Chapter 2 – Vows Repeated
Outside, Bill turned to Elizabeth.
"Ready?" He asked as the first stands of music could be heard coming from inside.
"More than ready." Elizabeth said.
Rosemary turned and got a nod from Bill and Elizabeth, so she proceeded to start up the stairs and into the church. Faith followed Rosemary. Sarah Wolfe had a hold of Little Jack's hand and was going to follow Faith. Allie had left to slip inside for the ceremony, taking baby Goldie with her. As the ladies walked down the aisle, it was all little Sarah could do to keep Little Jack standing there. Bill finally reached down and put his hand on the boy's head.
Finally it was Sarah and Little Jack's turn. It started out good, but then as soon as Faith had cleared the aisle and Little Jack got sight of his father, he dropped Sarah's hand and ran to Jack.
"Daddy! Daddy!" Little Jack screamed.
The people gathered chuckled, because they could hear the excitement in the little boy's voice to have the daddy back no thought he would ever get to know. Jack had crouched down and opened his arms to Little Jack.
"Hey Little Man." Jack said. "Good job. Now, can you be good and go stand by Nathan?"
"Mama pretty." Little Jack said.
"I know." Jack said. "But I need you to go stand by Uncle Lee and Nathan."
"Otay Daddy." Jack said.
Lee held out his hand and Little Jack took it. Lee situated Little Jack right between him and Nathan. The boy looked up and smiled at both of them. They smiled back and each put a hand on his shoulder to keep him there. Sarah had finished making her way to the front and sat with her mother in the front pew. Jack had stood back up and Elizabeth was standing in the doorway on Bill's arm looking more gorgeous than he thought possible.
Elizabeth was wearing a white simple sheath gown. It had short sleeves and was mainly made of lace with silk underneath. It had a v-neck and even though Jack hadn't seen it yet, he had a low v-back as well. The empire waist Elizabeth looked so elegant. She had a tiny waist anyway, but in the dress, she looked amazing. It had flutter sleeves that gave the dress an element of whimsy. The skirt of the dress had pleats and embroidery. The embroidery was leaves and vines. It was also an ankle length dress and Elizabeth had white lace up shoes she wore. To cover the bruises from Lucas, they had wrapped Elizabeth's arm with some cloth on both sides and made it look like it was part of the dress. Jack recognized the diamond necklace that Elizabeth was wearing and it looked amazing with the dress as it laid right in the v of her dress drawing his attention there. Elizabeth wore her hair pinned up with the floral headpiece she wore the first time they had been married. She completed the look with the diamond drop earrings that matched the necklace. Jack smiled to himself as he looked forward to pulling the pins from Elizabeth's hair.
As Elizabeth slowly walked to Jack, neither could wipe the smile of their faces. Elizabeth loved the way that Jack looked in his serge. He was wearing his jodhpurs and polished riding boots. He had wanted to wear his new dress pants and black shoes, but the shoes were the wrong size, so he was going to have to send them back and get the right ones. Elizabeth noticed four additional medals and two ribbons that she was going to have to ask him about. She only knew about the one that she had kept and was saving for Little Jack. When Bill and Elizabeth reached the front of the church, Jack reached for Elizabeth and Bill put her hand in his and stepped back.
Joseph motioned for people to have a seat.
"While this isn't the wedding people were expecting." Joseph said. "It is the wedding that many are excited to be celebrating. Jack and Elizabeth, I am honored to share this special day with you and your guests. While many people may think that their wedding day is the pinnacle of a couple's union, in reality it is just one step in a lifelong journey. You have had quite the journey as you have spent the last five years apart, with one party thinking the other was lost forever. So while this may be a renewal of your vows and commitment to each other, in other ways, it is like marrying for the first time again. Now, before we get any further Jack has asked me to allow him to speak."
"Thank you, Pastor Joseph." Jack said.
Jack then turned to face the people gathered. Elizabeth held Jack's hand in both of hers.
"To everyone who was here five years ago." Jack said. "I am sorry for the pain you all went through when you thought I was dead. First, I want to thank you all for being there for Elizabeth and then my son. I can't express the gratitude I had knowing she wasn't alone. Even when it pained me to be away from her. Second, I am sure you all have many questions and I will answer them, but today is not that day. Please allow us to celebrate being reunited. Over the coming weeks as we get settled, I will be more than willing to share what I can.
Finally, what I will say today is that I was working undercover for the Mounties to take down some pretty bad men. The deception in regards to my death was needed to not only protect myself, but also Elizabeth and by extension all of you. The men have been arrested and put in prison. However, saying that, there is still a lot I can't talk about. My goal is to move forward in my life with my beautiful wife and amazing son. So please allow us to do that."
Jack then squeezed Elizabeth's hand and turned back toward Joseph.
"Thank you, Jack." Joseph said. "I imagine it wasn't easy to leave your new wife for what you have said was your duty to the country. You have both described your jobs as a calling. You have both chosen to serve others in different ways. It is our job to support you both as you serve others and we will strive to do just that."
Joseph paused and let people take a minute to think about what was said. As that happened, Rosemary had taken a step back to be closer to the piano. She touched Angela's arm to let her know she was there. Angela then started playing 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' and Rosemary sang.
Nathan had closed his eyes as he loved the hymn and without thinking he started singing as well. Rosemary was only momentarily stunned, but the two sang it as an unplanned duet. Allie, Angela and Joseph were the only people not surprised to hear Nathan's clear tenor resonate through the building, complimenting Rosemary's soprano perfectly. When the song came to an end, there was an applause and it was only then that Nathan realized he had been singing out loud. He started to turn red and ducked his head.
"What a wonderful duet to a wonderful song." Joseph said. "Now, let's continue. Jack and Elizabeth please join hands and face each other."
Jack and Elizabeth did as asked and Nathan was grateful the attention was off of him.
"Jack." Joseph said. "You had wanted to say something to Elizabeth."
"Yes, thank you." Jack said.
Jack took a moment and a deep breath before he spoke.
"Elizabeth." Jack said. "Once again, I chose you and no other. Five years ago, I told you I believed heaven had put an angel in my path when I had first seen you and that statement is even more true today and it was back then. You captured my heart all those years ago when we first shook hands in the saloon and you worried about leaving me with chalk dust. You are the only woman that has been in my heart for the last decade. So once again I stand before you without hesitation and without doubt. We haven't had an easy time of things in the decade we have known each other but I am committed to you …. completely. I love you …. with everything that I am."
Elizabeth reached up and wiped the tear that had escaped the corner of Jack's eye. Bill, Lee, and others that had been at the first wedding realized what Jack had done and were beyond touched that he used part of his vows from five years before to again make his commitment to Elizabeth. For those that hadn't heard the original vows, they still realized that something special had just happened. And like five years before, there were few dry eyes among the people gathered.
"Elizabeth." Joseph said. "Would you like to say something?"
Elizabeth nodded and took a deep breath.
"Jack." Elizabeth said. "When I was told you were gone, my heart shattered into a million pieces. Slowly, I picked up the pieces for our son and somewhere along the line you again became my favorite person to dream about and though I never thought I would see you again, I kept our love alive in my broken heart. Then yesterday when I saw you holding our son, my heart was once again whole and I felt I could dream about a future for the first time since that awful night. You still have my heart and soul after all these years. So, Jack Thornton, I still love you from chalk dust to eternity."
Jack reached up and captured the tear at the corner of Elizabeth's eye before it ruined her makeup. Then they squeezed each other's hands, they were lost in their own little bubble like happened so often when they were together. Joseph gave them a moment before he continued. Many other people were dabbing their eyes again. Especially people who had sat in this very church five years prior. Everyone gathered could hear the raw emotion that had been in Elizabeth's voice as she spoke. Maybe people had seen Elizabeth struggle over the last few years, not only with the grief that had encompassed her, but also with raising Little Jack alone, so to her the pure joy in her voice as she had said that last line of her vows was wonderful.
"Jack Thomas, do you take Elizabeth Grace as your spouse," Joseph said. "Continuing the bond forged by your undying love for one another, and commit to cultivating your union as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Jack said, with a dimpled grin for Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth Grace, do you take Jack Thomas as your spouse," Joseph said. "Continuing the bond forged by your undying love for one another, and commit to cultivating your union as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Elizabeth said.
"Jack and Elizabeth." Joseph said. "On your wedding day, you exchanged the rings you wear today. Even though they had come off for a time, they are back where they belong. These rings are a symbol of the continuous love and commitment you make to each other every day. Much like your love for one another, these wedding bands can survive great pressure, and they will endure the tests of time, just as your love has endured the pressure of a separation. From my understanding, the rings that you wear are even more special as they have been passed down in Jack's family and are engraved with the words 'Love is patient' and 'Love is kind'. There are not a better two phrases for the two of you to have on your rings."
Once again a pause to reflect on the words.
"Jack please take Elizabeth's left hand in your left, touching the ring you gave her." Joseph said.
Jack did as he was asked.
"Please repeat after me." Joseph said. "I, Jack Thomas, give you this ring as an everlasting symbol of my love for you and our marriage."
"I, Jack Thomas." Jack said. "Give you this ring as an everlasting symbol of my love for you and our marriage."
"It shall always be found around your finger, and you will always be found in my heart." Joseph said.
"It shall always be found around your finger, and you will always be found in my heart." Jack said, bring the ring to his lip and sealed his kiss with a promise. They then went back to holding both hands in and almost got lost in their own bubble again.
"Elizabeth please take Jack's left hand in your left, touching the ring you gave him." Joseph said.
Elizabeth did as she was asked.
"Please repeat after me." Joseph said. "I, Elizabeth Grace, give you this ring as an everlasting symbol of my love for you and our marriage."
"I, Elizabeth Grace." Elizabeth said. "Give you this ring as an everlasting symbol of my love for you and our marriage."
"It shall always be found around your finger, and you will always be found in my heart." Joseph said.
"It shall always be found around your finger, and you will always be found in my heart." Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth repeated Jack's gesture of kissing the ring just like they had done five years ago.
"I am honored to pronounce Jack and Elizabeth as, once again, happily married!" Joseph said. "May the renewal of your vows strengthen the love you share and reaffirm your commitment to each other. I invite you to share a kiss and seal the renewal of your vows!"
Jack and Elizabeth both leaned forward and shared a kiss. It wasn't the passionate kiss they had shared in the jailhouse the evening before but it was a sweet kiss to seal their commitment.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Joseph said. "I once again present to you Corporal and Mrs Jack Thornton, their commitment renewed this day for all to see. May your life together be filled with joy and your love be forever bountiful."
As people applauded, Jack let go of Elizabeth's hand. He quickly reached over and scooped Little Jack up before once again taking Elizabeth's hand before they started down the aisle as a family. Lee and Rosemary, then Nathan and Faith followed.
Jack and Elizabeth waited at the bottom of the steps to greet people as they came out of the church. They had put Little Jack down between them, hoping he would at least stand there for a bit. They also knew that there were plenty of people to watch him if took off running. When Nathan got there, Jack pulled him into a hug.
"You have an amazing voice, brother." Jack said. "Thank you for the surprise, it made this day all the more special."
"You are welcome." Nathan said. "Thank you for asking me to be a part of your day."
"You can return the favor at your wedding." Jack said.
Nathan just laughed and moved aside to wait for Allie. At that moment, Jack was determined to help Nathan find love, since he had selflessly protected Elizabeth's heart.
People continued to file out to greet the couple. Everyone was overjoyed at having Jack back and him being with Elizabeth again. Even people who hadn't been in Hope Valley five years ago were happy for the couple. At one point Nathan stepped back toward the couple.
"Jack." Nathan said. "Let me introduce you to my daughter, Allison Rose. Allie, this is Corporal Thornton."
Allie stuck her hand out to shake his hand, which Jack took.
"So you are the famous Allie I have heard about." Jack said. "I am glad to meet you. I hear you found all the best fishing spots."
"Yes, Sir." Allie said.
"Then maybe one day." Jack said. "You and your dad will have to go with Jack and I."
"Sounds like a plan, Sir." Allie said.
Jack leaned forward a little and dropped his voice a little. He didn't want to embarrass the child, but he wanted to speak to her like the teen that she was. He hated the formal relationship and was hoping to once again have a close relationship with the children, starting with Allie.
"How about we drop the Sir." Jack said. "The children used to call me Mountie Jack. Since you dad and I are going to be working together you do the same, unless of course the Superintendent is around."
"Deal." Allie said. "I am so happy for Mrs Thornton and Little Jack to have you back."
"Thank you." Jack said. "I am glad you be back "
Allie moved a step over.
"Congratulations, Mrs Thornton." Allie said.
"Thank you, Allie." Elizabeth said. "I said this to your father last night and I am saying it to you now. I am sorry I hurt you. I never meant for that to happen. It was nothing you or your father did or said, it was my own fears. It is not an excuse. And again, I am truly sorry you were hurt."
"Thank you, Mrs Thornton." Allie said. "Maybe we just put it all behind us and move forward. I know that is what dad and I are trying to do."
"Sounds like a perfect thing to do." Elizabeth said.
Allie stepped aside to let the last few people greet the couple. She went to stand by Nathan. He put his arm around her shoulders.
…. …. …. …