The Field of Dreams Chapter 29- Repeat After Me, a when calls the heart fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.

Chapter 29- Repeat After Me…

"Jack, it's just an hour before the ceremony. You can't find someone in that short amount of time," she stated, her voice was somewhat muffled and the words were broken through her tears. "I'm sorry, Jack. Just blame it on me…I guess it just wasn't meant to be."

"Not meant to be…? Do you really believe that?"

"No, but it must be Karma for something I've done," she stated as tears kept rolling down her cheeks.

"Well, you did peek," he joked, trying his best to make her laugh and in doing so he could hopefully lighten his own mood.

"Oh yeah; see it is my fault," she responded, her voice sounding quite depressed and proving to him that his attempt to lighten the mood had fallen flat.

Neither of them was in a joking mood, but he hated her feeling solely responsible for this missing piece to their wedding, this integral missing piece.

"Do you love me?" he asked.

"What…?"

"Do you love me? Do you love me enough to marry me?"

"Of course I do, but I don't think it will happen today…"

"Elizabeth, if I have to get the Lord himself to come down and perform this ceremony…"

"J-a-c-k…" if nothing else, he'd caused her to laugh, lightening her mood slightly. "That's funny Jack, but the reality is…"

He squeezed her hand, "The reality is that I love you, and by the end of this tonight, sooner I hope, you will be my wife."

She inhaled deeply, eventually releasing a cleansing breath, doing her best to relax and trust in him. "What can I do to help?" she asked.

"You keep doing what you need to do to get ready; although to me you are always beautiful. Don't worry, we are getting married today. Elizabeth…"

"Yes Jack…"

"I love you; I have my vows done and they will not go to waste, okay?"

"Okay; I love you too. You actually wrote vows?"

"I said I would."

"I guess I didn't think you'd do it."

"You were right; I closed my eyes and the words just came to me. Do you have your vows done?"

"Do I have my vows done…" she responded incredulously.

"Elizabeth, you haven't written your vows yet?"

"Jack, I know what I want to say. Besides, you're the one who told me that words come easily to me."

"Okay, I'll be back when I have the minister situation worked out, but don't worry."

"Yeah, right…"

She glanced back that the women in the room as he quickly released her hand and disappeared down the hall. She returned to the chair to continue the finishing touches on her hair and makeup. "Julie, would you hand me a piece of paper?"

Julie walked over to the desk, grabbed a clean sheet of paper and pen before walking across the room to hand them to Elizabeth. "You haven't written your vows yet?"

"I didn't think he was going to want to do it, but I guess he surprised me."

With a pen in hand, Elizabeth closed her eyes, took a deep breath and her words did as he promised…they flowed.

Jack had his ear glued to his phone doing his best to work magic. "Marley, this is Jack. Where are you? We've got a big problem, but I pray you have the resources to fix this," he stated as the anxiety in his voice was well noted.

"I'm downstairs in the lobby; what's wrong?"

"Don't move; I'm on my way down…"

As Jack rushed from the elevator, it was evident that he was a man on a mission. Jack had been busy with Elizabeth and the family last night and they hadn't actually met. Her initial thought was how handsome he was and truly not what she expected. Before she allowed herself to jump into crisis mode she thought about how lucky this bride to be was and how she hoped at some point to find her own true love.

"Jack…" she called out, immediately drawing his attention to her.

He quickly crossed the room, reached his arm out and shook her hand. "We forgot to get a minister or a Justice of the Peace. Do you have anyone you can call?" he blurted out, no longer trying to hide his distress.

"Calm down, I'll find someone," Marley stated as she pulled her book from her bag and took a seat, flipping quickly through the pages.

Sitting in the lounge, Mookie had no difficulty hearing Jack and realized that something was amiss. He stepped outside and approached Jack, "What's wrong?"

Jack pulled Mookie off to the side as Marley continued to peruse her book, searching for her list of officiants.

His look of concern quickly drew Rosa's attention and she walked over to join them, "Is Elizabeth okay?"

Jack's voice softened, "We don't have a minister or a Justice of the Peace. We can't get married unless we find one."

Jack glanced between Mookie and Rosa, "What's so funny?"

"Mookie can do it…"

Jack was amazed in that he knew Mookie but was not aware of that fact. "What are you talking about?"

"Jack, I was ordained last month so I could do the wedding ceremony for my cousin."

"How did you do that? Oh, I don't care as long as its legal I'd really appreciate it."

Mookie pulled out his wallet, retrieved his card and showed it to Jack, "If you don't think Elizabeth would mind, I'll be glad to do it."

"Man, you're a lifesaver," Jack stated as he pulled Mookie into a "man-hug" before grabbing Marley's attention.

"I'm still looking Jack, but I'll find someone," she stated.

"We've got someone," Jack stated enthusiastically before turning to Mookie, "The job is yours."

"Marley, this is my friend and former coach, Mookie Wilson. He was ordained online recently…wait you didn't tell me if it was legal. Is it legal?" his voice sounded frantic again.

Marley took a look at Mookie's card, "Calm down Jack. It is legal. Now that that crisis is averted, the limos will start lining up to transport the guests and wedding party in about thirty minutes," she offered.

"What about Elizabeth? She doesn't come over at the same time, does she?"

"No, she'll have about 40 minutes; that way everyone will be situated when she arrives."

"Are you okay? You aren't worried that she won't show up, are you?" Marley laughed softly.

"I have to get word to Elizabeth that we have someone to do the wedding… wait, not show up? I wasn't worried about that until just now. Do you think she won't show up?"

"Jack, she'll be there; calm down," she promised. Marley didn't know Elizabeth and was simply assuming that she would have to be crazy to walk away from Jack.

"Okay, I'm heading outside to monitor the limos; I'll see you soon," Marley advised.

As Mookie and Rosa watched Marley walk away they both looked at each other before Rosa spoke up and asked, "Who is that?"

"That's the wedding planner," Jack replied.

"I didn't think anything was really planned for the wedding. At least that's what Elizabeth told me," Rosa expressed her surprise.

Jack smiled, "She doesn't know. She gave up a lot to get married now, and I wanted her to have the wedding she'd always dreamed of. So, hopefully she'll love it."

Jack glanced at his watch; "I have to get word to Elizabeth that everything is okay. I'll see you guys on the beach," he stated as he started for the elevator. He had only run a few strides when he stopped and turned around, "Mookie…thanks man!"

Mookie said nothing but smiled in return as both men headed in opposite directions.

"Why did I agree to do that?" Mookie asked, suddenly realizing how unprepared he was.

"You'll do fine, honey. Besides, you saw them out on the beach last night. They are so in love and they need a little magic to bring all of this together," Rosa assured him.

Mookie took Rosa's hand as they rushed to the front desk. The clerk allowed them to use their computer and printer as Mookie retrieved what he needed to perform a simple wedding ceremony.

As they were called to the limos, Mookie's eyes rarely drifted from his paperwork, fearing that he was about to embarrass himself and ruin the wedding.

As Jack stood outside the "Getting ready room," he glanced at his watch, took a deep breath and smiled as he thought of saying "I do" within the hour and taking the woman of his dreams as his wife. He knocked on the door…

"Jack, you know you can't see her," Julie adamantly reminded him as she slowly opened the door, standing in the small opening so he could not see inside. Julie quickly began to laugh when she realized that Jack's eyes were closed.

"I know, I know; please just tell her that everything is fine and I can't wait to see her at the altar."

Before Julie could respond, Elizabeth was at the back side of the door, "Everything's okay?" she asked as Julie walked away and gave them a few moments alone.

"Everything is fine; I'm just anxious to say "I do…" he stated.

"How did you find someone so fast?"

"Don't you worry; it's all legal."

"Legal? I wasn't thinking it wasn't until you said that. Are you sure it's legal?"

"I'm positive…"

"Jack," she whispered.

Jack moved a little closer to the door opening but kept his eyes closed, "Yea honey."

"I'm sorry that I almost ruined everything," her voice was emotional as she did what she could to keep any tears from falling.

"Shh, everything is fine, and it just means that us…that this wedding is meant to be. I love you Elizabeth Thatcher and I can't wait to see you walk down that aisle."

She giggled, "Well technically it isn't an aisle since everyone will just be standing around, but I know it will be beautiful."

Jack's expression vacillated between excitement and fear, believing that she will love the wedding arrangements, but just a touch nervous that it won't turn out like he hoped.

His hand reached out and she immediately linked her fingers through his. They each released calming breaths as if by their simple touch they knew that everything would be okay.

"So, you will meet me on the beach, right?" he asked, sounding much like a joke, but with some sincerity mixed in.

"I can't wait, Jack…I love you!"

"I love you too," he responded as the sound of the elevator door opening caught his attention.

Jack opened his eyes and glanced down the hall where he observed Marley standing outside the elevator doing her best to flag him down. Her arms were flailing and without saying a word, she was telling him that it was time to go.

"Elizabeth, I have to go, but I will be waiting for you on the beach," he stated as he brought her hand to his lips before releasing her.

By the time Elizabeth closed the door, Jack was in the elevator with Marley and heading downstairs and to his awaiting limo.

"So everything is ready?" Jack asked as he nervously shifted from one leg to the other.

"Don't worry; everything is just like you asked," she responded.

"Oh, the ice cream truck…I meant to tell you to make sure that they serve anyone that comes up. I don't want any kids being turned away."

He thought for a moment, "Well, I don't want anyone turned away, okay?"

"No problem; I'll make sure that the ice cream people know…" she stated as they exited the elevator and headed for the limo.

Tom, Mookie, Rosa, Charlotte and Jack climbed into the limo with ample room to spare. Jack observed the final limo, the one set to carry his fiancé and her family to the site pulled up to the front of the hotel as they prepared to pull away.

"Are you nervous?" Tom asked.

"I'm more excited than anything…oh no, the ring; where is the ring?" Jack began patting down his pockets.

"I've got it," Tom stated as he reached into his pocket. First the left one and then the right, as his eyes widened and he appeared stunned.

"You don't have it?" Jack released the words with the fury of a champagne cork exploding.

Tom smiled before pulling it from his pocket. "I was just kidding…"

"Mom…"

"Tom, that wasn't nice to do to your brother…but it was a little funny."

"Mom…"

"I'm sorry Jack, just try to relax, okay?"

Before pulling away, Marley checked with the final chauffer, who advised that Jack had given him directions to the wedding site. Marley knocked on the window, "Is there room for me to ride?"

"Sure, climb in," Jack stated as he opened the door, stepped out, and allowed her to find a seat before he slipped back inside.

"Mom…Tom, this is Marley. Marley this is my brother, Tom, and my mom, Charlotte. This is Mookie and his wife, Rosa, but I guess you kinda technically met them a short while ago."

"So, you were tasked with pulling this all together in one week?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes ma'am, but to be honest, I had a blast, and I just know that she will love it," Marley replied.

"I hope so," Jack released a nervous breath as they pulled up just down the street from the hotel and the door opened.

As Jack stepped out of the limo his eyes watered. He'd like to say that it was caused by the warm Southern California breeze, but he truly knew otherwise. He walked toward the altar, passing many of his childhood friends who were invited by his mother. He stopped to chat momentarily with several of his Mets teammates who had been invited to the wedding, and flew in from various parts of the country.

He stepped closer to the altar, stopping along the way to shake hands with his soon to me brothers-in-law, Carson and Lionel, and laughed as he watched all of the kids playing in the sand while their parents fretted over them getting dirty.

Jack looked around at the beautiful flowers, chairs with the teal covering on the backs and the archway, made out of natural wood and decorated in her favorite beach color.

The sand was white; the water was calm, and initially everyone in the area was curious, but left them alone. That was until Carlos Greer from Page Six News arrived and a drone was observed flying above the location.

Jack excused himself and approached Carlos, "Hey, please don't make this a circus."

"That isn't my intent. I just want a few pictures," Carlos responded.

"Take the pictures you want, but its Elizabeth's day so please don't do anything to mess it up, okay?"

"Fair enough…"

"Please just stay out of the way. Speaking of staying out of the way, is that your drone?" Jack asked.

"No, but I believe it's from KCBS, so I would assume that you'll be on the news tonight."

Jack rolled his eyes, shook his head and returned to his spot under the arch. The drone was quiet, so he wasn't too worried. After all, he was quite happy to let everyone know that he was taken, and he absolutely was taken by her.

Back at the hotel, Mr. Thatcher knocked on the door and was welcomed inside by his wife.

"Oh my…" his eyes quickly watered, "You are absolutely beautiful," Mr. Thatcher stated to Elizabeth as he took both of her hands in his.

Elizabeth released one of his hands as she grabbed hold of her mother, "I love both of you so much. I know that it hasn't always been smooth sailing, but you two have shown me, well all of us girls, what true love is. I've seen the love you have for each other, and I'm just thankful because I believe that I've found that with Jack."

"Well, there is no doubt in my mind that he loves you completely, so what do you say we not keep him waiting any longer," her father suggested.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, "I'm ready."

They made their way to the elevator and down to the lobby where they observed the limo waiting out front. The chauffer opened the door and the vehicle easily handled Viola, Julie, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher and Elizabeth.

"Wait, where are Mrs. Bunch and my friends? We can't leave them," Elizabeth frantically announced.

"Honey, we couldn't carry all of them in this limo. They left a while ago with the other guests," her mother advised.

The limo pulled out of the hotel parking lot and carried them the 8/10 of a mile to the wedding site.

The entire four minute ride, Elizabeth kept her eyes closed, breathing slowly and trying to keep her nerves under control. Her breathing was initially ragged, but suddenly seemed to calm.

As they pulled up to the beach entrance, Mr. Thatcher took Elizabeth's hand, "Are you ready to do this?"

She replied quickly and without difficulty, "Absolutely." However, once her eyes open, her heart stopped.

With her door open she glanced outside, "We're at the wrong place. This is someone else's wedding; Julie, get back inside. Oh my gosh, this is so embarrassing…"

Elizabeth was adamant as she addressed the chauffer, "Driver, we're at the wrong place."

"No ma'am, this is where Mr. Thornton told me to bring you," the driver assured her.

"I'm not getting out. This is someone else's wedding. Can you imagine how she will feel if she sees me here?" she turned back to the driver, "Please our wedding must be down the beach a little ways."

"Ma'am, I assure you, this is where I was told to bring you."

Her eyes watered; she saw no one, only the beautiful decorations, "It's beautiful, but it belongs to someone else."

"Is there a problem here?" Marley approached the limo.

"I'm so sorry; this must be your sister's wedding. We're leaving…"

"Elizabeth…"

"How do you know my name?"

"My name is Marley Hendrix and I'm a wedding planner…"

"Okay, but I still don't know how you know my name. I didn't hire a wedding planner."

"But Jack did," she opened the door wider to allow Elizabeth a full view of the wedding site. "Look under the archway…"

Standing under the teal covered wooden archway, Elizabeth observed Jack, his back to her as he stared out at the ocean, wearing the clothes she'd picked out, tan khaki trousers, a white shirt with a teal accent down one side and flip flops. His boutonniere was three small conch shells with a teal ribbon and a pearl flower accent.

"This is for me…really?" she whispered as her eyes watered; no longer due to embarrassment.

"Yes, it's for you. I hope it's what you wanted."

"It is absolutely beautiful, and everything I would have wanted if I'd had time to plan it. But how did you know what to do?"

"Jack told me what you wanted and…you know, you are a very lucky woman, because I think Jack would have moved heaven and earth to get this done for you in time."

Elizabeth glanced back at the archway and smiled, thinking to herself, "I don't think I deserve a man as good as you, but I am so blessed to have you."

Marley called her assistants over who brought a partition which concealed Elizabeth until she walked down the aisle.

Mr. Thatcher stepped out of the limo, turned back and helped out his wife, and Viola. "Are you ready?" he asked Elizabeth.

"Yes sir; I've never been more ready for anything in my life," she stated as he took her hand and helped her out of the limo.

"Do I look okay?" Elizabeth asked.

"I know my opinion doesn't matter, but I'd like to say that you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen," Marley interjected.

"Thank you," Elizabeth commented before taking a gentle hold of the pendant on her necklace and bringing it to her lips. "Viola do you have Jack's ring?"

"Yes, I do…"

"Okay, let's do this…"

Tom, wearing a pair of khaki trousers, with flip flops and a teal shirt with a white rose boutonniere, walked back and escorted Mrs. Thatcher down the sandy aisle to her seat before taking his spot beside Jack.

"Is she okay?" Jack asked Tom.

Before he could answer, Marley smiled, "You have one happy bride there."

Tom leaned in and whispered, "She is absolutely beautiful. You are one lucky guy"

"Don't I know it," Jack responded.

Marley returned to the partition and gave Viola and Julie some instructions before she queued up the violinist.

The Butterfly Waltz began as Julie slowly made her way down the aisle. Wearing a teal strapless full length dress with a sweetheart neckline that gathered at the waist, she smiled at Carson and her children as she passed by.

As Julie made her way down the aisle, Viola stepped out from behind the partition, following the path her sister took before her. Wearing a teal dress with a lacey bodice which covered one shoulder, and a slit in the skirt that went just above her left knee, she made her way as all eyes moved from Julie to her. Each woman carried a bouquet of white calla lilies that had a teal interior.

As Viola reached the altar, the song ended, everyone stood, and turned back down the aisle.

The song, "Marry Me" by Train, sung by a local vocalist began as Elizabeth and her father stepped out from behind the partition and passed the initially unseen sign announcing Jack and Elizabeth's wedding.

Jack knew he was breathing as he felt the air entering his mouth, but somehow he didn't feel as though it was reaching his lungs. His eyes were misty and although he knew music was playing, and a beautiful song was being sung, the only sound he heard was the pounding of his heart.

She held tight to her father's arm as they slowly made their way down the sandy aisle. Her dress was white, sleeveless with a high neck, and a fitted lacey bodice. Her gown had a thin band around the waist as the skirt with a lace overlay fell just above her ankles in the front, but angled down to the ground in the rear. Her hair was pulled up loosely on both sides with soft curls falling down across her shoulders and framing her face as baby's breath accented down the back. She wore the earrings, necklace and bracelet that Jack gave her as a wedding gift and the handkerchief given her by her mother to use was pinned on the inside of her dress. She carried a bouquet made from teal roses and rosebuds, Wild Peonies, Calla lilies, Cream lilies, Ivory Tweedia, and Freesia accented with sparkling clear jewels. Elizabeth and her two sisters wore pearl shoeless sandals that fit around their ankles with a small loop over their second toe holding it in place.

Jack watched Elizabeth make her way down the aisle; his knees wobbled as his breath left his body. Each time he laid eyes on her he felt as though there was no way possible that she could be more breathtaking, and yet each time he was proven wrong.

He caught her eyes, deep blue, much like the water of the ocean behind him. Although he'd felt it before, right here, right now, his eyes looked through hers, deep into her soul and he knew that home was not a location, but a person… he knew she was his home.

He loved her smile. Anywhere she went she easily lit up the area, and made others feel at ease. On this special occasion, it was brighter and broader than he'd ever recalled seeing it before.

As they reached the altar, Mr. Thatcher shook Jack's hand, "Promise me that you will love her always…"

"I promise…"

Mr. Thatcher kissed Elizabeth's cheek before placing her hand in Jack's and watching as his fingers held her firmly. He then stepped back and took his seat next to his wife who was already crying.

"You did this for me?" she whispered as several tears slipped down her cheeks.

He whispered back, "I love you; I'd give you the moon if I could," he whispered back as his thumb brushed away her tears.

Elizabeth looked back at the altar, "Mookie…" she called out before turning to Jack, "You're sure this is legal?"

"I'm positive…"

"Thank you Mookie," she stated as practically every word spoken and every thought brought her to tears.

Mookie began as his hands in the air lowered, signifying that everyone should now take their seat.

"I feel quite blessed to be here at this moment because I feel like I had something to do with Jack and Elizabeth getting together," Mookie stated as he glanced over at Rosa. "Okay, well to be fair, my beautiful wife was the one who suggested to me that we encourage this relationship, and I simply went along with her. But in all honesty, I generally discourage her from getting involved, but this time, it was impossible not to see that Jack and Elizabeth belonged together."

Mookie continued, "So with that little bit of information, I'm sure that Jack and Elizabeth would like me to get on with this…"

Mookie took a deep breath, looked as Rosa and then began, "Friends and family members, we are gathered together in the sight of God to witness and bless the joining together of Jack and Elizabeth in holy matrimony. Marriage is a contract not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities. Marriage is the moment where your hearts and souls are joined together for eternity," Mookie stated as he kept looking back at his papers for guidance.

"I'm sorry; I forgot to ask if you wanted to say your own vows…"

Elizabeth looked at Jack, "Do you want to?"

"I have mine," Jack replied as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper.

Mookie looked out into the audience, "Jack and Elizabeth would like to say their own vows. Jack, anytime you're ready…"

Jack looked into Elizabeth's eyes, took a deep breath and exhaled, but as the air was released, it sounded much like a soft laugh…a soft nervous laugh. "Elizabeth, I want to thank you for our many firsts… our first conversation, our first date, our first dance under the stars, our first kiss, our first 'I love you,' and even for our first fight. For although I knew I loved you, it was truly then when I knew that I couldn't live without you. So, thank you for believing enough in us to stand and…" Jack quickly became nervous when he lost his place on the paper.

Elizabeth reached over and placed her hand on top of his, "It's okay; take your time."

Jack wiped a tear that slipped from the outside of his eye before continuing, "So thank you for believing enough in us to stand and fight even when you may have wanted to give up."

He smiled as he continued, "I promise to take out the trash, even in the freezing cold and pouring rain, and to be the one to unclog the tub drain, even though you are the only one with long hair. I promise to do my best to make you laugh because it is truly the best sound I know."

"Elizabeth, I will rejoice with you when times are good, comfort you when life throws you a curve, and rally around you when you feel that no one is in your corner. Sweetheart…I will always be in your corner."

I promise that you will always count; you will always come first in my mind and in my heart, for my dearest Elizabeth, you will always be my greatest love."

Jack's eyes met Elizabeth's. They were misty, but easily showed the love he carried in his heart for her. "I love you," he whispered.

Elizabeth smiled, "I love you too."

Mookie cleared his throat, gaining Jack and Elizabeth's attention. "Elizabeth, are you ready?"

Elizabeth turned to Viola who handed her a small folded piece of paper. She closed her eyes for a moment begging her tears to hold off, but finding them slipping down her cheeks anyway.

Jack reached up and wiped away several of his own tears before gently using his thumb to dab at those that fell freely down her cheeks.

"Take your time, honey…" Jack whispered.

With one final deep breath, Elizabeth opened her eyes, "Jack, I didn't fall in love with you. I walked to you freely and willingly." Elizabeth released a soft laugh before continuing, "Although it may have seemed like I was kicking and screaming at times, it was truly never about you. It was my insecurity, and fear that caused me to doubt that something so special, that someone as special as you could truly be in my life. Jack Thornton, you are such a good man, kind and generous, and it just took me awhile to believe you were real."

Elizabeth folded up her paper and continued without it…

"I promise to value our differences as I do our common ground. I will try my best to remember that there are many views to any situation, and my way isn't always best.

I promise to do everything in my power to give you the best version of myself, but I also know that when I fall short that you will be there with your strong arms to pick me up. I will share dreams with you, celebrate your victories and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring. You are the person I love most in this world and you can be assured that will never change.

You know," Elizabeth took a breath hoping to calm her breathing, "I do believe in destiny and fate, but I also believe that we are only fated with those things that we would choose anyway. In a hundred lifetimes, or infinite worlds, I would somehow find you and I would choose you every time. Jack, you will always be my best reality…"

"That was beautiful," He whispered. "I love you."

She smiled and released a quick breath through her nose that sounded like a soft giggle. She swallowed hard, "I love you too."

Observing that they were now finished, Mookie turned to Jack and whispered, "What's your real full name?"

Jack laughed knowing that everyone had always referred to him as Jack, "Its Jonathan Robert…"

"Jonathan Robert Thornton, do you take Elizabeth Grace Thatcher to be your lawfully wedded wife; to have and hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death you do part?"

"I do," Jack boldly announced.

Mookie then turned to Elizabeth, "Elizabeth Grace Thatcher, do you take Jonathan Robert Thornton to be your lawfully wedded husband; to have and hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death you do part?"

Without hesitation, Elizabeth responded, "I do."

Mookie again took over the ceremony, "The exchange of wedding rings represents the vows and promises that Jack and Elizabeth have spoken here today. They signify to the world that they belong to someone special and in turn, someone special belongs to them.

Jack, as you place the ring on Elizabeth's finger, please repeat after me…"

Jack turned to Tom who handed him Elizabeth's wedding ring.

Mookie started, "Elizabeth, I give you this ring to wear as a symbol of my abiding love, my eternal faith and undying devotion."

Jack quickly repeated the sentiment as the ring easily slipped onto her finger.

Mookie then turned to Elizabeth, "As you place the ring on Jack's finger, please repeat after me…"

Elizabeth turned to Viola who handed her Jack's wedding ring.

Mookie stated, "Jack, I give you this ring to wear as a symbol of my abiding love, my eternal faith and undying devotion."

Elizabeth slipped the ring on Jack's finger as she repeated the sentiment.

Mookie then continued, "Inasmuch as Jack and Elizabeth have consented together in marriage before their friends and family; have pledged their faith and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring, and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion; I now pronounce that they are husband and wife."

Mookie looked out into the rows of people and said the words Jack had waited patiently to hear, "Jack, you may kiss your bride…"

Jack stepped forward as his lips gently met hers. It was a simple kiss, tame yet emotionally powerful, and with it carried all of the love, joy and passion that were still to come.

As Jack and Elizabeth turned to face their guests, Mookie stated the words that both of them had longed to hear, "Friends and family, I am so proud to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thornton…"

Elizabeth wrapped her arm through his as they walked together down the aisle, stopping at the first row to acknowledge their parents. Jack shook Mr. Thatcher's hand and hugged his new mother-in-law, while Elizabeth was enveloped warmly and lovingly by Charlotte.

Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they walked to the end of the aisle as the vocalist sang the Rascal Flatts song, "Bless the Broken Road…"

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
That every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yes it did

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
And others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know it's true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yeah

And now I'm rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

That God blessed the broken road
Ooh, ooh
That led me straight to you

Elizabeth had little time before the ceremony to take in her surroundings. Now, as she walked arm in arm with Jack, her husband for all of five minutes, she observed the gravity of the hard work that had been put in to making this the most perfect day of her life. Even without seeing everything, the broad smile on her face showed that everyone involved had succeeded.

Jack pulled her aside for what would prove to be one of only a few moments they would spend alone at their reception. "Elizabeth, you are always beautiful, but today, in that dress, you have taken my breath away. I love you so much."

He wiped away her tears, which hadn't ceased since she pulled up to the beach. "I know that you gave up a lot of your dream to make this wedding happen now, but I hope…"

Her lips pressed to his silenced him immediately. "Jack, for you to have even tried to accomplish this, I love and appreciate you more than you could ever know."

He held her in his arms as she broke down, her tears flowing unrestricted. "Shh, I'm sorry, honey. I know I didn't ask what you wanted and I just…"

She leaned back, "Jack Thornton, this is absolutely perfect. The truth is, this is exactly like my dream, and it just proves to me even more that we are soul mates, and were meant to be together. Thank you for doing this, all of this…"

His dimpled smile and glistening hazel eyes caused her to forget where she was as her lips eagerly covered his.

He laughed softly, "You kiss me like that again and we won't be staying for the reception."

"J-a-c-k…" she whispered with a harsh breath. Do you ever think of anything else?" she teased as she turned to take in all of the festivities.

Jack took hold of her arm and turned her back to face him, "Not since this past spring when I caught a glimpse of you."

Feeling a bit naughty herself, she leaned in and whispered, "So, how long do we have to stay? Oh and where is the honeymoon?" She giggled as her parents approached to again offer their congratulations. .

Located just a short distance down from the site of the wedding were beautiful tables, decorated in her favorite teal color. In the center of each one sat cylindrical glasses, one tall and four shot size, placed on top of a mirror. The tall one contained water, varying shades of teal beads, and a shell with all four of them holding a floating white tea light. All of the candles were lit, casting a beautiful glow along the beach.

There was a buffet table with chicken, beef and fish selections along with various potato and vegetable dishes. There was also a table serving hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, French fries and tater tots, a favorite of the children, and apparently some of the adults as well.

The ice cream truck pulled up much to the delight of everyone on the beach, as those present were thrilled to hear "Ice cream for everyone…"

The small Sweetheart table was decorated with a beautiful flower arrangement, an engraved hurricane candle holder and place settings for Jack and Elizabeth with "Mr." and "Mrs." signs hanging from their respective seats.

The "Favors" table was decorated with a Hydrangea centerpiece and held teal boxes containing various chocolates. Off to the side was a clear glass goldfish type bowl containing teal, mint, beige and white M&M's, each little candy decorated with "Love," "11-11-17," "J&E," or "Mr. & Mrs." On the other end of the table was a framed picture announcing Jack and Elizabeth's union

The single layer wedding cake sat atop a full cupcake tier as all items (both chocolate and vanilla) were topped with teal colored icing and decorated in a beach motif theme.

Jack and Elizabeth spent a few moments with their parents before walking through the small crowd to speak to each and every guest.

"Jack is that Carlos Greer from Page Six News?" she asked as she observed the figure she'd only seen previously on TV standing off to the side as a photographer was snapping pictures.

"Yes, that's him…sorry," he responded.

"Well, just keep in mind that their motto is that if you don't want it reported on Page Six…DON'T DO IT!," a comment from Elizabeth that was successful in placing a smile on Carlos' face.

"Hey, you guys…" Marley called out as she approached Jack and Elizabeth. The photographer would like to get pictures with just the two of you and some with your wedding party and family.

Jack and Elizabeth followed Marley down to the water where the photographer quickly joined them. After numerous pictures were taken, the wedding party, including their parents joined them for more photos.

Once the photo session was completed, Elizabeth approached Mookie, "I want to thank you for a beautiful service. I know this isn't what you had in mind when you came here for our wedding, but I have to tell you, it made this day perfect." She stepped in and hugged him and then embraced Rosa as Jack stuck out his arm to shake Mookie's hand, offering his own thanks for saving the day.

As music played on the beach, Marley directed Jack and Elizabeth over to the sandy makeshift dance floor for their first dance at husband and wife. He took her hand and led her out to the center of the "floor" as their song, "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," by Aerosmith began to play…

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure

Don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you baby
And I don't want to miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you baby
And I don't want to miss a thing

Lying close to you feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes
And thank God we're together
I just want to stay with you in this moment forever
Forever and ever

Jack and Elizabeth danced under the beautiful blanket of stars, easily forgetting that they were not alone. He whispered in her ear how he never dreamed that he would ever be this happy, and that his only regret is that is father did not live to see this day.

As the song ended, Mr. Thatcher tapped Jack on the shoulder, "I believe that this next one is mine…May I cut in?"

"Absolutely," Jack stated as he tenderly kissed her lips before placing Elizabeth's hand in her fathers and stepping away.

"You look absolutely beautiful and happier than I think I have ever seen you," he whispered.

"I am daddy; he's a good man, and I love him so…"

The Heartland song "I Loved Her First" began as Mr. Thatcher took her in his arms and they began to dance.

Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each other's face
So much in love; you're alone in this place
Like there's nobody else in the world

I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one, she told me so
And she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything, life must go on
And I'm not gonna stand in your way

I loved her first
I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it's still hard to give her away
I loved her first

How could that beautiful woman with you
Be that same freckled face kid that I knew?
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time

From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I'm going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
Yeah, I loved her first

As the song ended, Mr. Thatcher cradled her face in his hands, and with tears in his eyes he whispered, "I love you, baby girl." He kissed her cheek, and as he leaned back, Elizabeth brushed away his tears, "I love you too, daddy."

With both the first dance and the father/daughter dance completed, the other guests took to the sandy beach to dance under the stars. Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they slipped away.

Walking along the shoreline, they assumed that no one had noticed, but in fact everyone had. They simply left them alone to enjoy a private moment together.

They continued down the beach toward the Santa Monica Pier and the iconic Ferris wheel. He took her hand as they climbed the stairs to the boardwalk, "Take a ride with me…"

"I'd go anywhere with you," she replied as they walked to the Ferris wheel.

As they stood in line, a man with two small children handed him two tickets.

"Thank you," Jack stated as they scooted out of the line. Jack turned back to the man, "The ice cream truck is there for everyone. Go and enjoy yourselves."

The two little girls turned to face Jack and Elizabeth, and with the tale tell sign of ice cream on their faces; it was easy to see that they had already partaken of the sweet treat.

"As you can see, we've already had some. That was so nice of you to allow everyone to enjoy it. I wish you two the best…"

As Jack and Elizabeth began to walk away the man called out, "Hey, this may seem odd, but are you Jack Thornton?"

"Yes I am, and this is my wife, Elizabeth…"

"Hey everybody, this is Jack Thornton, our Dodgers centerfielder," causing everyone in line to turn, step aside and allow Jack and Elizabeth to move to the head of the line.

Jack shook hands with every man in line; already feeling comfortable in his new role as husband, but now he was comfortably settling in, no longer a Met, but now a welcomed Dodger.

Cell phones came out of everyone's pockets and flash after flash was observed until they took their seats on the Ferris wheel.

Following their ride, Jack and Elizabeth returned to the beach where they walked hand in hand. He turned catching her silhouette as the full moon cast a beautiful glow down upon her. They stopped walking as he turned her to face him. Without saying a word and wasting no time, Jack's lips met hers with the excitement and passion of a man truly and wholeheartedly in love.

Her lips opened while their tongues danced as their bodies had done only moments before. As they separated, he pulled her close again, not wanting to release her. Each subsequent kiss became more passionate and held the promises of their hopes and dreams for the night.

Realizing that they had been gone for awhile, she wrapped her arm through his and they returned to their family and guests and their small patch of sand on this extraordinary beach.

It appeared that the buffet was enjoyed by everyone, with Jack even inviting Carlos Greer and his photographer to partake in the food.

The ice cream truck was visited by the younger family members and guests, but the long line showed that even the beach goers were enjoying this sweet treat.

As the evening wore on, it was time to celebrate by the cutting of the cake. Jack and Elizabeth, with his hand covering hers, sliced into the single layer cake, cutting small pieces for each of them.

"Please be nice…" they stated in unison as the cake was held by each of them.

Gently, they each presented the piece of cake to the other, doing their best not to leave any mess. With a small amount of icing left on Elizabeth's lips, he quickly leaned in and pressed his lips to hers before she had an opportunity to brush the icing away with her finger.

Using his tongue, Jack pressed gently through the slight opening in her lips. The taste of chocolate remained as his tongue slid along the soft skin on the inside of her mouth.

Elizabeth leaned back slightly, "Did I tell you that I bought something red?"

Jack's eyebrows arched as he leaned in and whispered, "When can we get the honeymoon started?"

NOTE: For those of you who follow the two fan fiction pages on Facebook, pictures and possibly videos will be posted in hopes that they will help bring this chapter to life. If you don't currently follow either of the pages, join "When Calls the Heart~Fan Fiction" on Facebook in order to view the pictures/videos in the comments section of my post announcing the posting of this chapter. If you have trouble, let me know…

To be continued…