Serge; and The Heartie Analyzers: All things Kevin McGarry, KEVLA and WCTH. Suggestions for song versions on YouTube are below.

*** This scene is inspired by one of my favorite scenes from Poldark at the end of Season 4, Episode 6.

****** John 1:1-5 from the World English Bible (WEB); name is trademarked and version is Public Domain.

Songs:

(1) "It's Your Love" – Written by Stephony Smith, originally recorded by American country music artist Tim McGraw. Released in May 1997 as the first single from his album "Everywhere."

I suggest the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill version.

(2) "Your Everything" – Written by Chris Lindsey and Bob Regan, recorded in 1999 by Australian country music singer Keith Urban. Released in May 2000 as the second single from Urban's first American self-titled album.

I suggest Keith Urban's version.

(3) "You" (Wedding Song) – Written by Jason Cassidy, On his album "Keep It Country," July 16, 2013.

I suggest Jason Cassidy version.

(4) "The Look of Love" – Composed by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, originally popularized by English pop singer Dusty Springfield, 1967.

I suggest Diana Krall's version, the version I like, and probably the one they would play since Diana is Canadian.

(5) "Make You Feel My Love" – Written by Bob Dylan for his album "Time Out of Mind," released in September 1997. Recorded January 1997. It was first released commercially in August 1997 by Billy Joel for his compilation album "Greatest Hits Volume III."

I suggest Garth Brooks' version.

(6) "The One You Need" – Written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Brett Ryan Eldredge, Matt Rogers; "Sunday Drive" album, released 2020.

I suggest Brett Eldredge's version.