By the time sunlight streamed through the window Friday morning, Nathan had already been wide awake for a while. He rubbed his stiff leg as he pulled on some clothes and pulled out a suitcase beneath his bed. Looking around the nearly empty room, he felt a flood of conflicting emotions; but breakfast smells tickled his nose when he opened the bedroom door, distracting him from those thoughts. Allie was flipping pancakes, while Colleen made cute baby noises in her cradle.
"Happy Wedding Day!" Allie hollered when she heard her dad enter the room. "In honor of the final day you will wake up living in this house, I have cooked your favorite breakfast. We've got bacon, eggs, pancakes and orange juice. In just a matter of hours, you'll be a married man."
Making his way across the room and picking up his granddaughter, Nathan smothered the baby with kisses and held her close. "It's hard to believe this new phase of life is beginning already. Allie, thank you for taking me in after the accident. Being here with you made it possible for me to heal and gain the perspective I needed to move forward with my life. Also, I will never forget being here as you brought this little blessing into the world." He made a silly face at Colleen, then pointed to the food. "You really didn't have to make anything for me this morning, but I really appreciate the gesture. We'll have to see if my nerves allow me to eat it all."
Robert came down the stairs as Nathan gently placed Colleen back in the cradle and sat at the kitchen table. "Looks like we are gaining an empty bedroom today," he teased, punching his father-in-law in the arm playfully.
"Oh, Robert," Allie grumbled, rolling her eyes as her husband grabbed her from behind and tickled her sides before turning her around and kissing her lips affectionately. "He'll be glad to not have to witness that behavior anymore," she sighed breathlessly.
Nathan gave his daughter his own best eye roll, then laughed. "It actually does my heart good to see you two so happy together. I hope my marriage will be as blessed as yours."
"Dad, you deserve all the happiness in the world," Allie insisted. "Elizabeth is perfect for you, and I can't wait for her to officially be in our family. You boys go ahead and eat up while I feed Colleen and get ready to go to the Coulters where the ladies will be getting ready."
"Robert, Jack, and I will be making sure everything is ready at the house. We'll get changed there with plenty of time before it begins." After scarfing down his breakfast, Nathan cleared his plate and began washing dishes. He heard a horse nearby and immediately knew it was his. Suddenly feeling an urge to ride, he grabbed his jacket and went outside where he saw Jack tying Newton up in front of the house.
Jack moseyed up the stars toward Nathan with a knowing look. "I thought you could use a ride this morning, and I heard there might be some of Allie's famous breakfast left. Newt has another half hour left in him."
Giving the boy a quick hug, Nathan tried to keep his emotions in check. "Thanks, son. You knew just what I needed."
"Well, it might also have something to do with Aunt Rosemary being all traditional and not wanting you to see my mom before the ceremony today," he conceded with a shrug. "While you are on your ride, she's going to drive down and pick everyone up so they can have their girl time."
Mounting slowly, he leaned down and patted his trusty sidekick's neck. "Well, buddy, are you ready for my last ride on you as a single man? We better take it easy on both of us today." He barely got above a gallop, but the fresh air and freedom invigorated his senses as he contemplated the day ahead and what it would mean for the rest of his life. By the time he got back, the women had left. Jack was waiting on the porch swing, ready to take Newton back to the barn so he could walk Gypsy and Zeus before the rest of the men gathered at the house.
Once back inside, Nathan ran a bath to get clean and to also try soothing his aching leg. He planned to brew the last of the tea he had been given when he was initially injured, to get rid of any lingering pain. He tried to repeat the vows in his mind the entire time he was bathing, then dried off and dressed in clean casual clothes before shaving and combing his thick dark hair with little splashes of gray on the sides. As he looked in the mirror, he saw a different, more complete, man than the one who begrudgingly came to live with his daughter several months ago. While drinking the tea, he found a note from Robert saying to meet him at the Mountie office. Nathan packed his remaining belongings in the suitcase and put it in his car before driving toward town.
As he approached the Mountie office, Nathan saw a car he recognized parked just off the street. Before he had time to exit his own car, two men in red serge walked out with Robert. "David & Matthew?!" he shouted, as he rushed to greet his best friends from Union City. "Robert, did you invite the Inspectors?"
His son-in-law held up his hands. "This was all your future wife's idea. I may have helped her execute the plan, but she wanted you to be surrounded by as many of the important people in your life as possible."
Inspector David Marshall squeezed Nathan's shoulder, then respectfully slapped him on the back. "I'm so glad I get to see Superintendent Nathan Grant finally marry the love of his life. It's been a long time coming for a guy who has always deserved the best that life has to offer. Chief Superintendent Hayes sends his regrets; but his daughter and grandchildren were in town, and he didn't feel like he could pull himself away. He hopes to see you again very soon."
Nathan shook Inspector Matthew Reynolds' hand and thanked him for making the trip. "I trust the wedding of your daughter went well, and the house is working out for them?"
"Yes, they are very happy, and your home is being well taken care of by them," he assured his former boss. "Your staff has been wonderful to work with, but we all miss you and hope you will bring Elizabeth to the city before long. I'm interested in seeing this new house you built here in Hope Valley. Constable Wolf has been telling us all about it."
Nathan and Robert got in his car, and both Inspectors followed behind them in David's car to the new home on Jack's land, where the two men in red serge met the other men in Nathan's life who were participating in the wedding. Feeling a deep sense of gratitude, Nathan couldn't wait to properly thank Elizabeth for making sure he had some of his Mountie family present at this momentous occasion. Ignoring any lingering stiffness in his leg, he was determined to soak in every ounce of enjoyment the day would bring.
Waking up on her wedding day felt surreal. Elizabeth was counting the hours until she would become Nathan Grant's wife, but also felt a few unexpected nerves. She had stayed awake for hours the night before, perfecting the vows she wanted to recite. Needing an extra jolt, she brewed some coffee and drank it while running a bath for herself. Once clean, Elizabeth dressed and brushed her hair, then packed the remainder of her belongings. After today, she would no longer live in this tiny row house that had been her home for most of the years she had lived in Hope Valley. Feeling the urge to go next door and kiss her fiancé for the last time before they were wed, Elizabeth decided to resist it, as not to incur the wrath of Rosemary who was basically running all of the wedding festivities.
A car horn sounded as Elizabeth finished looking around the house. She quickly grabbed her bag before slipping into the car seat next to Rosemary. Allie came out holding Colleen and climbed in the back seat. Everyone chatted excitedly about the day and the preparations that would soon take place. As they entered the Coulter's home, Julie rushed to give Elizabeth a hug. Lee, William, and Daniel began filling the car with flowers, food, and their suits. After the men had left, the girls had tea with a light brunch before starting an assembly line of hair and makeup. They all talked and laughed as they glammed up for the big event.
Elizabeth marveled at how life could change in a matter of months. Since leaving Hope Valley many years ago, her focus had always been on her ailing parents, her son, her students, and all of the family business she had to take care of while in Hamilton. Rarely did she ever think about her own needs or happiness. Julie had set her up on a few dates in Hamilton, but she knew those men were not right for her. Nathan was not only handsome, but also kind, humble, and everything she wanted in a life partner. Her only regret was that they hadn't gotten together sooner, but she planned to take full advantage of growing old with him.
Julie brought all of the latest beauty products and helped them all use the latest techniques for both styling hair and using cosmetics. When everyone was ready, except for their dresses, she retrieved a small package from her room and sat next to her sister. "Elizabeth, I know you have mom's earrings and necklace as something old, and your dress made by Rosemary is something new; I'm hoping I can provide you with something borrowed. When I saw your dress, it seemed like it would match perfectly."
Opening up the box, tears sprang to Elizabeth's eyes as she pulled out the magnificent wedding veil Julie had worn when she married William. "Oh, Julie, it's perfect! I hadn't planned on a veil, but it will be a nice touch for the ceremony." They pulled each other into a warm embrace.
"I guess we should have done this before we put makeup on," Julie lamented, wiping at her eyes. "Rosemary, we're going to need some touch ups over here!"
Allie stepped forward and took Elizabeth by the hand. "We might want to wait until I give her the something blue I made, because I'm thinking there will be more tears…at least from me. A few days after you got engaged to my dad, I was doing his laundry and found a white handkerchief of his, which gave me an idea. One of the only things I have from my mother Colleen, was a lace shawl I carried with me to remember her by. I used a piece of it to make part of my wedding veil, and will use another piece of it for little Colleen's Christening gown; but I thought it was appropriate to use some edge pieces to sew around my dad's handkerchief for my new mother. Then, I used blue thread to embroider a monogram and date. It's not as fancy as all of your other things, but it was made with all the love in my heart."
Elizabeth squeezed Allie's hand, then took the handkerchief and examined it more closely. For the monogram, Allie had stitched a large G in the middle of a smaller N on the left and E on the right. Below that was the wedding date: October 10, 1930. She fingered the lace that had once adorned Nathan's sister (and Allie's mother) Colleen, reverently. "This is truly a special gift, from my new daughter. Thank you, sweetheart. I'll treasure it always." More hugs and tears were exchanged, with kisses for little Colleen who let out a happy coo.
Realizing it was only an hour until the ceremony, they took turns getting dressed and admiring the beautiful job Rosemary had done with all of their dresses. Elizabeth was the final one to slip into her gown and was met with a large collective gasp from the other women as she emerged. "Let's hope that is the reaction from the groom," she joked, spinning around. Julie pinned the veil in place, just in time for Lee and William to arrive and start transporting them all to the new Grant/Thornton home.
Needing a few minutes of solace before people began arriving, Jack walked across the yard to the barn. He had dressed in his new navy blue suit, but the tie hung loosely around his neck, untied. All of the horses were clamoring for his attention, and he laughed as he took turns scratching their necks. "I'm not going to be coming over here for a few days, so Mom and Nathan can spend some time alone. But later next week, I'll be living just over there so I can see you all the time."
"Talking to the horses again, young man? Some people might think you're crazy." Sarah watched Jack turn around and admired the way the navy suit fit his lean, yet muscular, frame. She walked over and grabbed either side of his tie, looking into his eyes. "Need help?"
When Jack heard Sarah's voice behind him, he felt anxious. Since their first kiss, they had only spent time in the company of others. Maybe they were both worried about what might change. Could they just remain friends the way they had been in recent weeks, or would they become something more? He turned around and felt his stomach catch in his throat. Normally, Sarah wore very little makeup and let her hair flow naturally down the back of her everyday dresses. Today though, she wore a formal red gown that accentuated her curves in all the right places. Her hair was swept up with only a few stray curls framing her face, adorned with just enough makeup to fully enhance her beauty. Already struggling to keep his mind focused, he just about lost it when Sarah moved in close and began working with his tie.
After finishing the knot her father had taught her years ago, Sarah straightened the tie and stepped back to assess her work. "How are you feeling about today, Jack? You are gaining a new father and family, not to mention you'll be moving into your beautiful new home soon; all good things, but I'm sure it will take time to adjust."
"That's what you want to talk about right now?" Jack wondered aloud, taking a step closer and taking her hand in his. "We still haven't discussed what happened at the river."
"We will," she stammered. "But right now, they need you at the house. It's almost time for all the women to arrive. Will you escort me to my seat, good man?"
Her dark eyes always were a dead giveaway to what she was feeling, and Jack knew she genuinely cared. Everyone else had come for Nathan and Elizabeth, but she was there for him. "Before we go, do you think it's crazy for me to feel a little sad or maybe conflicted today? I'm so excited for my mom to finally be happy, and to have Nathan in our lives; but I spent years being the center of her world, and I feel like now I have to figure out my place in a home built on my father Jack's land but built by Nathan. Maybe it's just selfish to think about that today."
"Your feelings are valid," she assured him, touching his cheek with her free hand. "Your life has changed so much in the past several months. Even though most of them are positive, you deserve time to process what it all means for you. I don't want to contribute to any confusion, so just let me know the best way to be there for you as your friend."
Jack put his arms around her and squeezed tight. "You are my best friend, Sarah. You basically know how I feel without me saying anything." He pulled back and admired her. "If I forget to tell you later, you look absolutely beautiful. I hope you'll save a dance or two for me at the reception."
"You don't look so bad yourself, Mr. Thornton. My dance card is pretty full, but I guess I can try to squeeze you in," she teased. Wanting nothing more than to melt in his arms and kiss him again, Sarah instead cleared her throat and pulled him toward the house. "You're my best friend, too," she barely whispered, as they walked back to the house holding hands.
Lee pulled the car up to the house right at 1:00. Robert, Allie, Julie, Jack, Daniel, and Daisy waited on the porch for Rosemary, Lee, and Elizabeth. Nathan already stood with Bill at the fireplace inside the living room, with the other guests seated. He looked over the small crowd who were sharing this moment in time with them. It included: Robert's parents Richard and Mary Wolf, with their daughter Sarah, who was holding his little granddaughter Colleen; Inspectors Marshall and Reynolds; Ned and Florence Yost, with his daughter Katie, who also taught at the school; and finally, his new brother-in-law William, who sat at the piano playing his own renditions of their chosen musical selections. For a moment, his mind went to both his and Elizabeth's parents who had all passed away during their years away from Hope Valley. He knew they would be present in spirit, and somehow felt their approval.
When everyone was situated, the front door opened and Daisy led the procession, scattering flower petals down the aisle. Following behind her was Jack with his aunt Julie on his arm, then Robert and Allie together, followed by Daniel and Rosemary. Daisy and Daniel sat in the front row, Jack and Robert took their places next to Nathan, while Julie, Allie and Rosemary stood on the other side waiting for the bride. Lee and Elizabeth appeared at the end of the aisle, and everyone rose as William continued playing Clair de Lune, one of Elizabeth's favorite pieces of music. As their eyes met, Elizabeth caught her breath seeing Nathan in his navy-blue suit and burgundy tie that matched the bridesmaid dresses. His eyes were full of love as he admired her in the gown designed just for her by Rosemary. She gripped Lee's arm tightly to keep her legs from buckling as they made their way toward her good-looking groom.
An audible gasp was heard as Elizabeth and Lee made their way up the aisle. Nathan felt his palms begin to sweat and his mouth went dry as he realized the stunning woman in white would soon be his wife. Her dress was elegant, with a bit of a silvery sparkle at the neckline and shoulders, with a veil lightly covering her ornately pinned up hair. She wore her mother's delicate diamond jewelry; and the makeup she had on didn't change her natural beauty, only brought out her best features. She held a bouquet of white and red roses, symbolizing both purity and romantic love, which is what they brought into their marriage. Although he did his best to keep his emotions hidden, Nathan felt a single tear make its way down his cheek. He wiped it away just as she reached his side. After handing her bouquet to Julie, Lee placed Elizabeth's hands in Nathan's before taking his place next to Jack and Robert.
"Wow!" Nathan whispered, leaning closer to her. "I've never seen a more gorgeous bride."
She rubbed her thumbs over his knuckles and quietly thanked him, adding, "You are the most handsome groom, and I'm lucky to call you mine."
Bill interrupted them with, "You should probably save a little for the vows, you two." Everyone in the room chuckled, then Judge Avery officially began the marriage ceremony. "Good afternoon. I am full of gratitude today for having been asked to play a part in bringing two people together who have long been like a son and daughter to me. This new blended family they are creating is beautiful. It is an honor to stand before you today and say a few words. This will be short, sweet, and to the point; but before we get to the vows, I wanted to share just a few words about love and family. Marriage is a covenant made in the presence of God and witnesses consisting of family and friends. Bringing two people together to become one is the most precious of God's gifts. Although I never got a second chance at love, seeing Elizabeth find that with Nathan brings me, and I'm sure all in this room, great joy. I wanted to share a couple of bible verses I found with you. Nathan, the verse I wanted to share with you is Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Your wife will be a blessing to you so long as you always treat her as a daughter of God. Elizabeth, the verse I wanted to share with you is 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We all know it is a risk to give your heart to another, but I've seen you move past your fear and really learn to trust this man. Next, you both have written your own vows, so let's begin with Nathan."
Clearing his throat, Nathan looked deeply into Elizabeth's eyes and felt everyone else in the room start to disappear. "My dearest Elizabeth, for so many years I had resigned myself to only ever being a single man; but you have opened my heart in ways I didn't know was possible. I found a great deal of fulfillment as a public servant and father, but I have never felt more whole than I have these past months with you in my life. I vow to you this day that I will be your partner in every way. Whether in good times or bad, sickness or health, joy or pain; you are the one I will love, comfort, laugh with, and turn to at all times. You are my one and only for the rest of my mortal days. I love you." He wiped tears from his beautiful bride's face and couldn't help from sweetly kissing her lips.
Even Bill choked up at the words Nathan had spoken, but he swallowed hard and forged ahead. "Elizabeth, it's your turn."
Taking a deep breath, she let her eyes wander over the crowd of people who all meant so much to them. "Before I begin, I want to thank you all for being here with us today." There were very few dry eyes in the room, and she knew it would most likely stay that way. Elizabeth locked eyes with Nathan again, and began speaking from her heart. "Nathan, moving back to Hope Valley is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Bill didn't know that scripture is one I also found when preparing my vows. Your love has helped take away the fear in my life, because God sent you to me for a lifetime. We've both had to endure so many things on our own; being single parents, losing our own mothers and fathers, and moving back and forth. Now we will have each other for support as we learn to make a life together in this lovely town that we call home. I vow to be your love, your confidant, and your support. No matter what, you can rely on me. We've already experienced ups and downs together, proving that we will never let any hardship overcome the bond we have created. I will love you until I take my last breath, and beyond." This time she was the one who reached up and dried his eyes, before leaning her head against his chest to feel his strong heart beating.
"Thank you both for those sincere words. Now, I will ask you both one final question." Bill first faced the groom. "Nathan Grant, do you take Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton to be your wedded wife from this day forward throughout your mortal lives?"
"I will," he promised fervently.
Turning to the bride, Bill asked her the same. "Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, do you take Nathan Grant to be your wedded husband from this day forward throughout your mortal lives?"
She nodded, then uttered, "I will."
Bill smiled and turned to Daniel, who stood and brought a small opened box to the front. "Nathan and Elizabeth have chosen to exchange wedding bands at this time. Rings are an outward symbol of an inward commitment to love each other for eternity."
They each took the other's wedding band and repeated in unison. "With this ring, I thee wed," as they placed them on their left hands.
"By the power given to me as Judge of Hope Valley, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Nathan, you may kiss your bride," Bill finished.
Taking his bride's face in his hands, Nathan covered Elizabeth's lips with his own. Even though the crowd stood and clapped and William began playing the piano again, it all seemed to disappear as they kissed for the first time as a married couple. As their lips parted, they smiled and giggled at the joy they felt. Julie handed back the bouquet, before they all descended back down the aisle. They stood near the entryway where everyone had their chance to hug the couple and congratulate them, beginning with Jack and Allie.
Rosemary had hired a photographer to come and document the occasion. They spent the next hour taking pictures, then everyone pitched in to set out a luncheon for the guests of the ceremony. It was an informal affair, with everyone mingling together as they enjoyed a light meal and the company of one another. Julie helped Elizabeth remove the veil, which she placed back in its box so she could take it back with her to Montreal and keep it safe. Finally, they transformed the room into a nice reception space with benches for people to sit along the edges, tables in the dining area for those who wanted to enjoy refreshments, and a dance floor in the middle of the living room. Guests began arriving at 4:00 and were welcome until 6:00, when the party would be shut down and the house would be left to just the newlyweds.
Nearly the entire community showed up to greet the couple, and it was a lively party. Nathan and Elizabeth shared their first dance, getting lost in one another's arms and they swayed to the music. Nathan then danced with Allie while Elizabeth danced with Jack, then they switched, giving Allie and Jack their first brother and sister dance. All other couples joined in for the better part of an hour.
Throughout the night, Jack had been asked to dance by many of the ladies attending, but he still hadn't been with the one he most desired to have in his arms. He approached where she sat on a bench talking with friends. "May I have this dance, m'lady?" he drawled.
Sarah had spent the night trying to keep her eyes off a certain best man in a blue suit, trying not to feel jealous of everyone who had gotten a turn to be with him on the dance floor. When he finally asked her in his own goofy way, she readily accepted and hoped she could keep her feelings from coming too far to the surface. She found that laying her head on his shoulder as they danced helped, because she couldn't get lost in his deep blue eyes. When the song stopped, it took them both a minute to realize dancing had ended and everyone was gathering to watch the cutting of the cake.
Once the cake had been cut and passed out to the crowd, Nathan and Elizabeth continued feeding each other the piece they shared, then kissed with frosting still on their lips. Everyone quickly had the house cleaned up and back to normal in no time. They said heartfelt goodbyes as their guests left, giving a final hug and kiss to their family members. All at once, the house was completely silent.
"Now what?" Elizabeth pondered out loud, then swiftly turned red when Nathan gave her a crooked smile and sultry look. "I just meant, it's been such a whirlwind day, and now it's just us," she tried to clarify, but decided it was best to just stop talking.
Without a word, Nathan led her onto the porch. "Let's start with this, Mrs. Grant." He picked her up and carried her over the threshold while giving her a kiss. Instead of setting her down just inside the house, he carefully closed and locked the door while turning off lights as they made their way to the master bedroom while she remained in his arms. He had worried about his leg giving out, but it seemed to have held up fine despite the strain it had endured. A few candles flickered on the nightstands, and roses were strategically placed throughout the room. Elizabeth loosened his tie and began unfastening the top buttons of his shirt, letting her lips brush against his exposed neck.
"I had some helpers get this all set up before they left," he explained, trying to keep his voice steady, even as chills were sent all over his body as she kissed his face and neck. "I hope you like it." He softly set her down on the bed, and removed her shoes before rubbing her feet. "These must be sore after such a long day," he said softly, his hands repeating the motion as they moved to her calves.
Elizabeth felt butterflies in her stomach at first, as Nathan carried her to the bedroom for their first night alone together. Her heart beat faster as he set her on the bed and took off her shoes, massaging her feet and then her lower legs. "Mmmmm," she moaned, reaching toward him and grabbing his loose collar. "That feels nice, but if we want to get more comfortable, I may need some help with the buttons on the back of this dress. Her eyes met his, full of desire as she slid off the bed and stood next to him.
Nathan bent down and kissed Elizabeth with a passion he had never allowed to be unleashed before, pressing her body closer to his. She eased off his suit jacket and began unbuttoning his white shirt. Before long, it joined his coat on the floor, and both of their pulses quickened as her hands probed his muscular bare chest, shoulders, and arms. His lips moved to explore her jawline and neck as he slowly turned her around to work on her dress buttons. His hands were shaking at first, but it became easier as he went. Elizabeth busied herself taking pins from her hair, letting her chocolate curls loose to flow down her back. As he reached her waist and unbuttoned the final one, Elizabeth shrugged off the sleeves and the dress fell to the floor. Nathan couldn't resist touching and kissing the bare skin on her back, which felt like fire on his fingers and lips. He turned her back around to face him, catching her mouth with his and kissing her deeply again, finally losing strength and pulling them both onto the bed.
"Is this a dream?" Elizabeth murmured, her fingers threaded through Nathan's thick hair. "I'm in the arms of the most handsome and loving man on earth who is now my husband."
Against her soft skin, Nathan muttered, "If it is, I hope we never wake up. You are the most beautiful, amazing woman I've ever known, and I'm a lucky man to call you my wife."
Both felt completely safe and cherished as they later drifted off to sleep in each other's arms. It was the perfect first day of forever for Nathan and Elizabeth Grant.