Chapter 18: The Big Day
Cody and Lizzie returned to Yellowstone. Cody was on leave until after the wedding due to injuries. Lizzie stayed with Cody at first, but quickly learned that every time she moved in bed, Cody would be in pain. So, she stayed at her place until after the big day. Since they had not been together for over three weeks, Lizzie convinced Cody that they should wait until their wedding night before they would have sex again. This way the anticipation and desire continue to grow. Their wedding day was just a couple of days away. The wedding guests start arriving. Things had been snowy up until now, but spring was in the air.
"Looks like our gamble paid off," Lizzie said. "No snow or rain until well after all our guests leave."
"This will probably be one of the last moments we will have alone until after the wedding," Cody began kissing Lizzie and they started getting physical with each other.
Lizzie pushed Cody away, "Cody, stop. We said we would wait."
"Lizzie, it is getting so hard," Cody said and started kissing her some more. "I want you."
"Cody, I know. It is hard for me as well. I want to be with you, but I just really want to wait. In just a few hours our families will start arriving. Let's just take this time and enjoy one another."
"That is what I was trying to do," Cody said.
"But not where we end up in bed. I want our wedding night to be special," Lizzie gave her puppy dog face.
"I want that too," Cody said.
The two just snuggled on the coach together until the doorbell rang. Cody got up and went to the intercom, "Hello."
"Uncle Toad. Where are you?" Kelly asked. The buzzer sounds and Matt opens the door.
"Is that my special girl," Cody said.
"It is," Kelly was smiling from ear to ear.
Cody and Lizzie met the Hawkes family at the door to greet them.
"Uncle Toad, is this your house?" Kelly asked. "It's really big."
Kelly jumped into Cody's arms. "Well…. Small portion of it. There are many people that live here."
"Cody and Lizzie, good to see you. Are we the first to arrive?" Matt asked. Jesse gives Lizzie a hug and kiss on her cheek.
"Good to see you son," Jesse said.
"No, Mark is here. He is visiting his old department with his fiancée," Cody said. Cody put Kelly down, so he and Matt could grab all the bags and Lizzie showed everyone the way to Cody's apartment.
"Lizzie, when are your parents arriving?" Robin asked.
"My family will be here first thing in the morning. Their flight comes in late tonight, so they are staying in Bozeman and will drive in first thing tomorrow," Lizzie said.
"When is grandma going to be here?" Kelly asked.
"Grandma will be here about lunch time tomorrow," Cody said. Kelly has a little pouty face. "Grandma will be here soon enough. Until then, I get you all to myself." Cody started kissing Kelly all over. She started to giggle.
"Let's see this little guy," Lizzie picked Jasper out of the carrier.
"I have an idea," Matt said. "How about on your wedding night, you have a slumber party with Kelly and Jasper. Then Robin and I can take the honeymoon suite."
"Yay!" Kelly started jumping up and down. Cody threw a pillow at his brother.
"Very funny, Matt," Cody said. "That honeymoon suite is all ours. Unless you want us to teach her something."
"Teach me! Teach me!" Kelly shouted.
"Maybe another time, Kelly. Mommy would miss you too much. Come here sweetie," Robin said. Kelly walked over to her mom. Robin started to kiss Kelly all over and Kelly started giggling and yelping for joy.
Next day the rest of their family came, they were both excited about the wedding that is just a few days away. Lizzie had to take care of a few things at the ranger station. Where she runs into her old boyfriend Fred Jagger.
"Fred, what are you doing here?" Lizzie said.
"Lizzie, I came for you. I have missed you and I want you back," Fred said. He puts his hands on her shoulders, Lizzie stepped back.
"Fred, we broke up over two years ago. I have moved on," Lizzie said.
"I want another chance with you," Fred grabbed her arm.
"Fred, I am getting married in a couple of days," Lizzie was getting uncomfortable. "Goodbye Fred."
Mark saw them from a distance. He was going to approach them, but Lizzie broke away from Fred and walked away. Mark did not want to make the situation worse. He continued with his day.
Later that evening the families got together for dinner. Lizzie was there with Cody and having a good time. Cody walked her home. Fred was watching Cody and Lizzie from a distance in his car. Fred was getting upset watching Cody and Lizzie talking and kissing. Lizzie goes into her apartment building and then Cody returns home.
Next day everyone was busy getting ready for the wedding. The plan was for Cody to go to Bozeman with the men to get the tuxes. The Bridesmaids did a spa day in Lizzie's apartment. Then in the midafternoon they were going to the church to start decorating it for the wedding. The wedding rehearsal would be that evening. But things did not go as planned.
Everyone arrived at the church and started decorating and had not realized that Lizzie never showed up. Lizzie's mom was trying to figure out how Lizzie wanted the guest book to display. "Has anyone seen Lizzie? I thought she would have been here by now." Everyone mingled and could not figure out where she could be.
Cody said, "I will send her a text." Cody sends the following text, "Lizzie just wondering if everything is okay and your eta? Love U."
Cody receives a text back from Lizzie. "I can't do this. Don't look for me as I won't change my mind."
Cody could not believe what he was reading. He had to read it a few times. His heart was breaking, but he tried to compose himself. He immediately tried to call her, but her phone went right to voicemail. "Shelly, how did Lizzie seem the last time you saw her?"
"She had a headache, but was so excited for tomorrow," Shelly said.
"I want to show you something, please try to keep this quiet. I don't understand," Cody said.
Shelly reads the message over, "This does not sound like her. She is so excited about the wedding and getting married. That is all she has been talking about."
"I don't want to worry anyone, but I am going to make an excuse that her car is not working and check on her. Can I have your keys." Shelly nodded yes. "Please don't say anything to anyone, I don't want anyone to start worrying if it is nothing," Shelly agreed.
Matt came over to Cody and Shelly. "Do you know if Lizzie left yet? Robin thinks she left the diaper bag at her apartment."
"She is having car problems, and I am going to pick her up," Cody said.
"That stinks, can you pick up the diaper bag?" Matt asked.
"Sure," Cody was only half paying attention.
"Cody, everything okay?" Matt asked.
"Ah... of course," Cody said.
"Why don't I go with you to find that bag," Matt said.
"Sure," Cody said.
Cody and Matt head over to Shelly and Lizzie's apartment. The apartment is quiet, but some things look a little out of place. Matt picks up the diaper bag and Cody heads to Lizzie's bedroom. He looks in her room. It was in a bit of disarray. Lizzie was not in bed with the headache. He checked her closet and many of her clothes were gone. Cody comes out of her room in disbelief thinking Lizzie left him.
Matt heard Cody come back, "Is Lizzie feeling better."
"She is gone," Cody had a solemn sound in his voice.
Matt knew something was wrong by hearing Cody's voice. Matt immediately looked up. Cody had tears in his eyes. Matt went into the bedroom and saw the room as in disarray. Matt found the engagement ring just lying on the floor of the room. He went and picked it up.
"Cody what is going on?" Cody showed Matt her message on his phone. Matt read it, "I can't believe this. Did she write this?"
"Matt, I…. I… did not believe it when I first saw it, but she is not here. She left me," Matt pulled Cody into a hug.
"Cody, I am so sorry. I can't believe it," Matt said.
Mark arrives at the church and walks up to Shelly, "Where is Cody and Lizzie?"
Shelly pulled Mark to the side. "Lizzie wrote a dear John letter and left him."
"No way, I don't believe it," Mark said.
"I saw the text. She left him. He ran over to my apartment to talk to her," Shelly said.
"I am going to head over there. I don't believe it," Mark was about to leave. "Shelly, one more thing. Did Lizzie say anything about Fred Jagger being back?'
"What… No…. he has not been here since they broke up, over two years ago," Shelly said.
"I saw him yesterday talking to Lizzie. I was about to go up to them, but she walked away. She did not say anything to you about him?" Mark asked.
"She did not say a word. You don't think he would do anything to her?" Shelly was getting scared.
Jesse was noticing Mark and Shelly's conversation and felt something was up.
"I would not put it past him. They were having a pretty heated discussion." Mark said. "I am going to head over to your apartment."
Mark tells his fiancée that he will be right back, he forgot he had to pick something up for Cody. Jesse caught up with Mark, "Son, I am going with you."
"Sure, Mr. Hawkes," Mark said.
Mark and Jesse show up at the apartment. Cody was totally devastated, and Matt was trying to console him. Mark ran into the apartment. "She is gone, isn't she?"
"How did you know?" Matt asked.
"Shelly told me. Cody, did Lizzie mention anything about Fred Jagger being here? I saw him talking to Lizzie yesterday."
"What… she never mentioned it," Cody said.
"They were having pretty heated conversation. He grabbed her by her arms. She broke away from him and walked away. I tried to talk to her last night about it, but I could not get her alone. She seemed fine so I let it drop."
"If he would have taken her, where would they have gone?" Cody said.
"Son, what do you know about this guy?" Jesse asked.
"Not much, he left right after I got here. We never really talked about him much. Lizzie's dad said they were glad when they broke up. They did not think he was good for her. Jerry told me he was not one to mess with. Mark, you were here a little longer than me. What do you know about him?" Cody asked.
"Not much more than you. He has a big temper, he is a bully and the type of person you just stay away from," Mark was thinking a bit. "He is still driving a black Ford Explorer with four doors. With Idaho plates that say, Jagger6."
"Would you recognize it if you saw it on video?" Matt asked.
"Yes, but unless things have changed, they only have video going into and out of the park," Mark said.
"Yeah, that's about it. Few places they have web cams, but not many," Cody said.
"Matt why don't you and Mark go to the ranger station and get an APB out on them and start going through some video footage. Cody, you and I need to go back to the church and let Lizzie's family know what is happening. Maybe there is something Lizzie's family can tell us about Fred that will help find her," Jesse said.
"Dad, I can't just sit at the church and wait," Cody said.
"Cody, you need to pull yourself together. We need to talk to her family. They know more about this guy than what any of us know. Once we get some idea where he took her, then you can go out and search for her. Cody, she needs you to keep a clear head. We will find her, son. I promise and then the two of you will get married." Jesse said.
Matt and Mark went to the ranger station. They talked to the command center, and they immediately put out an APB. The entire National Park Service was searching for Lizzie, Fred, and his truck. Fred did not make many friends in Yellowstone. They were happy to see him go. Mark watched films of him coming and going. They didn't believe he was staying in the park, they found where he had left the park shortly after talking to Lizzie the day before and when he entered today. They reviewed the surveillance footage and he had not left the park from the Monmouth Hot Spring entrance. They began searching the other entrances, but it would take time.
Cody and Jesse walked into the church. Jesse handed Robin the diaper bag.
"Oh good, you found it," just as she said it, she realized something was wrong. Shelly had gotten a page and new something was up from the bulletin she received.
"Everyone, can you all gather around," Jesse said. Robin, Shelly, Lizzie's family, and the Pastor of the church all gathered around. "I am not sure how to say this. This afternoon, Cody received a message from Lizzie. Basically, stating she was leaving and calling off the wedding," Cody just looked down, still bit heart broken.
"That can't be. She loves Cody and she was so excited about the two of them finally getting married," Lizzie's Mom Janet said.
"What exactly did the message say?" Lizzie's father Ron asked.
Shelly came over, "It said something like, "Cody, I can't do this. Don't look for me as I won't change my mind."
"That does not sound like her," Lizzie's mom said. "Has anyone looked for her?"
"I went to her apartment to try to talk to her, but she was not there. Some of her clothes were gone and… and she left the ring. She just dropped it on the floor," Cody sat down on one of the benches and started to cry. Robin came over and immediately started to hold him.
"Mark told us yesterday he spotted Lizzie's ex-boyfriend Fred. He was talking to her yesterday. Did she say anything about it?" Jesse asked.
"Do you think he is involved?" Lizzie's mom, Janet asked.
"No way Lizzie would pick Fred over Cody. There is no way," Lizzie's sister Sabrina said.
"I am with Sabrina, no way she would go back to that guy," Lizzie's brother Jacob said.
"If he hurts her, I will kill him," Lizzie's father Ron said.
"Matt and Mark were going to contact the ranger station and put APB out on Fred, Lizzie, and his truck. Mark saw him get into his truck yesterday and they are searching for it."
Shelly stepped in, "I just got a page from Ranger headquarters to be on the lookout for them and a description of the truck. Said the truck was spotted entering the park about 1 pm this afternoon. There are no signs that the truck has left the park, but they are still reviewing footage. All rangers are to be on the lookout. They gave a number to report our findings, they don't want anything to go over the radio unless you don't have cell coverage. Then you can give a code zebra. This is in case Fred has access to a radio."
"What can we do to help find them?" Ron asked.
"Right now, I need you all to tell me everything you know about this man. What were places they like to go together, things they like to do," Jesse said.
Shelly and Lizzie's family filled in on what they knew. It was decided that Lizzie's mom and daughter-in-law and her daughter would take the five kids back to their hotel room. Robin topped Jasper off, and if he needed to be fed before they got back. Then Lizzie's sister could feed him if needed. She also had a little one to feed. Since Robin is a professional search and rescue ranger it made sense for her to go out. Since they had the kids safely tucked away. They went out searching. They stopped and got radios and maps.
Shelly had to report into duty as it was all hands to search for Lizzie. Jesse, Lizzie's Dad and her brother-in-law searched in one car. Cody, Robin, and Lizzie's brother were in Cody's truck. Once they got copies of the truck description with the license plate and photo. They were added to the emergency text message and were added to the search grid. Once Matt and Mark were done reviewing the tapes they joined the search as well.
Robin, Cody, and Lizzie's brother search some of the remote areas. A couple of hours had passed with nothing and finally they caught a lucky break. Some rangers spotted his truck near a hiking trail in the back country. A group of rangers quickly assembled to begin searching the trails. Matt and Mark joined up with Jerry in the chopper to begin searching the area from the air.
A few hours earlier. The ladies were wrapping up their spa day at Shelly and Lizzie's apartment. "Mom, I have quite a headache. I think I am going to lye down for a bit and see if that helps it go away."
"Are you feeling, okay?" Lizzie's mom asked.
"I am okay, mom. I just need to lye down for a bit. I have not been able to shake this headache all day."
"Okay, we will meet you at the chapel," Lizzie's mom said.
"Yes, I will see you there," Lizzie said. Everyone left the apartment and started heading over to the chapel. Fred was watching the women leave the apartment building. Back in Lizzie's apartment, Lizzie proceeded to lay down. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door. Lizzie, thinking someone had forgotten something, got up and walked to the door. As soon as she opened the door, Fred pushed his way in.
"Fred, you need to leave!" Lizzie said.
"I told you, I came for you, and I am not leaving without you," Fred said. He closed and locked the door behind him.
Lizzie was terrified. She gathered her strength, "Fred, we have been over for two years. I have moved on. I am getting married tomorrow. You need to leave."
"No, you belong to me," Fred said. Lizzie picked up her phone and tried to call the emergency number. "I don't think so." Fred grabbed her phone from her. Lizzie jumped and started to shake.
"Fred, please don't do this, I don't love you," Lizzie said.
"Pack your bag or I will do it for you," Fred was demanding and dragged her into the bedroom. He spotted her ring. "Is that all that boy could afford?" Fred pulled the ring off of Lizzie's finger and threw the ring on the floor.
"No," Lizzie cried.
"I will buy you a ring that you truly deserve," Fred tried to say so sweetly then his mood changed quickly. "Pack!" He threw a bag on her bed and made her throw some clothes in the bag. Then he dragged her out of the apartment and into his truck.
Cody, Robin and Lizzie's Brother Jacob along with a few other rangers approached Fred's truck. Cody was able to identify Lizzie's bag that was in the back seat. The Rangers mapped out a search grid and the search continued for Lizzie and Fred on foot. Jesse and Lizzie's father arrived just after the Rangers left. Couple Rangers had stayed behind along with the two older men. They watched the truck in case Lizzie and Fred returned.
"Fred, where are you taking me?" Lizzie asked.
"Lizzie, you remember the place. The place where we first said we loved one another. It is the place where I want us to start our lives together again," Fred said.
"This is how you want us to start our lives together, by forcing me to go with you?" Lizzie said.
"When we get there, you will change your mind," Fred said. He was getting frustrated with Lizzie.
Back to Cody and the rest of the search crew. Cody realizing where they are. "I think I know where they are going."
"Where?" Robin asked.
"He is taking Lizzie to the bee hives in the back country. Fred helped Lizzie set them up. And that is where we got to know each other," Cody said. "It is about hour and half from here."
Cody sent Matt a message, "He going to the beehives." Jerry knew exactly where it was. Matt and Mark continued to search in the air alongside Jerry.
Lizzie and Fred were taking a break and Lizzie spotted a chopper in the air. She casually got her necklace out and tried to shine a light in the direction of the chopper. She doubted that it was enough to be spotted, but she had to try.
Matt had binoculars and could see the light, "I see her over there," he pointed in the direction of Lizzie and Fred. Jerry quickly turned the chopper in another direction. Matt was surprised, "What are you doing?"
"I don't what Fred to know we found them."
Lizzie became disappointed, Fred could see it on her face. "I told you know one would find us out here. What? You don't think I saw that chopper?"
Matt spotted Lizzie and Fred walking to the beehives like Cody suspected. So, Cody took off with Robin, Lizzie's brother, and the other Rangers. They carefully approached the pair. Lizzie spotted them first. Lizzie got excited and started to move. Cody gave her the sign to be quiet. The rangers made their move to overtake Fred. While Fred was fighting the rangers and Cody. Lizzie's brother Jacob ran over to Lizzie and led her away. Then he hugged and held his sister until it was all over.
Once the rangers had Fred secure, Cody ran over to Lizzie. Lizzie left the safety of her brother's arms and went into Cody's. He embraced her and kissed her. Cody placed his hands on Lizzie's face. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"
Cody started looking her over. "Cody I am okay now that I am here with you."
"Lizzie, I love you. I don't know what I would do without you," Cody said.
"Cody, I love you with all my heart."
"I have something for you." Cody got down on one knee and pulled out her engagement ring. "Will you marry me tomorrow?"
"Absolutely," Lizzie said. She knelt down to him and kissed him.
Over the radio one of the rangers reported back that Lizzie had been found and Fred had been arrested. Jesse and Lizzie's father were relieved.
"Lizzie, I have to asked, the text message that was sent to me. Did you send it?" Cody asked.
"Fred took my phone and sent it. What did it say?"
"It does not matter now. What matter's is that we found you. That we are together again."
When they made it back to their fathers. Lizzie ran into her father's arms, and they embraced. Jesse and Cody hugged as well.
Lizzie and Cody had to give their statements to the officers. When they were done Cody took Lizzie back to his apartment so she could get cleaned up. Then it was back to wedding mode. When Cody and Lizzie arrived at the Chapel, it was all decorated. Everyone pitched in and got it done.
"Wow," Lizzie could not believe her eyes. "It is more beautiful than I dreamt it would be."
Since it was the first time everyone had seen her, there were many hugs, kisses, and tears of joy. Cody stayed right by her side, never taking his eyes off her. Lizzie was still shaken up and had a hard time getting through it, but she wanted more than anything to marry Cody the next day. After the rehearsal dinner, Lizzie went back to Cody's apartment, and she stayed with him in his arms. In the middle of the night, she sat straight up in a panic.
Cody woke up, "You're okay. I won't leave your side. I will stay with you as long as you need me. Go back to sleep baby." She looked at him and just snuggled up to him and went back to sleep.
The next morning the wedding was on. As the ceremony began, Cody walked Lizzie's mom and his mom down the aisle. Then he stood up front with Matt as his best man, then Mark, Lizzie's brother Jacob and Lizzie's nephew Steven who was a junior groomsman. Cody took a deep breath.
The groom's side of the church was Jesse with Jasper sleeping in the baby carrier, Pete with Jackie in the aisle. Behind them was Ranger Micky Garside and his family. Little Maggie was so excited to see Cody again. Kelly got a little jealous when she saw Cody with Maggie. Behind the Garside family are Ranger Jerry Milham and his wife. Jerry greeted his old friend Ranger Garside. Mark Fiancée was also seated in that row. Ranger Fred and Deborah Burk from the Grand Tetons also came to the wedding. A few of the rangers that worked with Cody were also seated throughout the chapel.
On the bride's side was Lizzie's sister-in-law and her brother-in-law. With her brother-in-law holding a little baby. Seated next to them was Lizzie's mom. Some of Lizzie's college friends sat behind them. The Clark family was also in attendance. Isabella was seated next to Paramedic Kevin Meyers. The two have been dating since Isabella was in the hospital. The day they met at the award ceremony; it was love at first sight for Kevin. Then a number of Lizzie's coworkers. There were additional rangers that had helped with the search the day before, also came to watch the wedding and celebrate with Cody and Lizzie.
The church did not need much decorating, it was beautiful on its own. There were some candles lit and flowers that accompanied the beauty of the church. Everything was so beautiful. The string quartet began to play the music. Cody took a deep breath; he was excited and nervous. Kelly as the flower girl was the first to come down the aisle. She walked slowly and made sure she placed each petal down carefully. By the end she was tired. So, she just sat down on one of the lower steps. She had a good view of the other bridesmaids coming down. Matt went down and escorted her to sit down by Jackie who had been trying to motion to her granddaughter to sit by her. Everyone laughed a bit.
Kelly could not see around people while sitting in the pew, so her little head just appeared around the pew into the aisle to get a look. Next Lizzie's niece Katie came down as a junior bridesmaid. Then Shelly, Lizzie's roommate came down the aisle, followed by Robin. Lizzie's sister, Sabrina was the maid of honor and came down last. Everyone stood up and turned around. The wedding march started. There was no sign of Lizzie and her father. Cody's heart sank for a moment. Then a second later they were in the doorway and then started coming down the aisle. Cody had not seen Lizzie in her wedding dress until this very moment. Cody was speechless and just said, "Wow!" He could not believe how lucky he was. She was so beautiful; she was beaming from ear to ear. Matt looked at Cody and could see how entranced he was looking at her. He too had a big smile on his face.
Matt leaned over to Cody, "That is the dress."
Cody whispered, "You were right, so glad I did not see it on her that day."
Lizzie and her father made it down to the end of the aisle. The pastor of the church said, "Who gives this woman to this man?"
Lizzie's father says, "Her mother and I." With that Lizzie's dad gives Lizzie a hug and kiss on her cheek. He then gives her hand to Cody, and Cody moves closer to Lizzie.
Cody leans over to Lizzie, "You take my breath away."
Lizzie smiles and looks at Cody and says, "I love you."
The Pastor tells them to face each other for their vows. Lizzie's sister passes her bouquet to Robin and Lizzie passes her bouquet to her sister. Kelly leaves the pew and runs over to Robin, "Mommy." Everyone laughed a bit. Robin leans down and tells her to be quiet. Kelly wanted to hold a bouquet. Robin gave her one of them and told her to stay put. Robin held Kelly close with her free hand. Kelly had a big smile on her face.
The pastor gave a short but brief message. Before moving to the vows.
The Pastor turned to Cody, "Cody Jesse Hawkes, do you take, Elizabeth Nicole Donavan, to be your wife. To have and to hold from this day forward. For better, for worse. for richer, for poor. In sickness and in health. Forsaking all others. To love and to cherish. Until death do you part."
Cody turns to Lizzie, "I do."
The Pastor turned to Lizzie, "Elizabeth Nicole Donavan, do you take, Cody Jesse Hawkes, to be your husband. To have and to hold from this day forward. For better, for worse. For richer, for poor. In sickness and in health. Forsaking all others. To love and to cherish. Until death do you part."
Then Lizzie said, "I do."
The Pastor looked at Matt, "Can we have the rings?" Matt pulls out the rings and hands the rings to the pastor. The Pastor prays over the rings. "Cody, do you give Elizabeth this ring?"
"I, Cody Jesse Hawkes, give you, Elizabeth Nicole Donavan, this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness." Cody slips the ring on her finger.
"Elizabeth, do you give Cody this ring?"
"I, Elizabeth Nicole Donavan, give you, Cody Jesse Hawkes, this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness." Lizzie puts Cody's wedding ring on his finger.
"Cody, you may kiss your bride," the pastor said.
"My pleasure," Cody and Lizzie lean into each other and begin to kiss. The audience clapped their hands. Kelly started jumping up and down cheering.
"It is my pleasure to be the first person to introduce you all to Mr. and Mrs. Cody Hawkes." Everyone applauded again.
The exit music started to play. Lizzie's sister handed her bouquet back to her. Robin handed Lizzie's sister her bouquet. Kelly was still holding Robin's bouquet. Cody and Lizzie left the church holding hands, then Matt and Lizzie's sister Sabrina left on Matt's arm. Robin and Mark were the next pair. Robin had Kelly walk in front of them. Then Lizzie's brother Jacob went arm and arm with Shelly, Lizzie's roommate. Then Jacob's kids Katie and Steven left the church. They were followed by the rest of the Hawkes and Donavan family.
Robin quickly came back in on a side entrance of the church to collect Jasper. She grabbed the baby and the diaper bag so they could go somewhere private so she could feed Jasper before they were going to start taking pictures. Matt was in charge of Kelly who did not want to sit and was having a ball.
Cody, Lizzie, and the bridal party greeted all the guests. Matt, Kelly and Sabrina went back into the church with Cody and Lizzie to sign their marriage license. Cody and Lizzie then exited the church with everyone throwing rose petals as they hopped into Cody's truck and drove around for a bit. The guests left as there were a couple of hours before the reception. Then they took their wedding photos. By the time they were done, Kelly was about to have a meltdown. But they had taken the photos with her first. Then while the remainder of the photos were finishing up. Kelly slept in Jesse's arms.
During the reception everyone partied it up. All the traditional activities. The Bridal couple and Bridal party was announced with the 1990s Chicago Bulls theme song as they entered the reception. The MC announced, "If you all could take your seats. I am proud to announce the Bridal Party. First up we have Junior Bridesmaid and Groom Katie and Steven Donavan. Followed by best friends of the bride and groom, Bridesmaid Shelly Duckworth and Groomsman Mark Jones. Then we have the Maide of Honor, sister of the Bride, Sabrina Flores. With Groomsman and brother of the Bride Jacob Donavan. Followed by the Hawkes family. We have Flower Girl that put smiles on everyone's' face today, Kelly Hawkes. Escorted by her parents. Bride's Maide, Robin Hawkes and the Best Man and Brother of the Groom Mathew Hawkes." The music played a little bit. "Now it is my pleasure to introduce to you the couple of the hour. Elizebeth and Cody Hawkes." Cody and Lizzie came running in and high fived the wedding party. "Congratulations to the happy couple. Eat and enjoy your dinner, I will be back a little later."
After dinner, the glasses were clinked several times. It was time for the Maide of Honor and Best Man speeches.
First was the Maid of Honor speech, "Lizzie, my dear baby sister. Outside of my own wedding and the birth of my child. Today has been one of the happiest days of my life. You were always such a tomboy of the family. You called me and told me about this guy that came up to you out of the blue asking you out. You told him you had a boyfriend. He did not stop there, he said if you ever broke up with him, there was a line of guys waiting to ask you out. I almost told you to run and hide from that guy. Then a few weeks later you told me about this guy you spent the day with going to the beehives and getting the honey. The next day, on his day off, he spent the day with you giving a presentation about bee keeping. I would not have guessed it was the same guy. Something changed in your voice when you talked about him. The family came out about a week later. And we could tell there was something special going on with the two of you. He could be the one for you. Over time we knew he was. I am so honored to be your sister. And I am so grateful for all the people in this room and the staff at Yellowstone who brought you back to us yesterday. Without any of them this day would not have happened. From our family we are internally grateful for all you have done. Lizzie, I love you so much and I love Cody as a brother. Congratulations." Lizzie's sister could barely get the last words out. There were many tears in the crowd as they all knew how quickly things could change. Lizzie gave her sister a big, long hug and Cody joined in.
Matt was next, "I agree with Sabrina. Our family is so grateful for everyone here at Yellowstone, whose quick thinking and actions brought Lizzie back safely. We had the best possible outcome. Lizzie, I don't know what you see in this guy, but I am so proud to call you sister. Cody was always better at playing match maker than finding love himself. Not surprising that he came off as a bit of an odd duck when you first met him. He was that way the first time he met my wife too. I think he was trying to pick her up. But later played match maker between us and I could not be happier. I have a beautiful wife and two wonderful children. I hope the same for Cody and Lizzie. Congratulations little brother. Cheers to Cody and Lizzie." Everyone clinked their glasses. Matt gave Cody and Lizzie a hug.
The MC got on the mic, "It is now time for the party to get started. If we could have Cody and Lizzie out on the dance floor for their first dance." Cody and Lizzie got out on the dance floor, the song "At Last" by Etta James played. They danced so slowly together.
"Can we have the Bridal Party, and the parents join in," MC announced. Lizzie's siblings danced with their spouses, Mark with his fiancée, Shelly with her boyfriend, Matt and Robin danced together, Lizzie's parents, Jackie with her husband Pete, Jesse with Kelly and Lizzie's Neice and Nephew. Jasper started to cry, so Robin went and got him. The 3 of them danced together. The dancing went on for a while. Kelly dance card was filled, she danced with Cody, Lizzie. Matt, Pete, Robin and Mark.
Cody and Lizzie broke away enough time to cut the cake. Cody carefully fed Lizzie a piece of cake. Lizzie, however, smashed the cake into Cody's face. With a cake covered face, Cody started kissing Lizzie. They got napkins to clean up their faces.
"Okay, if I could have all the single ladies gather around, it is time for the tossing of the wedding bouquet," Kelly ran up front and all the other single ladies were there. Lizzie turned around and threw the bouquet. It went right into Kelly's arms. She started jumping up and down in excitement.
"Okay, now time for all the single men out there. But can our groom collect the garter from the bride?" They had Lizzie sit on a chair and Cody crawled up her dress. He was almost completely under the dress. But with his teeth, Cody was able to pull that garter off Lizzie's leg. He got it out and twirled it around on his finger. Cody gave Lizzie a quick kiss on her lips. Cody stood up and turned his back to the single men. He threw it back and the single men went for it. One of the rangers got it. There was a big cheer.
The night carried on and everyone had fun like there was not a care in the world. Cody and Lizzie could not be happier to start their life together.