And the greatest of these is Love

Chapter 39

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Those that were attending the engagement party of Fiona and James made arrangements for babysitters so the party was going to be well attended. No one wanted to miss this event.

Dee and Nathan looking forward to going since Fiona asked Dee to stand up in her bridal party and Nathan was one of James' groomsmen. Dee was already planning on wearing the gown she wore to the Family Festival Dance.

"Are you sure, Mom that you don't want a different dress?" Allie asked.

Dee smiled, "Allie, since I'm pregnant I don't want to spend any more of your father's hard-earned money on another dress. Don't worry, no one will be looking at me."

"I wish I was going," Allie sighed as she looked at Dee.

"Your turn will come soon enough. Just you wait for the wedding, we'll find you a beautiful dress for Christmas that you can wear!" Dee was trying to help Allie look forward to her time.

Instead, Allie sighed again, "Who will I dance with if Robert is back at the Mountie school?"

"Are you sure he'll be there? I seem to recall your dad telling me that the school wasn't that long. He might be assigned as an intern by then," Dee suggested.

"Well hopefully, he'll be home at least for Christmas," Allie crossed her fingers.

Dee asked Allie to help her with her shoes as little bun was getting bigger and making it more difficult for Dee to get them on herself. "Is baby bun kicking, mom?"

"Most of the time. Do you want to feel for a kick?" Dee reached for Allie's hand and placed it on her tummy. "Feel over here."

"Oh! Mom, does that hurt?" she asked Dee.

"No, sometimes though when bun kicks his or her foot, then it can get hard to breath for a few minutes, so I have to stand up for room," Dee explained.

Dee finished dressing and then sat down at her vanity. Allie was very proud of Dee looking so pretty. "Can I put your ribbon in your hair?"

Dee touched Allie's hand, "I'd like it if you would clasp my necklace for me too."

Dee clipped on matching earrings and dabbed on a few drops of cologne. Nathan walked in and winked. "There are my two favorite girls!"

"Hi, Dad. Doesn't mom look beautiful?" Allie asked.

"Yes she does! You don't have to ask me twice." Nathan kissed Allie on her cheek and whistled as Dee stood up.

"We better go, Allie and let your dad get ready," Dee giggled.

Christy was excited for her chance to go out with her handsome husband, Rick. It had been a long time since they had time out alone together and they both were looking forward to going, especially knowing that number two would be joining their little family in a few months. Living with Ricks' parents worked out well for them both. Rick was able to save for a house of their own that they hoped to move into with their second one coming. Plus, Christy was able to work with Fiona at Nichols and Dimes with the help of the O'Neills and sometimes her parents. They couldn't ask for better babysitters.

This pregnancy was so much easier for Christy compared to her first one when she was hiding in the cabin while pregnant with Timi Anne. Now, she was provided with maternity care by Violet and they became good friends too. Having her best friend, Clara pregnant at the same time was fun for both of the couples, especially the ladies.

Tonight, Christy wore her favorite dress that she felt comfortable and pretty in. Being pregnant was not the easiest when dressing up but after all she was Fiona's Matron of Honor so she wouldn't miss this party for the world. She was asked to give a little toast to the engaged couple, so she had thought about what to say all week long. Hoping she had just the right words she practiced in front of the mirror and was finally content.

Rick walked in and complimented her that she would be the prettiest lady there. Rick loved Christy being pregnant. To him, she looked like she was glowing, and as her curves filled out, she looked fetching to him. They were both glad to be sharing this pregnancy together!

"You'll be knocking the socks off the men tonight, so I'll be watching!" he smiled.

"Oh, stop. No one cares about a pregnant lady, for heaven's sake, especially with Fiona as the lady of the night!" she laughed.

The other two bridesmaids, Faith and Lisa, were also eager to don their new dresses from the Family Festival Dance. Fiona had grown to know Faith when she would come over to Fiona's house to check on Christy when Christy lived with Fiona when she was first discovered alone in the abandoned cabin with her baby. At the time, Christy and Timi Anne needed medical care but had nowhere to go. Fiona graciously opened her house for Christy, and Faith would come over daily to check on their progress. Fiona really appreciated that Faith never charged Christy a penny for her care. The two of them provided for Christy out of caring and compassion and they bonded over that.

Fiona also got to know Lisa Peterson quite well as she was James receptionist and they often had long talks together. Lisa and Walter Gleixner had developed a new promising relationship while he was living at home with his parents while on break from medical school. Tonight Walter was escorting Lisa to the engagement dinner party.

Fiona's three brothers weren't able to travel from San Francisco to Hope Valley for the engagement dinner party, but her family assured her that the would definitely be there for the wedding!

Everyone arrived at Benson Hills Clubhouse on time not wanting to miss out on the party of the year. Some couples rode together and they chatted all the way about the event. As they walked around the ballroom some of the younger group was amazed at the elegant surroundings. The hostess sat everyone according to the seating chart Fiona had given her. Augustus Landis was playing soft piano music along with a violinist while people were being seated.

When everyone was seated, Mr. and Mrs. Scholl were escorted to their table along with their son, Carl. Then Fiona and James walked in, while Dianna Starr sang, "For Me and My Gal". The guests broke into applause watching the stunning couple. The night was just beginning!

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The music continued while Fiona and James thanked everyone for coming as they greeted their guests table by table. The decorations were elegant with rosebud vases with a single rose and baby's breath on each table that were decorated with a white linen tablecloth trimmed with embroidered pastel flowers and green fern. A candle glowed inside each hand-painted glass jar.

James asked Pastor Joseph to please bless the food and the evening before the dinner would be served.

Afterwards, on cue the waiters and waitresses began bringing trays of hors d'oeuvres and bottles of wine to each table along with pitchers of cold water. The conversation was lively as everyone was enjoying the fancy atmosphere.

After the appetizers were finished, the first course of French onion soup was served with warm French bread and creamy butter. James walked up to Augustus Landis and took the microphone that Dianna Starr had left on the top of the piano and nodding at Augustus he began with the intro of Always...

Everything went wrong, And the whole day long I'd feel so blue. For the longest while I'd forget to smile, Then I met you. Now that my blue days have passed, Now that I've found you at last -

As he slowly walked over to Fiona he continued looking only at her...

I'll be loving you Always With a love that's true Always. When the things you've planned Need a helping hand, I will understand Always. Always.

He helped Fiona stand up close to him as he reached for her hand.

Days may not be fair Always, That's when I'll be there Always. Not for just an hour, Not for just a day, Not for just a year, But Always.

The love between the two was clearly showing and mesmerizing all who watched.

Fiona felt a bit embarrassed with such a loving exchange between the two of them in front of her friends but when she looked into James' eyes, she melted. He kissed her softly at the finish and then pulled out her chair for her to sit down as he walked back up by Mr. Landis during the applause. Thanking everyone, he asked for the rest of the dinner to be served and sat back down with Fiona and his family.

The dinner was delicious with Chef-carved beef tenderloin as the entree, served with whipped Yukon Gold potatoes and a vegetable medley. The food was savory as Benson Hills Clubhouse was well known for serving.

Once the dinner was enjoyed by all, Fiona and James both went up to the front and announced their bridal party. Dee invited Christy O'Neill to join her as her Matron of Honor.

Christy was thrilled to be standing up for Fiona, "This is quite the honor for me, believe me."

Then, she invited Dee Grant, Faith Shepherd, and Lisa Peterson to join them and introduced her bridesmaids.

James took the microphone from Fiona to announce that his brother Carl Scholl would be his best man and called him over. Carl came up and hugged his brother.

"I only agreed if he gave me a free dental checkup," Carl laughed, "but all kidding aside, I wouldn't miss the best brother a guy could have getting married to a lovely lady besides," and kissed Fiona on the cheek.

James then announced that Carson Shepherd and Nathan Grant would be his groomsmen and invited them up and shook hands with both men.

"Now," James continued, "Fiona has three brothers. I have yet to meet them, but one of them, Steven, will be a groomsman, and her other two brothers, Adam and hopefully Charlie, if we can locate him that is being he's quite a traveler, will be our ushers."

With that, Fiona and James both spoke, "We hope you savor your dessert of chocolate truffle cake, and please enjoy the entertainment of Miss Dianna Starr and Mr. Augustus Landis!"

As the desserts were provided everyone seemed content and relaxed. Then the music jumped into high gear and Dianna sang "Puttin' on the ritz" and soon wives were dragging out their husbands to dance the Charleston. They were lucky to get them out for one dance, except for Ned, who really enjoyed himself dancing the Charleston! He danced with every woman out on the floor, until Mike Hickam joined him and started to learn. Jane had taken the men aside who wanted to learn, so soon more men began to join in. Carson finally gave in to Faith's prompting but Bill, Nathan, nor Henry would budge off their seats! James did ask his mother for a dance and Robert Scholl asked Fiona to dance which was a nice practice for their wedding reception dance.

Dianna asked James to sing "April Showers" with her, and he did. Shortly afterwards, both Carl and Christy gave a little toast to the future bride and groom. When the clock struck midnight, most all of the couples had left as they remembered that there was church the next morning.

When Cinderella, aka Fiona, and her Prince Charming, aka James, were ready to leave, they turned back at the hall and smiled, it was such a wonderful evening!

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After church Fiona and James took his parents and brother Carl out to see some land that James was considering buying to build a home for he and Fiona. They were startled to see such a lovely area. Following James lead they carefully walked back into the thicker brush following a narrow path that more than likely deer and other wildlife had passed leaving the grass stomped down. Ruth Scholl hung on to her husband to keep her balance as she was dressed up for church, as did Fiona with James.

"If you didn't have to catch the train back to Hamilton so soon, we could've stopped to change clothes, but I wanted you all to see this before you left," James explained, "Just be careful."

They heard the waterfall as they were approaching, which prompted Carl to ask, "Is that water I hear?"

When they reached their destination at the end of the path, they stood there mesmerized by what they saw. There before them was a beautiful lake that was being fed by a waterfall. Speechless, no one said a word for a few minutes as they looked in each direction.

"James, how did you ever find this?" Robert asked.

"I was driving around in the country looking for a place to take Fiona for a hike and picnic and stumbled upon this. I saw the path and followed it, not knowing what I'd find. There must have been deer or foxes that spotted me as I heard branches snapping nearby," James began, "so I stood still and looked ahead."

"What did you see?" his mother asked.

"A few does and their fawns drinking from the lake. I was motionless as a statue just enjoying watching them but didn't want to startle them. I think though they picked up my scent as they stopped to look around and then took off."

"Whoa! You just lost dinner!" Carl laughed.

James looked at his brother, "Yea, you would say that being the hunter in the family."

Fiona was glad that James wasn't a hunter. He appreciated wildlife just like she did. She closed her eyes and imagined how the two of them would someday be watching from their porch towards the Rockies and watching the waterfall and the lake.

"Is this land for sale?" Robert asked breaking Fiona's daydream.

"Not yet. I went to the local district office and the land is privately owned, however the owner doesn't even live in this province. So I wrote him a letter of inquiry and I'm waiting for a response."

"This is a pretty piece of land. I wonder where the water table is? You'll need a surveyor to check this property out first before you consider building," Robert suggested.

"Dad, I know. I've been in touch with a surveyor firm in Buxton that Bill Avery, our Judge, recommended. As soon as I hear from the owner of the land if they are willing to sell, I will request them to come here," James replied.

"Sounds like you have it all figured out. I must commend you son, this would make for a lovely home for the two of you," Robert clapped James shoulder.

Ruth locked her arm through Fiona's, "I expect you'll love it here, God willing. My dear, you two are very happy, I can tell. I can see how much James loves you!" she said with a twinkle in her eye.

"And I him!" Fiona patted Ruth's hand, "he's made my life so full of happiness!"

Carl walked down to the lake to get a closer look. "Just might have some really good catches down here. Just saw a trout jump!"

"Look next to you brother, it looks like there's a snapping turtle right by you!" James warned.

Carl laughed, "He's not going to hurt me."

"No, he shouldn't, but don't you hurt him!" Ruth said firmly.

"Aw, Ma, you should've seen the snakes I've wrestled with. You'd be running scared." Carl loved to taunt his mother.

Robert looked around one more time, "We better leave, Ruth, we need to eat before we leave on the train. Are you ready James?"

Over at the Henderson farm, Kevin Townsend and Mike Hickam were helping the Henderson's pack up their belongings to take to Henry's house that he left when he moved into Dottie's home. It was working out wonderfully for all families involved as Scott Henderson was leaving all the tools and farm implements for Paul Blakely.

Blair, his wife, suggested they leave some of the furniture for the young Blakely couple. "You know Scott, we appreciated the hand-me-downs we were given when we first started out. I think these young-ins will too. Besides, Henry left behind some furniture, so we'll be having more than enough, don't you think?"

Scott nodded, "You're right Blair, just like Henry didn't take his household dishes, pots and pans, brooms and mops with him to Dottie's home, we can do the same for this young couple."

With that decided, Blair stopped to reach for a piece of paper and a pen. She wrote a welcome letter to Darcy and Paul. "Here's hoping the two of you will make many a memory here like Scott and I did. It would be nice to know that the pitter-patter of little feet might grace these floors once again. May this home continue to be filled with faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is LOVE".

"So, Kevin and Mike, we have less to pack up. We sure do appreciate your helping us out today! We hated to see you give up your Sunday afternoon," Blair hugged the men, "but you will promise me you'll both come here for dinner next Sunday after church."

Scott winked, "Promise you this men, Blair here is one darn good cook, and you won't want to miss out! No siree!"