Epic Love: Nathan & Elizabeth Chapter 80, a when calls the heart fanfic

Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love

Chapter Eighty

The Grant Wedding

Part IV

Nathan, unable to see Jack behind him, smiled at his Lizbeth and took her hands, simply saying, "Hi, there!"

She beamed, saying "Hi, there!" back, ever so lovingly, as he took both her hands.

But then she remembered her promise to Eleanor.

"Darling, the cardinals are back in Hope Valley!" she whispered.

Smiling broadly, he raised her right hand to kiss it in acknowledgment, both grateful for all that meant.

Standing across from each other but closely so, both hands again enclasped with each other's, Pastor Canfield spoke:

"Let us, please, remain standing and all pray the Lord's Prayer together."

Matthew 6:9–13: "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (*158)

"Dear Friends, please be seated as our Soloist shares with us a favorite hymn of the Bride and Groom."

Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown. (*159)

"Friends, we come together tonight in this most magnificent space, a Cathedral of Nature if you will, showing God's magnificent handiwork. It is inevitable that in being surrounded by his glorious works, we are somehow miraculously drawn closer to him on this most important occasion to celebrate his greatest gift of perfect love. And for that, we are most grateful."

"Nathan Alexander Grant and Elizabeth Rose Thatcher Thornton have jubilantly come to me as imperfect beings, asking me to join them in holy matrimony, sealing a boundless, perfect, and epic love that we all know was fated in the stars long, long ago, belonging only to these two standing before me."

"Imperfect humans, yes, they would be the first to tell you so, though the love that binds them together is as perfect and pure as this earth gets."

"They only ask tonight that you relax and enjoy the many gifts of nature that so beautifully and blissfully surround each of you tonight, as well as to celebrate the love all of you have entwined for them and for each other."

"Henry Gowan, would you please come and read our Wedding Scripture, which most appropriately has to do with 'Perfect Love,' that most thankfully, the Holy Bible tells us does indeed exist."

Henry walked to nature's Altar, shook Nathan's hand, kissed Elizabeth's cheek, and then stood by Pastor Canfield, his personal friend, to read the requested passage, this couple's chosen Wedding Scripture.

"Most of you know I'm not a talker, but I study things and see things. And I am here because I love these two people dearly, standing with me, who have gone out of their way to help me and befriend me time and again when I didn't deserve any of it, yet still they loved me. It is, therefore, my devout pleasure tonight to have traveled all the way from Capitol City, for I wouldn't have missed seeing this union take place for anything. You see, I have felt the deep, boundless love these two share. I have seen it in action even when they didn't know what to call it, and I can vouch that it is, indeed, a most perfect love. If two people should ever share their lives, their loves together, and their families together, it is these two dear friends of mine with their two children, both of whom I adore," here, the normally stalwart Henry actually shed a tear, roughly clearing his throat.

"Now, not that I consider myself worthy at all, but the Good Book tells us in the book of First Corinthians, Chapter 13, Verses 1- 13:

13Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (*160)

"Now, I beg of you, just remember always, that this Wedding we're so invested in that our Bride and Groom purposely made it open to all of us to share our love with each other. So, no matter who you are or what you do, the greatest of all things is Love! Christ's love. Keep it close each day, and His love will never fail you! Look around you. This magnificent love He has so freely given you to share with each other and support each other simply cannot fail. It's what Hope Valley is all about!"

As Henry humbly left the altar to sit back down with the townspeople, Pastor Canfield stepped in.

"Will the Bride and Groom please kneel before God as our guest soloist sings your favorite Wedding Hymn?"

He then nodded, for the Soloist to stand and sing "O, Perfect Love!"

1 O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,
lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne,
that theirs may be the love which knows no ending,
whom thou in sacred vow dost join in one.

2 O perfect Life, be thou their full assurance
of tender charity and steadfast faith,
of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance,
with childlike trust that fears no pain or death.

3 Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow;
grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife;
grant them the vision of the glorious morrow
that will reveal eternal love and life. (*161)

"And all God's people said 'Amen!'"

"Amen!" answered all the guests as the Groom assisted the Bride in standing, both smiling, still hand in hand, most happily ready to say their vows.

Then Pastor Canfield began the Wedding Vows, but just before he did so, a most unusual thing happened that caused the Bride and Groom to startle for just a moment and at the same time, caused the Mother-of-the-Groom to gasp in both awe and delight.

For the same two cardinals she had seen fly near her earlier, during her earnest prayer, later lighting on Elizabeth's front porch, now were flying over the Bride and Groom, landing on the natural altar before them, one male and one female, both pairs identical in appearance.

And suddenly, Eleanor knew beyond any doubt.

"Thank you, Dearest God! Arch, Colleen and Jack are really here!" she whispered. "I know it's in a different way, but they're really here!"

Archie looked toward the front, realizing his wife was referring to the bright red cardinals now hovering over the Bride and Groom, offering their individual and joint blessings to this most important expression of love and formation of both a couple and family.

And though the town didn't really know why, they knew that something significant was taking place.

Elizabeth and Nathan saw the two bright red cardinals as well and, having understood the importance they played previously in drawing them together, realized instantly their special gift from God was here in Rose Valley on this their Wedding Day, while also exchanging a smile of total relaxation, under a special sky, a gifted masterpiece of magnificent colors.

And yes, with only the two of them understanding the birds' full impact in this, their beautiful garden of nature meant for the exchanging of their vows and the official beginning of their family, now joined by all who were important to them, both Colleen for Nathan, and Jack for Elizabeth, or perhaps it was both Colleen and Jack who were needed for the both of them, in order to completely heal in a way only God knew they needed.

"What a blessed and most precious gift, my Darling!" whispered Nathan.

She could only nod in most grateful astonishment, embracing her Groom in happy tears.

He held her, smiling down at her with such love, so grateful to God for this most special gift only they would understand.

However, Allie, noticing and watching the birds, somehow also sensed what was happening, and both parents smiled, nodding to her and affirming that she was right.

She smiled radiantly back at her parents, feeling the presence of both her mother and Jack's father. Allie found herself wishing Jack was older so he, too, could truly experience the family's gift.

For now, he was just pointing at two beautiful cardinals flying above him.

But as he got older, she would be sure to tell him, somehow allowing him to experience the miracle too while allowing an older version of him to understand the importance of the grand gift the four were being given on this, their special day.

Then Pastor Canfield, also surmising that something special was taking place, began the vows in earnest.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony. We have witnessed the friendship and love these two have nurtured for each other and their children in God-fearing respect and honor. The handiwork of God took them on a journey that only strengthened Nathan and Elizabeth's love and appreciation for each other and their children. It also taught many of us who observed their unique love story unfold to see God's hand not only on Nathan, Elizabeth, and their children's lives, but on our own as well, by providing a model to give us hope in the eternal love and mercies God has for us, His beloved family. It is my honor, joy, and privilege to unite these two together as one today, with all of you serving as witnesses."

"Therefore, if any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace."

"Nathan Alexander Grant and Elizabeth Rose Thatcher Thornton, do either of you know any impediment, why you may not be lawfully joined together in Holy Matrimony?"

"There is no known impediment," answered Nathan and Elizabeth together.

"Nathan Alexander, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I will."

Elizabeth Rose, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

"I will."

"Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"

William rose from his seat, his rich voice ringing out over the valley, leaving no doubt as to where his feelings stood:

"To this impeccable man, I most happily give my beautiful daughter along with prayers for God's richest blessings on them both."

Pastor Canfield smiled as the couple were still holding hands, and he, therefore, did not have to remind them to take each other's hands.

"Will the Groom please repeat after me?"

"I, Nathan Alexander, take thee, Elizabeth Rose, to be my wedded wife,"

"To have and to hold from this day forward,"

"For better for worse,"

"For richer for poorer,"

"In sickness and in health,"

"To love and to cherish,"

"Till death us do part,"

"According to God's Holy Ordinance;"

"And thereto I plight thee my trough."

"Will the Bride please repeat after me?"

"I, Elizabeth Rose, take thee, Nathan Alexander, to be my wedded husband,"

"To have and to hold from this day forward,"

"For better for worse,"

"For richer for poorer,"

"In sickness and in health,"

"To love, cherish and to obey,"

"Till death us do part,"

"According to God's Holy Ordinance;"

"And thereto I give thee my trough."

"And thereto I give thee my trough." (*162)

"At this time, the Bride and Groom would also like to exchange personal vows."

Pastor Canfield nodded for the Bride to go first.

Elizabeth and Nathan were already holding both of each other's hands, and still their eyes never left each other's.

"Nathan, you have always taken my breath away and given it back a thousandfold. Your exquisite, perfect love is my life's greatest gift, and before it, I only existed. You not only brought me back to life, you have given me a new life, one that is so rich and so full that it astounds me. Your compassion, humility, and patience have shown me an all-encompassing, pure love that lifts me higher than I ever believed possible. And you continue to do so, surprising me in the best of ways each and every day of our lives, always ensuring our love grows deeper even when it seems impossible for it to be any greater. I marvel at the depth and intensity of love we share as true soulmates who connect on every level. So much so that words are seldom needed, though, between us, our words are endless. You are the only person I have ever been able to hold an entire conversation with, in just a single glance. I know deep in my heart God made us for each other, and you were always meant to be my lifetime love. I vow to cherish and love you in the same way you cherish and love me, with all my heart, all my body, and all my soul, while at the same time treasuring every moment I am richly blessed to spend with you! I promise to respect you always while trusting you fully, even through the minor disagreements that will surely arise between two very strong-willed people who love each other so deeply. I promise to always put you first, just as you do with me and the children, as we journey together through all the glorious adventures awaiting us as a couple so epically in love, and a family who has come together after much loss, also with an immense and much-treasured love one for the other! With you, my Darling, I vow to lovingly and proudly dance through this incredible journey of life with you. I am truly blessed, and I could not be prouder to be your wife and the mother of our children!"

Elizabeth reached her right hand to Nathan's face, and as Nathan so often did, he wrapped his large hand around hers, leaving no doubt as to the vast love between them as they looked into each other's eyes.

Then Nathan took both of Elizabeth's hands once again, his voice rich, full, and certain, looking deeply into her ocean-blue eyes.

"Lizbeth, I fell in love with your beauty, your intelligence, and your strength, the moment I met you. There have been so many beautiful strings that have bound us together, even before that first meeting, that if someday you choose to write them in a book, people might say that's impossible. But those strings, as unbelievable as they might be to some, are simply our truth, our epic love story in the making so very long ago. It's taken us a while to get here, but we are so much richer for the journey. You bring the most vivid hues of color, along with joy and purpose, into my life. Together, we are whole, though there is no doubt that you will always be my better half. Your beautiful smile is everything to me, and your sweet, sweet laugh charms me beyond reason. You are and will always be my equal partner in every way, as I am so proud of not only your beauty, but your great intellect, and your strong will to persevere no matter what – your invincibility – though always coupled with your softness. I can't imagine my life being complete without your radiance by my side. You challenge me, inspire me, and push me to be the best I can be in all things! I vow to do the exact same thing for you. You are the woman of my dreams, the mother of my children, both present and those to come. I vow to always put you first, my Darling, and to always protect you and your beautiful heart, along with our wonderful family. I vow to love you to the best of my ability and beyond. And perhaps most importantly, as I promised on the night we became engaged, and now again, in front of all those we love, instead of courting you to marry you, I vow that I am marrying you to court you each and every single day of my life! And I vow also to dance through the glorious adventures of life with you, always, my Love! I could not be prouder to be your husband and the father of our children!"

Nathan then bent and kissed his Bride's forehead once more, ever so tenderly as the treasure he saw her to be…

158. "The Lord's Prayer," found in Matthew 6:9–13, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain.

159. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," a piece of music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, originally appearing as part of his cantata "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben" (BWV 147), written in 1723; while Bach composed the arrangement, the melody itself is attributed to the Hamburg composer Johann Schop, and the text is based on a hymn by Martin Janus titled "Jesu, meiner Seelen Wonne".Public Domain.

160."The Love Chapter," found in The First Book of Corinthians, Chapter 13, Verses 1- 13, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain.

161. "O Perfect Love," hymn written by Dorothy Frances Gurney (1858-1932) for her sister's wedding in 1883. Joseph Barnby (1838-1896) set the words to music in an anthem, which was shortened into a hymn tune in 1890. The hymn was most likely first printed in 1884. For two or three years it was sung privately at many London weddings, and then began making its way into hymnbooks. Public Domain Information.

162. "Service Intro, Vows, Prayers, Communion, and Benediction," throughout Chapters 78 and 79, taken from various types of Wedding Services, primarily Anglican for the Victorian and Edwardian time periods. Public Domain Information.