Chapter XV: Forever My Always II

Elizabeth and Allie practically glided to the church on what felt like an idyllic and heavenly cloud. Both were unaware of anyone who might be trying to get a peek of their favorite schoolteacher on her way to the wedding. There were a few curious onlookers, but it was Rosemary who was the most joyful as she stood silently by her window. She wished her radiant best friend all the happiness in the world. Wiping away the trickle of moisture that had gathered in the corner of her eye, she turned around and said, "Well, Lee, it's time to get everything ready! Rally the troops!"

Bill was just outside the church waiting for Elizabeth and Allie. His smiles were rare events, but when they happened, they changed the space and air of those around him. Bill couldn't be happier for Elizabeth. He'd stood by her when she lost Jack with all the affection and fatherly support he could provide. He had already lost a son. He wouldn't let himself lose a daughter to grief. There had been some tough spells, but Bill was thankful for Nathan and the void he'd filled in both their hearts. Of course, it had taken time, but Nathan had steadily paved his way in his unique and impeccable way. Bill was more than touched, he was truly honored that two of his favorite people on earth had chosen him to be part of their private nuptials.

He took Elizabeth in his arms and gave her a strong, yet gentle hug. "Nathan's inside with little Jack and I've never seen him happier. Whilst you… well, you're glowing." He stretched out his arms, keeping her hands in his grasp, all the while admiring Elizabeth's timeless beauty.

"Bill, you have been part of all my transcendent life events here in Hope Valley. You're my son's godfather, and you have been nothing short of a father figure for me. I know you're here in witness capacity, but would you also walk me down the aisle? I'd love nothing more," Elizabeth requested in a calm, self-assured tone. She exuded a gentle peace that was very palpable to Bill. He was more than pleased, he was thrilled.

"It'd be my utmost honor, Elizabeth," Bill said as he answered her request, squeezing her hands within his. "I also want to tell you something. I already shared this information with Nathan. The ruffian disruption that resulted in his getting shot… that's been taken care of. Lucas called in a few favors and with my help, we were able to reel in the guilty parties. You and Nathan can go on your honeymoon without any worries."

"That certainly is good news," Elizabeth said, relief washing over her. "Did Lucas…"

Her words trailed off, but Bill knew exactly what she was trying to ask.

"Yes. He did it for both of you. He might have even said to consider it a wedding present," Bill said wryly. He looked inside the church, and noticed Joseph gesturing that they were about to begin. "Come, let's get you married," Bill said, wrapping Elizabeth's arm in his.

Music drifted from a victrola. Elizabeth wondered who thought of bringing it. It was such a beautiful gesture, and it was heartwarming to know someone thought of that detail. The choice of music wasn't the traditional wedding march, but the melodious tunes of Pachelbel's Canon. The first couple of chords wafted over Elizabeth, spreading the dreamiest of smiles across her face. Somebody knew it was her favorite piece of music and decided to grace her with it.

Allie walked down the aisle first, all smiles, with a slight spring to her step. She did look like a fairy, and Nathan couldn't get over how his little girl had grown into such a beautiful young lady. He looked at Allie and then down to his side at little Jack. All he needed was to see Elizabeth walking towards him, towards their future, and his heart would be complete.

The moment had come for Elizabeth to make her way to the altar. Bill noticed how her eyes glimmered, and how her face softened and glowed as she placed her gaze upon Nathan. He'd never seen that expression on Elizabeth's face before and he was struck. If he had needed reassurance that this time around it was different, her expression told him everything he needed to know. Just looking at the two of them told him no reassurance was necessary.

For Elizabeth and Nathan, the walk down the aisle was as short as it was infinite. Both wanted to soak in every single second of this momentous event. Elizabeth didn't feel her feet hit the floor as she floated towards Nathan; one glance at him was enough to take her breath away. It was an understatement to say he looked devastatingly handsome in the navy-blue suit he acquired for the occasion. His shirt was a lighter baby blue, and a coordinating silky tie and pocket square completed the monochromatic look. Elizabeth lit up even more when she saw little Jack in a smaller version of Nathan's wedding ensemble. The little boy fidgeted happily when he saw his mother, maybe not fully understanding what was going on, but happy because he was with his favorite people on earth.

If there was ever a moment in which a person could tell how much a groom loves his bride, it is that first look when she starts walking down the aisle. Nathan had always admired Elizabeth's wholesome beauty, but today she was the embodiment of an angelic siren. He was staggered, flummoxed, and thunderstruck at the vision before him. How in the world had he gotten so lucky, so blessed? Tried as he could, he knew everything he was thinking and feeling was evident on his face. However, he also understood the only one who would ever be able to read him in his entirety was his Elizabeth.

They were finally upon the altar, and Bill lovingly kissed Elizabeth's cheek, while placing her hands within Nathan's. He kept his hand on theirs for a split second, but long enough for them to know they had Bill's blessing and best intentions in mind.

Fixing their eyes on each other, they recognized mirror images of those same rush of feelings. They held hands firmly, and Elizabeth rejoiced in the calm strength of Nathan's grip. As for him, Elizabeth's gentle grasp felt like the most delicate of treasures. It was time for the ceremony to start, which Joseph began enthusiastically. With the exultant calm that was so characteristic of him, he began to read from I Corinthians 13.

"Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, and it does not boast. Love is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking, and it is not easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil. Love rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails."

Joseph took a momentary pause for all to ponder the timeless verse. "Elizabeth and Nathan, this passage from Corinthians speaks for itself. It describes you both in the way you act and love. Our heavenly Father rejoices, and we all rejoice, when two people like you come together in the most sacred of unions. Bill, your children, and I couldn't be happier as you come here willingly to declare your love for each other. Nathan, will you please start and share your vows with Elizabeth?"

Nathan took a deep breath and fixed his deliriously happy gaze on his beloved's face.

"Elizabeth, my love. When I moved to Hope Valley six years ago, I never thought I'd meet the woman of my dreams, nor that she'd become my best friend. I don't take anything for granted. Not you, not your friendship, nor any of the events that whittled the path for us to be here today. Everything I could ever want is right here, right now, in this church. I don't know what I did to have every wish I ever dreamed of fulfilled. I just know I will do everything in my power to cherish, love, and protect you, along with our children, because you're all that matters. You're all the very essence of my heart.

I've learned that while love is indeed worth fighting for, it also serves to be patient and understand when the timing is not right. However, our time is now, and with it I promise to strive for your very happiness, and to keep a safe haven for you in our home and in my arms. We've gone down a zigzag of winding roads, along with their ups and downs to reach this moment. It's been more than worth it. Elizabeth… I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I will love you tomorrow. You are forever my always."

It was inevitable that tears welled up in Elizabeth's eyes. She did her best to blink them back, but maybe one or two made their way down her cheek. Releasing one of her hands, Nathan lovingly wiped away those errant tears, his eyes never leaving hers. While she knew life would happen, and things wouldn't always be perfect, just knowing her best friend, her love, her husband, would always be there to wipe away the occasional tear, filled her heart with peace and joy.

It was time for her vows, and in a tremulous voice she began to speak the words she'd painstakingly written for the occasion.

"Nathan, my love. Love indeed came softly between us. Deep down I knew we were kindred spirits, otherwise you wouldn't have slipped so easily into the role of my best friend. In your gently persistent, steadfast way, you have seen me, the true me, since the first moment you laid eyes on me. You have been patient and understanding; you settled for friendship when that was all I could give. Thank you, Nathan, for that wondrous gift, plus the gift of time. Even when I wasn't the best version of myself, you stood by me, you challenged me, and you didn't give up on me. You have always known what's in my heart, even when I didn't even know myself. Falling in love with you has been the biggest grace of my life.

Do you know I love looking into your eyes? And I absolutely adore the way you look into mine? Every time you look at me, it's like you're writing our love story with your clear blue gaze, and it reaches me all the way down to my soul. You have given me so much…all I want in return is to give everything I am to you. I want to love you every single day, take care of our home, our children, and show you the blessing that a life together can be. Thank you, Nathan, for not giving up on love. You are my lifetime. You are my one and only. You are my great love, my forever and always."

Elizabeth's gaze never left Nathan's, and she saw his eyes glisten and his full bottom lip tremble in the sweetest of ways as she concluded her vows. They instinctively edged closer for a kiss, but Joseph interrupted them. The ceremony wasn't over yet!

Nathan gently slid a thin gold band on Elizabeth's slender finger. He took his time, relishing the moment and committing it to memory. Keeping his thumb over the ring in an unconscious gesture of devotion, he said, "I, Nathan Grant, take not only you Elizabeth Thornton, as my wife, but I also accept the honor of legally adopting Jack Thornton Jr as my son."

Off to the side, Allie's eyes widened as she listened to her father.

Following suit, Elizabeth slipped a simple gold band on Nathan's ring finger. "I, Elizabeth Thornton, take not only you Nathan Grant, as my husband, but I also willfully accept the honor of legally adopting Allison Grant as my daughter."

The young girl had been reverently silent for the duration of the ceremony, but a soft whimper escaped her as she heard Elizabeth speak aloud her most deeply rooted wish. Both Nathan and Elizabeth looked at her with all the love in their eyes, smiling brilliantly.

Elizabeth took Allie's hand, while Nathan took little Jack's. The children grasped hands as well, as their parents completed the circle.

"By the power vested in me, I declare you husband and wife. You and your beautiful, blended family deserve all the blessings our Heavenly Father can bestow," Joseph pronounced merrily. "You may kiss the bride."

Allie took little Jack and stepped back. After a second of looking at each other wondrously, Nathan quickly took Elizabeth's face in his hands, and swooped in for a kiss that shone brighter than all the stars in the galaxy.

"Oh my goodness, Lee! Look at them! Isn't that the most romantic thing you've ever seen?" Trust Rosemary to have been peeking through the church window all this time.

"Rosie, you're incorrigible. I don't know how you got away with this." Lee rolled his eyes as he settled the last table and chair on the church lawn.

"Privilege of being the bride's best friend," Rosemary sniffed.

Like a major general, she made sure to bark all orders necessary for the surprise reception setup before choosing a spot near the church window. Rosemary vowed to peek into her best friend's wedding if it was the last thing she did. When she heard them vow to legally adopt each other's children, Rosemary's heart melted, and she had no doubt as to why Elizabeth and Nathan had wanted their nuptials private. While she knew the whole town of Hope Valley would have rejoiced to witness that moment, it was truly a family event that should be private.

Back inside the church, Allie couldn't stop hugging Elizabeth, Nathan, and little Jack. Like Elizabeth had said, they had all gotten married that day and Allie would never forget it. It was the day she got everything she'd always wanted! She finally had a family to call her very own.

"Ready to go?" Nathan asked Elizabeth, his lips twisting into the flirtiest of smiles.

Allie didn't give Elizabeth a chance to reply. "No, Dad, wait! Judge Avery brought a camera. We must have our wedding documented with a few photographs!"

"I would like a few photos," Elizabeth said, her face radiant.

"Then let's have them," Nathan said, rubbing her cheek tenderly. "I could never refuse you."

A flash blinded them. Bill had taken advantage of the moment and took a candid shot! Allie made sure to stall Elizabeth and Nathan's exit to give Rosemary plenty of time to have everything finalized outside. She had her parents pose in various ways. She had Bill take a few photographs of herself and little Jack. Then it was time for the family portrait. Of course, she also had to include Bill and Joseph.

"Well, this is nice, but isn't she going a bit overboard?" Nathan asked out loud to no one in particular.

"Leave her be," Elizabeth told him, softly laying a hand on his shoulder. "I'm not the only one who got everything she's always wanted today."

Nathan kissed her gently on the cheek. "We all got everything we've ever wanted today."

Elizabeth looked up at him through lowered lashes, and Nathan felt a punch to his gut. She had never looked at him that way, with so much promise in her eyes. He gathered her close and held her tenderly in his arms, brushing yet another kiss on her temple. "I can't wait to get you alone, 'Lizbeth," he whispered gruffly.

"Then let's go. Take us on our honeymoon, Nathan," she replied softly.

Taking her hand, Nathan opened the church door ready to go outside. The raucous cries of "congratulations" took them by surprise as evidenced by the shock on their faces.

Rosemary pounced on Elizabeth, wrapping her in the biggest of hugs. Lee slapped Nathan's back, wishing him the utmost happiness in this new stage in life. A throng of people surrounded them, while the kids ran towards Allie and little Jack. The girls especially wanted to hear all about the ceremony and take turns holding her maid-of honor bouquet. Little Jack promptly ran off with the boys after getting the go-ahead nod from Nathan and Elizabeth.

They were both bewildered by the surprise and a touch disconcerted at having their plans hindered. Still, how could they not be extremely appreciative of a town that had come together to celebrate their marriage?

"Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! How did you manage all of this?" Elizabeth asked a beaming Rosemary.

A few tables had been set up around the church lawn. At the center was a huge wedding cake, six tiers to be exact! The wildflowers that composed the table arrangements were also used for their decoration. The pinks, blues, and yellows of the assorted blooms created a lovely contrast with the smooth ivory buttercream covering the cake. Gustave and Minnie had outdone themselves! Mike and the hotel staff were already passing champagne glasses to those who had gathered for the surprise reception. The kids got their own glasses filled with sparkling apple cider, much to their delight.

"You know I'm a magician, Elizabeth," Rosemary responded. "How could I not attempt to celebrate my best friend's nuptials?"

"Rosemary, this is perfect. I appreciate this, and you, so much."

"It is indeed a wonderful surprise. Thank you, Rosemary," Nathan said placidly.

After giving the newlyweds a big hug, Rosemary rushed off to make sure everyone was getting their champagne for the upcoming toast.

Nathan wrapped his arm around his wife's waist. He almost sighed in resignation, but exercised all his military training to keep his gaze steady and his demeanor calm. He wondered if there was ever an appropriate time to sneak out of your own wedding reception.

"Nathan…." Elizabeth whispered.

He simply raised a brow at the utterance of his name.

"I know what you're thinking," she said.

"You don't say."

"Yes, I do say. You're wondering how much time it will take for us to disappear gracefully."

"Maybe," he pointed out curtly, his lips quirking into an infectious smile. "But it would be remiss of me to gallivant out of this lovely reception when our friends have gone to so much trouble for us."

"I knew I married you for a reason," Elizabeth said cheekily as she quickly brushed her lips over the cleft on his chin. Neither she nor Nathan could say more or react to the display of affection. Rosemary and Allie were waving them down to stand by the cake table. It was time to toast the bride and groom!

Allie smiled a bit shyly, but also radiantly, as she very maturely stepped forward to congratulate the newlyweds.

"Hello everyone. Mrs. Rosemary told me that as maid-of-honor I had to prepare a speech to toast the bride and groom," Allie said as she began to share what she'd very meticulously prepared for the occasion.

Elizabeth and Nathan looked at each other, then at Allie, rejoicing in the fact their girl had finally gotten over her shyness of speaking in public.

"You see, I'm like my father. I don't speak much, and when we speak in public, we just try to make our point and move on," she continued genuinely, garnering approving smiles from the audience. "But Elizabeth, my mother, has a way with words, and she's taught me not only how to weave them on a page, but to give them meaning through my voice."

Elizabeth leaned closer to Nathan, fearing she wouldn't be able to stand. To say she was overcome by Allie's words was an understatement. She felt her heart expanding in her chest with her every word. Elizabeth didn't know she could fit so much love within her. It was truly the biggest gift the Lord could give to humankind.

"That being said, I need to share when my father brought me to Hope Valley six years ago, I never would have believed we could be living what we're living right now. Dad… Mama…I am so happy for you two. Little Jack and I have the best role models to guide us through the ups and downs of life. I can only wish you both all the happiness this world allows. You deserve it. You are so loved, and I hope you know it deep down in your very souls."

Needless to say, there wasn't a dry eye among all those gathered. Nathan blinked away the moisture in his eyes while he handed Elizabeth a handkerchief.

"Speaking of souls," Allie continued, "I wrote a special poem to commemorate the occasion. It's titled When Souls Align."

When souls align,

it doesn't matter when,

or how.

They simply do.

Through thick, through thin.

When tides are high,

or low.

They are constant,

They shine bright,

Like a sky's starry night.

"Little Jack and I love you to the moon and back," Allie continued, looking at her parents, bestowing upon them the loveliest and most brilliant of smiles. "Now, let us all raise a glass to the bride and groom!" she exclaimed joyously.

Everyone toasted Elizabeth and Nathan while a few cried out for the bride and groom to kiss. The romantics out there swooned when the happy groom did just so, leaving the bride blissfully dazed. As soon as they found their bearings, they rushed over to Allie and hugged her tightly. This time words were not necessary, they expressed all they needed to with the warmth of their embrace.

"Come, you two. It's time to cut the cake!" Rosemary announced.

Grinning, Nathan and Elizabeth promptly followed Rosemary's direction. It was no use. She'd always get her way, and they loved her for it!

It was an amazing cake, Elizabeth thought as she licked a bit of the icing that had clung to her finger. She groaned happily at the creamy explosion inside her mouth, the delectable flavors of vanilla bean and pure almond essence clinging to her tongue. Taking advantage of Elizabeth's momentary lack of attention, Nathan dabbed a bit of icing on her cheek, catching her completely unawares.

"Nathan!" She cried out, her eyes wide and bright. "Is this payback?"

"You got it, Elizabeth Grant," he grinned impishly, the memory of icing on his nose as fresh as that very same day way back when. He immediately kissed the buttercream off her cheek, earning hoots and whistles from those close by.

Cake frosting and Elizabeth's skin… that was a heady combination, Nathan thought roguishly. What time was it already? He took out his pocket watch and glanced at the hour. Thirty minutes more, tops, and he'd lead Elizabeth into a graceful exit.

No such luck for the groom! Allie wanted a picture of them beside the cake, then eating the cake. Elizabeth wanted more photographs with her girlfriends, and it almost seemed like they were modeling for a fashion spread of the Valley News. When he thought they'd finally be able to escape, he was told it was time to toss the bouquet. A discussion ensued because Allie wanted Elizabeth to take her flowers with her on her honeymoon. She offered her own bouquet for the toss. Nathan muttered a "for goodness sakes" under his breath, earning a brow raise and a mischievous half-smile from his bride.

Elizabeth promptly took care of business. She also wanted to begin their honeymoon as soon as possible! She tossed the bouquet, which Mei caught, making Mike turn an unsightly shade of green. Giggling, Elizabeth hugged Mei and said her goodbyes to those nearby. She thanked Minnie for taking care of Allie and little Jack during their week away and grabbed Rosemary in a fierce hug. Elizabeth could only articulate a simple "thank you", but no other words were needed. Rosemary knew Elizabeth's heart.

After countless hugs, kisses, and good wishes, Elizabeth and Nathan finally left the reception. The party would surely continue since it was obvious nobody was ready to go home!

After settling inside Lee's car, Nathan rested his forehead on the steering wheel. He sighed and laughed faintly, not quite believing the moment had finally arrived. He promptly started the engine and soon after, they were finally on the road.

"It was heavenly, wasn't it?" Elizabeth asked, leaning back on the seat, the dreamiest of smiles on her face.

He'd never tire of seeing her smile like that. Nor giving her reasons to do so.

"The ceremony or all the surprises?" Nathan wondered out loud.

"Everything," she said softly.

"We have some remarkable friends, don't we?" Nathan mused.

"That we do. Along with the most marvelous children."

"You know, when I feel like I can't love all of you more, my heart expands in such a way as to fit in even more love. It's nothing short of miraculous."

"I completely understand. I felt exactly the same way during Allie's speech."

"We are undoubtedly blessed," Nathan replied, as they fell into a comfortable silence.

After a spell, Elizabeth said quietly, "I can't believe we're finally here."

"Makes you want to freeze time and live in this moment forever, doesn't it?" Nathan asked rhetorically.

"Yes," she whispered, "I find myself wanting to stretch out every moment and commit it to memory," Elizabeth said, tilting her head to deeply appreciate her new husband's chiseled profile.

Nathan understood her fully. He took a quick peek at his lovely wife but pulled his gaze back to the road. They'd left later than he'd anticipated, and they had lost daylight hours because of the delay. It was necessary for him to keep his focus, although Elizabeth was making it very difficult for him with the fiery look behind her eyes.

"'Lizbeth…you must…stop. Otherwise, I'll have to stop the car, I'll have to kiss you, and that isn't safe," Nathan said as he exhaled.

"I'm not doing anything," she retorted coyly.

He snorted. "Right, you're not."

"Alright, Mr. Nathan Grant, what is it I'm doing? Please enlighten me."

"You're looking at me differently," he said, fully knowing that was putting it mildly.

"Of course I am looking at you differently. You became my husband just a few short hours ago."

"Heavens above, 'Lizbeth. Are you going to make me say it?"

Elizabeth's lips curved in a satisfied smile. She remembered a while ago she'd asked him that very same question. "I think I just might," she replied, drawing out every single word.

Nathan pulled the car off the road, stopped, and set the brakes. He turned around and saw the blaze in Elizabeth's eyes and he was gone. He couldn't pull her into his arms fast enough. She immediately softened, her lips yielding to his onslaught, her entire being fluidity in motion. Every delectable curve shaped itself to him, and Nathan could feel every single cell in his body come to life. How they were able to break apart for air was beyond him. He held Elizabeth's face between his hands. Her lids were heavy, and her mouth gaped open just a bit, her ragged breath sufficiently loud enough for Nathan to hear. He felt himself mirrored in her face; he knew he must have exactly the same expression she did. That's how affected he was after that… kiss? Could he call them just a kiss anymore? It felt like so much more.

"How much longer?" Elizabeth's voice trembled.

"Not that much longer, sweetheart," Nathan said huskily, starting up the car again.

Time is a funny thing. When you want to stretch it, it quickens. When you want to rush it, it stalls. Nevertheless, Elizabeth and Nathan indubitably knew that time stood still for them, letting them luxuriate in the happiness they'd found together. It was a wink from the heavens for two souls who understood what life was all about: to love fearlessly knowing that love never fails.