Chapter 92- Home
All the guests packed into the main floor of the hospital for the wedding reception. It was an informal event, more befitting a family potluck than an actual wedding meal and dance, but like everything else that day, it was what fit this couple's simple style. The reception room had been decorated with the same greenery and festive items that had been used in the church. Tables lined the entry hall generously laden with food. Gustave made the beef tenderloin. Minnie the simple chocolate cake. The rest of the side dishes were all brought by various members of the community.
Nathan and Charlotte made the rounds to their guests, never very far from each other's sides as they skirted around to the various groups. People beaming with congratulations and well wishes. Complimenting them on the beautiful ceremony and how handsome of a couple they made. The few times they had been separated and pulled into opposite directions, Nathan and Charlotte's eyes always seemed to search the other out. Staring across a room. Mouthing the words 'I love you' when they noticed they had caught the other's gaze.
"I think we are about to start the speeches," Rosemary said as she came and interrupted where Nathan and Charlotte had been talking to Carson and Faith. "You two ready?"
"Speeches?" Nathan choked out, darting his gaze back and forth between Rosemary and Charlotte. "Nobody told me about speeches."
Rosemary smirked at him, "Don't worry my friend, you don't have to say anything unless you want to. I believe Gabe and Minnie were just going to say a few words before we clear the floor for the dance."
Charlotte reached over and gently rubbed his back, giving Nathan an invitation to wrap his arm around her shoulders as they followed Rosemary into the large reception room of the hospital. Upon seeing her parents, Allie joined Nathan and Charlotte towards the middle of the space, Charlotte wrapping her arm around her daughter to pull her closer. Placing an adoring kiss on the girl's temple.
Minnie clanged a spoon against her mug of cider to call everyone's attention to the front of the room where she stood.
"When my family arrived in Hope Valley over two years ago," Minnie began, "I remember telling Joseph that he was right. This town was different. It was a place that we could finally give our children roots to grow and wings to fly. We quickly found out that this was a community of kind and supportive people that cared greatly about one another."
"Last summer, our family was blessed with a new neighbor in Charlotte. Soon after meeting, Joseph and I realized that Hope Valley would be the right kind of different for Charlotte like it had been for us. It also didn't take us long to understand that it would be Charlotte's other neighbors, Allie and Nathan, who would be the ones to give her those roots to grow and wings to fly while in Hope Valley."
Charlotte pulled her daughter and husband closer and gave them both a loving glance.
"I guess the reason why Rosemary asked for me to give a speech is that my husband Joseph and I are two of the longer married couples in this town and she thought we would be able to give some advice to Hope Valley's newest marriage. Since Joseph does enough preachin' to you all…" The crowd gave a small chuckle. "I thought it was my turn."
Minnie pulled out a small piece of paper she had written down notes on. "Happiness in life is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, 'I love you'. It's never taking your spouse for granted. Your courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. Marriage is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family."
Nathan caught the sideways glance that his parent's shared.
"Marriage is doing things for each other not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. Marriage is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is not only marrying the right partner, but also being the right partner."
Charlotte squeezed Nathan's hand tighter.
"Charlotte and Nathan have found the right partner in each other. And in finding that right partner they are creating a beautiful life and family together. So, let's raise a glass and wish them all the blessings of a long and happy marriage."
"Cheers!" The crowd raised their glasses in a toast to the Grants as Nathan and Charlotte both came forward to hug and thank Minnie for her kind words and thoughts she shared.
"Well, I guess it's my turn," Gabe came to the spot at the front of the room where Minnie had been standing. "Although I'm not sure how I can follow up a speech like that, Mrs. Canfield."
"A very dear friend," Gabe began. "Has taught me over the years 'actions speak louder than words'. And I have come to find that statement to be very true. Especially when it comes to my comrade and friend, Nathan Grant. He doesn't say much. Not unless there is something to be said. But if you pay close attention… the man really says more than most. Maybe not through words, but by his selfless and caring actions."
Charlotte leaned in closer to Nathan, rubbing a hand up and down his forearm, she glanced up to catch his eye and smiled.
"Nathan had mentioned Charlotte to me a few times while on various missions, but it wasn't until the first time I saw them together in Brookfield that I knew we would one day be here, celebrating their wedding. Because I believe that when two people are so completely, head over boots, in love with each other, you see it in their eyes. The way they look at each other, the way they stare at each other, it's all there. Their eyes are full of admiration, of attraction, of undying feelings for each other. Their eyes twinkle, their eyes are smiling. Even if they didn't say a word about it, there's this invisible thread connecting them together. And it doesn't take an inspector with the North West Mounted Police to see that connection between Nathan and Charlotte."
The crowd chuckled.
"'Maintiens le Droit' is the motto of the Mounties and it means to maintain or uphold the right. When I think of that motto, I think of Nathan. The type of man he is exemplifies that statement. He lives every day of his life to protect those he cares most for. He has fought for love, and his reward for that effort is being here today marrying the love of his life, Charlotte."
"Nathan and Charlotte, I am blessed to be able to call you both friends. Today and forever may you uphold the right and maintain the love you share. May you be as happy tomorrow and every day after as you are at this moment."
Everyone raised their glasses of Christmas cheer and again toasted the Grants as Nathan and Charlotte hugged and thanked Gabe.
Following the touching toast by their friends, Nathan and Charlotte were directed by Rosemary to the refreshment tables in order to cut their wedding cake, before sharing a piece in a more secluded corner of the building. Just happy to have a moment together to take in the day's festivities.
Their time alone though hadn't lasted long. Allie found them as she wanted to get the dancing started and begged Nathan and Charlotte to have their first waltz in order for the rest of the guests to join in.
Most of the tables and chairs had been removed from the hospital's reception room, giving plenty of space for the dancing couples as the celebrations continued into the night.
"Now," Rosemary drew attention to where she stood beside the gramophone. "It is time for Nathan and Charlotte's first dance as husband and wife."
"Mrs. Grant," Nathan extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Charlotte grinned as she placed her small hand into the palm of his much larger one. "It would be my pleasure, Mr. Grant."
Nathan led them to the middle of the room and winked at Rosemary, indicating for her to begin their song. Rosemary worked quickly setting the record in place and starting the music.
"I've been looking forward to this all night," Charlotte admitted. "I always enjoy having you as my dance partner, Nate."
"Me too, Charlie," Nathan bent his head towards her. "But I'll be honest. I don't know if I can let you dance with anyone else tonight. Not with the way you look in that dress. You are radiant."
"I think that is the Christmas lights."
"No, it most certainly is you, Mrs. Grant."
The weight of his gaze made Charlotte feel a tiny bit flustered, as she felt heat rise to her cheeks. Thankfully the record began to play and out rang the slow, intimate arrangement of 'Waltzing Matilda' that Nathan and Charlotte had first danced to at her birthday party this summer. As the opening piano notes of the song played, Nathan wrapped his arm around Charlotte's back and pulled her easily to him.
They flowed gracefully through the steps, their bodies so attuned with one another, the waltz seemed second nature. They didn't think about the counts or where to place their feet; they just simply got swept up in one another. The way their hands entwined. The perfect way her cheek fit into the crook of his neck; their scents muddled into one. Nathan was all too aware of the way Charlotte's fingers played with hair at the nape of his neck, in the same way Charlotte was all too aware of the way his hand pressed reassuringly along her lower back, drawing her as close to his body as possible.
As the song neared its end and the violins joined the piano music on the record, Nathan softly began humming the lyrics. The melodic vibration of his action seemed to shake Charlotte to the core. She gripped his hand tighter and struggled to control her breathing.
Whenever they danced it seemed to be this way between them. A communication between body and soul that seemed too deep for words and a part of Charlotte wondered if this would be what it felt like when they came together as one. The thought caused her to release a shuddering breath.
"Are you alright?" Nathan asked gently against her cheek. The heat of his breath on her skin only added to the fever she felt.
"Mmmhmmm…" Her body hummed in response, rubbing her hand along his shoulder, committing the rises and ridges of the muscle to memory.
"I love you, Nathan," Charlotte pulled back slightly so she could look into his intense gaze. "Thank you for being my husband."
Nathan smiled, the lines around his eyes wrinkling in the process. "I love you, Charlotte. Thank you for being my wife."
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart," Maise said, pulling Charlotte into a hug. "We will see you in a few days. Don't worry about Allie or anything else. Just enjoy… being in love."
Charlotte turned to her daughter, stroking her hand down Allie's beautifully curled hair. "Are you sure that you are okay with your dad and I not being there tomorrow on Christmas morning? We can change our plans if you want?"
"Mom. I've told you. We'll be fine," Allie rolled her eyes slightly. "I have Grandma and Grandpa both here this year. It's not like I'll be alone. And we are getting together with the Coulters and Canfields.
Allie hugged Charlotte, before giving her a gentle shove in the direction of the front door. "Now go, everyone is waiting outside."
Charlotte followed Maise and Allie towards the front door to where Nathan was waiting with her coat. As Maise and Allie went out to join the others, Nathan held open her wool coat, helping to slip her arms into the sleeves and pull the jacket onto her shoulders. She turned then into his chest and her pulse instantly quickened as his gaze slid slowly down her body and his large hands came forward to the lapels of the garment.
"We need to button these up," Nathan's voice was husky as he leaned in close to her. "It's starting to snow, and I don't want you catching a cold, Mrs. Grant."
When Nathan finished with the last button, his lips came forward and met Charlotte's. Her eyes closed as she leaned against his solid strength. Savoring in the way Nathan held her, making her feel cherished and wanted.
Nathan cupped her cheek as he pulled back slightly and stared down into those misty grey eyes he had come to know so intimately. They were filled with a hint of wonder, surprise, and did he let himself hope… desire.
"Shall we go?" He managed to ask.
She simply nodded before threading her fingers into his, pulling him through the door of the building and out to their awaiting guests who showered them with well wishes. Two of the last people in the reception line were Minnie and Rosemary.
"Remember what I said," Minnie leaned in to hug Charlotte. "It's just the first night of forever. Don't put too much pressure on yourselves."
"Thank you, Minnie," Charlotte responded, squeezing her neighbor tighter, before turning her attention to Rosemary.
"Charlotte, as difficult as it was for me, I listened to your wishes," Rosemary quipped. "You won't find a single rose petal or candle lit in your honeymoon cabin. As you say… sometimes simple means more."
Charlotte chuckled as she pulled Rosemary into a hug. "Thank you, Rosie. For everything. Today was wonderful."
"Yes," Nathan agreed, coming up behind his wife and giving his own hug to Rosemary. "I couldn't have imagined a more perfect ceremony and reception. Thank you!"
"Where's Newton?" Charlotte asked, looking around for the bay gelding. "I thought we were riding him out to the cabin."
"Well, that was the plan," Nathan sheepishly admitted, "But then Rosemary scolded me a bit on that idea. It seems, even though you believe clothes wash up just fine with a little soap and water, that lace dress isn't fit for riding double on the back of a horse."
"How are we getting up to the cabin then?"
Nathan just tilted his head down the street, drawing Charlotte's attention to Joseph driving a small sleigh pulled by one of Lee's black logging horses.
"Since it snowed," Nathan explained. "They suggested we take the sleigh up there."
Charlotte beamed a smile at Nathan as Joseph pulled to a stop in front of them at the base of the hospital stairs.
"Take a ride with me?" Nathan whispered into her ear, extending his hand to Charlotte. She took it firmly as Nathan helped her into the sleigh, lifting the edge of her skirt on the step up. Once she was settled, he joined her in the back and then covered their laps with a heavy wool blanket. Seeing they were ready; Joseph urged the horse forward to shouts and cheers from the remaining wedding guests who stayed to see the couple off as Nathan and Charlotte waved back to them until they had fallen from view as the sleigh turned down the path to the west.
The December night was clear, cold, and still. The only sound was the soft creaking of the leather harness and the swish of the snow along the runners of the sleigh. The pine branches that lined the mountain path bowed slightly under the weight of the fresh snow that still floated around them. Collecting lightly on their coats and hair. Nathan and Charlotte had fallen into a lull of blissful calm, just taking in the sights and sounds around them on the climb up the mountain. Nathan's arm wrapped around Charlotte's back to where his hand rubbed gently on her shoulder. Her hand rested lightly on his knee.
It wasn't until Joseph took a left turn down a path off the main road, did Charlotte sit up a little straighter. She had never been to the old Canfield cabin, but from everyone's descriptions, it wasn't this direction. This was the way to Bill's property.
"Joseph?" Charlotte questioned. "Where are we going? Is this the right way to the cabin?"
He just answered with a deep chuckle. "Well, Ms. Charlotte. I believe there has been a change of plans. Seems as though there is a vacancy at the newest place in town that may be a better fit for you two startin' your life together."
Charlotte turned towards Nathan; his expression quite unreadable.
"What is he talking about?" She whispered.
But before Nathan could say anything, Charlotte received her answer. As the sleigh pulled out of the tree line and into the open meadow, her breath caught. There in front of them lay their dream. The one she and Nathan had spoken about all those months ago when he had brought her up here.
The barn, the house, all of it. It was there. Every detail they had laid out, executed to perfection. A soft glowing light filtered out the windows, making the snow in the yard seemingly glitter.
"Nathan…" Charlotte struggled to speak. "Is this… ours?"
"Yes. Bill gave us the land this summer and once Joseph here finished on the hospital build, he and so many others in town, including Dad, have helped us bring our dream of a home to life."
"Home…" Charlotte said out loud. Letting the word and its meaning seep into her soul. She officially had a place and a family to call home.
"If you are alright with the change in plans, I thought it would be fitting for us to spend our honeymoon here. And not just the next couple of days, but this whole week. Now through New Year's," Nathan's gaze dropped to where his hand now held Charlotte's. "That is… if this is what you want as well?"
Charlotte brushed her hand along Nathan's jaw, her eyes filled with warmth and tenderness. "Nothing sounds more magical than that, Nathan."
Before Joseph had completely pulled the horse to a stop at their front porch, Nathan was already bounding out of the sleigh in anticipation of showing Charlotte their home. Seeing his excitement earned laughter to escape from within her.
He was happy! After everything Nathan Grant had been through in his life, with his father, the death of his sister, raising a daughter as a single dad in the Mounties, Elizabeth, and dealing with Charlotte's past, it appeared as though Nathan Grant had finally allowed himself to feel complete happiness. And Charlotte swore in that moment she would do everything in her power to see that he stayed that way all the days of his life.
"Thank you again, Joseph," Nathan said as he helped Charlotte down from the sleigh. "For everything."
"It's my pleasure," Joseph smiled at them, before turning the horse and continuing back down the path they had come just moments earlier.
"Merry Christmas, Grant family!" He called back over his shoulder as the horse and sleigh disappeared into the trees.
Charlotte let out a breath, a visible puff floated into the sky as she took in the landscape. Moonlight shone silver on the hills and mountains around them. Stars brighter than she ever remembered seeing lit up the darkened night.
"God, this is beautiful," she stated. Still seemingly stunned that this was their life together.
"Do you like it?" Nathan asked, turning her into him so he could gauge her reaction. "Is it all you ever dreamed of?"
Charlotte scanned her surroundings. The mountains. The property. The barn. Their home. "No, Nathan. It's so much more than I could have ever dreamed of. This never seemed possible and now… I don't know what to say."
"Wait until you see inside!" Nathan smiled and pulled her along with him up the stairs to their front porch which had been decorated for the season as well. Pine swags hung along the banister and framed the beautiful entryway.
Nathan twisted the handle to the front door slightly, but before pushing it open, he turned back to Charlotte and swept her up. One arm behind her upper back, one supporting under her knees.
"Nathan," she squealed. "Put me down. You're going to re-injure yourself!"
Nathan silenced her with a kiss. Quickly replacing his scolding with a soft moan that escaped from Charlotte's lips as she turned slightly to wrap her arms around his neck. Nathan pushed open the door with the toe of his boot, before carrying his bride across the threshold into their new life together.
"Welcome home, love."