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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Eighty-three
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The Grant Wedding Reception
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Part I
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The Bridal Carriage Arrival:
As the Bridal Carriage pulled up to The Queen of Hearts, both the Bride and Groom could tell that what Grace called the Cocktail Hour of their Reception was in full swing with tons of chatter and the orchestra's exquisite music playing softly in the background.
"I see our guests are enjoying Mother's fancy Hors d'oeuvres and drinks, though I do hope she didn't go too fancy!" wished the Bride.
"Well, she did ask for my input!"
"And what did you tell her, Love?"
"That we men of the Wild West prefer substantial over fancy when it comes to our food, but that a combo of the two would work quite nicely, as we are also quite adventurous eaters!"
Elizabeth chuckled.
"Oh, how very diplomatic! I am extremely impressed, Dear Husband! So, that's why she loves you so," teased his Bride. "In fact, I think more than me!"
"What can I say? We get along quite famously! I don't know - I think we appreciate each other's directness. Why, your mother already has me penciled in on her dance card at the first party she throws for us in Hamilton!"
"I see! Now, that's even more impressive. Mother doesn't dance with just anyone, you know! But doesn't your Bride have anything to say about this?"
"Normally, yes! But this is my Bride's mother we are talking about. And if there is anything I know for certain, I do not want to get on her bad side! So, if dancing with her pleases her, just like having a 'Butler's Pantry' without a Butler, which I still don't have a clue in this world what that really is, I'm in on both – that and the dancing! Besides, I like her feistiness. Now, I know who you get all yours from, my Love!"
She scrunched her face.
"Is that a compliment or an…"
"A compliment of the highest order," he winked back, quickly interrupting. "Are you ready to join the fray, my Darling?"
"I am so ready! Are you, Love?"
"Hey, I get to dance with my gorgeous Bride and feed her cake with a side of icing on the nose," teased her Groom. "What could possibly be better?"
"Nathan Grant, you wouldn't! Not in my Wedding Gown for our Wedding Photos in front of the entire town and our visiting guests! Right?"
"Well, you know what they say – turnabout is fair play! And if I remember correctly, it's definitely my turn!"
The Bride frantically scoured her partner's eyes in an attempt to determine just how valid her Groom's pseudo-threat was.
And though he let her stew a few seconds longer, he finally came clean.
"Never would I do that, Babe," and here he drew his innocent, handsome face very close to her gorgeous face in what might have been considered a veiled whispered warning yet was causing breathless sensations she'd rather not be feeling at this moment. "Not at our Wedding Reception with the whole Valley present, at least. Unless, of course forced into it by said Bride in self-defense, which would leave me no recourse. But in private or at less momentous events, all is fair game!"
"Private is good! And I love you more than anything in this world," she broke out, so relieved, instantly planting the biggest series of kisses on him of the day.
"Well, that was er…priceless…I'd say," grinning from ear to ear, now knowing her weak spot as well as just how passionately she could sway him when the occasion demanded it!
"I'll work on that 'less momentous events' thing later, Chief Inspector, as the optimal correct answer is always 'in private.' And just so you know, I do have a memory like an elegant elephant, and I will not forget!"
He chuckled.
"Elegant elephant, huh? Why, life with you is going to be so much fun, Mrs. Grant!"
She arrogantly adjusted her veil, purposely without asking for his assistance, in order to fully make her point and change the subject because her new Husband was having way too much fun over this.
"You haven't begun to see fun yet, my Love!" she huffily chided back. "I am fun personified!"
He couldn't help but laugh outright, loving their little tit-for-tat!
"Touche, Mrs. Grant! But for now, I believe we have guests to greet, dances to dance, dinner to eat, and then I'm told there is a rather large cake to cut with my saber to then docilely feed my beautiful and brilliant Bride!"
"Very good, my Darling Husband. I'm game if you are! Just don't forget that docile part for a single second! Understood?"
The Bride's voice was most serious, but her dancing eyes betrayed her, making his eyes sparkle as the Groom lovingly adjusted her veil just so, while amusingly and satirically admiring her beauty and answering her concisely at the same time, with all the love in the world.
"Yes, Ma'am…"
The Bridal Couple's Entrance:
Once out of the Bridal Carriage, at the front door, the Bridal Couple stole one more luscious, private kiss to strengthen their fortitude. Then they jubilantly entered together with Nathan's arm wrapped protectively around her waist as though he'd never let her go, making their Grand Entrance to what was sure to be their epic Reception.
Deafening applause broke out from the crowded and joyous gathering as the orchestra began to play the Bridal Chorus, otherwise known as "Here Comes the Bride," and in this particular case, also the Groom! (*183)
The Bride and Groom smiled warmly, waving to everyone, as their children ran straight to them to offer their usual running hugs and kisses, which were both joyfully given and received!
"Papa, Papa," cried Jack. "How did I do in our Wedding?"
"You did great, Son!" bragged Nathan because, in his heart, Jack had done just that.
"Mama, look, everything is so pretty, and everyone is already having so much fun and loving the party," enthused Allie.
"Oh, look at all the Rose Bouquets everywhere, Allie! And Rose Garlands, too! This is just stunning – like we brought a part of our Wild Rose Garden with us!"
The children, who had been determined to be first in greeting the Bride and Groom, were quickly followed by the Thatchers, including Julie, the Senior Grants, the Etheringtons, the Coulters, Judge Avery, and Henry Gowan, all considered to be family, along with their remaining Attendants, enthusiastically welcoming them as the newly married couple they were.
Though completely deluged, the Bride and Groom took it all in stride, grateful for all their love and support.
"The two of you look splendidly happy, which is such a treat to see, my Loves," beamed Eleanor.
"Eleanor's right. Happiness like yours should be bottled and sold! But, since you, Dears, did not want a receiving line," began Grace, who was still having a bit of angst with that decision. "You may go straight to the dance floor for your very first romantic dance as Bride and Groom!"
"Mother's been panicked that you two would be late to your own reception," giggled Julie.
"Only fashionably so, Jules," mused Viola, taking up for the Bride and Groom. "But what little secret do we have going on here? Sisters do deserve to know all things – it's a rule! And this one looks juicy!"
Nathan and Elizabeth now blushing, as they had just been caught exchanging a surreptitious glance, with both glowing over their recent, sweet memory. Thinking on their feet, they quickly decided some things were better kept private, while secretly loving that their first real dance had been so intimately and romantically alone.
But that didn't mean this public one wouldn't be just as romantic, just in a different sort of way.
"That, my Dear Sister, is perhaps a story better left untold," laughed Elizabeth. "At least not in front of Mother!"
Both Julie and Viola giggled in understanding.
"Mum's the word," they vowed in unison...
The Bridal Couple's First Official Dance:
The orchestra that Grace had housed on the landing of the upper staircase, per Eleanor's suggestion, had never been done before per Rosemary. Yet, the change in location yielded phenomenal acoustics, something Eleanor knew quite a lot about.
As the band began playing the Bride and Groom's first dance song compilation and the famous tenor Eugene Carreau stood to sing its beautiful lyrics of love, Nathan turned to his stunning Bride.
"May I have this dance, Mrs. Grant?" he asked while formally holding out his hand, his eyes twinkling with love.
"'Truly,' 'Always,' Chief Inspector!" she answered coyly, her own eyes glistening. (*184) (*185)
"Very clever, indeed, my Darling!"
The two walked to the dance floor hand in hand, ever so close together, both radiant and looking as stunning as a Bridal Couple could look.
"This is our moment, Love," whispered Elizabeth.
"This is our moment, alone, Love, with just you and me here together," whispered her Groom back, taking her into their special dance hold, clasping her right hand against his heart. "If we make it so!"
Every woman present sighed at the Groom's romantic hold of his Bride, wishing that the loves in their lives would take note and hold them in precisely the same way!
Not to mention the Bride and Groom's constant eye contact and the dreamy looks they seemed to be forever sharing.
As the two were clearly mesmerized with each other, their guests couldn't help but be enchanted!
The band was playing the first beautiful love song chosen by the Bridal Couple to express their love via the lyrics of "Pachelbel's Canon in D Major," their Wedding's processional and recessional music.
Quite simply, as the words rang out so beautifully in that brilliant tenor voice, all else faded away:
[Verse 1]
You are my love, my life, my best chance to live free...
My eyes when I watch the sun setting over the sea,
My lungs when the cool breeze blows softly into me,
You are my ears when I listen to music of ecstasy.
[Verse 2]
My happiness you were, you are and always you will be...
When you laugh, when you sing, when you cry and when you dream
When you are near or when you are far, you always will be, always were
and always are, mi cario, my soul mate,
My number one weakness and my greatest strength.
[Verse 3]
When you were born,
While you live and long after you die, you were,
You are and always will you be mine.
My sweetest sweet, my dearest dear, my only trust and hope after God and my freedom of all fears.
[Verse 4]
Always my Love, no matter how far or how near
The oceans so vast as far as one
can see under the sky so blue and
beyond all the mountains' highest peaks.
So far, deep and long my love for you,
So strong and lasting, so real and truly always. (*186)
The Soloist paused as the Orchestra expertly transitioned from D major to F sharp major, otherwise known as a type of pivot modulation, by using a pivot chord, essentially acting as a bridge between the two chords, to allow a perfectly smooth and unique transition by sharing a composite of notes from both keys, perfectly bridging to the Bridal Couple's second song of choice as a continuation of their first dance, "Always:"
[Verse 1]
Everything went wrong
And the whole day long
I'd feel so blue
For the longest while
I'd forget to smile
Then I met you
Now that my blue days have passed
Now that I've found you at last
[Chorus]
I'll be loving you always
With a love that's true always
When the things you've planned
Need a helping hand
I will understand always, always
Days may not be fair always
That's when I'll be there always
Not for just an hour
Not for just a day
Not for just a year
But always
[Verse 2]
Dreams will all come true
Growing old with you
And time will fly
Caring each day more
Than the day before
Till Spring rolls by
Then when Springtime has gone
Then will my love linger on
[Chorus]
I'll be loving you always
With a love that's true always
When the things you've planned
Need a helping hand
I will understand always, always
Days may not be fair always
That's when I'll be there always
Not for just an hour
Not for just a day
Not for just a year
But always
Truly Always... (*187)
As the music came to an end, the Groom lovingly and sweetly kissed his Bride, sealing their promise to each other of "Truly Always," the very words they had chosen in both songs, leaving no doubt in this room of the epic and profound love they shared.
"What an intimate Wedding Dance, so romantic, Julie," whispered Viola. "Did you notice that both of the Bride and Groom's chosen songs ended with 'Truly Always?'"
"I've never seen anything as romantic as this entire evening, Vi. But that dance – those two simply can't keep their eyes off each other," agreed Julie in hushed tones, wishing she could experience the very same thing...
The Grant Family Dance:
Talk about an unexpected but sweet transition: after the most romantic dance of all came the cutest dance of all, the Father & Daughter Dance between Allie and her Papa, and the Mother & Son Dance with Jack and his Mama.
Eugene Carreau sang a much lighter song full of pep for this dance accompanied by the Orchestra, who were clearly enjoying their job, known as "The Aba Daba Honeymoon:"
[Verse 1]
'Way down in the Congo Land
Lived a happy chimpanzee,
She loved a monkey with a long tail,
(Lordy, how she loved him!)
Each night he would find her there,
Swinging in the cocoanut tree,
And the monkey gay, at the break of day,
Loved to hear his Chimpie say:
[Chorus]
"Aba, daba, daba, daba, daba, daba, dab"
Said the Chimpie to the Monk,
"Baba, daba, daba, daba, daba, daba, dab,"
Said the Monkey to the Chimp.
All night long they'd chatter away,
All day long they were happy and gay,
Swinging and singing in their hunky tonkey way.
"Aba, daba, daba, daba, daba, daba, dab,"
means "Monk I love but you," "Baba, daba, dab,"
in monkey talk means "Chimp I love you too,"
Then the big baboon, one night in June,
He married them, and very soon,
They went upon their aba, daba honeymoon. moon.
[Verse 2]
Well, you should have heard
that band Play upon their wedding day,
Each Chimp and Monkey had nutshells,
Lordy, how they played them;
And now it is ev'ry night,
High up in the cocoanut tree,
It's the same old thing, with the same old swing,
When the Monk and Chimpie sing:
[2nd Chorus]
"Aba, daba, daba, daba, daba, daba, dab"
Said the Chimpie to the Monk,
"Baba, daba, daba, daba, daba, daba, dab,"
Said the Monkey to the Chimp.
All night long they'd chatter away,
All day long they were happy and gay,
Swinging and singing in their hunky tonkey way.
"Aba, daba, daba, daba, daba, daba, dab,"
means "Monk I love but you," "Baba, daba, dab,"
in monkey talk means "Chimp I love you too,"
And now they cry, "This is the life,"
Since they came from their aba, daba honeymoon. (*188)
The Grant Family was having so much fun dancing away as pairs that the four joined in the cutest and sweetest family dance ever, proving that dancing was definitely in the genes!
In fact, the Grants were having so much fun, that the Grandparents, Attendants, and Spouses all joined in while the orchestra played the music through one more time, then a third for all to join in the fun!
"William, you've got some rhythm there, Friend," winked Archie.
"Will you please say that louder, Arch, so my wife, who thinks I have two left feet, will hear?"
Which only brought more laughter.
Even The Right Honorable 'The Earl of Etherington' was cutting a rug like no other with Viola and Victoria, then with Julie joining in.
"We're playing this song at our next party, for sure, Viola, Dear!"
"Your mother may have a stroke, Lionel!"
Lionel chuckled.
"We'll definitely have to forewarn her, Darling! But this is so much fun! Perhaps she'll join in!"
"Or disown us," laughed Viola as her husband twirled her once more!
"This has simply got to be the greatest highlight of the evening, Maureen," grinned Patrick, the Chief Superintendent. "This is a real family, a great one, and though I don't want you to get your hopes up, I wouldn't be surprised at all if, someday, it isn't part of ours as well, Sweetheart!"
"I know you're right, Pat! I can feel it. Look at our son's eyes follow Allie! He simply can't help himself. Why, I've never seen him look at any girl like that! I'm just thankful he looks so happy tonight. But something's changed, Patrick!"
"Indeed, it has. Our son shared with me just before the Wedding that he and Nathan had an important talk, and I believe from that happy look on his face, they've worked out a way to maneuver this professional vs personal thing! I do believe our Alex is working up his courage to ask Allie to dance later!"
"Oh, Patrick, I would love to see that!"
Florence and Ned held their own as well, and though just as friends, Bill and Molly joined in, thoroughly enjoying themselves, too.
Henry was enjoying his time with Goldie. Part of the time, he sat holding his adorable goddaughter, who in turn sat on his lap and played contentedly. That is when the godfather and toddler weren't dancing safely together in the corner, where the little one wouldn't get trampled, while her parents also danced up a storm out on the dance floor!
And yes, surprisingly, both had some pretty special moves!
It was especially nice to see Minnie and Joseph relax for a change and show off their jazzy moves that were downright spectacular.
And for once, Angela was out of the dance floor with Peyton, having the time of her life!
"Conrad, I can't remember when we've had so much fun," smiled Sarah flirtatiously, who loved to dance as well as anyone.
"This has turned out to be the most wonderful trip, not to mention this special day and evening. Truly honored to be a part of it all. And might I add, you look beautiful, Darling!"
"And you look awfully handsome in that Dress Uniform of yours! The two of us must come back together, Dear, whenever we can! I do very much want to get to know Nathan and Elizabeth better!"
"Just remind me to make a note of that for Victor, Sarah! As you do know, with my busy schedule, if it's not on my calendar, it doesn't get done!"
"Do I ever, Darling! We need to make it a priority to spend more time together, anyway, we can get it! And what better way than to visit our new friends here?"
"I agree! Plus, there will be lots of work to do here as we build this new base which is so needed. And selfishly, I'd love for you to travel more with me, Sarah! Things always go better when you're around!"
"Hal, there's something about this place and the people I absolutely love!" smiled Emily, enjoying the evening ever so much.
"I felt it too, Darling, from the first time I arrived. Hope Valley is very special. And it doesn't get better than this couple and sweet family! I'm sure we'll be visiting often," he winked.
"And I'm coming with you every single time!"
"Now, that I would love more than anything! And believe me, I am holding you to that promise!"
"Well, you won't have to twist my arm when we're coming here!"
"You and Elizabeth are already dear friends, aren't you?"
"We are. Something just clicked, and we connected in a special way, knowing what the other was thinking even before it was said. We just have this instant shorthand way of communicating, which is extra nice!"
Raucous laughter, sweet giggles, and outright chuckles from all ages abounded across the dance floor, and unexpected fun like no other was clearly being had by all!
But as everyone was soon worn out, the music's tempo changed to a much slower, sentimental one as the dance floor cleared, except for the Bride and Groom and their Parents, as well as the Commissioner and Viola...
The Bride's Dance with Her Father & The Groom's Dance with His Mother:
Next came the traditional Bride's Dance with her Father, along with the traditional Groom's Dance with his Mother. The Commissioner danced with Grace, and Viola danced with Archie so that all the parents were lovingly included.
"To honor our parents, we've chosen the Irish Lullaby, which both sets of our parents sang to us, Mother!" whispered Nathan.
"Oh, Son, how perfectly lovely, but you know I'm going to cry," warned Eleanor, already tearing up. "And so will your father!"
"Father, to honor our parents, we chose the Lullaby that was sung to both of us when we were little!" whispered Elizabeth.
"Oh, Lilibet! Feels like yesterday, though I'm embarrassed to admit most of the time, that task fell to our Nannies. But Child, you do know the love and want to do so ourselves was always there. It was just that work was so busy, and that included your mother's social responsibilities. If I'm being perfectly honest, those things were somewhat foreign to your mother. It took a while to learn what we missed. And it's been an excruciating lesson. But you have my word: we will not make the same mistake with our dear grandchildren!"
"I love you, Father! And we always knew, no matter what, that we were loved! I suppose things just had to be a little different from most, given our situation. Let's make up for it all as adults. Promise me?"
"Grace and I give you our word, Darling Daughter! We are in your life to stay!"
The Bride shed tears as her father held her, and then, with a brilliant smile of promise to each other, they began to dance together the old Irish Lullaby, "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby):"
[Chorus 1]
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral
Too-ra-loo-ra-li
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral
Hush now, don't you cry
[Chorus 2]
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral
Too-ra-loo-ra-li
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral
That's an Irish lullaby
[Verse]
Over in Killarney, many years ago
My mother sang a song to me in tones so sweet and low
Just a simple little ditty in her good old Irish way
And I'd give the world if I could hear that song of hers today
[Chorus 1]
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral
Too-ra-loo-ra-li
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral
Hush now, don't you cry
[Chorus 2]
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral
Too-ra-loo-ra-li
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral
That's an Irish lullaby (*189)
This special dance touched the hearts of those who danced it as well as all the guests in attendance, as there were not only tears and hugs on the dance floor, but throughout the entire Reception.
The whole gathering was simply amazed by Eleanor's beauty and grace on the Dance Floor, not realizing she was formerly a masterful professional dancer with quite a lot of fame.
"Well, now, we most certainly know where our Nathan got his dancing skills," whispered Florence.
"I've never seen anyone dance so effortlessly and elegantly at the same time," agreed Ned. "Why, it's like she's floating!"
"There's got to be quite the story behind that. I know she was formerly a professional actress and dancer. A very great one, too. From what Viola says, I gather she was quite famous in her day and even now, to this very day, in Europe. Viola also says none of the younger stars even begin to be her equal in talent. Yet, she chooses to live a completely different lifestyle here in Canada. I wonder if her fame is why she wishes to be rather reclusive at their Grant Horse Ranch."
Rosemary thought a moment.
"I don't know about you all, but I want details! And though I love her dearly and completely respect Eleanor's privacy," interjected Rosemary. "I think it's time I start doing a little digging on my own. Also, I'm not about to let that beautiful woman leave this town without an exclusive interview! If nothing else, but as the beloved mother of the Groom."
Lee sighed deeply.
"Rosie, careful there! Privacy is a priceless thing, while at the same time, fame can be a two-headed beast. You just might not want to rile…"
The Wedding Dinner:
The Bride and Groom quickly found each other again as everyone made their way to their individual dining tables.
As the Bridal Couple, to both Rosemary's and Grace's deep chagrin, wanted no special Wedding Table per se, they and their Families were placed in the very center of the room, with all their Attendants and Friends seated at tables around them, everyone equally so.
In an effort to keep up the family feel, they had also requested that Grace's partially gourmet and partially down-home meal be served family style, and they had won that battle!
Once the crowd was seated and everything quietened, William and Archie stood.
"On behalf of my wife, Grace, and our new but Dear Friends and now Family, Eleanor and Archie Grant, we wish to welcome you to our beloved adult children's Grant Wedding Reception, and we couldn't be happier to do so! Just relax and enjoy yourself, and those are direct orders from our Bride and Groom! Arch, would you please do us the honor of saying a blessing over our food before we partake of this scrumptious meal laid out for us!" smiled William.
"Let us pray," smiled Archie.
"Bless, O Lord, this food we are about to eat; and we pray you, O God, that it may be good for our body and soul; and if there is any poor creature hungry or thirsty walking the road, may God send them in to us so that we can share the food with them, just as Christ shares His gifts with all of us. And everyone said a hearty Amen!" "Amen!" (*190)
"Though, to tell you the truth, I'm not sure there's anyone left outside who's not already in here! But if there is, they are more than welcome. Now let's enjoy this great food!" enthused Archie as he sat back down again, and delectable-looking food like no other began to be passed around at each table.
The menu ranged from every kind of char-broiled Steak imaginable, including Filet Mignon with Rich Balsamic Glaze to fresh grilled Lobster and Shrimp brought in by Train, with accompaniments of various potato and vegetable dishes, too numerous to list them all, but including Fondant Potatoes, Herbed Roasted Potatoes, Rosemary Roasted Scalloped Potatoes, Steakhouse Potatoes Romanoff, and the most delicious Baked Potatoes ever tasted. The vegetable dishes included Corn Pudding Souffle, Creamed Spinach, Glazed Carrots with Maple Glaze, Green Beans Almondine, Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Broccoli with Cranberries, Chiles, and Shallots, Roasted Leeks with Assorted Onions, Spring Peas with Pearl Onions, and many more.
A plethora of salads were also served by Gustave, including Classic Caesar Salad, Arugula Salad with Assortment of Dressings, Citrus Salad, Greek Salad, and Apple Pear Walnut Salad.
All were based on top recipes from all the major cities of Canada, as well as top recipes made by the ladies of Hope Valley, who wanted to contribute in their own special way.
There was also a spectacular assortment of Eleanor's homemade cheeses to nibble on that were enjoyed by all, as well as a variety of bread, including the Judge's Famous Yeast Rolls that tasted like they had just come out of the oven!
And make no mistake about it, all the recipes were raved over, perhaps most of all, Hope Valley's, providing a good learning experience for all of being open and sharing, which was exactly the intent of this whole evening!
Grace insisted, though, that only the best wines were to be served, as well as the top imported champagnes which would be made available for everyone to toast with after the cutting of the Wedding Cake.
Dinner was beyond enjoyable, with everyone just relaxing after the long day, enjoying the food, each other, and clearly, the celebration at hand…
The Adoption Gifts:
In addition to a huge table stacked full of Wedding Gifts that, due to time constraints, would be opened when the Grants returned from their Honeymoon, there was another table full of Adoption Gifts for both Allie and Jack, which they, too, would open later.
Considerately, Nathan and Elizabeth excused themselves and slipped away from their Wedding Dinner just before others finished their meal to celebrate their children, by spending a few private moments alone with them while giving an excited Allie and Jack their own personal Adoption Gifts.
"Let's see, you two! These two larger boxes are first to open," instructed Elizabeth with a loving smile.
"Can we open them now, Mama?" asked Allie.
"Yes, you may! I have to warn you though that these are very important gifts but something you will save back for your own families someday. But your Papa and I felt it was important for you to have them today so that you will always know they are there as part of our family, just like the two of you are."
"Woah! This is heavy," exclaimed Jack. "Can you help hold it, Papa, so I can unwrap it!"
"Here, let me lift it, Son!"
"And let me lift yours and hold it, Allie, so it will be easier for you to unwrap as well," offered Elizabeth.
"Thanks, Mama!"
The children tore into the packages, not knowing what to expect at all. When they opened them, Allie knew exactly what they meant and immediately opened the large cover to see her Family Tree, which Nathan and Elizabeth had completely filled out in black ink to include her new family, her mother, Colleen, and both sets of grandparents, even going back as far as they could with great, and great-great-grandparents.
"This is so big, Mama!" interjected Jack.
"This is so wonderful, Jack! Now, we have our own Family Bibles with all our family trees completed inside them. This tells us where we came from and shows we are now a real family together to always keep with us and use when we have our own families!"
"Oh! Is my first Papa in there, too?"
"He most certainly is, Son," answered his Papa. "Here is Jack Senior's name right here!"
"That's nice, he would like that! But where is your name, Papa?"
"It's right here, too, Jack!"
"I love it, Mama and Papa! It's a perfect gift to celebrate our family, Jack!" enthused Allie. "One for each of us!"
"Now, these huge boxes, you might want to just lift off the lid and peek inside till your Grandpapa, Grappa, and Uncle Bill can get them home for you," suggested their Papa.
"Do we get hints about what's inside," asked Allie.
"It's something both of you will love! Lots of somethings actually," winked their Mama.
"Hmmm!" mused Allie, trying to guess what the boxes could hold.
"They're wrapped for the lids to lift right off, like this," and Nathan showed Allie first, then Jack.
"Books! My goodness, these are all the new ones that just came out! Jack, we got a whole new library!"
"We thought you two might like to have something new to read while we're gone!"
"These are good books," enthused Jack, offering his limited seal of approval. "Brand new ones?"
"Yes, Son! Brand new ones, hot off the press," assured his Papa.
"This is really great! We'll have so much fun with these! Reading them will help us pass the time while you two are on your Honeymoon, too. Thank you both!"
"Thank you, Mama and Papa!" added Jack, prompted by his sister.
"I see two smaller gifts that are ready to unwrap, too," noted Nathan. "And you know what they say about small packages!"
"Can I go first? Can I, please," asked Jack.
"I'll go last," grinned Allie.
"Why don't you both open them at the same time," suggested Elizabeth.
And so, they did, both oohing and aahing over what was inside.
"I can't believe this! We have watches, Jack, grown-up watches too!"
"Allie, yours is gold, and Jack, yours is a gold watch face with a leather strap that's rough and tough for a boy, so whatever you do, both of you be sure not to lose them! But for now, turn them both over and look on the back," hinted their Papa.
"#1 Daughter, With Love, Mama and Papa! And our Wedding/Adoption Date below. And Jack, yours says #1 Son, With Love, Mama and Papa! And the date below. These are perfect!"
"I love my watch!"
"They mark our new start as a family, Allie and Jack," reminded their Mama.
Allie had tears in her eyes as she kissed both her Mama and Papa, whereas Jack was just thrilled to have a watch!
"I'm so excited! Will you teach me to tell time, Papa?" asked Jack.
"I sure will. You know the big numbers already, Son! We'll keep going over the rest till you're sure how to tell all the minutes in between. Deal?"
"Deal!"
"And I'll help you too, Jack," offered Allie. "Just ask me if you can't read it!"
"Thanks, Allie!"
"We love it all, but we love it most that we are finally an official family," thanked Allie.
"So do we, Princess," agreed her Papa.
"So do we, Sweetheart," assured her Mama.
And the Wedding Guests, who were doing their best to be discreet, couldn't resist watching the sweet and touching family hug with all four newly minted Grants included…
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183. "Bridal Chorus," a melody often referred to as "Here Comes the Bride," from Richard Wagner's Opera Lohengrin in 1850, has been the most popular Wedding processional, and is traditionally played on a pipe organ. Public Domain.
184. "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.
185. "Always," is a popular song written by Irving Berlin in July 1925, Berlin wrote "Always" while Ellin Mackay was away in Europe, where her father had sent her to discourage their song is considered one of Berlin's tunes of song was copyrighted later in May 1925, as a wedding gift for his new wife Ellin Mackay, whom he married in 1926, and to whom he presented the substantial royalties. Public Domain Information.
186. "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.
187. "Always," is a popular song written by Irving Berlin in July 1925, Berlin wrote "Always" while Ellin Mackay was away in Europe, where her father had sent her to discourage their song is considered one of Berlin's tunes of song was copyrighted later in May 1925, as a wedding gift for his new wife Ellin Mackay, whom he married in 1926, and to whom he presented the substantial royalties. Public Domain Information.
188. "The Aba Daba Honeymoon," words and music by Arthur Fields & Walter Donovan; published 1914 by Leo. Feist, Inc. Public Domain.
189. "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby)" is a classic American song that was written in 1913 by composer James Royce Shannon. Public Domain.
190. "A Traditional Celtic Grace," passed down from generation to generation. Public Domain Information.