Chapter 46/Epilogue Pt 5

Allie was twirling around giddily, almost falling over in her excitement as her turquoise dress floated up above her knees with each turn she made. She loved it, especially the white sash that encircled her waist which was tied with a big bow at the back. Normally she would much rather be in her culotte set, the freedom the pants gave her meaning that she could still do all the tomboy things she liked, including beating the boys at most of them. But for once she understood why so many of her friends liked to wear their pretty dresses. There was something special in the way this made her feel. Almost as though she was a princess.

Mrs Coulter was already in her own dress, made of the same material but with a lace overlay in a slightly paler colour. On the other side of the room Miss Rachael was sitting in a chair sipping her cup of tea, having announced that she would put her dress on at the last minute as she didn't want to spill anything on it. Allie was excited to see what it was like as she thought a wedding dress must be the most romantic thing a woman would ever wear and for someone as pretty as Miss Rachael it was bound to be very beautiful.

The bouquets were on the sideboard, one for each of them, and although she didn't know very much about flowers she could tell that the bride's was quite stunning, not only because of its size but also how perfect every flower was. Mr Bouchard sure knew how to do things in style she muttered quietly, although exactly what that meant she wasn't sure. It was just something she had overheard others saying about everything that had been organised for today.

She wandered across to the window, keeping her eye on Miss Miller who had said she would be the next one to get her hair done. There was a slight undertone of panic she could detect in the room as every now and then one of the ladies would mention that mom still had not arrived but she knew that there was no way she would let anyone down. If she said she was going to be here, be part of the bridal party, then of course she would turn up in time. But now, whilst she kept on telling herself that it must be something important to delay her, she had to admit that even she was beginning to worry a little.

Pushing those thoughts from her mind she was determined to focus on the wonderful day ahead. It was going to be the most beautiful wedding and she couldn't believe she had been asked to be a part of it. When she had arrived here earlier there was no sign of Beth and Mae and so she had questioned where they were. Mrs Coulter told her that they and their mother were getting ready upstairs in the hotel as they needed to make sure that the family who had arrived only a short while ago knew what they needed to do. Fiona has already been over there to do their hair, she added. But Allie wondered if there may have been more to it than that. Perhaps they didn't want her and the girls to get up to mischief here and disrupt everyone. Or worse still, do something to one of their dresses.

They had eaten sandwiches and cake a little while ago, "your last food before putting on your dress", she had been told and as a piece of chocolate frosting had dropped from her mouth onto her blouse she understood why. At least she will have been through the important part of the day before they sat down to the meal so it wouldn't matter quite so much by then.

She gave another twirl, letting her arms float out around her, and wondered what it would be like at the reception later. Of course the food would be good, Gustav's cooking was so delicious, which she knew because sometimes mom and dad took her and Little Jack with them when they ate at the hotel. It was a special treat, they said, and so they were expected to be on their best behaviour and show their manners when eating. Dad had mentioned that this morning and she liked the way he treated her as a grown up, not telling her what she had to do but just giving a gentle reminder that she knew what was expected of her.

Now she looked around the room again and from where she was standing she could see the desserts laid out on the café's kitchen table, covered with cloths until they were collected by the hotel staff later. On the side was something special, this one uncovered because Mrs Coulter said that Gustav still had to finish the decorating. It already was the most exotic looking piece of food Allie had ever seen and she was so excited to see how it turned out. And to taste it. If the smells from the kitchen of The Queen of Hearts last night were anything to go by this was going to be one amazing meal.

Then there was the music. Listening to Mr Hickham and the band rehearsing yesterday was so much fun, especially when they broke out into some faster tunes that she and Little Jack had bounced around to with great delight. She was looking forward to dancing with her dad today for he had promised her at least two dances before it was time for Laura to take the two of them home. She had begun to protest, wanting to say that it was unfair that she should have to go at the same time as him because she was older, but the look on his face told her that he was not in the mood to be argued with. Perhaps he would relent when the time came and let her stay a little longer.

She hadn't realised that she was still staring out the window until Miss Miller's voice broke into her thoughts, "Allie, it's time for me to finish your hair. Can you please fetch the ribbon and flowers off the sideboard, the ones by the piece of paper with your name." She nodded, excitement building in her again. It was so nice to be here getting ready with everyone, to be part of all the goings on. I guess after this I'll know exactly what to do when it's mom's turn, she thought. Maybe that was it. Everyone was being so lovely and she wondered if in one way they were all doing this for her so that she didn't feel sad at having to wait. Despite her annoyance at the stupid rule that was stopping them from becoming a family, she did appreciate the kindness that was being shown. It gave her a warm feeling inside.

She had just sat down at the small table set up in the corner when she heard her mom speaking outside with Dr Carter. She was glad to hear laughter in her voice as the door opened and her words became clearer. "I'm fine Faith, honestly. What's not to like about the prospect of spending most of the evening in the arms of the man I love as he swirls me around the dance floor! Seriously though, I'm glad I was able to help you just now and please stop apologising for making me late. There is still plenty of time. It's not as though I am the bride."

Mrs Coulter was quick to swoop across to greet her, almost with relief that she was finally here. Allie thought it was a little over dramatic of her but then had a quiet giggle as she remembered that was how dad described her to others when he thought she wasn't listening. Drama Queen was the title he gave her sometimes before making her promise not to tell a soul when he noticed her listening.

Outside a crowd had gathered at the front of The Mercantile to watch the groom and his friends make their way across to the church, the men envying the camaraderie that was clear between them and the women wondering what Hope Valley had done to get four such handsome and tall men living there.

Little Jack was holding Nathan's hand, not saying a word as his little legs struggled to keep up with the long strides of the grown ups. Nathan noticed and looking down at him said, "You okay there little fellow? It won't be long before your legs are as long as ours but by then we'll be old men and struggling to keep up with you!" The others laughed but all took the hint from what he was saying and almost in unison slowed their pace to accommodate the small boy.

Nathan could see he was already fussing about wearing the turquoise bow tie Rosemary had made for him, saying it would look good in the photographs later if he was dressed to match the rest of the Grant family who were all in the wedding party. So he stopped and reaching down undid the tie, folding it carefully and putting it in Little Jack's waistcoat pocket. "How about we leave it off for now. But promise me you will get someone to tie it for you before the ceremony begins."

Little Jack nodded in response and Nathan was fairly certain that as far as the young boy was concerned that was the end of the tie. He guessed he would be the one to face Elizabeth later, or more importantly Rosemary, and suffer the consequences.

As they approached the church they could see people already entering and Lucas was surprised that mulling around were even more whom he knew had not been invited. "It seems that you being married off is a spectacle that no-one wants to miss, Lucas", Bill teased. "I think we may end up with as large a crowd outside as in the church judging by this number."

Robert greeted them as they reached the bottom of the steps. "Mrs Coulter has put me in charge of directing people here. I guess she knew I was the right person for the job." He puffed his chest out as he spoke, relishing the small amount of authority that had been given to him. "I've been instructed to tell you that you need to wait in the office at the back of the church. And you must enter from the side door. Mrs Coulter doesn't want anyone to see you all until just before the service begins."

When Nathan raised an eyebrow at him Robert took a step back, which Bill matched by moving forward the same distance. "Oh she said that, did she? Do we look like people who can be bossed around by Mrs Coulter?"

Robert opened his mouth but no words came out. He shuffled from foot to foot, clearly trying to work out how to answer without getting himself into more trouble. The men waited until finally Bill could stand watching the boy suffer no longer. "We're only teasing you Robert. Do you think we haven't already been given instructions by Mrs Coulter about what we have to do?"

Nathan gave the boy a big pat across the back. "You are the boss here and we respect that Robert. But if you can tell me who is already in the church so that I can sort someone to look after Little Jack that would be appreciated."

A big smile crossed Robert's face as he realised the men had only been messing with him. "Of course Constable Grant. I have also been given instructions for Little Jack. Mrs Weiss is in the church with Opal and I am to take him to them."

Suddenly Robert looked concerned. "Where is his bow tie? I thought Mrs Coulter said he would be wearing a turquoise one to match all of your cravats and handkerchiefs." For a moment he could feel the panic rise in his stomach. He had been entrusted with a very important job and he didn't want to fail over something as simple as this.

Little Jack started pulling the tie out of his pocket, his fingers scrunching it as he did. "It's here Robert!" he shouted out excitedly. "Daddy Nathan said I don't have to wear it until the serv…serv..the thing when they get married." Taking it from his hands Robert smoothed the creases and rolled it up before placing it in his own pocket. "Don't you worry, I'll make sure you have it on when the time comes Jack."

Nathan thanked him and crouched down to speak with the little boy. "Now I expect you to be on your best behaviour in there, do you understand?" Little Jack nodded, his face solemn as he took in every word his daddy was saying. "This is an important day for a lot of people and mommy and I have jobs to do so we don't need to be worrying about you. Allie will come and sit with you after a while but meanwhile I want you to do whatever Opal's mommy says. Can you promise me that?"

Two small arms suddenly wrapped themselves around Nathan's neck and breathing hot little breath in his ear Little Jack whispered. "I promise I'll be good. I love you Daddy."

Nathan felt his heart melt and squeezed the boy tighter, not caring what creases he may be putting into own his suit. This is what is important in my life, he thought. Elizabeth, Allie and Little Jack. Nothing else matters. And if we have to wait a bit longer then so be it. It will all be worth it in the end.