Author's note = we'll still have a good 30 chapters until the end, but I'd like everyone to know that I only post stories that have a finished ending, I won't keep my readers waiting months or years for a don't worry because when this one is over I'll start posting others. Wait because we're putting an end to all the evil, and we'll still have news.
Chapter 99
Bill paced back and forth, it was a lot for a simple man like him to worry about. Today was a big day. As well as worrying about Elizabeth and Charlote's safety, he was now worried about Edward and the young pregnant woman's journey. He knew all the risks involved, so much so that Lek, Mack and Frankison had gone to meet the wagon carrying Edward, because they would be passing through the curve of agony, that place of so many robberies, and where the mountie slaughter took place, and he wasn't going to let anyone else get hurt.
Now he was there, shaking in his boots. Finding a father to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage was much easier, but asking for her hand in marriage to his adult children was terrifying. He'd never imagined facing the boys like this. That was why, as well as Jack and Tom, he had called Elizabeth, Frank and Abigail... he needed his friends and his moral strength, because he didn't know how those two young men would react.
Elizabeth arrived with Jack for this meeting with Bill, he still didn't know why, but he liked having his wife with him. If he could, he would be with Elizabeth on his horse and in his arms all day, even on his rounds, because she was the reason for his big smile and the light in his eyes. Elizabeth was the love of his life, the woman who would be the mother of his children, and that wouldn't take long, if it depended on the training they did every night.
Leaving the café, Frank and Abigail smiled and greeted everyone. Frank was carrying a large basket and as he approached, he greeted Elizabeth and Jack. The pastor winked at Elizabeth, who smiled softly. Jack knew that something was happening there, but he still had to find out what it was and spoke softly to his wife:
- Bella! What are you up to, my naughty girl?
- J-A-C-K! I'm not doing anything... And she winked at him.
And before she could say anything, the door to Bill's office opened and there was Tom sitting on the sofa.
Everyone went into the living room and Abigail set about serving everyone strawberry chocolate muffins.
Jack was still suspicious, but didn't know anything yet.
Frank took the floor and said a little prayer...
"Oh, Heavenly Father, at this crucial hour, we gather our hearts before you. We ask for your presence, for we know that wherever two or more are gathered in your name, you are in their midst. Bless this gathering, Lord, with your grace and wisdom that transcends our human understanding. Look, Father... at each person here, at Bill who is concerned for the safety of his loved ones. For Edward and the young pregnant woman who are venturing out on this uncertain journey. For our children and wife, that they may all be healthy. Guard them with your sacred mantle. We only want your physical protection, but we also seek your spiritual guidance. We are facing a new chapter in our families, where stories intertwine and destinies reveal themselves. May your light shine on each of us, dispelling the shadows of uncertainty and illuminating the path ahead. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for this moment of togetherness, where friends become family and the love we have transcends barriers. Bless, Father, each of the friends present here and pour out your victories on their lives, strengthening the bonds that unite them and guiding them in every decision. In this place of sharing and communion, Lord, we also ask for Bill's understanding and for the ease of those who, today, will ask for your daughter's hand in marriage. May the love that unites them be a reflection of your unconditional love for us. May this meeting not just be an earthly encounter, but a sacred moment where your presence is felt. We are aware that, even in the face of the unknown, we can trust you. In your name, we raise these prices, confident that you are our guide and protector. Amen."
Frankison continued:
- Sometimes God writes right by crooked lines. He often takes someone dear out of our lives, but leaves someone else to continue the mission. We didn't come into this world to be alone... Human beings need a life partner, someone special, true love.
And it was here that Jack and Tom looked at each other and realized what this meeting was all about. Elizabeth held Jack's hand and looked at him and Tom, as she did at school, and that caught their attention:
- Boys, life is very beautiful and must be lived. Charlote has had many blessings from our God. He first gave her a love, a man so wonderful that he gave her two beautiful children, and this man loved her all her life. But this man, from the very beginning, held close to him a friend, who at that time was just that... a friend... But Tomas knew that this young friend could love you and your mother with the same intensity that he loved you.
- Elizabeth! What do you want to tell us? Tom asked.
- It's not her... it's me. Bill retorted.
- Do you want to ask permission to marry our mother? Jack asked, looking sideways, a little debauched...
- No, Jack! I don't want permission, because neither Charlote nor I need it, we're old enough to know what we want and what's right for us. Bill said seriously.
- So what do you want from us?
- I want your blessings. I want to marry your mother, and as soon as possible, but we want two things.
- Two things? Tom asked.
- Yes... first I want your blessing. And secondly, I need you to welcome my daughter Elizabeth into your family, because I wouldn't give her up for the world.
Elizabeth ran into Bill's arms.
Knowing the love he had for her was the most beautiful thing in the world. Jack smiled at Abigail, noticing how much Bill had changed over the years, and that Elizabeth had tamed and healed his heart. Everyone knew how hurt he had been when he left his marriage to Nora and the loss of his son had destroyed him. And today he stood there with Elizabeth in his arms and the look of a father for his daughter. He knew that Bill would make his mother happy, and he liked and respected this man as a father. He looked at Tom, who smiled and so they both thought the same thing... And getting up, they went over to Bill and hugged him, wishing him all the love and happiness in the world.
The wedding was arranged for the following day at Bill's house, as there was a beautiful garden there, and the couple would spend their honeymoon there, as with so many problems, Bill decided he shouldn't travel. Frank and Abigail were talking in the corner with Elizabeth, and she looked at Tom several times and smiled. Frank agreed to something and then Elizabeth excused herself and ran off.
- Bill! Could you explain to me what your daughter is up to? Jack laughed amusedly.
- Jack! If you, her husband, don't know, imagine if I'm just a poor adoptive father.
- But look who's coming... Jack said. This man will be able to answer us...
Wynn was coming in smiling, when Bill and Jack called him into the judge's chambers and questioned him.
- Wynn... Elizabeth is your daughter. So tell us what she's up to? Bill said.
- She's my daughter now, huh? But in good times, she's yours... Wynn laughed.
Just then, Elizabeth came running in, pulling Lee by the hand, already out of breath, and smiling, she spoke:
- Tom! We have some news for you?
- Yes, that's right. Abigail and I are going to lend you the house behind the
Coffee, so that you can live there and have your own place.
- But Frank, I can't afford it. I'm unemployed.
- You won't pay rent for three months. We've already made arrangements with Elizabeth. Until then, you'll sort out your financial life. Abigail said.
Elizabeth, smiling, said:
- Tom! But you're no longer unemployed. You and Henry will start working with Lee from tomorrow.
- What? Everyone in the room was surprised, looking at Lee and Elizabeth.
- Yes... said Lee. And she's just made me run from my office to here, plus she's given me good reason to hire you both.
- And what reason would there be to have an old man and a baby in diapers as employees... laughed Bill.
Elizabeth, with her hands on her hips and her teacher face, went on to explain:
- Think with me, Dad. I mean judge. Lee already has Jessy in his company, and he's turned out to be a great employee, even though he used to be a bank robber. Now he'll have Tom as his salesman and he'll be able to ship the goods, because Tom knows logistics very well, because he learned it when he worked on the railroad, and, besides, he's young, he speaks well and he'll be able to sell the wood to several neighboring towns, he's still just paid his sentence with the courts, in other words, Lee would be that businessman who gives a hand to two ex-convicts... As for Henry, imagine, a gentleman full of experience in running a coal mine, full of men of all kinds, as well as running an entire town, and even though he stole and did some wrong things, he knew where to look and get things for the town, and his sin was to let himself be corrupted by money. When the shadow of greed consumes us to the point where we don't know what is right or wrong. But he paid for it all and today he has become a good and kind person. Not only had Lee gained a person with life experience, but he had also gained a good strategist for his company.
Lee smiled. There was no one who could beat Elizabeth.
- Bill, do you understand now how she convinced me in five minutes? Lee laughed.
Tom went up to Elizabeth and asked if he was capable of doing the job and she looked him in the eye and said:
- I trust you, Tom, and I'm sure you'll do your best.
They left for Tom's apartment, which was furnished and Tom would be moving in later that day, as he didn't want to be in the same house as his mother on his honeymoon.
They had to prepare everything for the wedding. Abigail would make the snacks and Elizabeth would decorate Bill's house, along with Emily, Opall, Laura and Rose.
Lee and Henry were responsible for transporting everyone to Bill's house, as they were the only ones with cars. Wynn and his wife were also invited and would be Bill's witnesses, as Bill said, "We have a daughter in common, we're related."
It was a beautiful late afternoon, the sun was descending over the mountains, leaving rays of sunshine on the white flowers that were blooming in the area.
Bill's house was all decorated with gerberas, pink and white colors with green foliage, there was white fabric that came down from the balcony forming a wavy curtain and making the place super romantic. Elizabeth and Rose really did have fairy hands when it came to decorating.
Dusk enveloped Bill's house in soft golden tones, reflecting the magical atmosphere that Elizabeth and Rose had created. The pink and white gerberas danced in the light of the setting sun, while the white fabrics waved gently in the breeze, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.
The garden was full of friends and family, all eager to celebrate the love between Charlote and Bill. The soft sound of laughter and conversation filled the air, mingling with the gentle melody that drifted from the small band in the corner of the veranda.
Charlote, stunning in her cream dress, was waiting anxiously next to Bill, who was beaming with a radiant smile. Pastor Frank, a very close friend of theirs, prepared to conduct the ceremony, while Elizabeth and Rose watched with satisfaction at the outcome of their efforts.
The sun dipped completely behind the mountains, giving way to a starry night. The pastor began to talk about love, partnership and the journey that Charlote and Bill were about to embark on. The words were like a soundtrack to the commitment they were about to seal.
"I now pronounce you man and wife." proclaimed the pastor and the happiness on the couple's faces was palpable. The garden erupted in applause, and the newlyweds exchanged a look full of promises and shared dreams.
The party began with the bride and groom dancing, followed by joy and lots of laughter. Love and togetherness permeated every moment, turning that night into an unforgettable memory for everyone present.
As the celebration wore on, the night sky witnessed the creation of yet another chapter in that family's history. Bill's house became the magical setting where love blossomed, and the night shone with the promise of a future full of happiness for Charlote and Bill.