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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Seventy-seven
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The Grant Wedding
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Part I
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In all ways, the Grants' Wedding Day could not have been more perfect.
The sun had risen earlier than usual, as though the special day itself was in a hurry to get here, bathing the morning dew in a golden glow of well-wishes that fell over the entirety of Hope Valley and its surrounding landscape. The air was fresh, filled with the luscious scents of the many blooming wildflowers filling the meadows. While the gentlest of breezes were rustling through the many bright green trees, laden with their dancing leaves so full, it was difficult to find a single spot of the brown barked branch left uncovered.
By noon, the sky had turned the most brilliant shades of blue, filled with beautiful, puffy clouds that resembled cotton candy flitting across the sky, dancing in celebration of the day while heralding unbridled joy for all ages.
It was the type of lazy summer day where most of Hope Valley's children were sprawled out in the park on quilts, laughing together while catching up with each other, letting their imaginations catch fire as they looked up to the skies and saw the magnificent clouds floating above them:
"That one's a Pirate Ship searching for buried treasure!"
"And that one's a Castle! Wonder if the beautiful Princess is inside?"
"I love that wispy cloud! It looks like a Bride's Veil! Do you think Mrs. Thornton will wear a veil?"
"I don't know. But she sure will be a beautiful Bride!"
"But what are we going to call her?"
"Well, she won't be Mrs. Thornton any longer!"
"No, now she'll be Mrs. Grant!"
"Thank goodness!"
"What do you mean?"
"No offense, and don't get me wrong, because I like Governor Bouchard and all. But Mrs. Thornton just never looked like she could be a Bouchard. I don't know, she never seemed truly happy back then. Besides, who wants to be saying that name all day long?"
"I know! Thornton was hard enough to learn!"
"Toby, you'd better not tell our governor that Bouchard stuff! He might not be amused!"
"Well, all's well that ends well because I like plain old Grant the best of all!"
"I think we all do, if we're being honest!"
"Even Mrs. Thornton! She seems elated now!"
"Grant sure is a whole lot easier to say!"
"And I like our Constable best for her. Though he's not really our Constable anymore!"
"The most important thing of all is that all of them seem really, really happy now!"
"And let's be honest, our teacher being super happy makes things a whole lot better for everybody!"
"Hey, why don't we all go together in a couple of the carriages this evening so we can sit together and support both Allie, our Teacher, and our Mountie?"
"Don't forget, Little Jack! He'll be coming to school when it starts this year, too."
"Well, Allie and us girls love him and already include him in everything."
"Yeah, and you boys need to do the same!"
"It's going to be hard on him with his Mama being the teacher."
"Well, she's going to be Allie's Mama too! I wonder if that will be tricky for her."
"Not if we don't let it be."
"In lots of ways, Mrs. Thornton sort of already has been her Mama, and that makes me happy because Allie needed her love. But then again, who doesn't love Allie? She's always helping people, just like her Dad. Well, not with guns and things, but you know what I mean!"
Up on the Boardwalk, happy chatter along with laughter filled the air as the adult townspeople languidly sat at the little tables spread out, drinking their tall glasses of refreshing iced tea that Minnie had flavored with huge slices of lemon, lime, orange, and even spears of pineapple, only adding to the ambiance of the already perfect leisurely summer day.
Conversations were animated and excited in anticipation of the special celebrations the evening would bring.
Now, the early evening sky was about to arrive, offering the softest wisps of oranges, pinks, and lavender, providing only the faintest of hints as to what this magical evening would bring to Rose Valley.
Soon, everyone would be scurrying home to get dressed in their finest and then quickly coming back into town to board their carriages.
Clearly, it was time for the Grant Wedding to come together with everyone from the Bridal Couple to the Families, to the Attendants, to the Guests, all enormously animated and ready for this big, much-awaited event…
At the same time, many of the Grant Wedding Guests were already arriving at Rose Valley via their carriage caravans.
They were driven by professional drivers who were proficient in offering the most scenic and most timely route to Rose Valley for the many elated guests attending.
On the way, they shared stories with their passengers, particularly a most romantic one as related to the Bride and Groom, the evening, and the venue:
"Delightfully, we carriage drivers have been told the Bride and Groom share Rose Valley, our gorgeous destination, as their special place.
It's the same place the Groom discovered quite some time ago on his rounds and later visited many times alone for solace, solitude, and reflection, a hidden place really known only to him. While there, he was inspired to officially name the special place 'Rose Valley,' in honor of both his Bride and Daughter, reflecting their shared middle name of Rose.
Much later, this same favorite spot of the Groom is where he brought his Bride for their first official date! They say on that night, there was a magical display of color in the sunset like neither had ever seen before, as though it was a gift from God, blessing them as they sorted through their difficulties. Later, they most romantically danced under the moon and stars, with the Groom serenading his Bride. And yes, we were told he sang to her as there was no music except from within their loving hearts!
A week or so later, the Groom brought his Bride back to this same spot, along with their two children, to propose to her and celebrate their engagement and coming together as both a couple and a family.
This is their beautiful story, full of love and romance in one of the most romantic settings imaginable, Rose Valley, their special place! And that's what they wish to share with you tonight – the beauty and romance of their favorite spot, as well as their deep love for each other!"
Their passengers were so deeply touched to learn at least this much, but even more so that they were honored guests. Though they had pretty much-taken matters into their own hands and insisted on being there whether invited or not, they had ultimately been welcomed by the Bride and Groom, both of whom they loved dearly. They offered so many positive comments upon hearing the couple's story, grateful for the sharing of it:
"What a beautiful gift of a story to share with us Wedding Guests!"
"That the Bride and Groom are willing to share their delightful and romantic tale is simply awe-inspiring!"
"And so heartwarming!"
"How very lovely, indeed!"
"And to think all of this romance was going on right here in our little town!"
"If two people were ever meant to be together, it is certainly these two!"
"Knowing Nathan and Elizabeth's historical story, as well as this new story you are just telling us now, makes this special evening so much more meaningful and perfect!"
"Thank you, and thank them for sharing their lovely story with us!"
"Cannot wait to see Rose Valley, now!"
"Not to mention that this evening, Rose Valley is appropriately and delightedly the site where our entire Valley is celebrating the Wedding of this special couple we love so much!"
"Don't forget their sweet family, whom we also love!"
"All four of whom we love so much!"
"Yes! Tonight, they are also officially forming the sweetest family ever via their Children's Adoptions!"
"To see Allie with a Mama and Jack with a Papa is everything!"
"Those two and those four have always belonged together!"
"And all of Hope Valley knew it from the first moment we saw them together!"
"Just thrilled they'll be staying here with us, right here in Hope Valley!"
"Can't imagine Hope Valley without them!"
There were so many more loving comments as well. Little did the soon-to-be Grant Family know how very much they were loved. But that same love they also held for all these dear people.
Upon the Guests' arrival at Rose Valley, they were all warmly welcomed and assisted in departing their carriages, then immediately served cooling drinks of their choice for refreshment after enduring the heat of summer during their transport.
Soon after, they were ushered down a red carpet to the huge raised rock plateau, where they were seated in beautiful gold chairs in semi-circle rows with no sides to choose because that in itself would have been an impossible choice to make! The chairs had been brought in to provide added comfort for the guests to fully experience both the Wedding and Adoption Proceedings, which would be taking place a bit lower, in front of the stunning Wild Rose Garden so that everyone could easily see. But rather than being opulent, the gold simply fit in, while picking up on the many golds in nature.
Many of the guests, once they found their seats, took a few moments to leave their chairs and excitedly meet with friends to explore their new surroundings, amazed at each new discovery!
Nature itself was so stunning around them everywhere they looked that not much was needed in the way of added floral arrangements. Yet still, Grace had seen that the feel of a Wedding Ceremony was present with additional elegant and massive bouquets of roses spread throughout the space, lining the aisle, as well as the back and sides of the seating for the guests, almost replicating the natural rose garden that was already there. Yet, somehow, she had done it in a way as to not overpower nature's beauty in the slightest, as all of it beautifully blended together perfectly!
Additionally, a second red carpet was set up in front of Rose Valley's magnificent Wild Rose Garden, where the couple's actual vows and promises would be made amidst nature's spectacular floral display like no other, solely gifted by God, an altar of nature, so to speak.
This very spot would also be where the children's Adoptions would take place just after the Wedding Ceremony, with a white desk-like table and separate gold chair set up behind where Pastor Canfield would stand, almost covered with roses for Judge Avery to officiate from.
Low lanterns lined both walkways, intermingled with elevated lanterns on lamp posts that had been strategically placed throughout the area so as not to obstruct anyone's view but to assure ambiance as well as lighting for sight and safety since the sky was sure to grow darker after morphing into its colorful celestial display just as the Ceremonies were scheduled to begin.
Organized carriage arrivals came fast and furiously, one after the other, quickly filling the chairs with guests all thrilled to be greeting each other and exchanging happy chatter:
"I don't think any of us have ever seen this area before!"
"And it's more beautiful than I could have ever imagined!"
"What a perfect setting!"
"How did we not know something this spectacular was this close to us?"
"This is absolutely the most stunning place I've ever seen!"
"The natural beauty of this place is simply astounding!"
"It reminds me of the ancient Greek amphitheaters, though this is all God's handiwork and not at all by man!"
"What a magnificent evening this is going to be: free and in the open air, with no stuffiness in sight!"
"An evening full of nature and relaxation enjoying God's handiwork!"
"Filled with a resplendent love that simply had to be written in the stars above us ages ago!"
"How appropriate that Nathan and Elizabeth's vows will be made under those same stars!"
"And that we all get to share so intimately in all of this is so wonderful!"
"As well as witnessing a new family being made official, who have always been meant to be together, right here in this beautiful spot that clearly means so much to them!"
"What could possibly be better?"
"Everything is simply beautiful and elegant but natural, which is so them, and it's all for us to enjoy on this special night!"
"What a beautiful and special treat this is!"
"And as wonderfully as everything fits together, it's the nature around us that takes center stage!"
"I love the beautiful music wafting through the air, compliments of the stringed orchestra and harpist over there!"
"How extraordinary to have that splendid music serenading us out in the middle of nowhere!"
"Just imagine!"
"What a beautiful touch!"
"The music is truly magical, as is this gorgeous setting!"
"The musicians have been playing since before the first guest arrived, or so I'm told, providing a variety of melodies to entertain all!"
"They've even been taking requests!"
"I hear the harpist is a surprise for Nathan and Elizabeth! Supposedly, the Thatchers have also hired a famous male tenor soloist to actually sing the songs the couple have chosen for their Wedding, instead of just having them played by the orchestra as originally planned."
"Wonder what his name is?"
"Whoever it is, I'm sure it will be just like a concert – incredible!"
"I can't wait to hear the soloist singing along with this beautiful music!"
"This is like God's grandest Cathedral, and we are so blessed to be a part of it!"
Needless to say, there was such incredible excitement and joy in the air, with all anxiously awaiting the evening to come…
The next carriage was beautifully decorated with flowers that coordinated with the rich pinks, lavenders, and purples of the Wedding, as the Bride wished to honor the Mountie's Ladies in a special way, positioning them as the last of their guests to arrive just before the parents of the Bridal Couple.
Inside were three new friends who had quickly become very dear to her: the Commissioner's wife, Sarah Donaghy, the Deputy Commissioner's wife, Emily Blevins, and the Chief Superintendent's wife, Maureen O'Reilly, all of whom had most graciously taken the Bride, as an Officer's wife-to-be, under their experienced wings.
And because of their unique bond along with the friendship and understanding the women so freely offered her, Elizabeth already felt so close to them in a way that was undeniable, yet difficult to explain, except that they were irrevocably bonded together by the force of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in which their husbands served as top Officers, forming a brotherhood.
The wives were simply no different, though together they formed a sisterhood, just as strong and just as powerful as that of their husbands.
Each of the three new friends was just as excited as Elizabeth's own family, for that was what they were – each other's Mountie family!
The beautifully decorated carriage was handily brought to a precise stop on the elegant red carpet for the wedding guests, and the women inside could not have been more excited!
Upon their first sight of the location, dressed in their finest and most elegant attire, all three were positively enchanted, delighting in the stunning venue and the celebration at hand.
"Look at all this – it's heavenly - being out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by the most gorgeous scenery imaginable!"
"What a stunning venue!"
"Why, it's positively enchanting!"
Lee, as Mayor and dear Grant family friend, met the sophisticated women at their carriage, welcoming all three, looking quite beautiful.
"It's my distinct honor and privilege to welcome Elizabeth's beautiful sisterhood!" greeted Lee while helping to assist them down from their carriage. "And might I say, you three look amazing! Just enchanting! Welcome to Rose Valley and the Grant's Wedding, like no other!"
"Thank you, Lee! We are positively delighted to be here!" smiled Sarah, speaking up for all three of them.
"This is as beautiful as Elizabeth described," mused Emily.
"Can you imagine having a place like this to enjoy whenever you wished?" asked Maureen. "Why, it reminds me a bit of Ireland, with the gorgeous Wild Roses!"
Smiling, Elizabeth's new friends waved at the crowd, most of whom had gotten to know them from the various town functions they had attended together, and as the Ladies were very kind and friendly, the townspeople had fallen in love with them!
The guests cheerily waved back to their three new elegant friends in a hearty welcome, honored to be sharing this special time with them.
Then Lee proudly escorted all three of them collectively to their special seats of honor, with many of the guests stopping them to chat along the way…
Back in Hope Valley, the long-awaited hour finally arrived, though it felt like the calm after the storm of getting ready, especially since the tiny rowhouses of both the Bride and Groom had pretty much been invaded with both Family and Wedding Attendants!
Promptly at one hour and ten minutes before sunset in Rose Valley, the happy and relaxed Groom, his cerulean eyes twinkling, exited his rowhouse.
He was wearing his distinguished Chief Inspector's dress uniform of Royal Navy, with his many prestigious medals meticulously displayed across his left chest, his shiny saber at his side.
The cap he had not quite yet become accustomed to, he was still holding in hand at his side.
Taking in the beauty of the day, the Groom smiled brilliantly, nodding to his Attendants, all active Mountie Officers, with the exception of one Judge Avery. Though, as the old saying goes, once a Mountie, forever a Mountie. A truth proven over and over again, by those who had taken the oath and never looked back, no matter where life found them.
The Chief's Officer Attendants all stood at attention beside their horses which were lined up in precise order for the procession, all waiting till the Groom mounted, as protocol demanded.
Nathan first took a moment to lovingly caress his faithful steed's neck, whispering a private message in Newton's ear, which the horse seemed to happily understand, responding in high spirits, more than ready to serve his master.
Then, in one fluid motion, Nathan elegantly mounted him as though they were one, reaching once more to caress his faithful steed's neck in gratitude.
At the same time, his esteemed Attendants began mounting their own steeds who had traveled with them on the train for this very purpose.
A month ago, Nathan would never have imagined that the top Mountie brass, all great men, would now be his close colleagues, and even friends, standing up for him at his Wedding as protocol demanded: Commissioner Conrad Donaghy, Deputy Commissioner Hal Blevins, Chief Superintendent Patrick O'Reilly, as well as Judge William Avery, and Sergeant Gabriel Kinslow.
So very much had changed with his recent promotion, yet deep inside, he knew the job was made for him, Military Pomp and Circumstance aside.
As these lawmen of high rank and great power entered into formation, the Chief Inspector's Honorable Mountie Team, all in Dress Red, fell in impressively behind them.
At the same time, the top four Officers' collective Security Teams entered linear formations surrounding them for protection while carrying the Mountie Standards they so dearly adhered to, though also formally so, as protocol demanded.
Observing not far away from Elizabeth's front porch, Eleanor placed her hand on her heart, watching her beloved Son depart.
"What are you doing, Gramma?" asked Allie, slipping outside to spend a quiet moment with the grandmother she adored.
"Look at your Papa, sitting so tall and proud on Newton, ever so handsome! And just as I envisioned, that rather large procession is quite impressive!"
"Woah! That's one massive procession! But I thought all you parents were supposed to be in Rose Valley when they arrived," asked Allie, wondering what had changed.
"Oh, the four of us will be there in plenty of time to see their procession arrive. See, your father and his colleagues are stopping by the land for his new Office Complex to spend some time together and have devotions before traveling on to Rose Valley for the Wedding."
"That's nice! I can't believe we are going to have something so important in Hope Valley!"
"Things have changed a lot for your father and you since the last time I saw you both, though in the best of ways, Allie – and I couldn't be happier for the both of you!"
"Everything is changing, that's for sure, but I'm excited!"
"You should be, Sweetheart! The life your Papa and you have dreamed about is finally here. You're going to be a complete family, with a Mama and the cutest Little Brother ever!"
Allie giggled.
"Nobody can help but love Jack, and I do so very much, Gramma. Mama too. Though, between us, it took a while to trust her again after she hurt Papa so badly. And I guess me too."
"Ah, all those pesky grown-up problems that cause so many unintended issues," she smiled, then grew serious. "But do you trust her, Allie? Completely?"
"Yes, Ma'am, I do! And the truth is I love her too. Always have, even when I was angry with her!"
"Well, the one thing I know for certain is that through everything, she has always loved you, Sweetie! As well as my son, and that counts for an awful lot."
Eleanor put her arm around her granddaughter.
"Allie, you look so very beautiful! Just like your mother!"
"Thank you, Gramma! I hope I look like her – Papa always tells me I do!"
"He's absolutely right! You know, it's funny, your mother had very dark hair, but as much as you look like her, and you do very much so in bone structure and features, you have your new Mama's coloring. I think your mother would love that! Like it's meant to be, Allison Rose!"
"I love you, Gramma!"
"And I love you to the moon and back a million times over! Always and forever, my Child!"
"Me too, Gramma, forever and ever! I'd better go back in now and see if Mama needs anything! Want to come back in with me?"
"I think I'll enjoy the quiet and watch just a bit longer. But I'll be in soon so we parents can leave together!"
As Allie went back inside, Eleanor thought about how grateful she was for Nathan and Allie's new life. She also found herself being grateful that, professionally, her son was clearly receiving the honor and support of his colleagues, all surrounding and supporting him with deep respect.
This was truly a new day.
But being the loving mother she was, there was a corner of her heart that was heavy, and so she prayed aloud.
"Dear God, fill the hole in my Son's heart today, the one he mentioned earlier. Please let him, his father, Allie, and me all somehow know our beloved Colleen is standing there with him, sharing in this the most special and important day of his life!"
Eleanor lifted her head, looking up to the beautiful, crystal blue sky overhead, missing her beautiful daughter so very much.
Suddenly and most remarkably, two cardinals flew past her, demanding her attention, one male and one female.
Oddly, instead of flying on, both circled back and landed on the Bride's front porch steps in front of her, furiously chirping away as though they were trying to tell her something.
"Could this possibly be an answer to my prayer?" she wondered aloud.
Suddenly, she knew that it was indeed.
"You're telling me both Collie and Jack are here with us," she whispered incredulously, "and all is right in the world!"
She was correct in more ways than she knew.
But what she knew was enough, her faith holding firm through the unknown…