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Part Five – With the Help of Friends
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As they got close to town, they brought the horses to a standstill and Nathan reached across to kiss Elizabeth. They had assigned themselves people to approach separately and together so they first turned towards the church office in the back of the schoolhouse to confer with Pastor Joseph.
While Nathan went to ask Bill to be his best man, Elizabeth went to talk with Rosemary and ask her to be her Matron of Honor, along with Allie as her Maid of Honor. After her initial shock, Rosemary's joy and excitement knew no bounds.
"I have a confession, Elizabeth. I have been hoping for this and continuing to work on the alterations of your wedding dress. With some time tonight and tomorrow, I should have it ready for tomorrow's wedding. I removed all the tulle ruffles and, by forming a slim overskirt of the fabric panels stretched lengthwise it is a modern and stunning gown. I only have to exchange those horrid bows with the small, tulle cap sleeve and you have a Rosemary original... again!"
The ladies laughed, reminiscing about Rosemary's Wedding Gown Rescue Service then continued with plans promising to meet to try on the dress in the evening.
Arrangements were made for Minnie to bake a chocolate cake and provide punch in the back of the sanctuary following the service.
Bill sent Nathan home for the remainder of the week, assuring him that he would bring a basket of dinner so they needn't take time away from preparations.
Lee agreed to ask Cat to substitute for the rest of the week, and she agreed to take the students for a nature walk in the afternoon, thus freeing the schoolroom to be transformed into the sanctuary. She promised to have the children collect wildflowers, pods and grasses for Elizabeth and Rosemary to use to decorate. Lee also agreed that he and Rosemary would care for Jack and Allie allowing the bride and groom to enjoy time together as a Honeymoon.
When Henry was invited to attend, he gladly agreed to help rearrange the schoolhouse in the afternoon and also offered the use of his vehicle if they wanted to go to Union City for a few days.
When Allie arrived at the Thornton's to babysit Jack, Elizabeth and Nathan shared their engagement news and wedding plans.
As expected, Allie's reaction was both the mature, joyful tears of a teenage girl , who immediately had to examine the ring, mixed with the exuberance of a child who squealed and hugged her father, new mother and brother.
Jack was less emotional because he didn't really understand what was happening. "You mean you aren't going to marry Buddy now? Mountie Nathan will be my Daddy and Allie will be my sister? We will all live together?" A little shy, Jack leaned against his mother's knee, as he adjusted to this news. A few moments later, he quietly asked, "Can I call him Daddy now since he is my Daddy on earth?"
"Yes, Sweet Boy, you may. You can start right now, although it becomes official in the church tomorrow night."
Jack moved over to Nathan and tried out his new name, "Daddy?" He reached up his arms and Nathan lifted him into a hug before settling him on his lap.
"Yes, Son. I'm your Daddy now and you are my Jackie-boy!" Nathan leaned to nuzzle Jack's neck and make him giggle with glee. Tomorrow night we have a big job for you to do. Will you carry our wedding rings and stand beside me and Mommy and Allie in the front of the church?"
"Yes! Can I wear my Mountie hat?"
Immediate tears overflowed Elizabeth's eyes as she searched Nathan's face for how to answer this request. He nodded and took the lead.
"You know it is polite for men and boys to remove their hats when inside or in the presence of a lady or girl, right? I think you should definitely wear your Stetson to and from the church but not during the actual wedding, okay. I know you want to remember your Dad in Heaven so I think this is a wonderful idea."
Elizabeth and Allie were crying as they observed this sweet exchange and Elizabeth went over to request the teenager to stand and share a hug. "You, my Sweet Allie can stand up with me and Aunt Rosie who will be my Matron of Honor. Will you be my Maid of Honor Allie? We can find a pretty dress in your closet and have Fiona style your hair when she does mine and Rosemary's. I'm not sure about carrying a bouquet, but we might be able to have something for you. What do you say, Honey?" Elizabeth wiped the tears from Allie's cheeks but kept her in a hug.
Nodding, Allie whispered "I would love that. All of it. Thank you." Allie wiped her eyes herself although they still glistened as she asked softly, "What do I call you now?"
Placing her hands on each side of Allie's face, Elizabeth locked eyes with her. "You may call me whatever you feel comfortable calling me when we are not in school, Allie. I will never replace your mother who gave us the gift of you, but I would be happy to adopt you as my own, first daughter if you want that and you may choose the name. What do you think about this?"
Allie swallowed and asked, "You would adopt me? Really?" When Elizabeth nodded and kissed Allie's forehead, Allie spoke clearly and strong. "This is my dream come true if you adopt me and I want to call you 'Mom.' Is that okay?" Suddenly realizing she should ask her Dad, she looked at him and asked the same. "Is that okay, Dad?"
Nathan stood, lifting Jack onto his hip and went to his girls. His voice hoarse, Nathan responded, "That is perfect, Allie. Finally God is allowing me to provide a Mom for you now. We make a very precious family, eh?"
Nathan wrapped his arm around Allie and covered Elizabeth's hand with his own as they rested their hands on Allie's back.
"Can I be 'opted too?" A little voice piped up amidst the hug.
With wide eyes, Nathan looked at Elizabeth, questioningly.
"That would be my dream, Nathan. God is now providing an earthly father to my dear boy and I cannot think of anyone I would rather have than you. Are you okay with this?"
Nodding, Nathan responded, "It will be my privilege and, to be honest, I have always seen myself as a father figure to Jack. Son? We can make it official and have Uncle Bill prepare the paperwork for both of you. I will happily be your Daddy, Jack."
"I'm happy now too," Jack admitted as he reached his free hand to Nathan's cheek. "I love you, Daddy."
"And I love you, each one of you more than I can say. Shall we pray a blessing on our new family?"
"Yes, please, Honey." Elizabeth watched Nathan, in awe of what God was doing and so quickly.
Nathan's expression reflected Elizabeth's awe as he whispered, "Honey, eh? I think I like that!" He kissed her forehead, then took a step back. "Let's pray."
"Heavenly Father, On this momentous occasion we give you thanks and praise for leading us to become a family. Through all the sorrows that brought us to this point, You have been with us and guided us. Now we ask that you bless our wedding tomorrow and guide us through all our joys as we share life together. We know that if struggles come, we can look to You too. May our family be a blessing to each of us and to all we encounter. We thank you for the blessing of each other and of Your encompassing love. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen."
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Seated around the dining table, the family shared a snack of cookies and milk as they began to discuss the logistics of joining together as a family. After various scenarios were proposed the decision was that they would acquire land and build in the Spring, but for now, the Grants would move into Elizabeth's row house. The small extra bedroom upstairs would become Jack's, Allie would move into Jack's room with her own furniture and Nathan would move his extra-long bed into Elizabeth's room, along with a couple special pieces Nathan had created. Over the coming weekend they would make the move!
Elizabeth was willing to donate her settee to someone in need so they could use Nathan's more comfortable Craftsman style furniture in the front room, while they would continue to use her dining table and chairs. They would rearrange a little to fit in another bookcase and move Elizabeth's desk against the front wall while Nathan's desk would complete the corner against the side wall. It would be tight, but it would work until a larger home was prepared. Excitement filled the room and there was much to share with Bill when he brought a basket of dinner.
Rosemary stopped over to tell Nathan that a couple ladies would go to his home tomorrow morning to clean, change bedclothes and prepare the place for a few Honeymoon days and nights! He only needed to decide if they would travel and pack for that, in addition to preparing for the joining together of their households.
Reminding them that they could take their time combining kitchenware and dishes and maybe chose a set of china that would be theirs alone, Rosemary assured them that she had organized the church set-up and small reception. Looking at Allie, she asked her to join them at her home to discuss dresses as she found the perfect dress for Allie to wear if she liked it.
"Elizabeth and Allie? You may come over whenever you are ready!"
Overjoyed to learn about the adoption plans, Bill vowed to get on it immediately and promised to let them know as soon as he had news. Bill also asked to speak to Nathan after the ladies departed and then offered to watch Jack, so that Nathan could return home to do what he needed to prepare for the coming day and week.
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Bill revealed his intentions, watching Nathan's shocked face.
With a sharp inhale, Nathan looked at Bill's face. "Really? The choice of two lots? You sure kept this option hidden from those who were looking for water in the past couple months. Good for you, because that is a beautiful location! And you said Lee owns the lot adjacent to yours? Can we ride out to see it in the morning? I know it is a full day, but I want to dream about the possibilities."
"We can fit in a quick visit I'm sure. I can pick you up before rounds and after we investigate that I can continue on while you come back here."
"Okay. There is just one thing, Bill. I insist on paying you for the property."
"That's not an option. It's a gift or nothing, Son."
After a few quiet moments, Nathan stood and motioned Bill to do the same. Hugging each other, Nathan whispered in Bill's ear, "Then consider yourself part of our expanding family. Holidays, maybe some Sunday dinners, stopping by…" Nathan chuckled, adding, "with notice, of course. I mean for a while we will be newlyweds!"
Bill laughed, "I'll keep that in mind. Might have to take the young ones to dinner at the Café sometimes and leave you two at home, eh?"
Blushing, Nathan responded, "I won't say no!"
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Upstairs, in Rosemary's bedroom, Allie tried on a dark, forest green silk dress with an ecru lace collar and cuffs. The pattern was straight and very stylish and fit her perfectly. They decided that a simple string of Colleen's pearls would complete the outfit and include Allie's past with her future.
Then it was Elizabeth's turn and Elizabeth, Allie and Rosemary gasped.
"Oh I love it, Rosemary! You have worked a miracle with all that meringue and I can't thank you enough!"
"You look beautiful, Mom," Allie blushed as she confessed, using the name for the first time, "Dad is going to love this."
"This is perfection!" exclaimed the seamstress herself as she encircled the bride, tugging and considering any adjustments. "You know I don't think we need anything except the cap sleeves. This is what I envision, okay ladies?"
After some discussion, about accessories, Elizabeth chose to wear her pearl drop earrings and bracelet, leaving her neck bare. Rummaging in her jewelry box, Rosemary produced a pearl hair comb that Fiona could incorporated into her style as something borrowed.
That gave Allie an idea to discuss with her father when she went home. Her father had given Elizabeth something old, and the wedding rings were old heirlooms as well, she had a pretty blue handkerchief that Jack could give his mom as something blue, but Allie wanted to discuss something new she had seen at the Mercantile. The simple chain necklace with a pearl drop between two tiny blue gemstones could be something new that Nathan and Allie could both give her. Allie tried to contain her excitement until she could go home to her Dad.
"Can I go talk to Angela for a few moments? I have an idea."
"Sure, Honey. Just stop in to tell your Dad where you are, okay? Oh, and tell him I will be at home whenever he wants to come up for a few moments of private time. Remind him we shouldn't see each other tomorrow, okay? He probably hasn't thought of that!" Elizabeth giggled right along with the others and all knew that would not be an easy task for Nathan Grant when his love was finally within reach!
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When Allie stopped to ask her father if she could go see Angela, Nathan agreed as he had a couple things to discuss with Joseph about the service. They walked over together.
While Nathan and Joseph discussed the Scriptures, Allie and Angela conferred upstairs. Upon descending to the front room, Angela went to the piano and Allie stood beside her.
"Dad? We've been practicing this just for fun, but could we sing it at the wedding? Listen."
As Angela played the piano, the young ladies sang a duet of Allie's poem set to a melody that Angela had composed.
"Carpe diem and seize the day, so the ancient poets say.
We have this moment so make it count, never mind when troubles mount.
We'll help each other through thick and thin,
blessed to have the moment we're in." (***)
As their sweet voices rang out, Nathan knew this would be a perfect gift from his daughter to his Bride.
Joseph marveled in the gifts God had given these young women who had suffered so much but overcome those challenges to become winsome ones who held no grudges.
"That would be beautiful, Ladies. Let's keep that as a surprise for the bride, okay? I know she will love it!"
"Good. We will include this in the ceremony. Thank you, Ladies, for sharing your beautiful gifts and your beautiful hearts. I think I need to accompany you to talk to Elizabeth, Nathan, since we know you can't see her tomorrow until the ceremony…"
"what? Why ever not? Will her day be that busy?"
Laughing, Joseph explained, "Yes, her day will be that busy, but more than that it is tradition. You need to keep out of sight and make your preparations in your own house so you don't inadvertently catch sight of her." Joseph looked at a sputtering groom. "can you be trusted, brother?"
Sighing heavily, Nathan agreed, "I guess so. If it is that important, I'll keep busy…"
"It is important to her and, let me tell you a secret, it is worth it when she walks into that sanctuary!" Joseph winked at Nathan who caught his man-to-man meaning.
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After stopping to pick-up his list and leaving Allie to pack for her week at the Coulters, Nathan and Joseph walked to Elizabeth's to finalize the service. On the way, Nathan shared he might want to sing himself at the wedding, but would work on that tomorrow and let Joseph know in the afternoon when they transitioned the school house.
"So do you want the traditional vows or to write something of your own?" Joseph looked from one to the other.
"Can we do both? That is if you want to, Elizabeth. This is very last minute so I don't know if we'll have time to prepare a perfect promise, but even if we just speak from our hearts, I would like both."
"My heart is full of things to say to you, Nathan, so I would love that. Now, did you ask for the hymn we sang on Sunday, 'Now Thank We All Our God?' I would love for everyone to sing that with us at the end."
"Angela knows it well, so we can do that. Yes, Nathan?"
"Elizabeth doesn't even know this yet, but that is one of my favorite old hymns. It's a yes for me."
After Joseph acclimated them with the traditional service, Scriptures, and vows, he prayed a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing over them and departed.
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Curling up on the sofa beside Nathan, Elizabeth let out a contented sigh. "Any special requests for how I wear my hair tomorrow, Honey?"
He squeezed her shoulders, "First of all, I love my new name. May I call you 'Honey' too? It fits as you are so sweet."
Giggling, Elizabeth said, "You may! I may also call you Sweetheart sometimes or Love or Darling or, I don't know… any endearment that springs to mind. I would not mind you using any of them either. Especially, 'My Love!' I think that might be my favorite." She reached a hand to turn his face towards her for a kiss.
Holding back from igniting a fire tonight, Nathan pulled away and coughed, "Ah, we need to be sure everything is checked off our list. Did you ask Henry to walk you down the aisle? I asked Bill to bring the Mountie camera…."
"It's all arranged. Now, what about Henry's offer to have us go to Benson Hills or Union City. I need to know what to pack if we go outside of your row house!"
"I would love to treat you, Honey." Nathan grinned. "I know you are not a fan of surprises, but could I surprise you? I know of a lovely hotel and restaurant in either city and even a park with a carriage ride around a lake. You would have to bring both warm clothing and a couple dressy dresses for dinners. What do you think?"
Elizabeth laughed, "As long as there are not so many candles to be a fire-hazard I would welcome your surprises. I think we share similar tastes, so I trust you. Let's do it and make some special memories together. Just one request, could you avoid the King's Arms Hotel in Union City. Those are memories I want to erase."
"Ah ha. Done. We'll go to Buxton for two nights, after we spend two nights here, okay?" Secretly pleased, Nathan thought about the Grandview Hotel with the Park and Lake across the street. This would be perfect. Mentally he made note to make reservations in the morning.
"Elizabeth! We haven't called out parents! I haven't asked your father for your hand… How could I have forgotten something so important?" Nathan was distressed, leaning forward and running his hands through his hair.
"Calm down, Nathan." She gently rubbed his back. "Two things. We can call them all now. It's not that late, especially for Hamilton. Secondly, couples don't usually tell their parents before they elope, and this is pretty close to an elopement. They will understand. And, a third thing? My father knows who you are and already said that if I ever was willing to marry a Mountie again, I couldn't go wrong with a man like you."
"What? How does he know about me?" Nathan looked back at Elizabeth, incredulous.
"I told him." Elizabeth confessed matter-of-factly. "I have a confession to make. I have withheld information from you. When I came out west, my father arranged for a Mountie escort and, if possible, for that Mountie to remain in Coal Valley. Father hand-picked you."
"What are you saying?"
"Because you took on Allie around that time, you couldn't take the assignment so Jack was Father's second choice. Jack never knew that, though he resented not being to accept the exciting offer he had been planning for. Jack came around, but Father never expected the Mountie to fall in love with me. So it was complicated for us all!"
"So, yours was the assignment I was chosen for. I learned about it later, although O'Reilly never shared names or details. Wow… But how did your father ever say that about me?"
"When you came to Hope Valley, Father knew your name and knew about Allie. He was thrilled and when I shared about you both, Father said I couldn't go wrong with a man like you. He is going to be overjoyed now!"
"I am speechless… Wow!"
"Well, Nathan I think we better call your parents right away, then cal Hamilton, so find your words!"
"Yes, Mrs. Teacher-Thornton, soon to be Grant!"
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An hour later, cups of hot chocolate in their hands and seated on the sofa once more, Nathan sighed. "I feel so much better now. We have the blessing of all of them. Dad met you and has spoken of you to Mom when Allie extolled your praises during her visits. Your father has given his blessing, without reservations and both of your parents are happy we will both be adopting the children." Nathan chuckled, "I guess we better get working on our house because it sounds as though we have a long list of guests coming to visit!" Nathan nudged Elizabeth with his shoulder as he added, "I guess we also have a reception to plan, which will make the townsfolk happy as well as our families!"
"So much has changed in such a short few weeks, you know? I will be marrying the man of my dreams tomorrow and the life before us is beautiful…"
Setting his mug on the coffee table, Nathan reached his arm around Elizabeth and drew her close, whispering in her ear, "I agree, but first, my Bride is beautiful and tomorrow cannot come soon enough…"
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(***) Poem attributed to Allie Grant on WCTH Season 10, Episode 1, "Carpe Dieum"
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