Chapter 50

Elizabeth opened her eyes, blinking in the sunlight which streamed through the bedroom window. She placed her hand on Nathan's pillow, feeling the linen, finding it cool. Nathan must have been out of bed for quite a while, meaning she had slept much longer than intended. She lay still, straining her ears for noise from downstairs. She could hear voices, and was able to pick out her husband's deep tone and knew he hadn't left to go to Lee's yet.

It had been a late night; she and Julie had spent hours with Rosemary finalising plans for her wedding the following day. Her friend had a last-minute meltdown when she realised the rain wasn't easing, and it had washed away her dream of an outdoor wedding. Lee had saved the day by reaching out to Tom in the Saloon, who agreed they could hold the ceremony and wedding buffet there.

The townspeople gathered to help the popular couple save their wedding, bringing the outdoor wedding indoors. It was after midnight when they finished, and they were exhausted, but the Saloon looked beautiful, and Rosemary was smiling again. As the wedding guests had been helping decorate the Saloon and were all tired too, they postponed the ceremony for two hours, allowing everyone to get some much-needed sleep.

Elizabeth rose, wanting to dress to go downstairs and see Nathan. She knew he wouldn't leave without saying goodbye, and as they would be busy with the wedding, she wanted to at least have breakfast with him. Before she could finish dressing, she heard footsteps on the stairs and knew he had come to find her.

"Elizabeth, good morning. I was worried you were going to sleep all day!"

"Did I really sleep that much longer than you? I must have been tired, and the extra sleep did the trick, Nathan."

"I was only jealous I couldn't lie in with you, but I need to get to Lee's. It might not have shown last night in all the excitement, but he is a nervous wreck."

"Lee?" Elizabeth asked, incredulous. During the afternoon and night, dealing with changes to the venue and Rosemary's panic, he seemed calm and collected.

"Yes, Lee," he confirmed. "I caught up with him as we left, and he was so nervous. Today is a big day for both him and Rosemary.

"Were you nervous when we got married?" Elizabeth hadn't had time to be nervous, not really. With less than twenty-four hours to prepare, it had been a whirlwind.

"No, I wasn't." Nathan took her hands, drawing her to him, "Maybe it was our last-minute decision, which didn't give me time, but I think it was because marrying you was my dream come true, and nothing has meant more to me than being your husband."

Elizabeth sighed; how she loved this man. Nothing made her happier than being married to him. The only thing that could improve their lives was for Dr Pearce to give Colleen a clean bill of health...and for her and Nathan to grow their family and welcome a child. Elizabeth and Nathan hadn't talked about it, not in any concrete way, but she knew he would be delighted the day she eventually told him she was pregnant.

Nathan kissed her forehead, "as much as I want to spend the day with you, we need to get going. I imagine Rosemary will be looking for you soon if she isn't already."

"Fine, but we need to plan another trip together soon; our trip to Brookfield seems so long ago now," Elizabeth said, reluctantly stepping away from him. The five days they spent in Brookfield had only been two weeks before, but so much had happened when they returned.

Rosemary had brought the wedding forward, foregoing the huge wedding she had said she wanted. Abigail and Bill had made their relationship known without any formal announcement. Julie and Robert Pearce had become inseparable. Elizabeth practically had to schedule a time if she wanted to see her sister, not that she was complaining. Julie was in love and wanted to spend time with the man who had her heart; Elizabeth knew how that felt.

"Come in, Elizabeth. It's about time you got here!" Rosemary exclaimed, dragging her friend inside.

"Rosemary," Elizabeth objected as she tripped over the threshold of the row house. "I'm thirty minutes early."

"Rosemary has been pacing since just after sunrise," Julie explained with a grin. "She is going to wear herself out before the wedding if she isn't careful."

"I'm sorry. It's just that the weather already spoiled my plans, and I don't want anything else to go wrong."

"Rosemary. Trust me, marrying Lee is what is important. Even if something does go wrong, it doesn't matter as long as you two end today as husband and wife."

"That is true, Elizabeth. Please keep reminding me of that if I lose sight of what is important." Rosemary hugged Elizabeth and Julie, "Thank you both for being here today; I couldn't do it without you."

After Rosemary's initial panic, the day flew by in a flurry of activity until it was time for the three of them to leave for the Saloon. A knock on the door signalled Robert's arrival, and Julie rushed to let him in, greeting him with a chaste kiss on the cheek. Elizabeth couldn't hear what he said to her sister, but when Julie turned toward her, there was a pink tinge to her skin and her eyes had an added sparkle.

"You look lovely, ladies. Rosemary, you are a beautiful bride, and I have it on very good authority that your groom is waiting for you."

"Have you seen, Lee? Is he all right?"

"I have seen him, and he is fine, although he is a little anxious for you to arrive. Apparently, he couldn't sleep and has been ready and waiting for quite a few hours. Seeing you is all he needs."

"Well, let's not keep him waiting any longer." Rosemary's face lit up with a joyous smile, and she took the arm Robert held out to her, letting him lead her to the car. Thankfully, the rain stopped for a moment, and none of the bridal party got wet on the way to the Saloon.

Standing beside the car, outside the Saloon, Elizabeth adjusted the hem of Rosemary's dress, making sure the train would flow out behind her as she walked the makeshift aisle. Julie had gone inside with Robert, ready to signal to everyone when Rosemary was due to enter. Elizabeth still hadn't seen Nathan. As Lee's best man, he was busy supporting the groom. Bill had come out of the Saloon when they arrived, ready to escort Rosemary inside.

"This is becoming a regular role for you, Bill," Rosemary said. "Thank you for doing this, as my father could not."

"It's my pleasure, Rosemary. The two of you are perfect together, and anything I can do to help this wedding, I will."

Rosemary squeezed his arm and turned to Elizabeth, taking the flowers she held out. "I'm ready."

Elizabeth stepped inside the Saloon, marvelling again at how pretty it looked. The arch they had brought inside, hung with flowers, framed Lee, and Nathan as they waited. Nathan's eyes lit up when he saw her, and his face split into a wide smile. Everyone around them disappeared momentarily as they stared at each other, remembering their special day. As Elizabeth walked toward Nathan, she admired how handsome he looked in his charcoal suit. She thought Nathan was handsome in uniform, but dressed up like this, he took her breath away.

Elizabeth broke eye contact with Nathan as she reached the front of the room, giving him one last smile before acknowledging Lee and Abigail. Elizabeth grinned when Lee smiled at her briefly before returning his attention to the Saloon doorway. Elizabeth took her place and turned to welcome Rosemary, eager for everyone to see how beautiful she looked.

Rosemary had designed and sewn her wedding gown from white satin and lace. The short-sleeved gown with its sweetheart neckline skimmed her body before flaring gently over her hips, flowing in soft folds to the ground. Her blonde curls were swept into a fashionable chignon, and her lace veil was fastened in her hair with a silver and diamante band. While the dress was beautiful, Rosemary's radiant smile, full of love and joy, was the most beautiful sight in the room.

Elizabeth tried to pay attention to her friends as they exchanged the traditional wedding vows, but her eyes kept straying to Nathan. Each time she looked at him, she caught him looking at her. She felt her cheeks heat up and looked away again, trying once more to focus on the words Abigail spoke for them to repeat. She cheered with everyone else when Abigail pronounced them husband and wife, laughing with delight when Lee enthusiastically kissed Rosemary, dipping her in his arms.

As Lee and Rosemary stood arm in arm, Elizabeth and Nathan congratulated the happy couple before stepping aside to let others do the same.

"You look gorgeous, Elizabeth; you were quite the distraction," Nathan murmured in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "Not that you aren't always gorgeous to me, but in that dress..." he trailed off, kissing her softly.

"Mmmh, I feel the same about you, Constable Grant. That blue shirt does wonderful things to your eyes."

"Harrumph," the sound of someone clearing their throat behind them interrupted the moment, and they turned to find Bill staring at them.

"If you two are ready, there is work to do. Patricia and Julie can't do it all."

Elizabeth glanced at the buffet table where her sister and Patricia were bustling about organising food and drinks for the guests. She worried, as always, about what was to happen to Julie. Dr Pearce wasn't talking about leaving Coal Valley, but with Colleen's continual improvement, he would need to decide soon about his future, and Elizabeth wondered what that meant for Julie.

Elizabeth watched as Patricia whispered something to Julie, and she nudged Nathan gently, getting his attention so he could watch the interaction. Patricia had come a long way since their first meeting and her time in Coal Valley. Abigail and Julie had begged Nathan to release Patricia from her cell and let her interact with the community while they waited to learn her fate. The people of Brookfield had all declined to press charges against the young girl, but Nathan and Gabriel had proof of her crimes and needed to act on it eventually. Both Mounties were reluctant to proceed without knowing why she had acted the way she had, knowing there was more to her story.

Elizabeth was surprised when Bill championed the suggestion of community work for Patricia. Bill usually advocated for strong discipline for those committing crimes, and Elizabeth suspected Abigail had influenced his decision this time. If she had done so, Elizabeth was glad. Elizabeth believed there was a good reason for Patricia to have run away from her home, and while she didn't condone stealing, in this case, she knew it was an act of desperation and a means of survival. Abigail had asked for Patricia to be released and allowed to live with her, but Nathan had drawn the line there. Until they knew more about her situation, remaining in jail protected her and those around her.

Elizabeth had tried to befriend Patricia, but the young girl would not open up to her. Nathan had said it was because of her relationship with him, and he might be correct, but she still wanted to help the young woman. Julie had no problem establishing a relationship with Patricia, nor did Faith, yet they still didn't know her story.

"I wish she would open up to Julie or Abigail. Anyone." Elizabeth whispered to Nathan as they walked over to help Julie.

"I know. I wish I had time to check in with Gabriel. I am hoping he has some news for me."

"If he does, I hope it's good news. I also want an update on Lillian Walsh. I am sure we left them in a good place if only Gabriel weren't so reluctant to talk to her."

Nathan smiled at her and said, "I doubt you could have done more to help them, but sometimes, they must do it themselves. Look at Bill and Abigail; everyone left them alone, and they found their way to each other."

Elizabeth grinned back at him, "That's true, and like Gabriel and Lillian, everyone could see it before the two of them."

As they reached the table where Julie and Patricia were finishing laying out the refreshments, Elizabeth greeted both women. Their reactions to her simple 'hello' were quite different. Her sister smiled broadly while Patricia stepped backward, hiding herself behind Julie.

"Elizabeth! Rosemary picked the perfect shade of blue for you and Nathan. You both look amazing," Julie said as she stepped around the table, grasping Elizabeth's hands and holding them out, allowing a better view of her dress. "The lacework is exquisite. Did Clara do this?"

"Yes, she is so talented."

"Come and have a closer look at this, Patricia. It is even prettier up close."

Elizabeth watched Patricia, seeing her eyes widen at the suggestion. To her credit, she followed Julie's suggestion and came and stood beside her, looking closely at Elizabeth's dress.

"It's stunning, Elizabeth. You look beautiful." Patricia smiled as she spoke, but her fingers, clasped together in front of her proved she was anything but relaxed.

"Thank you, Patricia. So do you. I love what you have done with your hair." Elizabeth recognised the dress the young woman wore as one of Julie's. The peach satin was lovely against her olive skin and complemented the golden locks of her hair, which had been curled and pulled back from her face. Her light green eyes were still clouded by apprehension, but this conversation was a start, even if she didn't make eye contact with Nathan.

Nathan smiled at Julie and Patricia. "I have to agree with you, Patricia. My wife is the most beautiful woman in the room, but please don't tell the bride I said that."

Elizabeth and Julie laughed at Nathan's words, and Patricia smiled despite her nerves. Elizabeth was pleased when Nathan didn't pursue the conversation; instead, he squeezed her hand and excused himself to help Bill move the chairs so people could sit at the tables while they ate.

Faith and Abigail joined Elizabeth, Julie and Patricia, and the conversation quickly turned to the ceremony, Rosemary's dress and what still needed to be done for the reception. Abigail and the others kept the conversation light, and to Elizabeth's delight, Patricia opened up and joined in. It was clear to her how comfortable Patricia was with the other women, and she vowed to make another attempt to get to know the young girl.

As the day progressed and everyone enjoyed the festivities, Elizabeth spent the day chatting to the families she taught. She sat with Colleen, Nathan, and Allie to eat lunch before joining the others to clean up. Eventually, Rosemary asked Elizabeth to go upstairs with her and help her change from her wedding dress.

"Thank you so much for everything you have done for me today and in the lead-up to my wedding. We couldn't have done it without you and Nathan, and I am glad you were beside us today. It means a lot to Lee and me."

"Rosemary, it was our pleasure! You and Lee are family to us."

Elizabeth hugged Rosemary, tears in her eyes, overwhelmed with love for her friend as she remembered how much they had been through in the brief time they had known each other. She was so pleased Rosemary and Lee had found each other; her greatest wish now was for them to be as happy as she and Nathan were.

Blinking back her tears, Elizabeth released Rosemary and stepped back. "Let's get you changed so you can start your trip to Brookfield. You will have a wonderful time, I know it."

"I hope so, Elizabeth'; the stories of your trip inspired us to choose there. I can't wait to see Gabriel again and meet his Lillian."

"I hope you give the two of them a nudge from me; I don't know what is slowing them down. They both want the same thing."

"Don't you worry about a thing; by the time I leave Brookfield, those two will be sending wedding invitations back with Lee and me?"

Elizabeth laughed at Rosemary's self-confidence, hoping it was well-placed. She didn't think anyone could resist Rosemary when she put her mind to it.

Rosemary and Lee drove away from Coal Valley, well wishes ringing in the air until their car could no longer be seen. Elizabeth snuggled into Nathan's side as they waved goodbye to their friends. Everything had gone like clockwork, a testament to Rosemary's organisation skills and everyone who had volunteered being willing to follow her very precise instructions.

Elizabeth watched as Abigail and Bill walked to the Saloon, preparing to restore it to normal, while they weren't touching, you could sense the closeness between them. Elizabeth knew she should go and help; it was still her school room after all, but she had promised Abigail she would accompany Nathan when he returned Patricia to the Mountie office and her cell.

"Are you ready to go?" Elizabeth asked quietly, knowing Nathan wouldn't enjoy what he had to do any more than Patricia.

"Yes," he said, reluctance for the task evident in the heavy sigh that followed. "I just wish she would tell me or someone her story so we could help her."

"I know; I wish it could be me, but I don't think it will be. Patricia is still so skittish around me; she has never really gotten over the fact that I am married to you and my being there when she was apprehended." Glancing around, she found Patricia in the crowd, standing close to Julie. "If she opens up to anyone, it will be Julie."

"I agree. If she is free, I might ask Julie to watch over Patricia for me when I do rounds next. Abigail had no luck getting her to really open up, and now she and Bill have gone public with their relationship; Patricia has put her into the same category as you - too friendly with the enemy."

"I don't think she sees you as the enemy, but she has done something wrong, and she knows you are the one who would hold her to account for that, or worse, send her back to the situation she was running from." Elizabeth shrugged, "I'm sure that is why she won't tell anyone who she is; if we don't know, we can't send her back."

"Something has to give, Elizabeth. Gabe and I are getting pressure from Headquarters to charge her."

Elizabeth sighed, staring at the young girl laughing shyly with her sister as they waved goodbye to the happy couple. Arresting her would be the worst thing for Patricia. "Let's talk to Julie tonight. There's no time to waste, Nathan."