Author's note: There will be more of this story to come, but someone asked me to post the wedding. So here it is enjoy.

Chapter 9 – The First Looks

Nathan was up early on Saturday morning. He quietly made his way downstairs. He grabbed his Bible and journal. He first opened his journal and started to put his thoughts to paper. He was excited and nervous about the day. He wasn't so much nervous about being married but more about being intimate with Maggie. He wasn't sure what to expect and he didn't want Maggie to be disappointed with him. As Nathan was writing, several Bible verses about marriage popped into his head, so he jotted them down in the margins of his journal. Once Nathan had written in his journal, he opened his Bible and read several psalms.

Once Nathan was finished, he brewed some coffee and started breakfast. The smell of coffee and bacon brought Gabe and Allie downstairs. The three of them laughed and joked as they enjoyed their breakfast. They took their time, knowing that there was no rush. When they were done, Allie hugged her dad and uncle, then gathered her stuff so she could go spend the morning with Maggie and get ready at the cafe. She hugged her dad tight and told him that she would see him at the church.

After Allie left, Gabe helped Nathan hang the sheets so he could take a bath and not worry about privacy. They got the water heating and Gabe helped Nathan put clean sheets on the bed so it would be ready when he got back. Once everything was ready for Nathan to take a bath, Gabe said he was going for a walk so Nathan could relax in private. He promised to be back in about an hour and they could play some chess until it was time to get ready. Nathan saw Gabe out and locked the door, leaving the back door open if he needed. Nathan then stepped into his hot bath and sank down into the water. He didn't take the time to take a hot bath that often because it was a lot of work to fill the extra large tub he had gotten, but on his wedding day he was going to take his time to enjoy the luxury.

… … … …

Abigail let Maggie sleep in. Abigail was still up early. The cafe was open as usual. Minnie and Clara were going to handle the cafe during the wedding. Abigail had wanted to close the cafe for a few hours, but they had been so busy on Saturday afternoons. Abigail also knew that the wedding guests were not that large, so the cafe could be busy. Minnie offered to keep the cafe open and Clara offered to help since she could put Louie in the pram. Minnie wanted to go to the wedding, but she also understood that Nathan didn't want the whole town there. It wasn't that he was ashamed, but just that he wanted to keep it small for several reasons, including the circumstances of his and Maggie's courtship.

Maggie came downstairs just a few minutes after eight. She was so glad that Abigail had encouraged her to bathe the night before and then helped her wash her hair. She had braided it after they washed it, so she knew it was going to be extra curly when she undid it later. Minnie made Maggie a special breakfast. It was a nice relaxing morning despite the nervous energy that Maggie felt. She was excited when Allie showed up. The plan was to hang out at the cafe until it was time to get ready then they would go back upstairs to that. The bucket with the flowers was in the corner and they made the whole space smell wonderful. The dresses were hung from the wardrobe upstairs, just waiting to be put on. Maggie tried to stay in the moment and not get ahead of herself, but at times her thoughts wandered to Nathan and what was ahead that night. She was nervous, but she was confident that she would be ready and wouldn't disappoint Nathan.

… … … …

Just after one on Saturday afternoon, invited guests started to gather at the church that some of the ladies had decorated earlier that morning. At the same time, Nathan and his three fellow Mountie left Nathan's house all decked out in their dress uniforms. It was an impressive sight seeing four tall Mounties in dress serge walking down the lane. Elizabeth saw them walk past her house and wondered what was going on. There was a part of her that wanted to charge out and demand answers, but thought better of it because of what had happened the day before. Then Elizabeth thought that the only reason they would be in dress uniforms was that Superintendent O'Reilly or another high ranking member was coming to town. She thought if she was able to catch whoever it was, it would save her a trip to Union City to file a complaint about Nathan. She knew that Little Jack would be up soon and then she would head into town and find out what was going on.

When they got to the church, Gabe Montgomery and James Ryan stood at the bottom of the steps while Nathan and Gabe went around the back and into the second classroom. It had been turned into a lovely reception area for the guests later. There were a few tables around the edges that were all covered with a white cloth. There was a spot for the food on the desk at the front, also covered with a white cloth. Nathan also saw the Victrola and knew he would get to dance with his wife before he got to Union City. Nathan tugged at his collar as his nervous energy grew. They didn't have to wait long and Frank came in. It was the first time Nathan had seen him dressed in his black clerics and he had to stop for a moment.

"I have it on good authority that the bride will be here shortly." Frank said. "You ready?"

Nathan just swallowed hard and nodded his head. A moment later, Bill joined the group.

"Henry just went to get the ladies." Bill said.

"Thank you." Nathan managed to say.

Bill walked over to Nathan. He reached up and put his hands on Nathan's shoulders.

"Deep breath." Bill said. "You love Maggie and she fully loves you back. Everything will be alright. Montgomery and Ryan are out front, no one is going to interrupt today. You deserve to be happy."

"Thank you, Bill." Nathan said. "I needed that."

"You are welcome, Son." Bill said.

"Hate to break this up." Frank said. "But Henry just pulled up."

Frank, Nathan, Gabe and Bill walked out to take their places.

… … … …

Maggie and Allie had a fun morning relaxing at the cafe. They were able to visit with both Minnie and Abigail. Maggie enjoyed meeting Clara and even held baby Louie. As much as Maggie wanted to help, neither Abigail or Minnie would allow her. They both insisted that she relax and just be able to enjoy her day. Other than the train trip, it had been the first time in months that Maggie had been able to sit and just relax.

At eleven thirty Rosemary joined them as the ladies had a bit to eat. Rosemary promised to help her get ready. Maggie loved how everyone was coming together to make sure everything was taken care of. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she knew that whatever people did it was going to be wonderful because it was for her and Nathan.

"Mum." Allie said, using the new title for the first time.

Maggie had to stop as she got emotional for a moment hearing Allie call her mum.

"Yes, Allie." Maggie said.

"We never talked about it." Allie said. "But how are we going to do my hair? I was going to ask Dad to braid it this morning, but forgot."

"We can braid your hair." Maggie said. "But more importantly, how do you want to wear your hair?"

"Dad usually either ties it back with a ribbon or braids it." Allie said. "How are you going to wear your hair?"

"I was going to pull it back off my face in a different style that my sister loves." Maggie said. "Then pin it in places so I can use the hair pins that my sister gave me. Because my hair is so thick and curly, it is limited what I can do with it. I braided it last night after Abigail helped me to wash it, it might be even more curly."

"Oh." Allie said. "Emily and Opal were saying how much they loved your hair. They had never seen anyone with hair that was as curly as yours. They also loved the color. It is different from what most people have. I wish I had curly hair. Mom and straight hair. I wish I would have at least gotten wavy hair like Dad."

"Thank you." Maggie said. "I didn't like it when I was your age but as I got older I liked it more because it was different then what other people had. But back to your hair, should we braid the sides and then hold it together at the back with one of my hair combs. It would look more grown up then just ribbons and I don't know if we have a ribbon that matches your dress."

"There is matching blue ribbon and some gold as well." Rosemary said. "Nathan had me get a matching ribbon and I added the gold ribbon as well. I know that it will match the gold on Nathan's uniform."

"So we can tie the ribbon in the back and still use a hair comb." Maggie said.

"I like that." Allie said.

"Then that is what we will do." Maggie said.

Maggie ended up braiding each side of Allie's hair from her temple to just past her ear. She then took some ribbon and tied the two tails together. She then held it in place with a gold hair comb. It looked more grown up and the Allie was us to wearing, but it made her feel good. Maggie also knew that it wasn't too grown up to the point that Nathan would have a problem.

Allie then watched as Maggie unbraided her hair and brushed it out. It was still curly, but not as wild after she brushed it. Then starting at one temple, Maggie gathered her hair and instead of braiding it, she started twisting it. She would add some more hair and hold it in place with pins. She then did the other side. Between the twist of hair and the pins it almost looked like a crown. Maggie then added additional pins for extra hold, but also decoration as they had little blue gems or pearls on them. Rosemary then helped Maggie to put a hair comb in the back to hold it all together. The comb that Maggie wore was a beautiful gold comb with sapphire, diamond and pearl comb that her sister had bought for her as part of a wedding gift. The blue of the sapphires and white of the pearls looked amazing against the red of Maggie's hair. Maggie also knew that it was more fancy than what most people in Hope Valley wore, but she knew that it could be something that could be passed down to Allie or other children.

Once their hair was done, Rosemary helped them put on some light make up. Just a touch of blush and lip color for Allie. Maggie didn't wear heavy makeup, because Nathan had shared that he liked her freckles, so she didn't want to cover them anymore. She added some color to highlight her cheekbones and eyes. She then added some lip color. Then they got dressed. Maggie's dress was an A-line floor length dress in chiffon with short sleeves made of lace. It had a nice v-neck and the bodice had a lace applique overlay that made up the sleeves. There was a full row of buttons down the back starting between the shoulder blades and going all the way down past the waist. With Maggie's tall, thin frame, the dress looked amazing on her. She had chosen to wear simple white flat shoes because with her height she rarely wore heels. She had been so happy to find the dress and even more happy that it didn't require much altering, other than tightening up the waist just a bit. It had been what she was looking for, but she was happy that her sister had talked her into the dress and she hadn't gone with her first choice of a slightly more form-fitting, shorter dress. She knew that it would have probably been fine if they were in the city, but out west, the more conservative dress was a better choice.

Abigail joined them just as Maggie was almost ready. Maggie loved their dresses. Abigail's had been made to look more mature as it was a bit more fitted at the waist, whereas Allie's wasn't cinched at the waist and had a higher neckline. It was completely age appropriate for her and Rosemary clapped her hands with joy. She loved how the dresses turned out and hoped that Nathan would be happy because he hadn't seen any of them other than sketches and the fabric.

"I will see you ladies at the church." Rosemary said.

With that she left. Allie looked at her Mum and smiled.

"Your dress is so pretty." Allie said. "Dad is going to love it."

"Thank you." Maggie said. "I love your dress as well. They turned out so good. Thank you, Abigail, for handling all of that. I am so glad that Nathan has such great people to help him."

"My pleasure." Abigail said. "But we should get going. Henry is going to be here soon to get us."

"Let me just put the last of these things in the trunk and it will be ready to go to the train station." Maggie said.

"Henry said he would take care of the luggage after the ceremony." Abigail said. "Is the suitcase going as well?"

"No." Maggie said. "Just the small trunk. But the suitcase can go back to the house and I will deal with it when I get back."

Abigail nodded and then helped Maggie move the trunk closer to the door. They then went downstairs together. They only had to wait a few minutes and Henry was there to take them to the church.

When they got to the church, Gabe and James helped the ladies out. Henry came around to stand next to Maggie. That was the first time she noticed he was wearing a nice suit. He just smiled at her and they waited. Gabe went up the steps and gave Rosemary the signal. Rosemary then gave Angela the signal and she started to play. Allie started down the aisle and Abigail was to follow her as well.

Nathan gasped when he caught sight of his little girl. She looked so grown up walking down the aisle. He gave her a lopsided smile and she gave him a bright smile back. She also smiled at her Uncle Gabe and Uncle Bill. She took her spot and watched as Abigail finished coming up the aisle. All Abigail could think about was how it would soon be her walking down the aisle as the bride again. She smiled and shook her head so she could focus on what was happening in front of her. Nathan took a deep breath because it was almost time for Maggie to walk down the aisle to him. He felt Gabe put a steadying hand on his back.

… … … …

Henry looked at Maggie.

"Need an escort to your groom?" Henry asked, holding out his arm.

"Thank you." Maggie said.

Henry helped Maggie up the steps. Gabe heard the music change and people rise. He nodded to James and they opened the doors for Maggie and Henry to go through. Once they had gotten through the doors, they shut them and took up their posts at the bottom of the steps again. As much as they wanted to see their commanding officer get married, they understood why they needed to stand guard.

Maggie was able to catch a glimpse of Nathan before he saw her. Her heart leapt when he locked eyes with her. She wanted to rush up and be back to touch him, but she stayed with Henry and savored each moment until she reached her groom. Maggie looked around and liked that the church wasn't overly done. There was just some white fabric over the chalkboard and some candle on each end of what she assumed was the desk, which had also been draped with a white cloth. That was when she noticed the vase with three white roses in a vase on the desk. Each was tied with a navy ribbon to match the dresses and there was a small tag hanging from each. She couldn't see what was written on the tags, but she could about imagine. She thought it was such a sweet gesture of Nathan to include her parents and his sister in their day.

Maggie's eyes then went back to Nathan who was standing tall in his dress serge, pants and boots. She could see the shine on his boots as well as the brass on his uniform. There wasn't a fingerprint on a button or a thread out of place. Maggie saw a row of three medals over a row of five more. She made a mental note to ask Nathan about the medals. She thought Nathan looked even taller standing there waiting for her. She smiled at him and he gave her a lopsided grin back. All Maggie wanted to do was kiss Nathan and strip him of his serge and run her hands over his muscles. She shook her head, as she had to get through the ceremony.

… … … …

When the music changed and the doors opened, Nathan wanted to jump up and down to see Maggie. He wanted to see her dress and take in every detail. It was only his training as a Mountie to stand in formation that kept him in his spot, hands clasped behind his back. When Nathan finally got a glimpse of Maggie, he inhaled sharply. She was even more beautiful than he thought and he hadn't even seen her dress or the other details of Maggie's appearance. When Nathan finally got to see Maggie, he let his eyes travel over her body and he gasped.

While her dress wasn't form-fitting, it looked amazing on her. He wanted to finger the dress and feel what looked like soft fabric. Because the hem just barely brushed the floor, it looked like she was floating down the aisle on Henry's arm. He loved the lace sleeves and when he saw the v-cut of the neck line, Nathan inhaled sharply. It was lower cut then he had seen on Maggie and it was made even more dramatic by her curves. Nathan had to close his eyes and not let his mind wander too far or he would never make it through the afternoon. He took a calming breath and then opened his eyes and focused on Maggie's bright smile. He noticed she didn't wear any additional jewelry other than what was in her hair. He kicked himself for not having a necklace for her but he couldn't think about that as Maggie was almost to him.

Nathan had to take a deep breath when Maggie stood just feet away from him. He wanted her hand in his and not to break contact again. Maggie and Henry stopped in front of Frank. Nathan smiled to himself when Maggie turned to hand her bouquet to Abigail and he saw the row of buttons going down the back of the dress. Again he had to momentarily close his eyes and focus his thoughts.