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Part Six – Preparations
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Morning dawned comfortably cool with a warm sun that highlighted the remaining foliage. Even the trees that were bare, were stunning with their browns and grays side-lit against the clear blue skies. It was a day filled with hope and promise.
Nathan made some purchases at the Mercantile then, as planned, joined Bill early to scope out the properties they had discussed and Nathan couldn't wait to show Elizabeth later in the week. Because of the curve of the escarpment, the plateau offered views as beautiful as those from Jack's land, just on the opposite side and further down the road. Streams that now appeared small and calm, would soon sparkle in winter's frost, be gushing with snow run-off in spring, and become babbling brooks in summer. A couple streams crossed the properties in question and a shared lake promised to provide beautiful reflections while supplying ample fishing spots.
"I've admired this area many times, so I'll never be able to thank you enough, Bill. We'll let you know which one we choose and I sure hope you build out here as well."
"Maybe…" Bill shrugged and directed Hero back to the road. "While you are here, shall we inspect my former land before you return to town?"
"We're here, so let's do that."
Finding the work had ceased and nothing appeared to be out of order, Bill declared, "I'll part with you here as I want to do thorough rounds now as it seems that I have a big event to attend later in the day." He winked and chuckled as Nathan waved.
"See you later, Bill! If you need me I will be over at Elizabeth's…"
"Likely story," Bill called over his shoulder, "That might be criminal behavior requiring a write-up to your superiors!"
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Back at the row house, Nathan asked Allie for his first assignment.
"Faith and Fiona are in your bedroom, cleaning and changing sheets. I gave them our best set from Mommy's trunk and unwrapped your winter quilt. It is cooler now and it is so beautiful I want Mom to see it tonight. Last night Angela told me Mrs. Montgomery was taking everyone on a nature walk and collecting dried flora which can be used to decorate the church, but I need to pick some for our bouquets this morning. First though, can you go to the Mercantile with me? I want to show you something."
"Should I be in town, Honey? I am under strict orders to not see my bride."
"It's okay, Dad. Mom is home this morning sorting and packing for your Honeymoon and making room for some of your clothes later in the week. She wants to pack her summer clothes so that makes more room for yours. If we go now, we are safe."
"If you are sure, then let me grab a scone now, bring your basket and we can ride in together on Newton."
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Grateful for his daughter's input, Nathan happily left the Mercantile with a package under his arm. This necklace was perfect and they would gift it together. Allie would bring it to Elizabeth when they dressed before the wedding.
Allie also wanted her Dad to go with her to the dress shop where Aunt Rosemary had put aside a couple negligées that Nathan could give as a bridal gift to his intended. Elizabeth could open them when they returned to his row house this evening.
Nathan chose a lacy white one, for his eyes only, and a silky, cutwork negligée and peignoir set in sapphire blue, with a matching set of ballet-style slippers, all of which Clara heartily approved and gift-wrapped for him.
Nathan found Henry in his old office, going through files and papers, so he sat and arranged to borrow Henry's vehicle for the trip to Buxton. Henry explained he had already been tasked with picking up the bride and ladies to drive them to the church, so if Nathan saw Henry's car, avert his eyes. "I don't want any part in disappointing Elizabeth or bucking tradition. You two deserve clear sailing from this point on."
Chuckling, Nathan agreed. "I won't argue with that, but the joy I anticipate as we blend our families far outweighs the struggles to get here. I understand from Elizabeth that you had a part to play in her awakening and choosing me. I am indebted and thank you, Henry. You just never know how God will bless you through someone, you know?"
Coloring, Henry looked to the floor, confessing, "I actually believe I am indebted and owe you one, Nathan. You saved my business and my reputation when you investigated my competition that time. I can never thank you enough."
"You have already thanked me. You know, in my lifetime, I have often seen that we give, help, and assist people, but it is usually others that do that in our time of need. It is rare to be able to accept assistance from a person you once helped. We can be grateful we have the privilege. Now, I better go as I have a long 'to do' list and I am quarantined at home for certain hours today! Thank you, Henry, and I'll see you when you bring my bride to me," Nathan grinned.
Henry chuckled, "I very much doubt that. You will only see Elizabeth and that is how it should be!"
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Allie arrived home with a basket full of fall items she had collected for bouquets. She set about spreading them on the dining table, gathering groups of grasses, leaves, and dried flowers to form bouquets for her new mom, Aunt Rosemary, and herself. She formed boutonnieres for her father, Jack, Uncles Bill, Lee and Henry, as well as one for Pastor Joseph. She had enough to arrange a small corsage each for Angela and Mrs. Minnie to wear and another boutonniere for Cooper.
Because both she and Aunt Rosemary were wearing forest green, Rosemary had given Allie yards of matching ribbon to use in the floral arrangements. Aunt Rosemary had assured her that she would take care of decorating the church, so Allie only needed to provide for the family and participants. Satisfied, she carefully laid the flowers on linen towels, stacked in her basket for the ladies and carefully tucked the gift-wrapped necklace along the side. The white and greenish hydrangea she especially wanted to include would be added last minute at the house. A small basket for the men, Angela and Mrs. Minnie, was ready and waiting to go to the church.
Allie swept the floor and, as she cleared the table she thought about making the dining table special. Since the men would be eating lunch here she dug around in her mother's truck and found a cut-work dresser scarf she could use as a table runner and two similar napkins. Centering the runner, Allie placed a candle then arranged some grasses, and sprigs of leaves and berries encircling the base. Looking around the kitchen for more ideas, she found an apple and a pear in the fruit bowl. Once added, the centerpiece looked wonderful. She counted two plates, cups, and saucers, and two silverware settings, placing them on a tray on the far side of the table. She tucked the napkins into two crystal glasses, making it obvious these were set aside for the newlyweds.
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Satisfied, Allie went upstairs, to check on her father. The room looked spotless and she saw a white rose and some hydrangea in a vase on his bedtable and pinched off a small portion of hydrangea to add to the groom's boutonniere, knowing that would make his special.
Nathan had been placing the rings in his waistcoat pocket as she walked in.
"Need any help, Dad? I see your suit is all pressed and laid out. I like the new necktie Aunt Rosie found. The sky blue, tan and dark green stripes means you'll all coordinate. Wait until you see Jack's little outfit. It proves this wedding is meant to be!" Scanning the clothing items, Allie continued, "Are your clean socks and shiny shoes all set? Oh, Dad!" Allie colored, embarrassed to have to ask. "Do you have new or nice-looking underwear for this week? I mean..."
Nathan guffawed! "I wasn't born yesterday, Allie-girl! I am all set. Ned helped me this morning after I met Uncle Bill for rounds and I already tossed a couple well-worn pairs. Thanks for your concern though. Anything else I might have forgotten?"
Hemming, Allie paused, "Well, yes, uh… do you have any nice pajamas? A Henley might not be what Mom is expecting you know. She is from Hamilton after all."
Again, Nathan laughed, "Well I don't have a velvet smoking jacket like you read about in classic novels, but I do have that navy winter robe I purchased on sale last year, and I have a couple nice sets of cotton pajamas that Ned keeps in stock for me since I need the extra-long ones. I have socks without holes and I even have new handkerchiefs of which your Aunt Rosemary reminded me I will need a lot today!"
Relieved, Allie sighed. "I am glad to hear this. I never thought, but I should have helped you with all this earlier."
Going to place his arm around his daughter's shoulder, Nathan gave her a side-hug and laughed. "You have born the responsibility for your old dad alone for a long time, eh? Now, you have someone else to keep me in line. I don't know about neckties though. Do you think Elizabeth would notice if I don't wear one tonight?"
"Daaaddd…" Allie rolled her eyes. "You better have Uncle Bill or Pastor Joseph help you with that today. Make sure it is straight and snug to your neck with your top button buttoned. This is your wedding after all and you want to make everyone proud."
Grinning Nathan kissed the top of Allie's head. "You are a treasure, Honey, and I am so blessed to call you mine!"
"Yes, you are, I mean I am, I mean… It goes both ways right?" Allie paused and looked up at her Dad, a hint of worry in her eyes. "Do you think we can still do some Father-Daughter things after you are married? I mean I won't completely lose you will I?"
Nathan pulled her over to the rocker where he sat and motioned for her to stand between his knees. Taking her hands in his, Nathan spoke softly, "Allie? You are my first daughter, made even more special because you are also my niece and daughter to Colleen, my dearest sister. You will always hold that place in my heart. Even when I am married, we will find time to spend together, just like Elizabeth will do for Jack. There will be times for me with Jack and you with Elizabeth too, but we are adding people and special times into our lives," Nathan paused for emphasis, "we are not subtracting anyone or anything. Even if God allows us to add other children to our family, all our hearts will expand to include them, but we will never replace those we already hold dear. Why don't we make a promise to each other that we will have breakfast together, maybe once-a-month? We can even get dressed up and, if I must, I will wear a necktie just for you! Does that sound good?"
With watery eyes, Allie nodded and whispered, "You really meant it when you adopted me, didn't you? You will never leave me and will always love me, right?"
"Oh Allie! I meant every word, then and now and forever. I am your Dad and you are my Daughter. I love you, twice over!" He playfully tweaked her nose.
Allie giggled remembering that her Dad had said that to her after he adopted her. He loved her as his niece and his daughter, twice over!
"And I love you twice over too, Uncle Nathan and Dad!"
She leaned over his shoulder and gave him a hug which he readily returned.
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The afternoon flew by!
Lee had been assigned to transport Allie, her clothing, and the basket of flowers to the Bride's home. While Fiona styled all their hair and makeup, Allie would add the hydrangea to the bouquets.
Lee was also tasked with bringing the men's boutonnieres to Joseph's office at the church, Jack and his clothing to Nathan's and later to pick up Nathan, Bill and Jack for the ceremony.
Molly had offered to watch Goldie throughout the day's and evening's festivities so that added another helper to the busy Coulter and Thornton houses. When she could, Molly assisted, setting up the buffet and when down for a nap, Molly took Goldie next door as it was entirely too noisy with all the ladies! Jack already had his small bed in the nursery with Goldie. So Molly used the time to make up the guest room bed for Allie to use in the coming week and bake a batch of scones and cookies!
Bill had collected two lunch baskets that Rosemary had ordered from the Café, one for the menfolk at Nathan's and a buffet for the ladies at Elizabeth's. He also brought a specially prepared breakfast basket to leave for the newlyweds. Henry delivered Bill, his clothing, and the baskets to Nathan's and anyone who looked down from above would surely have laughed at the comings and goings in Hope Valley on this day!
There was no way to keep everything quiet, so apologies were frequently made explaining that the couple were keeping today's event small but would be hosting a reception to celebrate with everyone in the future. As this wedding surprised everyone, it was understood that it was an intimate gathering and some friends were just happy to help where they could. Yet, all the people of Hope Valley were overjoyed that their beloved Mountie and Schoolteacher were getting married.
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Arriving early, Rosemary hurried down the path to the back entrance for the church office to double check on Nathan, Jack and Bill. "Oh you look handsome, all you fellas. Let me just straighten your ties, and boutonnieres. There that's perfect. That tie was a last minute Godsend, Nathan. You coordinate with all of us now." Rosemary patted Nathan's shoulders and reached up to kiss his cheek. "I don't even need to say this, Nathan, but I am, well Lee and I both are beyond happy that you and our Elizabeth are finally getting married. Only God could work this miracle, but this is a happy day for each one of us. And wait until you see your Bride. She is a vision!"
Rosemary bent to straighten Jack's waistcoat. She'd had some similar fabric to Nathan's suit tucked away in the dress shop some years ago, and found it was just enough for trousers and a waistcoat for Jack. She had sewed it for another wedding that wasn't meant to be, but that just meant that it was ready for today and Jack actually matched Nathan's suit. With the addition of diminutive dark green bow tie the family was all color-coordinated and Rosemary Coulter was a happy woman!
"You look very handsome, Jack. Now, you know you'll come with me now and then carry the ring cushion down the aisle to your Daddy, right? You can stand right next to him and Uncle Bill."
Directing her attention to Bill, Rosemary laughed, "You don't get away without a double check too, Judge Avery. You look very smart in your dark blue suit and I am thrilled I could get two of these ties so you could match our groom." She adjusted the boutonniere that didn't need adjusting, patted Bill's shoulder and stepped back.
"Now, Joseph, do you have extra handkerchiefs just in case?"
"I do and I have the smelling salts too!" Joseph laughed, adding, "just in case…"
"Smelling salts for a wedding? Is that really necessary?" Nathan looked wide-eyed.
"They have come in handy more than once. Now don't you worry, you won't need them, but I am always prepared."
"I think you all look wonderful. Just give us a couple minutes to be situated in the back and proceed. Okay, Jack, are you ready for the wedding?" Rosemary took the white pillow on which Nathan had tied his grandparents' wedding bands and with a flourish, she took Jack's hand and they disappeared out the door.
Bill put his hand on Nathan's shoulder, "Son? This is one of the happiest days of my life to see you and Elizabeth marry. God has blessed you both and blessed us all as well. I know you will take good care of her and young Jack, but remember I am backup if you ever have a need, you hear?"
"Thank you, Bill. I am grateful for you, for many reasons, and appreciate your trust in me to care for those you love so dearly. That means a lot to me."
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