Chapter XIV: Forever My Always
Sunday dawned and with it came the promise of a new beginning. Even the sliver of light that cracked through the window knew something was going on. It skipped happily, instead of holding steady in its lighting of the room. Their wedding day had arrived, and Elizabeth was more than ready to embrace not only her new husband, but all the changes that would come ahead. There was no fear in her heart. Love had washed all of it away, replacing it with courage and hope.
Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Elizabeth sat up in her bed. She could only think about the next time she slept in that room it would be with Nathan. She felt her lips curve in an involuntary smile. For goodness sakes, she could feel her entire body smiling! After all the angst and heartache, they were finally getting their happily ever after!
"Mama, can I come in?" Allie stood in the doorway looking adorable in her buttercup yellow nightgown. Her hair was a tangled mess, and her lids were still heavy with sleep, but her smile was dreamy and infectious.
"Of course, sweetie, come here," Elizabeth spread out her arms in a silent invitation for Allie to cuddle up in bed with her.
Allie immediately climbed in and snuggled in comfortably. "When I was little, I dreamed of doing this with my mom. I never thought it could become a reality," she said, looking up to Elizabeth, her eyes wet, yet happy.
"It seems like today is the day when dreams will come true," Elizabeth said softly.
"It does feel that way," Allie replied. After a moment's hesitation she said, "Could I ask you something?"
"Anything, my sweet girl."
"When did you fall in love my dad? I ask not because of any doubts… I just think your love story is the most amazing thing I've ever witnessed."
Elizabeth wondered how she was going to make it through the day if it was already starting out like this. She could feel the blaze of tears burning the back of her throat. "I think love came softly between us, my dear Allie. He was certainly sure of his feelings way before I was. But somewhere between our first meeting at the school, touching hands at the library, and the first time Nathan held little Jack, I knew he had carved a special place in my heart."
"Would you have done things any differently?" Allie asked quietly.
Elizabeth took her time choosing her words. "I've asked myself that very question a few times. Truthfully, I think the answer is no. Things happen the way they're meant to. I'm not sure I would appreciate as much what I'm living right now if previous happenstances had been different."
"I think I can understand that," Allie replied. Snuggling closer, she changed the subject. "Could we talk about our plans for today?"
"Of course, it's your duty as my maid-of-honor."
"I have an itinerary and everything."
Elizabeth blinked. "You do?"
"Sure. A maid-of-honor must be organized. Everything should go according to plan so the bride can enjoy her day."
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. That sounded suspiciously like Rosemary, but she decided against saying anything.
"First, I will prepare breakfast for the two of us. Afterwards you will take a long, luxurious bath, while I pack your suitcase for your honeymoon."
"That's right. You're in on the honeymoon destination surprise. Care to give me a hint?" Elizabeth asked mischievously.
"Nope. I promised Dad. He even told me not to leave your bags lying around so you could snoop. I'm to promptly take them to his house for safe keeping," Allie's eyes danced with obvious mirth.
"So, what else is on the itinerary?" Elizabeth asked, changing the subject. She knew there was no budging those two when they set their minds to something.
"A surprise or two, a light lunch, and then we start getting ready for the ceremony. Did you write your vows? I tried to get Dad to show me his, but I wasn't successful."
Elizabeth grinned joyously. It was an understatement to say she couldn't wait to hear Nathan's vows. He'd surprised her at his way with words since he was usually so economical with them. Maybe she brought it out in him? The thought pleased her to no end.
"Yes, I wrote them last night after you fell asleep."
"Would you show them to me?"
"I would, but there's something in there that can only be revealed at the ceremony," Elizabeth said, her eyes shimmering with glee.
"There's a surprise in your vows?" Allie asked excitedly. "That's amazing!" She leaped from the bed, impatiently wanting to get a start on the day. "I'm making breakfast. Do you want to eat downstairs? I could bring up a tray if that's your wish. You're the bride!"
"I'll come down and have breakfast with you, my sweet girl. But let's be informal. Let's put on our robes and eat on the couch. How does that sound?"
"Like a perfect morning between mother and daughter," Allie said sweetly as she retreated from Elizabeth's room.
Allie put together a lovely meal of warm corn muffins slathered with creamy butter and peach preserves. They were accompanied by a platter of sun-ripened strawberries and cheese wedges. Piping hot Lady Grey tea rounded out the offerings and washed down everything perfectly.
Elizabeth was about to go upstairs for her luxurious pampering time when a knock on the door caught her off-guard. It was Nathan and little Jack.
The sappy, foolishly in love grins between Elizabeth and Nathan were inevitable, and Allie couldn't help herself.
"Here we go with you guys being disgustingly sweet again!" She cried out as she rolled her eyes. Deep inside she loved how stupidly in love they were, but she couldn't resist ribbing them occasionally!
Transfixed with each other, Elizabeth and Nathan didn't even hear her.
"Hi." Elizabeth whispered.
"Hi." Nathan said, his gruff voice dropping an octave. "I know I'm not supposed to see the bride until the wedding, but I wanted to give you ladies something."
"I'm not wearing the wedding dress yet, so I'm sure allowances can be made," she said in her pleasing lilt. "Now that you're here, I have something for you too. Let me go get it!"
Elizabeth rushed to the bedroom and took out a velvet box from her dresser. She couldn't wait to see Nathan's reaction to her gift. She wanted him to have something to remember their day, and she'd lovingly picked it out during their Union City shopping trip.
Once downstairs, she saw he had a bouquet of flowers in his hand and Jack had one as well. Nathan's bouquet was bigger, but both were fashioned with the same blooms: creamy white hydrangeas, pink roses, sunny yellow daffodils, and tiny sprays of lavender. The spring-themed arrangements were positively gorgeous.
"'Lizbeth, I wanted the wedding flowers to be a present from me to you girls. I don't know if you ordered your own. It slipped my mind to ask…"
"No, I didn't," Elizabeth interrupted, "and I'm overjoyed you thought of it! These are perfect." She brought the bouquet to her chest, and lightly inhaled the delicate aroma of the flowers. The selection of blossoms was so specific she had to ask, "Did you choose these for a particular reason?"
Nathan's head tilt and lopsided smile made an appearance. "Yes, I did."
Nathan had indeed chosen the flowers for different reasons. Pink roses were the ones he'd given Elizabeth on their first official date. They not only represented love, but admiration as well. The lavender was a nod to devotion and serenity, to remind them of the peace they'd found together. The white hydrangeas symbolized grace and abundance, while the daffodils, the first flowers of spring, stood for forgiveness and new beginnings.
Looking back at how far they'd come, Elizabeth smiled sweetly. Her eyes were glossy, but they still fully displayed the love and adoration she had for Nathan. "I can't wait to walk down the aisle with these. Will you marry me this afternoon?" she asked with a little bit of sass.
Nathan reached out and rubbed the tender skin of her flushed cheek with his knuckles. It sent a tiny shiver down Elizabeth's spine, and she closed her eyes when he tenderly tucked a wayward curl behind her ear. The gesture resulted in an involuntary touch of her earlobe, which made her breath catch in her throat. It was still amazing to him that he was just a few short hours away from marrying not only the only woman he'd ever loved, but also his best friend.
"Allie, here, you get pretty flowers too!" Little Jack interrupted, his innocent buoyancy bringing them back to earth.
Jack presented Allie with a smaller version of Elizabeth's bridal bouquet, and she was over the moon. She smothered her little brother in hugs and kisses, which he dutifully squirmed away from. She also leaped into Nathan's arms and let him know in not so many words she was overjoyed for him and Elizabeth.
"Mama, don't forget to give Dad his present!" Allie reminded Elizabeth.
"I almost forgot! I'm so scatterbrained I have no idea how I'm going to make it through today," Elizabeth exclaimed. "But I guess that's what a maid-of-honor is for, right?" She gave Allie a commiserating wink.
Elizabeth held the black velvet box in her hands and presented it to Nathan. "I wanted you to have something to remember this day. When we got engaged, you gave me the gold locket, which I intend to wear today. My intention is for that locket to become a family heirloom to be handed down to future generations. I hope you'd consider doing that as well with this."
Now it was Nathan's time to wonder if he'd make it to the ceremony. A fierce rush of emotion coursed through him, and he was completely overwhelmed. He silently took the velvet box and opened it slowly and carefully. He knew he was living the best moments of his life, and he wanted to stretch them out, while carving them into his memory. Nathan finally revealed the contents of the box, and it was a burnished gold pocket watch. He took it between his fingers, the weight of it surprising him a bit. He'd never owned something so nice. As he inspected and soaked in the fine piece of craftsmanship, he turned it over, only to be blown away by the engraving. "You will forever be my always. E."
Nathan didn't have to say anything. For someone who was used to keeping a staid appearance, his feelings were written all over him today. Elizabeth could see he was overcome, and Nathan knew that as far as his future wife was concerned, she'd always see him wearing his heart on his sleeve.
"This is exquisite, 'Lizbeth. It would be my honor to carry it always… and it shall be as you wish. It will become an heirloom for future generations." Nathan's glistening turquoise eyes overflowed with love and gratitude.
"Ok, Dad, you have to go. I must keep Mama on a schedule, and this has taken long enough. You will have plenty of time to be sweet and sappy on your honeymoon." Allie said, practically shoving Nathan and little Jack out the door. "See you at the church at four!"
Nathan and Elizabeth were scarcely able to wave goodbye to each other, but that was alright by them. Their forever loomed closer with each passing second!
Allie proceeded with the next item on the schedule check list by preparing what was the most decadent bath Elizabeth had ever seen. The small bathroom was dimly lit, a scented candle infusing the space with a delicate aroma that reminded Elizabeth of the zing in the air after a refreshing spring shower. Pink and white rose petals were scattered in the bath and the water was scented with a blend of vanilla and rose oils. Where had she gotten all these ideas? Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder. The water was silky and warm; it felt like she was sliding into the most delectable yet comforting cocoon.
While Elizabeth was in the bath, Allie rushed to sneak Rosemary inside the house. It was time to get her suitcase ready and Mrs. Coulter had agreed to help so Allie could get everything just right. It was also the perfect opportunity for her to sneak in a couple of goodies she had for her best friend. Elizabeth might have bypassed a bridal shower with her elopement, but that didn't mean she had to miss out on the gifts!
Just as the bags were whisked away, Elizabeth cheerfully made her way downstairs. Her hair was damp, and her face was bare of makeup, yet she'd never looked more beautiful. The pretty cornflower blue dress she wore made her feel light, giving an added bounce to her step. She was dumbstruck when she saw Rosemary standing in her living room.
"Mama, I hope you don't mind. Mrs. Rosemary has been a huge help, and she only wants to see you and Dad happy," Allie was still a bit nervous over the slight subterfuge but had faith Elizabeth would see all the good intentions behind it.
"I just want to give my best friend a hug on her wedding day," Rosemary said in a shy undertone that was uncharacteristic of her.
Elizabeth simply closed the gap between them and enveloped Rosemary in a huge hug. "I hope you'll forgive me," she said, the scratch of tears evident in her tone.
"There's nothing to forgive. Everyone has a right to the wedding they want," Rosemary said, firmly grasping Elizabeth's hands within her own. "I just need you to know… I understand. It's different this time around, isn't it?"
"Very." was Elizabeth's straightforward reply. Nothing more needed to be said in that respect. The love and understanding flowed naturally between the two friends.
Sniffing back an errant tear, Rosemary smiled widely and asked, "Would you let me have lunch with you girls? I brought some treats along with a couple of presents."
A beaming Allie grinned widely, while Elizabeth easily said, "I would love to."
While it was still a bit early for lunch, the three of them decided to sit back, relax, and engage in chatty banter. Rosemary broke out a bottle of champagne, preparing a fruity, bubbly cocktail for her and Elizabeth. She mixed peach puree with the champagne. It was sweet, tart, and refreshing, and a most decadent treat for the palate. There was apple cider for Allie, as well as smoked ham and cucumber sandwiches to nibble on.
"We certainly don't want you tipsy at your wedding, Elizabeth," Rosemary said sagely. "So, make sure to drink a glass of water after your cocktail, and have a bite to eat."
"Yes, Rosemary," Elizabeth murmured her acquiescence, pleased she got to spend this time with her friend.
"Elizabeth, I hope it does not upset you that the ladies know you and Nathan are getting married today," Rosemary inevitably had to bite the bullet and share this information. "Everyone respects your decision," she said in a rush, "so there's no need to worry. You will have your private ceremony. Still, everyone is so excited and happy for you, they wanted to send some gifts. We also came together for the something old, new, borrowed, and blue."
"I can't believe it… you didn't have to do this…" Elizabeth had no words.
"We wanted to. We all love you. But we can't get misty again! I don't want you to be puffy eyed on your wedding day! Come, let's open these presents," Rosemary said joyously.
The trio proceeded to account for Elizabeth's something old, new, borrowed, and blue. Her something new would be the wedding dress and engagement locket! Rosemary then presented Elizabeth with a pearl hair comb that belonged to her mother. She had used it when she married Lee, and she wanted her daughter's godmother to use it on her wedding day as well. That took care of something old and borrowed!
"Where's the something blue?" Allie asked curiously, relishing the opportunity to share in this experience with her soon-to-be mother.
Rosemary cleared her throat. The something blue was a lacy garter Molly and Florence had fashioned. Oh well. Allie was almost sixteen… and truly all she had to know was it was an undergarment to keep stockings in place!
"This is gorgeous," Elizabeth said softly, blushing just slightly, as she held the delicate lace garter in her hands. "Please thank Molly and Florence for me."
Rosemary smiled indulgently, knowing Elizabeth would have the opportunity to thank them herself!
"Faith and Mei wanted you to have this too." Rosemary handed over a box filled with assorted lotions and perfumes. "They both went in on it, although Mei created the scents specifically for you. It's a floral blend laced with vanilla essence."
"It smells like a dream," Elizabeth said in wonder as she inhaled from one of the pretty crystal bottles. "Did Mei give you the scented oil for the bath?" she asked Allie, finally realizing what was going on. Allie had scarcely nodded in agreement when Elizabeth exclaimed, "Rosemary! You were the one who coached Allie on the maid-of-honor itinerary!"
Allie giggled at Rosemary's miffed expression as she said, "Somebody had to give the girl some guidance, Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth held her stern expression for a second before bursting out in laughter. Rosemary and Allie joined in, and an uncontrollable fit of giggles ensued. They composed themselves enough to finish opening the presents. It was a tin of hand-crafted chocolates made by Minnie. They were filled with caramel and pecans and were an absolute explosion of flavor. Elizabeth decided to save them so Nathan could also enjoy them during their honeymoon.
The day was flying by quicker than Elizabeth was prepared for. It was almost time for her and Allie to start getting ready.
"Rosemary, do you want to stay and help us?"
"You don't know how much this means to me… but I think you two should have this moment," she responded, surprising Elizabeth who thought her friend would jump at the chance to stay for her pre-wedding primping. "Just say goodbye before leaving for your honeymoon."
"Of course. I love you so much, Rosie." Elizabeth gave her one of her signature hugs.
"Me too, Elizabeth. Me too." Smiling her trademark Rosemary smile, she stood to take her leave. "Is there anything you'd like me to do, anything I can help out with before I go?"
Elizabeth thought for a second, and jumped from her seat, scurrying to the kitchen. She took out a package from the icebox and put it in a small picnic basket along with Minnie's chocolates. "Could you make sure this goes with the suitcases Allie packed for me? I forgot to tell her I wanted to take this."
"Sure. I hope you have the wedding of your dreams, Elizabeth. We couldn't be happier for you both."
Elizabeth felt a peaceful happiness settle in her heart. She knew she had made the right decision about the kind of wedding she wanted this time around. It suited Nathan and it suited her, as well as the kids. She didn't think she'd miss out on all the wedding peripherals, like the showers and parties. However, she did have some misgivings about not having her best friend around. It was indeed a blessing Rosemary had managed to wrangle this time with her. It was exactly what she needed.
"Come sweetheart, let's get ready for our wedding," Elizabeth said as she took Allie's hand.
XXXXXX
Allie was breathless. She didn't know if it was happiness or the glow of being completely in love that made Elizabeth look so radiant. But she did. She couldn't shine any brighter.
The deceptively simple ivory dress favored her impeccably. It had short sheer flutter sleeves and a modest v-neckline, with a lace starburst design that flourished from the waist outwards accentuating her slim figure. The column style dress flared just the right amount at the hem, which was just a tad bit shorter as a nod to the more modern trends. Her makeup was unpretentious, yet cleverly applied to enhance her features; the dewy flushed look suited her perfectly. Rosemary's pearl comb pulled back one side of her hair while the other flowed in loose finger waves.
"Dad is going to faint," Allie said matter-of-factly. "He's going to see you and he'll end up in a heap on the floor."
Elizabeth chuckled. "I highly doubt it. He's a master at keeping his cool under pressure."
"Not with you, Mama," Allie said knowingly.
Elizabeth fluttered a kiss on Allie's temple. "You look so beautiful, my sweet girl. You're blossoming into quite the gorgeous young lady. Nathan will have his hands full when the boys start noticing."
Allie looked adorably charming. The lavender color of her dress suited her youthful complexion. The flowy chiffon skirt swirled around her wand thin figure, making her look like a woodland fairy. A matching ribbon had been weaved into her hairstyle, which featured a half braid and loose waves. The subtle and age-appropriate makeup Elizabeth helped her apply brought out an unforeseen level of sophistication. She was certainly going to grow up into the loveliest of young women and Elizabeth was more than ready to guide her in that journey.
"Mama, how does it feel to be so much in love?" Allie asked contemplatively.
After taking a moment to breathe and ponder her question, Elizabeth answered, "It's a wondrous feeling, yet so difficult to put into words. The peace, joy, and freedom Nathan has brought into my life… it's simply beyond compare. I just want him to feel the same love and adoration he makes me feel."
Elizabeth sighed and took one last look around the house before leaving for the church. Her eyes fell on Jack's picture and lingered there for a moment. Thank you, Jack, for the part you played in my life, for the wondrous season we shared, and our amazing son, she thought. Yes. She was ready.
With a gentle smile, Elizabeth said, "Come Allie, let's get married."
Meanwhile, Nathan was adjusting little Jack's tie. They were almost set, and he wanted to get to the church with plenty of time to spare. Elizabeth's words from the night before echoed in his head. "It's going to be beautiful. Because it's us." That's exactly how he felt looking ahead at their marriage. He knew she was right. Even when life had its ups and downs, it would be beautiful. Because the woman he loved, the only woman he'd ever given his heart to, would be beside him, and he beside her. Forever and always.