Chapter 8
When Two Become One
It's their wedding day. All the ladies met at Lydia's. The men were at Elizabeth's house.
Elizabeth got her bath, Abigail came in and helped her wash her hair. You know Elizabeth, I've never been more proud of you than I am right now! You have spread your wings and flew.
Jack tells me that you are as good a cook as I am. I guess it took me leaving to make me able to tackle it. I guess I always knew you were there to pick up the pieces when I failed. When I was at Aunt Elizabeth's I knew I was going to be on my own and there wouldn't be anybody around to cook for me. Believe it or not I learned in two months. I'm proud of the woman you have become, Abigail says.
I've always told you that you are a strong and capable woman. Abigail finishes her hair and kisses the top of her head. She walks to the door but stops, I always knew you would be marrying Jack Thornton. You are two peas in a pod. I love you Elizabeth Thatcher. I love you too Abigail!
Elizabeth went up to the guest bedroom and was sitting at the vanity brushing out her hair when all the ladies came in. Lydia went to fixing her hair. She curled it and pulled it up on both sides with two pearl combs, they would be her something borrowed from her. She placed baby breaths all around in her hair. She kissed her cheek and side hugged her.
Julie started working on her makeup. Elizabeth says, Julie, please don't put on as much as you wear. I only want a subtle look. Jack and I agree that I really don't need it. I'm only agreeing to it this time because it's my wedding day. I know Bethie, just a little rouge, mascara and lip gloss. I put a little vaseline just to make them shine. Elizabeth turned to look in the mirror, oh Julie, it's perfect. Thank you so much.
Well ladies, I think it's time to get her in her dress! Aunt Elizabeth stepped up with her dress. Elizabeth steps into it and pulls the sleeves up. Aunt Elizabeth buttons her up. She gently takes both shoulders from behind, looking over her shoulder. She looks at Elizabeth in the floor length mirror and says, oh Beth you are stunning!
There was a knock at the door. Lydia opened it and Charlotte was standing there with 2 boxes in her hand. Lydia welcomed her into the room. Elizabeth turns to see who it was. Charlotte stops and stared. Aunt Elizabeth asks, Mrs. Thornton, our Beth is stunning wouldn't you agree? Charlotte says, oh Lizzy you are beautiful! Jack is going to be so speechless! That dress is gorgeous! It was white satin with a lace overlay with lace three quarter length sleeves. It had just a couple layers of tulle, just enough for a slight lift. The neckline was to the neck with satin just above the bust with lace overlay.
Charlotte walked up to her and kissed her cheek. She handed her the first box and said, Lizzy, this is your something old. It's earrings that has been handed down to the oldest Thornton son's wife to be. You're the 10th generation to wear them. They are pearl so they will look beautiful with your combs. Elizabeth put them on and thanked her.
Then she handed her the second box. It is from Jack, Lizzy. She opened it and found a beautiful pearl necklace. He wanted this to be your something new. He knew about the pearl earrings and wanted to get you something to match! Elizabeth started to cry but cut the tears off with a napkin. Thank you all so very much. You all are too good to me.
Abigail stepped up and handed her a lacy blue handkerchief and said, Elizabeth, you are like a daughter/sister to me. I'll never have a daughter so I would like to give you this to put around your bouquet. Now you have your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Oh Abigail. Are you sure? You can have it back if you want it. No Elizabeth, I want you to have it and pass it down. I just love you all so very much. They all hugged.
Julie touched up her makeup just a bit when there was another knock at the door. Lydia answered it and it was Uncle Wynn.
He asked, may I have a moment please? The ladies all nodded and left the room. Elizabeth breathed deeply and let it out. He opened his arms. She entered and said, oh Uncle, can you believe I'm finally getting married? Oh My Little Beth, I'm so happy for you and Jack. He will be a wonderful husband and treasure you as I do, your My Little Beth. I see it in his eyes every time he looks at you! I'm so proud of the woman you have become. He hands her a coin. She smiles and puts it in her shoe. (Placing a penny, or a sixpence in your shoe symbolizes a life of wealth and prosperity and today is Lucky Penny Day). Are you ready My Little Beth? Yes sir, I've been ready. Ok, take a moment and meet me downstairs. He left and went downstairs.
Everyone was waiting on her but she was stalling. She prayed for God to go before her and not let her fall flat on her face. She looked up and smiled.
As she was ascending the stairs there were tears all around. Uncle Wynn was waiting with his elbow out for her to take. There was a fancy carriage waiting to take everyone to the church. Uncle Wynn leaned over and whispered, I had to throw a little high society in. I hope you don't mind? No sir, I kinda expected you to do something. Just didn't know what, she says as she giggles. She kissed his cheek and says, thank you!
They arrived at the church. The ladies stepped out and went up the steps. Aunt Elizabeth and Charlotte took their seats. Charlotte nods to her son that she had delivered his gift. Lydia opened the door and met the little girls and Andy. She whispered for them to get ready. Lydia nodded Cat to start playing. As she started the children started down the aisle.
Jack takes a deep breath and whispers, here we go! Lydia and Abigail and Julie followed them and took their spot at the front. The music changed and everyone stood. Wynn and Elizabeth enter the church, she whispers, please don't let go yet. He smiles and whispers back, I won't My Little Beth, I won't and pats her hand . They walk down the aisle slowly enough so she wouldn't trip. As they got to the front she had tears trailing down her cheeks. Jack steps up to take her hand.
The preacher asks, who gives this bride? Uncle Wynn says, her Aunt and I do. He places her hand into Jack's and says, take good care of her son. Always is all Jack says before Wynn takes a seat next to his wife. Jack mouthed, are you alright? She nods and mouthed, I love you!
The preacher says, they have their own vows, Jack you may start.
He takes a deep breath and says, Bella, you are everything to me. You are the sun, the moon and the stars to me. You are the air that I breathe and the wind that blows around me. You are my life that I can't or won't live without. I need you as much as I need to breathe. I promise to show you every hour of every day just how much I love you. I promise to honor and cherish you forever. He raised her hand and kissed it.
She takes a deep breath and says, Jack, I love you with every fiber of my being. You are everything to me. You are the sunshine on my face. You're the warmth from my fire. You're the air that I breathe. You're the wind beneath my wings. You're everything to me. Jack , I can't give you my heart today because you already have it, so today I give you my soul. I love you from chalk dust to eternity. I'll honor and cherish you for all eternity!
After all the I dos. The preacher asked for the rings. Andy handed them to Jack. Jack gave her his then they gave them to the preacher. He held them up and said, these rings are a symbol of love that never ends. After the ceremony he says, I would like to introduce for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Constable Jack Thornton.
They walk over to his mother for hugs and tells her thank you! They turn to Uncle and Aunt for hugs and tells them thank you. Wynn leans over to Jack and whispers, we are your Aunt and Uncle now too but not in front of other Mountie or at headquarters. Jack shook his hand and says, thanks Uncle. Wynn says, you bet son, you bet!
Everyone left the church and stepped around to the side where the reception would take place. Bill was standing there to take pictures of everyone. They thank him for taking the pictures.
Jack followed Elizabeth to the food table and filled their plates then took their seats. He leans over and kisses her cheek and says, thank you Bella, for taking me back and making me the happiest man alive. Jack you've made me the happiest woman alive, so I truly know how you are feeling at this very moment!
After they finished eating there were toasts from many. Some were funny, some were heart felt. Some were embarrassing.
It was time for their first dance. He held out his hand and she gladly took it. He led her to the dance area and they both said, finally at the same time. The violin was playing softly but loud enough to be heard. After the song ended Wynn tapped Jack's shoulder, he stepped back to allow them to dance the father daughter dance while he walked over to his mother and held out his hand, he led her out to the dance area. Eventually everyone was dancing and having a wonderful time.
It was time to cut the cake. She whispers, be nice because you know where we go from here and laughs. The each take their piece of cake and look lovingly into each other's eyes. They hold the cake to the other's mouth but at the last moment they smeared it into their face. Everyone laughed hysterically. He whispered, wait until I get you home. She asks, promise? He swallowed the cake he licked off his mouth and says, would it be possible to leave now? She laughs and says, settle down Constable, settle down!
A couple hours later it's time to say goodbye. Jack taps his glass to get everyone's attention. He says, we want to thank everyone for everything that you've done for us. This has been a glorious day. We couldn't have pulled it off without you all. We want to thank everyone for coming up from Coal Valley. It means a lot to us to have you all here to celebrate with us today.
He puts out his hand for her to take. He kissed her hand and says, we are taking our leave now. Continue to enjoy yourself. Again thanks for coming. They walk arm and arm to their home.
They walked up the steps of their new home together. He picks her up then she opens the door. He carries her over the threshold and shuts the door with his foot while kissing so passionately. He sets her down slowly but not stopping the kiss. Slowly he backs her to the bedroom still kissing. She breaks the kiss and puts her hand on his chest. They both say, I love you so much at the same time. He leans his forehead to hers. She tried to calm her breathing. She looked up at him and asked, can you help me with the buttons please? She turned and he went to unbutton her dress. He asked, why are there so many buttons? She giggled and said, anticipation Hon! As he got enough buttons undone, as she held the dress in front she kissed his cheek and said, I'll be right back. She slipped behind the folding changing divider. She placed her wedding dress over the divider.
Her Aunt had got her a beautiful navy blue negligee that fell just above the knee with matching lace around the bottom and around the top. She stepped out as Jack was pulling the covers back. He looks up as he hears her step out. He stops, takes a deep breath, swallows hard and says, Beeella! You…are…breath…taking! They closed the distance between them.
He picks her up, kisses her, carries her to the bed. He lays her down but she giggles and says, aren't you just a little bit overdressed? He stops and looks down at his attire. He chuckles and says, I kinda got ahead of myself! He takes all his clothes off but his boxers. He says, we'll go as slow as you need us to go. I love you so very much!