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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Seventy-nine
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The Grant Wedding
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Part III
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As the remaining golden blur of the sun began its slow dip in the sky, extraordinary colors of gold, pinks, reds, and lavenders began to appear ever so slowly across the heavens as if by a magic paintbrush, causing gasps of delight throughout the gathering.
In the distance, the steady sound of pounding hoofbeats rhythmically drew nearer and nearer, also captivating the guests' attention while building excitement with heady anticipation of all that was to come.
Rounding a small bend, the Men's Formal Procession on Horseback suddenly and proudly came into the gathering's sight, which, as Military Protocol demanded, was the most formal part of the entire evening!
And what a glorious sight it was!
Masterfully leading the huge procession in Military Precision was the distinguished and strikingly handsome Groom, attired in his brand-new Navy Serge Dress Uniform of Chief Inspector that the townspeople, including said Chief Inspector himself, were still getting used to since all of them were much more used to his former bright Red Serge.
Though that was true, no one could deny he was looking quite regal in his new Royal Navy with all his medals on full display across his chest, sitting elegantly and familiarly astride Newton.
Behind him were his most Honorable Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, followed by the Chief Superintendent, all in their Navy Dress Uniforms like the Groom's.
They were followed by Judge Avery and Sergeant Kinslow, both in their Red Serge Dress Uniforms.
And although it was true that the higher officers were more heavily medaled, there were still plenty of medals for all.
The Groom's own Honorable Regiment immediately followed the top brass, led by the Chief's very capable Staff Sergeant Valen and his Team, also in their more familiar Red Serge Dress Uniforms, all in perfect formation.
Both Military Segments, along with the Groom as their leader, were surrounded by the combined and rather large imposing group of Security Team Members that were required for all four top officers.
Security was dressed in their version of Dark Dress Uniforms, also riding flank in perfect rows surrounding the Mounties, carrying their various Mountie flag standards, which were waving so gallantly via the gentle breezes encircling them.
It was a grand and regal procession like no other Hope Valley had seen, causing all to stand in awe, as well as pride of patriotism.
With the Men nearing, the processional music of "Pachelbel's Canon in D Major" began to ring out again over Rose Valley, heralding none other than the arrival of the Groom. (*156)
The moment the Groom appeared, he elegantly dismounted his steed in one fell swoop, leaving everyone's eyes on him!
Though personally, the Chief preferred not being the center of attention, he was used to it while in Military Formation. Which somehow helped to further relax him this evening, as this was his norm in Dress Uniform, no matter its color.
Surprisingly relaxed to the townspeople, he smiled and waved as calmly as if he had been greeting them, the citizens he protected, as though they both were on the familiar streets of Hope Valley.
The audience couldn't help but respond by welcoming their beloved officer, who happened to be the man of the hour, via standing with spontaneous and thunderous applause, of course, making him blush with embarrassment.
But the truth was, all of Hope Valley had never seen this man so blissfully happy as he was at this moment, and for that, they were most grateful, in turn, just as thrilled for him as he was for himself!
And especially so, to be celebrating right along with this man they held in such high esteem.
In their view, Nathan Grant deserved every happiness, and they were thrilled to see that after years of pain, their Mountie was now truly and openly loved by the one he adored.
This was the man who would always be their beloved Constable, now their beloved Chief Inspector, no matter how high his rank or tasks at hand. Having given years of service protecting them, they felt he still simply belonged to them, always as their ultimate authority of the law. And that, they took comfort in, as their given constant, knowing with him near, they would always remain safe.
They were also thrilled that he and their beloved School Teacher, whom everyone believed belonged together, were finally giving in to the depth of their feelings of love for each other; a special love that the entire town had always known was there between them.
Indeed, this was a most spectacular evening for all of the town to be celebrating together, for in many ways, they had lived this oft tenuous love story, too, and were more than proud to see it to loving fruition!
Though remarkably, no one had ever once doubted its fated goodness and truth, believing instead this very night was in their future, even before the couple themselves knew it to be true!
The processional music became louder as the Groom now stood at attention by a tethered Newton, waiting for his Attendants to join him and fall in formation, marching behind him.
Once the Officers all dismounted, having sequentially tied their horses to the posts that had been installed just for this purpose, they stood at attention by their respective steeds.
With a subtle nod, Nathan then signaled to his Men.
In concise Military Precision, the Groom began leading their formal march along the red carpet before the Wild Rose Garden, each Officer stepping out behind him sequentially, falling into the exact marching distance to span the length of the aisle behind him.
The shiny sabers at each Mountie's side glistened under the setting sun, exemplifying vibrant hues of pinks, lavenders, and gold, creating a mesmerizing, dancing spectacle of reflection as the Men moved, which only added to the intrigue of the evening.
With their march complete, the Groom suddenly called, "Halt, About Turn!"
The Men were now just to the left of the Rev. Joseph Canfield, who was standing in the very center of the front of the Wild Rose Garden, having taken his place just prior to their arrival in order to officially welcome both the Groom and his Groomsmen.
This command also automatically and intriguingly allowed each Officer to end up in their exact places and in their precise order of standing with the Groom first, facing the spot, in expectant anticipation, where the Bride and her Attendants would soon arrive.
Behind the Groom, his supporters were in order according to protocol: first Conrad, his Commissioner; second Hal, his Deputy Commissioner; third Patrick, their Chief Superintendent; fourth Bill, former Inspector now Judge and adoptive father; and fifth Gabriel, known as Gabe, Sergeant and best friend from the Groom's Mountie training days.
The Chief Inspector's own team of Men, led by his Staff Sergeant, known affectionately as Finn, then formerly dismounted in unison and, in a symbolic show of support, followed their Leader to the right in the exact same previous formation as the Groom, with the entire team following precisely behind.
Abruptly, Staff Sergeant Valen, too, called, "Halt, About Turn!"
At his lead, his Men turned and marched in perfect formation back to the left, where they were seated according to protocol to wait for the Wedding Recessional and their all-important role of conducting the Wedding Arch of Sabers. (*157)
This age-old practice, according to regulation, was required as a time-honored Mountie tradition that had to take place prior to granting the Bride and Groom clearance to leave their Wedding venue.
It was a beautiful, time-honored tradition and a rite of passage that was enthusiastically and strictly adhered to by the Groom's peers, no matter how high the rank.
The protocol, though lasting only a few moments, never failed to mesmerize everyone in attendance.
There was a comfort of tradition, knowing it would be taking place later, on this most beautiful of evenings, as the perfect climax to the ending of the Wedding Ceremony, prior to leaving back to Hope Valley and the Wedding Reception, which was most happily and uniquely planned to be simply a huge party for all to enjoy!
But for now, the elated Groom had arrived for his Wedding!
And though quite elegantly so in formal Military Dress and Manner, he was innately calm, relaxed, and joyfully expectant, though in an easy manner, taking the lead in setting what would now be the casual, comfortable, and informal tone for the evening, about to be experienced beautifully and lovingly by all in attendance...
Next, the gorgeous embellished Bridal Attendants' carriage rounded the bend and suddenly appeared for all the guests to see, while Viola, Julie, Rosemary, and Lillian, anxious to be seeing Rose Valley for the very first time, were also filled with whispers of amazement!
The Ladies could not have looked more stunning nor have been more excited as they casually smiled and waved to the crowd in their gowns of varied colors, elegantly reflecting the colors of the Garden before them and the Skies above them!
As their carriage came to a stop, Lord Etherington was standing ready to greet them, as well as assist all the Ladies in disembarking their carriage.
The beautiful Attendants were all dressed in the same style of splendidly designed Parisienne couture gowns, which had drop banded 'sleeves' that fell on their arms just below their shoulders. The fitted bodice had a sweetheart neckline and a full-waisted skirt that fell into a flowing built-in but shorter train. The gowns were made of elegant, diaphanous tuille embellished in its entirety with stunning hand-made three-dimensional roses, unique to this particular design.
But in an effort to replicate the Wild Rose Garden itself, each Attendant was wearing their favorite of the Wedding colors: from a pink to a rose pink, to a French Blue, to a Lavender Blue, then to a deeper lavender with more of a purple shade.
In doing so, not only did the Bride's Attendants perfectly complement the Grant's Garden Wedding and romantic Colors of Nature, especially this evening's glorious sunset, but the shades of their gowns were also designed to coordinate perfectly with Rose Valley's Wild Roses, as well as both the Mounties' Navy and Red Dress Uniforms, reinforcing the Wild Rose Garden as the central focus of this mostly informal family affair.
Each appeared completely enchanting, comfortable, and relaxed while looking amazing, as though the Parisienne design with its various hues had been created perfectly for each of them.
The overall glorious feel was as though they were attending a fancy dress picnic rather than a stuffy ceremony of any sort.
Which was actually perfect, as there was absolutely nothing stuffy about the Wild Rose Garden nor the Bride and Groom whose Wedding this night belonged to.
The Attendants all wore their hair up, but in beautiful and very chic low loose chignons that further emphasized the informality of the evening. Their hairdos were held at their neck with surprise antique pearl combs that matched their antique pearl bracelets, also generously and thoughtfully gifted by the Bride.
Only Allie, the main Attendant of the evening, who was coming later with her Mama, had opted to wear her hair half-back, still using her gifted pearl comb but leaving most of her hair falling beautifully down her back, just like her Papa loved it.
For all the Attendants, wisps of tendrils beautifully framed their faces, and they couldn't have looked more comfortable nor more like the picture of summer in their simple, classically styled, fluttery, filmy garden gowns – which couldn't have possibly been more perfect for Rose Valley.
Collectively, the Ladies all smiled and waved at the crowd once more.
While the Groom and his Attendants remained at attention, anxiously awaiting the Bridal carriage and the Groom's Bride, with the processional music still playing beautifully in the background, continuing to feature the orchestra's lovely harpist…
Moments later, excitement grew throughout the crowd, with whispered murmurs of anticipation, as the Bridal Carriage came into sight, beautifully bedecked in all colors of wild roses just like the exquisite garden all the guests were currently viewing.
The processional music suddenly grew louder, and as the Child Attendants caught sight of the crowd, they began to sweetly wave from the carriage, with the Bride and Allie, as her main Attendant, looking on lovingly with pure joy.
As the Bridal carriage drew to a stop, William Thatcher, Father-of-the-Bride, enthusiastically and in a most stately manner, met the carriage, but stood to the side, waiting to assist the Bride and her main Attendant, after Lionel helped all the children disembark.
But not before Scout immediately found his Master, exiting the carriage first, and running straight to the Groom as fast as he could, plopping himself down at his Master's feet.
How the Groom and his Groomsman kept a straight face, the entirety of Hope Valley would never understand as the guests were all full of giggles and chuckles, especially since they were all very familiar with the antics of their Chief's failed Mountie Dog, who at least had grown to love his Mountie very much!
The townspeople also knew, in most likelihood, that it had been Master Jack who had lured Scout to the Wedding, as he had undoubtedly been an unintentional guest, but guest nevertheless, now proudly taking center stage.
First out of the carriage was adorable Goldie, in her sweetest white empire waist dress, with little puffy short sleeves trimmed all over in tiny pink rosebuds with little green leaves.
Lionel lifted her down and held her lovingly as she waited patiently in his arms, clapping her little hands enthusiastically as soon as Tori, her new best friend, was lifted down, looking beautiful in her more grown-up version of her own white dress trimmed all over in larger pink rosebuds.
After the 'Ladies,' then Jack, in his navy Mountie Dress Uniform just like his Papa's, Goldie's first and best friend, was helped out of the carriage.
The entire town oohed and aahed over Jack's miniature uniform, which was an exact replica of the real thing, knowing how very proud both of his Papas now had to be. He was cute as a button. And though he mimicked his new Papa in every way he could, he was the spitting image of his birth Papa in looks.
With Jack growing older, it was more and more like having his father back, especially since his son seemed to have Jack Senior's same sense of playfulness coupled with rambunctiousness!
Everyone could also tell that Goldie and Tori had become fast friends in the carriage with Jack leading the charge, as the children, chattering away with each other, instantly decided on their own that it made perfect sense for all three to walk down the aisle together, as the older two felt sure their Goldie needed help!
Everyone could tell it was very much a spur-of-the-moment executive decision made mostly by Jack and Tori, with their Grandparents and most guests chuckling proudly.
And because this was still very much the informal Wedding that the Bride and Groom had originally imagined, though with lots more people and, of course, most likely minus their dog, the Bride and Groom planned to be thoroughly charmed by anything that was meant to happen.
And yes, that included even Scout's unexpected arrival! Or Jack's redirecting the procession on the fly.
Truthfully, the Bridal Couple was so relaxed and trusting that they hadn't even done a run-through except for the Military plans that had to be so-so. Everything else was just to happen naturally, according to a very minimal and flexible list that had chagrined Rosemary, their Wedding planner, to no end. But the Bride and Groom's insistence on an informal air had prevailed.
"Rosemary, whatever happens, will end up being much more fun and relaxed with everyone just being themselves," insisted the Bride and Groom, practically in unison.
Hence, at their directive, there were no rules, only that love would more than adequately take care of the entire evening, or so the couple thought.
Admittedly, but also good-naturedly, perhaps, they hadn't thought of a few little issues related to expected normal behavior, which their Jack thoroughly chose to ignore!
Still, the Bride and Groom rightfully believed flexibility and love would allow for all sorts of magical happenings, providing an informal, almost casual time together to be enjoyed by all!
Especially so for the Bride and Groom, who would genuinely remember this day and night for a lifetime, most importantly including their love for each other and all those attending, as well as their great support...
William first delightedly lifted his beautiful new granddaughter, Allie, Special Attendant to the Bride, down from the carriage.
Once on the ground, he proudly kissed her on both cheeks and heartily embraced her, his love clear for all to see as his now eldest grandchild; then he lifted his arms to assist his daughter, the gorgeous Bride.
Elizabeth stood by her proud and teary-eyed father, kissing his cheek in gratitude. She was so thankful this time around that his tears were tears of pride and joy!
Then her eyes instantly went to her Groom, who was already taking in the vision that was his Bride from head to toe.
She beamed as she thought about the many times she had noticed his eyes glancing lovingly up and down her, though oddly always to her face, in a most appreciative, loving way, making her feel more treasured than she had a right to!
"You are a vision," he mouthed to her from afar, causing her smile to grow even broader and sweeter, as pleasing him had been her only goal.
And he was right.
She was breathtaking and positively radiant all at once in a white Couture Gown that made her feel like a princess!
The Bride's Gown had a hand-tatted lace bodice of the finest lace that covered the sweetheart neckline of silky under fabric, forming a bateau overlay neckline of lace edged in scallops across the front. The lace also formed the sheer long lace sleeves that reached the wrists and below, in the same rose pattern, spilling down randomly as appliques onto the peau de soie silk full skirt that had been formed into large, broad pleats all around but placed elegantly low, below the waist.
All this fell beautifully into a mid-length rounded train, otherwise known as a shortened Cathedral Train, which was much more suitable for walking the Garden Path. Thankfully, that extra fabric could be pulled to the side and fastened up with a buttoned loop, later for dancing with her Groom.
The front was classic yet stunning in a simple, elegant way.
But the back was the real star, though, truthfully, it was barely there!
The Groom could not yet see the main event, as the lace curved from the front down the sides of his Bride's bare back with the lace edged in scallops angled down the sides, just as it did across the bateau front neckline. The back of the underskirt rose above the waist to meet the v of the two angled lace panels, not only showing the Bride's beautiful bare back but forming a cumberbund sash of sorts with the tiniest pearl buttons there, covered by the lace, which also fell randomly as appliques onto the skirt's pleats, just as it did in the front.
The Gown was elegant enough for a Royal Wedding but casually elegant enough for a Summer Garden Wedding, and everyone who saw it thought it was so perfectly suited that it had to have been made for this Bride with only this event in mind!
Though he still couldn't see the back, the Groom could tell his Bride's hairstyle had soft, wispy tendrils framing her face, but the length of her hair was caught up in a French Twist because she had worn it that way to see if he liked it and he had loved it! Her long single veil fell down the center of the back and was sheer enough not to hide any of the Bridal gown's luscious back detail.
The Bride wore white silk heels covered in the same lace as her Gown and carried a bouquet of long-stemmed white roses caught together in a white satin streaming ribbon!
She accessorized by wearing the Groom's treasured Wedding gift of the most gorgeous Diamond Earrings made to perfectly match her Engagement Ring, which sparkled so brilliantly under the setting sun, as well as the Diamond Bracelet made to match her, as of yet, unseen Wedding Band. Around her neck was her Mother's Pearl Necklace with a Diamond Cross Pendant, much beloved by her daughter, the Bride.
The Groom, completely mesmerized, had never seen anyone look as lovely as this.
From that moment on, their eyes locked, never once leaving each other!
Well, once for a minute or so, but that was due to Master Jack's unforeseen antics!
The look between the Bridal Couple was simply resplendent, shining with pure love for all to see.
The joy on their faces, both indescribable and sacrosanct, was between only them.
Suddenly, just as they had imagined, no one else existed, only the two of them about to be married before God and their families.
And in this instant, the evening became the tiny family Wedding they had dreamed of, with just a 'few' extra extended family present, offering them even more love and support...
The processional began now playing slightly louder for the Bridesmaids' and Matron of Honors' entrance, but still in a charming, welcoming, informal way.
First, to come down the garden path were the Bride's Adult Attendants carrying their natural bouquets of wild long-stemmed roses tied with a single silk ribbon, both corresponding to the exact color of each of their gowns.
That was Gabe's cue to be the first to break the men's line and walk over to greet his fiancée, Lillian, in welcome.
With both smiling, Gabe kissed his beloved on her cheek, then gallantly offered his arm and escorted her down the garden path, most happily and proudly, to stand at his comparable spot, but on the Bride's side. Smiling once more, he then left her to return to his own place in support of the Groom.
Second, Bill broke the men's line and walked to the female attendants, where he kissed Rosemary on the cheek, his partner in crime-solving, and gallantly offered his arm, happily and proudly escorting her down the garden path, to the spot on the Bride's side that coordinated with his own. He then returned to his own place in support of the Groom.
Third, Patrick broke rank and walked to the female attendants, where he kissed Julie on the cheek and proudly offered his arm. The two smiled brilliantly as he happily and proudly walked the Bride's youngest sister, there to support her, Ellabeth, to his corresponding spot on the Bride's side. Then he, too, returned to his place to support the Groom.
Fourth, Hal broke rank and walked to the remaining female attendant, the Bride's eldest sister, and most happily offered his arm to Viola, who had traveled halfway around the world to be here just to support her middle sister, her Beth! And if truth be known, the Deputy Commissioner was quite proud he had been chosen to escort Lady Etherington.
Next came the children, as adorably as could be.
Little Jack and Tori stuck to their previously determined plan of escorting Little Goldie between them. But since after a few steps, she was still shy about tossing the wild rose petals, both of them took over the job of throwing her flower petals for her, Tori in particular doing so very elegantly.
But finally, Jack, realizing there were lots more petals to toss and not a lot of time, simply stuffed the ring pillow under his left arm with not two but three rings precipitously dangling in order to better assist Goldie in getting the job done, by vigorously using his right pitching arm just like his new Papa had taught him, to the crowd's hilarious delight!
Only Nathan's distracted eyes showed his surprise but also a huge bit of pride. No one could deny his son could pitch and eventually would be doing so with the best of them!
Although the crowd wasn't as successful at holding back their laughter, the Bride simply hid her face in her father's shoulder, wincing till she could look at Nathan again without cracking up.
Her arduous job, now completed with help from her friends, Little Goldie toddled straight to her Mama, to Rosemary's great delight. She picked her Little One up and cooed over her daughter's great job, allowing the child to play with her wild rose bouquet and ribbon, as well as her pearl bracelets.
Finally, Mother and Daughter were happily and sweetly reunited!
Tori, very grown up, stood in front of her mother, who proudly wrapped her free arm around her daughter.
And Jack, well, he ran straight toward his Papa but stopped short before he reached him, realizing since he was in Dress Uniform and there were an awful lot of important Mounties present, he'd better salute!
So, salute he did, though unexpectedly so, with the Officers not knowing exactly what to do, till the Groom crisply returned his son's salute, with the Men joining him at the exact same time.
Jack then proudly ran to his Papa, the Groom, and heartily embraced him. He then turned around to stand in front of him, with Nathan proudly placing his hands on his Son's shoulders!
Next, Jack realized he needed to greet Scout and quickly bent to pet him.
But Scout had other ideas.
The dog could clearly see that his Allie was preparing to walk down the garden path, which left Scout feeling certain he needed to escort her, too!
And on a much grander scale, as Allie was coming up next, it was as though nature, along with Scout, knew the import of what was happening, with a kaleidoscope of magical colors stunningly flashed across the skies, to the oohs and aahs of the many guests, a special Wedding Gift from the hand of God!
Just as everyone stood for the Special Maid of Honor as well as the radiant Bride, Scout ran speedily to greet them.
Both the Bride and her Special Attendant first took time to lovingly greet him in return.
Then Conrad, the Commissioner, doing his best to keep a straight face, proudly stepped out and walked to greet Allie, first kissing her on the cheek, delightedly offering his arm to her, then proudly walking her to his counterspot, on the Bride's side, where she would stand proudly next to her Mama, supporting her in full.
Once positioned, Allie realized she had to get Scout's attention, or he would be walking down the garden path one more time, but this time with her Mama, the Bride, and Grandpapa, the Father of the Bride.
So, she quietly tapped her thigh and prayed that somehow her dog would hear.
Thankfully, he did and came running back to his Mistress's side, to her great relief!
Next, the music came to a full crescendo, announcing the arrival of the Bride.
All Attendants' eyes, as well as all guests' eyes, who were now standing with them, were on the radiant Bride, with her Father, William, proudly and lovingly walking his Lilibet down the aisle.
Seeing her come closer, the Groom couldn't leave her eyes, knowing she looked resplendent while knowing her gown was spectacular and just for him, realizing her veil was positioned so he could see her face in all its beauty.
Yet, at this moment, he only knew their eyes were locked in love with each other.
Later, both knew he would see and appreciate every single detail of her gown up close, as well as her veil and accessories. But for now, all he could see and love was her.
And the same was true that all the Bride could see and love was him.
Still, remarkably, not a single nerve was being experienced by either of them, nor would there be during the entire evening and night to come.
For now, their eyes were simply locked in a world that was theirs alone!
When the Bride and her Father reached the natural altar where she was to stand with her Groom, William lovingly kissed his daughter, proudly embraced his new Son, then delightedly placed both his Lilibet's hands in Nathan's much larger ones, clasping his own over them both.
"May your every wonderful dream come true! With all my blessings and love to both of you! Welcome to the Family, Son!"
And then, with an earnest smile, William turned to join his wife.
At the same time, Jack, who was supposed to wander over to stand in front of his Uncle Bill, realized that in doing so, he would be giving up his first-place spot, just like his Allie had next to his Mama. Shouldn't he be next to his Papa, too?
Jack quickly looked up at the Commissioner, who was looking straight ahead at the Groom and Bride. In order to get his attention, he simply slipped his little hand into this large man's huge one and stood by him so that he could stay next to his Papa, like he was sure every good son should do!
The Commissioner broke protocol long enough to 'welcome' Jack, placing him a bit in front of him so the boy could better see while still holding his hand for sweet support…
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156. "Pachelbel's Canon in D Major," music composed by Johann Pachelbel, lyrics by Johann Pachelbel and Emily Anne Shulz; though origins and composition date are unclear, the piece is thought to have been written around 1680 or 1696 in the late 17th or early 18th century; the oldest surviving manuscript copy is from the 19th century; though unlikely, the piece is thought to be a wedding gift for the wedding of Johann Sebastian Bach's older brother, Johann Christoph, who studied with Pachelbel, a 17th century German composer who was a virtuoso organist and a major contributor to the development of baroque keyboard music. The piece has become a popular wedding song, often used for the processional and recessional. Public Domain.
157. "Wedding Arch of Sabers," the custom of using the military arch of sabers to honor a newly married couple occurs after the couple leaves the church, with them walking under or through an 'arch of raised sabers;' this symbolizes that the couple will be together forever; the custom originated in Spain and could date back to the medieval period, though some reports see it as a medieval revival in the 19th century. Public Domain Information.