Chapter 33

"You look so pretty, Aunt Elizabeth, just like a Princess," Allie said, staring at Elizabeth in her wedding gown. "I didn't know that's how brides looked; I've never been to a wedding."

"Thank you, Allie," Elizabeth said, smiling at the young girl and gently smoothing down her hair, although it wasn't out of place. "I'm delighted you're going to be at my wedding. Thank you for being my Flower girl today; it's very special to your Uncle and me."

"Me too," Allie cried, smiling up at her. "I can't wait for Mama, Uncle Nathan and Uncle Gabe to see me walking with my flowers," Allie said, squeezing her hands tightly around them as though frightened she would drop them. "Mama said, I need to walk to her and don't worry about anything else. And smile, I have to smile too."

Elizabeth and Rosemary laughed, "if you do that, you will be perfect, Allie," Rosemary assured her.

"This is the only time I have regretted not having a Church to be married in," Elizabeth whispered to Rosemary. "Allie would have been adorable walking down the aisle in front of everyone." Services were still being held outside in the makeshift Church they had created after a fire destroyed the Town's Church. Elizabeth knew the Town wouldn't have minded a wedding held there, but she and Nathan had been too impatient even to wait to ask.

"That's your only regret? Are you sure?" Rosemary asked her, her brow furrowed, her smile dropping.

"I promise you, that is my only regret. Marrying Nathan today is the right thing for us," Elizabeth said, squeezing her hand. "When you get married, you and Lee can do it all, and I won't envy you at all." Elizabeth knew Lee had been working with some other men to build a Church for the Town. Nathan had spent a lot of time there, too, enjoying the opportunity to work with his hands.

"I have already warned, Lee. Coal Valley hasn't seen anything like what I plan to have," Rosemary said, winking, happy Elizabeth laughed along with her.

"Ready, Ladies? I have it on good authority that Nathan is already at the Mayor's office waiting for you." Lee said, poking his head in the front door. He smiled at the look of joy and bright smile which lit up Elizabeth's face. Lee laughed as Allie jumped up and down in excitement before Elizabeth took her hand, hurrying towards the door. As he held the door for them all, he whispered to Rosie how beautiful she looked in her soft pink dress and was rewarded with a quick kiss on the cheek as she passed him.

As they drove through Town to the Mayor's office, Elizabeth thought about her family not being there for her wedding. She wondered if they would have come if they had known and had time to get there. Their reaction to the news of her engagement had been less than enthusiastic, to say the least. Nathan had included a letter to her parents with the one she sent advising of their engagement. Nathan had apologised for not reaching out to them before asking Elizabeth to marry him. Her Father had been the one to respond, making it clear he wasn't pleased with the match and didn't care for his apology.

Elizabeth had been horrified and extremely angry with her Father and let him know. She was surprised her words didn't set the paper alight she was so enraged. She knew Nathan was disappointed at her family's reaction to the news but hadn't been as surprised as she was. Elizabeth understood her parents had previously held high expectations of whom she would marry and wanted her to return to Hamilton and her place in society. She'd thought they understood she wouldn't do that and had accepted her decisions. Clearly, they'd held out some hope, but she didn't care anymore; she was in love with Nathan Grant and overjoyed to share her life with him.

Blinking back tears before Rosemary could see them and worry about her make-up, she looked around her, smiling at the groups of Townspeople who turned up to watch her arrive at the Mayor's office. If her parents could see this Town and the love and support, she had here, they might change their minds about her choices. She snorted quietly; she doubted her family would ever travel to Coal Valley. If she wanted to introduce them to her husband, she and Nathan would have to go to Hamilton.

Shaking off her melancholy, she smiled as Lee helped her out of the car. As she stood, allowing Rosemary to arrange her dress, she heard a disturbance behind her and turned, wondering what it could be.

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I meant to be here before you, but the Prisoner transfer took longer than I expected," Bill said hurriedly, running up to them, straightening his suit. "And now I'm sorry I mentioned that to you today; I don't know what I was thinking," he said, grimacing.

"It's okay; nothing is going to spoil today, Bill. Nothing," Elizabeth said, smiling at him, "unless, of course, Nathan isn't inside waiting for me."

"Don't worry, I can guarantee he is inside, "Colleen said, overhearing their conversation as she came out to check on Allie and her. "He's been here for quite a while."

Colleen hurried, she wanted to be at the front of the room so her daughter could see her when she walked in, and she wouldn't miss Nathan's reaction to Elizabeth for anything. Colleen adjusted Allie's dress and whispered encouragement to her daughter before heading back inside. She nodded to Lee as she passed him; he had already slipped inside, having offered to manage the Music for the ceremony.

Rosemary finished fussing with Elizabeth's dress and adjusted the lace veil to drape perfectly over her face. As Bill started to walk away and take his place inside, Elizabeth put a hand on his arm, stopping him.

"Bill, my Father isn't here today, and I am sorry I didn't have a chance to ask you earlier, but…would you be willing to walk me down the aisle?" Elizabeth asked, her voice shy. She had grown to love and care about Bill once she managed to get past his gruff exterior. She knew he was fond of her and Nathan, and Allie had a special place in his heart.

Bill looked at the young woman in front of him, smiling at him as she waited for his answer. He thought of Elizabeth and Nathan as family. He believed Nathan was one of the finest Mounties and men he had known and would do anything for the younger man and his soon-to-be wife.

"Of course, Elizabeth and thank you." Clearing his throat, he said, "It would be my honour," presenting his arm for her to take.

Rosemary smiled at the two of them, delighted for them, knowing how special the moment was between them.

"Ready?" she asked softly, smiling when Elizabeth grinned and nodded. Rosemary stepped forward and placed a hand lightly on Allie's shoulder, reassuring her before letting her know it was time.

"Where's Bill?" Nathan whispered, turning to face Gabe so as not to alarm Abigail or the others. "Did everything go all right with the Bouchard's transfer? They have left Town, haven't they?" Nathan looked around at the smiling faces inside the room, still unable to see Bill anywhere.

"We would have heard if anything went wrong, Nathan. Maybe he got caught up with something else." Gabe responded quietly. He knew Nathan wasn't only concerned something had gone wrong with the Bouchard's; he wanted Bill at his wedding. As Nathan's best friend, he knew more than most about Nathan's family and his complicated relationship with his Father. Gabe knew Bill had come to represent a father figure to Nathan, and he needed to be with him and Elizabeth at such an important moment.

"Would you like me to check on Bill, Nathan? It won't take a minute." Gabe offered, starting to worry himself why he hadn't shown up. Although he didn't know Bill as well as Nathan, he liked and respected the older man and wanted to ensure he was okay and didn't miss out on the wedding.

Before Nathan could respond, Lee started the Music, indicating that Elizabeth and her attendants were about to start down the makeshift aisle. It was too late. Nathan looked at Gabe and shrugged; disappointment flashed across his face before he turned to Abigail and smiled. He also saw the confusion on her face; she had been expecting Bill and couldn't understand what prevented him from being there. Rosemary glanced at Clara and mouthed, 'Bill?' frowning when the young woman shook her head.

Nathan watched as the door opened, and his Allie stepped inside; she looked beautiful in the white dress Rosemary had made, and he smiled at her look of concentration as she carefully held her bunch of flowers. Her face was serious, but when she saw him, it broke into a smile, and she walked toward him and Gabe. As Allie got closer, Nathan knelt and held out his arms and the young girl hugged him before taking her place opposite him, where her Mother waited for her. He saw Colleen praising Allie, and his Niece's smile grew even wider.

Rising from his knees, he saw Rosemary walking toward him, smiling. Rosemary looked beautiful as always, and her pink dress was lovely with her blonde curls.

Nathan took a deep breath and straightened, looking toward the doors, anxious to see Elizabeth. He hoped she wasn't regretting their choice to marry today without her family and her Father to escort her. He should have suggested someone accompany her down the aisle, but she had said she was fine alone. He hated that she was walking in by herself while he stood with Gabe at his side, his sister and Niece nearby.

Nathan's reaction to seeing Elizabeth was everything Colleen hoped for. The moment the door opened, and she stood before him, he was captivated; Colleen doubted he remembered there were other people there besides the two of them. She watched her brother's face as it lit up with a smile while he blinked back tears of happiness. Colleen glanced at Elizabeth and saw her eyes were focused on Nathan as she walked toward him, beaming.

When Elizabeth and Bill reached him, Nathan dragged his eyes from Elizabeth and glanced at Bill, shaking his hand, "I was worried you weren't going to make it!".

"I wouldn't have missed this for anything," Bill said, briefly gripping Nathan's arm before stepping aside. Bill grinned as Gabe dramatically wiped his brow in relief at his arrival.

"Elizabeth, you're always beautiful, but today, you take my breath away," Nathan whispered. As he lifted the veil from her face, he leaned down, kissing her lips quickly, grinning when he heard Gabe snicker and Abigail clear her throat from behind them.

"I love you, Nathan Grant," Elizabeth murmured as she touched his face and reached up to push back a loose strand of hair from his forehead, her touch gentle.

Elizabeth handed her bouquet to Rosemary so she could take Nathan's hands and the ceremony could begin. They hadn't had time to write their own vows, instead choosing to use the words Abigail would read out for them to repeat. As Nathan gave his commitment to Elizabeth, there was no trace of the nervousness Colleen mentioned. His voice was clear and firm. As Elizabeth spoke, her voice was strong and unwavering, her hands steady as she slid the wedding band onto Nathan's finger.

When Abigail finally announced it was time to kiss the bride, Nathan's exclamation of 'finally' set off laughter among those gathered to share the moment with them. Nathan took Elizabeth in his arms, and his lips found hers eagerly; ignoring the laughter, unfazed by their audience, he kissed his wife for the first time. Thoroughly.

Nathan would have stood kissing his wife for the rest of the day, but Allie tugged on his arm, interrupting them.

"Uncle Nathan, come on, there is cake waiting for us," she exclaimed.

Nathan and Elizabeth broke apart, laughing. "Well, we can't keep you waiting for the cake," Nathan teased her. "Lead the way." Nathan and Elizabeth followed Allie down the aisle, heading outside where groups of well-wishers greeted them.

"Follow me," Bill called to those remaining. "There was a last-minute change; we had to move to the Saloon, as we couldn't fit everyone who wanted to come in the Café."

The reception was magical, from their first dance as a married couple to the speeches made by friends. Spending time surrounded by people they loved and cared about was the most important thing for Elizabeth, and if there was regret for those who couldn't be there, she pushed it away. Her wedding and reception were perfect.

Elizabeth stood in the Saloon surrounded by their friends; her cheeks were aching from laughing and smiling. Even so, this had been the best day of her life, and she didn't want it to end. Abigail, Clara, and Rosemary were busy packing away the remains of the food, refusing to let her help them. Colleen stood near Elizabeth, watching as Bill broke away from the men to dance with Allie, her feet resting on the top of his as he moved them around.

"She won't forget today," Colleen said happily. "I am glad I was here to share this moment with you, the moment we became a family." Colleen felt tears threatening but was determined not to ruin this day by crying. "I am so happy for you and Nathan and Allie. She already loves you, so when the time comes…" she trailed off.

"Colleen, that is not going to be for a long time; I feel it," Elizabeth whispered back.

Colleen smiled at her sister-in-law, grateful for her optimism. She knew what the Doctor had told her, and it was hard to pretend it didn't frighten her. She had kept telling herself she needed to get through the wedding, make sure the Bouchard's were punished, and see Nathan and Elizabeth settle into married life; then, she could fall apart.

"Thank you, Elizabeth." Shaking herself out of her sad thoughts, she said, "Now you should think about getting home. Allie and I are excited to be having a sleepover with Rosemary."

"You didn't have to give up your home for us, you know," Elizabeth said, frowning.

"You don't want Allie and I around on your first night as a married couple," Colleen said with a grin. "The two of you will appreciate the privacy," she teased, giving Elizabeth a wink that caused the young woman to blush.

"Colleen!" she exclaimed. Elizabeth felt the heat in her cheeks and covered them with her hands.

"What is my sister saying to you?" Nathan asked, curious when Elizabeth's cry caught his attention.

"Nothing," she said with a warning look to Colleen.

"I only suggested the two of you might want to think about leaving, heading home. It's getting late, and you must be exhausted."

Nathan didn't believe a word Colleen said, despite the innocent look she gave him, especially given the blush still colouring Elizabeth's cheeks.

"Sure, you did," he said, shaking his head. "It is a good suggestion, though; it has been a long day."

Elizabeth didn't have time to think about what came next. Colleen only had to mention the word 'leaving' to Rosemary, and she managed their quick departure. Elizabeth was rushed to the front of the room, standing with her back to the single woman, throwing her bouquet. Nathan collected leftovers to eat later if they needed a snack. Before they knew it, they were bundled together in Lee's car, waving to everyone as he drove them to Nathan's home.

"I can't believe Rosemary managed to get Abigail amongst the single woman for the bouquet toss," Elizabeth laughed. The shock on her face when the flowers landed squarely in her arms had everyone laughing. Elizabeth hadn't even meant to do it; it was meant to be.

"Bill's face was the one that made me laugh," Nathan said, laughing too.

"Gabe didn't help by suggesting he should start looking for a Minister because Abigail couldn't marry herself," Lee said from the front seat.

The three of them laughed together as Lee quickly drove to the Cabin. When they arrived, Lee deposited Elizabeth's bag on the Verandah, congratulated them again and drove away, leaving them at the bottom of the stairs.

Elizabeth stood beside Nathan, watching Lee drive away; this was it. She was home with her husband. Reaching out, she found Nathan's hand and held it. Elizabeth felt the first nerves of the day; now, the ceremony was over, and it was just the two of them.

Nathan leaned away from Elizabeth, putting the food basket down on the Verandah. Turning to face her, he smiled, "are you ready?"

"Ready for what?"

"For me to carry you over the threshold," Nathan replied as he put his arm around her back and swept the other under her legs, lifting her into his arms. His smile turned into a chuckle when she threw her head back, laughing in surprise, grabbing onto his shoulders as he carried her inside the house.

"Welcome home, Mrs Grant," he said as he steadied her, holding her as he dropped his arm and she settled on her feet. "I like the sound of that!" Nathan kissed her again quickly and dropped his arms, "let me go and get our things that way if you want to change or anything…"

Elizabeth nodded, and then, as he walked away, she stood frozen with indecision. She couldn't stay in her wedding dress, but what should she change into? Did Nathan expect to go straight to bed? Was it too early? Should she change into her nightgown? What would he think if she changed into a dress instead? Nathan would change out of his dress Uniform; he couldn't spend all evening in it, could he? Should she wait and see what he put on?

"I'll take this upstairs to my room," Nathan said, walking back inside with her bag and their food. "Sorry, our room." He paused at the foot of the stairs, "are you okay?" he asked. When she nodded, he said, "why don't you come with me; I want to show you something," and held out his hand.

Elizabeth took his hand and followed him upstairs. She had been upstairs many times, helping Allie or putting something away for Colleen, but she hadn't been inside Nathan's room, but she had peeked in when he wasn't home. Nathan's space was perfect for him; the bed was custom-made to accommodate his height, and the furniture was dark polished timber. The linens were practical navy, without frills or fancy pillows. There was nothing feminine about where Nathan slept.

Nathan stepped into the room and drew Elizabeth forward when she paused. "I wanted to show you the space I created in the wardrobe and drawers for your things. If you need more, let me know."

"When did you have time to do this?" Elizabeth asked as she looked around the room.

"I didn't get much sleep last night," he admitted. "I was too excited and then a little nervous, I guess." Nathan stepped away from Elizabeth, placing her case in the corner of the room; he stood with his back to her as though embarrassed by the admission.

"Nervous?" Elizabeth asked, curious about where his nerves had come from. Elizabeth wandered around the room, admiring what he had done. He had selected a pretty washbasin and jug for her to use, and it sat beside his on a table in the corner near a privacy screen. Not only had he made space for her, there was also a vase of flowers on the bedside table, a floral throw blanket across the foot of the bed and a soft rug on the floor with matching pillows against the headboard. The feminine touches he had put into the room to make her comfortable were so considerate and so Nathan.

"When I started to do this, it all became real," He said, waving his hand toward the closet. "Getting married, living together, sharing this room, our bed." Nathan's voice was low when he finished the sentence, and he shrugged as he turned back to her, "There are so many firsts I got nervous."

"I'm nervous too," Elizabeth said, walking forward and putting her arms around him, pleased when she felt his tension ease and him relax in her arms. She hid her face against his chest, sighing as he stroked her hair. Tipping her head back to look at him, she smiled and said, "but when I saw the flowers and the pillows, I knew I didn't need to be.

"The pillows," he exclaimed, eyebrows shooting up.

"Yes," she laughed, "the pillows. Seeing them and all the other things you did to make me comfortable here, despite all the rush and what you needed to do, you thought of me and my needs, and I knew. I never have to be nervous or worry about anything when I am with you, including all of our firsts."

Nathan kissed her forehead and said, "Let's change into comfortable clothes and go back downstairs. We have all the time in the world, and besides, I have something for you."