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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Eighty-seven
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The Grant Wedding Night
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Part II
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"That was our first call to deboard, Darling! Can you believe we are already in Union City?" asked Nathan.
"I can't. But time always flies when we're together! Can you help me finish fixing my veil, Love?"
"Sure, let's give it a go!"
Even with the both of them working together, they couldn't quite get it right and ending up laughing together, until finally Nathan discovered what was wrong.
"Oh, I see the problem, the hidden comb jostled out of place. Hold real still and I'll slip it back!"
"You sound experienced!"
"Well, I've done more than a few braids in my time, though Allie is usually filled with dread when I begin. But we make it through alright. At least I think we do!"
"That's the sweetest, Darling!"
"Now all I have to do is slip this ritzy comb in with the veil!"
"I promise to be really still!"
"There, we've got it, and it looks quite beautiful!" he announced, both pleased and shocked.
She turned around and kissed him in appreciation.
"One difficult task, well done! I'm so glad we won't have to carry it! It might be selfish of me, but I want both your arms free, just for me!"
"Always, Love! Especially since the luggage is being taken care of!"
"I can't wait to see where we're staying!"
"Aw! That huge secret is about to be famously revealed!"
"You look awfully proud of yourself," she mused aloud. "Should I be scared?"
"Not at all, Darling! But definitely intrigued. I am truly proud of myself for this. Just you wait and see…"
While deboarding onto the busy platform that was pretty much the norm for Union City, neither the Bride nor Groom could contain their excitement.
Given the large crowd, Security was unable to keep the respectable distance they had hoped, having instead to surround the couple much more closely.
"I don't think I've ever been so excited," began Elizabeth, wanting to make sure they didn't let Security steal a single moment. "I can't wait to experience these three perfect days and nights you have planned for us, Darling!"
"I'm excited for you to finally see the place where we'll be spending all that time, Love. And I can't wait to experience them with you! Everything was chosen completely with you in mind. It's all for you and for us together. I hope you love it, and I believe you will. There are lots of surprises, and since you love your hints, I will tell you this one, but only this – the entire time, we're going to feel like we are in Europe, right here in Union City!"
"Oh, Nathan! How exciting! I can't believe that. Do I get a hint of which country?"
"Tu es si mauvais! Parles-tu français?" (*208)
Positively radiant, she turned, lunging into him like Allie would have done so, more excited than he had ever seen her, but being experienced in those running embraces, he was ready, and standing firm.
"This is the most wonderful surprise I've ever had! And no, your wife is not at all bad, but she does speak French! And apparently, you do, too, Love! This is heavenly!"
"With you," he whispered. "Anywhere feels heavenly! Though these three glorious days of rest before we travel on are definitely going to come a bit closer than most. At least as far as this world down here and Union City are concerned!"
"I love you more than I ever dreamed it was possible to love!"
"Je t'aime plus que je n'aurais jamais rêvé qu'il était possible d'aimer," he repeated her words lovingly and perfectly in French, his eyes sparkling. (*209)
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes.
"You speak fluent French, just as Allie said you do, and you, my Husband, are full of the most wonderful surprises!"
He raised her hand and kissed it as they briskly walked, given their Security team was hurrying them to their waiting limousine.
"Our car's right over there, Love!" directed Nathan…
Once inside the limo, the two were happy to have their privacy again, as Security split up into cars front and back with only the chauffeur and Reid, the head of the Security Team in the front seat of their car.
Nathan held Elizabeth, both feeling the other's excitement.
"Union City is so pretty at night with all the lights, Darling!"
"That it is, Lizbeth. And it's so special to be enjoying this together!"
"It's extraordinary!" she reached and gave him a loving kiss.
Nathan smiled, knowing as beautiful as this was, and it was all quite beautiful, this was no comparison to what his Bride was about to see.
He was so grateful to be able to give her this special gift. Was it what he would have chosen for himself alone? No, it was much too fancy to suit his taste, not that he couldn't enjoy the finer things, but the ranch was embedded deep within and always would be because he was a rancher at heart, a man close to the land and its nature.
But for Elizabeth, who, admittedly liked the finer things, he was going to see she had them, as long as all the finer things were secondary in importance to their own authenticity and love, both alone and together.
After all, wasn't marriage a blending of two lives, two hearts, two souls, two bodies, two families? And that meant give and take, even though Nathan couldn't bring himself to think of it that way. To him, marriage was about each person giving so much to the other that the blending came easily, and the taking wouldn't even be necessary.
He wasn't naïve. He knew as a couple, there would be new obstacles to face, but given how many they had already overcome, he knew they would make it through whatever came.
And it was that profound feeling of home and completeness in each other that offered them total security, uniting them so tightly as a single unit of one...
Driving up to the Hotel, Les Jardins d'Ici, Elizabeth's mouth literally fell open.
"Darling, how did I not know this was here? This is…beyond amazing! It's like a building based on French architecture that you'd see in Paris or Montreal surrounded by gardens!"
"Wait till you see the inside, Mrs. Grant, specifically our floor!"
"We have a floor? An entire floor?"
He smiled with the slightest of nods.
"But...but why would they do that?"
"To give us privacy as we are on our Honeymoon, and perhaps optimal security too."
"Nathan, I just never dreamed…"
"It's alright, my Darling. I don't think anyone could have dreamed what you're about to see!"
"Have they given us the Honeymoon Suite?" she asked hopefully.
"They offered, and I looked at it but chose something different," he admitted.
"Oh," for a brief instant, she looked disappointed.
He drew closer to her face, placing his next to hers, which always left her rather discombobulated as it made her want to kiss him over and over again, forcing her to have to really focus to follow his words and not do exactly that.
"The truth is, Love," he began. "The Honeymoon Suite didn't begin to compare with what I chose for my Bride!"
She was dumbstruck, not at all sure what her new husband could possibly mean.
"It's going to be pretty spectacular, I promise," he assured her. "You will not be disappointed, Darling! Not in the least!"
As though his closeness wasn't enough of a distraction, his concern, consideration, and gentleness, along with that flirtatious wink of his, reeking of both confidence and charm at the exact same time was simply beyond what she could comprehend! Especially coupled with that subtle, almost, suggestive smile that only he could seem to get away with! All of these many nuances that only her husband seemed to possess transitioned this tiny exchange into something that felt so alluring, so intimate, and even enticing all at once.
What had she ever done to deserve this man and his special kind of love that he so freely gave her?
With those actions and words, what could she do but simply believe him and sigh contentedly, now having no idea whatsoever as to what to expect, while simply choosing to trust him, completely.
Relaxing, she decided to rein in her ever-present curiosity, which had always been an integral part of her, and instead enjoy each new moment as it came.
Nathan had never failed her, and he wasn't about to fail her now. Also, he was certainly not going to allow a single disappointment on their Wedding Night. They had loved each other much too long for that and were beyond ready to be with each other, making this special night so very important in their love story.
"There's that smile I love!" he grinned, as their limousine came to a rolling stop, and the crisply uniformed Doorman came to open their door and greet them.
"Chief Inspector and Mrs. Grant, congratulations and best wishes on your Wedding! Welcome to 'Les Jardins d'Ici,' or 'The Gardens Here,' and you will soon see why the name aptly applies, both inside and out. We offer a French Experience like no other that combines the best of both ultimate comfort and luxury!"
He then directed the two to the more than impressive entrance of their very prestigious building.
Elizabeth walked up the broad steps, anxious to see inside, when Nathan cleared his throat and held her back.
"That, Mrs. Grant, is a threshold, and, it's my understanding in this bout with tradition of ours, that all thresholds count!"
"Even hotel entrances?" she asked skeptically.
"According to tradition, especially hotel entrances!" he answered most seriously.
Which caused the broadest smile to appear on her face just before she broke out into laughter.
Laughing with her, he scooped his Bride up and carried her over the massive threshold to the absolute delight of all who were in the lobby, as evidenced by their spontaneous smiles and clapping!
The crowd watched as she romantically kissed him before he set her down, allowing Elizabeth to get her bearings and steal a glance around the spacious lobby.
Immediately, she was both astonished and enchanted!
"Darling, our Rose Garden! It's right here in our hotel lobby!"
"One of your many surprises, Love!" assured Nathan as his wife reached up and kissed his cheek.
Just then, a very authoritative, elegant, yet seemingly congenial man appeared to greet them.
Instantly, Nathan knew this wasn't the Concierge they had expected but someone much higher in authority.
"Bonsoir, et un accueil des plus chaleureux, good evening and a most warm and hearty welcome! Chief Inspector Grant and Madame Grant, I am Monsieur Hubert Dechamel, the owner of this fine establishment. And I personally wanted to welcome the both of you, to let you know how honored we are to have you stay with us for the celebration of your Wedding." (*210) (*211)
"That is so very kind of you, Monsieur Dechamel. We are most grateful for the opportunity," offered Nathan as the men shook hands. "And very much looking forward to our stay here."
Though formal, as the French often are, the Hotelier was also a most affable man, one with eyes that were kind and filled with joy, clearly happy in what he did professionally.
"Madame Grant, it is an absolute delight," smiled Monsieur Dechamel as he lifted the Bride's hand and kissed it.
"I have instructed that your every wish, no matter how small or large, is to be taken care of without question. Simply pick up any of the phones in your suite, express your wish, and it will be done with our great pleasure! If you will, allow me to escort you to your lodgings, our Presidential & Prime Minister's Suite, which, of course, is used when they reside in our area. We don't advertise this due to both privacy and security issues, but even Their Majesties King George the V, and Queen Mary have also spent a night in your suite on their way to Vancouver, just as I understand you, too, will be doing." (*212)
Elizabeth's eyes widened.
"How fascinating! Did you know, Love?"
"Not about Royalty, Darling! It was described to me as the Presidential Suite," explained Nathan.
"Which is quite lovely in and of itself!" she smiled back.
"Though I might have been a little intimidated had I known!" admitted Nathan with a grin.
"No need, Sir! They're just like the two of you, a lovely couple and very kind. But, as I'm sure you're anxious to get settled in your new home away from home, allow me to take you there. Madame Grant, your husband has made a most excellent choice. Might I add, the top choice, not only in our fair City but in our entire Province, as well!"
"He does have a way with surprises! We were married in a Wild Rose Garden, so your roses are especially meaningful to us and astoundingly beautiful! I've never seen so many growing inside! What a beautiful thought, and I love how they are clearly front and center as the focal point."
"Yes, Madame, it was designed just that way. You'll see why in a moment. Your floor has a private elevator, yet another reason we were pleased you selected this particular suite. From a security perspective, you and your Team, Chief Inspector, will not have anyone else who can possibly reach your floor, as we have our own Security all around us."
As Monsieur Dechamel led the way to their assigned elevator, Elizabeth, totally mesmerized, pointed out the most unique lobby offerings while squeezing Nathan's hand or arm in gratitude for selecting the most luxurious yet clearly comfortable venue available in the entire area. That it was French was icing on the cake, which to Elizabeth meant the world!
Where they stayed mattered not to him, but this was his gift to her, and that she was already enjoying the choice so much, meant everything to him!
"This is your private key to your elevator. And your luggage was delivered just as your Train arrived before departures were announced. By the time we arrive upstairs, I'm sure everything will be unpacked and put away for you as required!"
"That's wonderful," thanked Elizabeth. "Thank you!"
"And though I'm sure you'll want your privacy, you do have a Butler and Two Ladies Maids on call to assist you whenever they are needed. Again, just pick up the phone, and they will be there as you wish. The same goes for Dining: if you wish to dine in, service is available continuously in our private dining room or in your suite, as well, at any time of the day or night. And if you desire any special foods not on the menu, just let us know. The Chef will gladly make them for you."
"We're very easy to please," assured Nathan.
"Even your elevator is extraordinary, Monsieur Dechamel," noted Elizabeth.
"Merci, it is an antique from Paris, France, so, oui, rather creaky, yet I assure you, it has been upgraded to include all possible safety precautions. As you can tell, we have now reached your Penthouse Suite on our 12th floor, which happens to be the tallest building in our fair City, with the most incredible views," smiled the hotelier.
As the trio departed from the ornate French elevator, Elizabeth literally gasped as they walked to the edge of the mezzanine-like portion and looked down from above at the beautiful lobby rose garden.
"I thought the garden was stunning from below, but from here it is simply spectacular! To be able to view this is everything," she beamed excitedly.
"I am delighted you are enjoying it, Madam! As we move on to your private suite, as it is the principal apartment of the floor, and quite large, but we hope also quite cozy for the two of you as well!"
Walking down the hall hand-in-hand to the entrance of the Presidential Suite with its massive double doors patterned in the classic French style, Nathan and Elizabeth couldn't help but exchange loving looks that were in a language all their own.
"I would be delighted to give you the grand tour, but as you are Newlyweds, and your husband has seen everything before, I am quite sure he is capable of doing so in my place. Just promise me you will not hesitate to ring my staff as any and all needs arise!"
"You have been so kind to meet us and get us acclimated, Monsieur Dechamel, and we promise to take you up on your most generous offer. Thank you, Sir!"
"You two just enjoy your stay, and that will be more than thanks enough. Passe une bonne nuit! Have a good night, Chief Inspector and Madame Grant!" (*213)
"Good night, Monsieur Dechamel!" smiled Nathan and Elizabeth, their words coming in unison.
The two waited, trying their hardest to remain quiet until the Hotelier entered the private elevator.
Suddenly, Nathan swept giggling Elizabeth up in his arms and prepared to open their Suite Doors, with Elizabeth already kissing her husband in gratitude and wonder.
"Success!" he enthused in a breathless whisper. "My Darling, we are temporarily home!"
Inside, they were in the middle of a long-held dream of the Bride! She heard the crackling of the romantic fires that were lit throughout their suite for ambiance just as she felt the elegance of the French elegance of the entire luxurious place surrounding her!
But as her husband gently set her down, she squealed delightedly.
All she could do was show her huge appreciation. And as his back was already against the massive double doors, she began to first carefully remove his cross-shoulder belt and weapons, including the saber still at his side, which he had put back on before they left the Train, as was required in full uniform.
He watched as she began unbuttoning his Dress Serge, maneuvering him so she could completely remove it.
Frantic with desire, she tossed his Serge on a nearby chair, then, to his amazement and delight, loosened his Uniform's tie this time for good, which he had been wearing all day. Next, she left it hanging around his neck, though now completely untied, marveling that even that messy look spoke to her in ways she had never imagined. Then, she slowly rolled up his sleeves, making sure they were just the way he liked them.
"I see we are going for comfort here!" he teased, but liking the idea very much.
"A little for now!" she teased back. "But, Darling, isn't this better?"
"Immensely so, Love!"
Their eyes locked as she flirtatiously slipped her hand under his open neck collar, unleashing her passion while kissing him several times over, caressing the back of his neck, and running her fingers through his dark hair with purpose.
They both needed each other desperately, neither certain they could wait.
An expert now, he blindly removed that diamond comb holding her veil, placing the comb into his pocket while tossing her veil onto a second chair so his uniform wouldn't snag it.
Both his hands moved to her bare back, and as he held her close, both felt electrifying sensations flying through their bodies, more intense than ever before. The warmth of his hands against her bare skin, the touch she had longed for since the moment she had chosen this particular gown as the one she was meant to wear for him, created such a deep sense of connection and intimacy, while eliciting even deeper love and trust between them.
He bent and kissed her neck, her head falling back with the thrilling sensation he left there, begging him without words to do it all over again, which he did over and over.
"I love you, Lizbeth!"
"I love you, Nathan! I have no idea how you found this perfect place! And I most certainly don't know how you knew my forever dream of wanting to stay in a fancy French Hotel exactly like this, but this really is my idea of heaven on earth. What makes it even more special is that I know you did all this for me, as this isn't really your cup of tea!"
She couldn't say the words, not here, not yet, but she knew he had listened and heard the frustration that had to have been in her voice when she had described her first honeymoon, traveling via wagon by day, and sleeping on the cold hard ground under hastily pitched tents by night, on their way to Fort Clay. It had been the best Jack and she could do, given their circumstances, and there had been so much love between them that it hadn't really mattered at the time.
But later, after she lost Jack, when she realized she would never experience a real honeymoon with him, one not rushed by Mountie Duty, a tiny sliver of resentment had set in that, no matter how hard she tried, couldn't be vanquished.
She had been too embarrassed to have shared that with anyone and was herself, shocked when she found herself doing so with Nathan. Yet he hadn't judged her at all. He simply understood both their perspectives, and rather than say anything negative about either, he had just assured her that he knew Jack had loved her very, very much and had done his best by her, given the situation.
He had actually pled Jack's case in his absence, as a good brother would do.
But she also knew deep inside her, even before they had discussed it, that Nathan would never have volunteered for any work at all where they would have been parted during their honeymoon nor even during their early days as husband and wife. Because with Nathan, family always came first. No matter what!
Case in point, his bringing all of them to Capital City along with him when they returned to Hope Valley.
And even without asking, she knew that she and the kids wouldn't be afterthoughts. Nathan would spend as much time with them as his work – of that, she was certain.
She would always love Jack, but she now realized that no matter how many children they might have had together, the Mounties would have always come first, before her and before them. She didn't blame Jack for that, as Nathan had said it was just the way he was wired and re-emphasized what he knew to be Jack's great love for her from everything he had heard about them as a couple.
Nathan loved her because of her great love for Jack, not in spite of it. And, he had proven from the beginning time and again, he would never take anything away from her and Jack's love or her memories. Nor would he take away from Jack Senior's importance to his son, Jack – in fact, it was the opposite – he would teach their son to know his birth father, to love him, and to respect him.
"You, my Love, are gifting me this fancy French Honeymoon, for reasons we don't need to get into right now, though I do know them all, as do you. Especially when I know this would be the last thing you would have personally chosen. This means the world, perhaps because I've never had this and thought for so very long that I never would. Thank you for this healing gift, my Darling!"
"Enjoy it all, my Love! Because you are here, I will enjoy every single moment, whether fancy or plain or in between! Truly, it matters not. I just want you to experience every happiness you desire."
Then he got that special twinkle in his eyes.
"Besides, when we get to that island, your father said there's a log cabin on it! Give me one night in that cabin, and I'll be in my element. Also, I was thinking, since we know there are all those beautiful beaches, add one night of very romantic camping by the sea, and we'll both have honeymoons to remember as our own unique cups of tea! Though I do prefer coffee!"
She laughed, completely charmed by this man she so loved. It was still difficult to comprehend, but the fact remained he was simply thrilled to make her happy! Not to mention that as long as she was happy, he was content.
That was the purest of loves, and the thought warmed her very heart all the way down through her toes, which somehow wouldn't stop tingling…
"Come, Mrs. Grant, we have Honeymoon digs to explore!" Nathan smiled excitedly.
"Even the furniture and painting are French! And so very elegant in all these French Blues and golds. The place is so stunning and perfect! It's impossible to take it all in!"
"Well, as you can see, this is our main living area!" explained Nathan.
"That we could throw a party in for a hundred or two of our closest friends!"
Nathan chuckled.
"Oh, Nathan, you have my lavender roses everywhere!"
"Of course I do!"
She literally jumped up, smothering him with her sweet kisses of every kind.
"Thank you! I love them all!"
"Want to see where we'll be sleeping for the next few nights, Darling?"
"Do I ever! And do I ever love the sound of that, too!"
When Nathan opened the door, Elizabeth started crying.
"Lizbeth, are you okay?"
"So better than okay. I could never have imagined anything this beautiful, Nathan! You've even placed lavender roses in our bedroom and sitting room! Look! Our clothes really are all put away! There's my negligee and your silk pajamas and robe hanging and waiting for us. And they've even put out my comb and mirror set on the dressing table! Everything is perfect! Just perfect!"
She paused, then remembered something.
"Give me just a second, Love," and she went to the first closet she assumed was Nathan's.
"Oh, good, I was right! Now, it's my turn to surprise you. Sit, and close your eyes, till I say open them!" she instructed.
Hurriedly, she spread everything out on their bed.
Then she walked over to take his hands.
"Stand up, Love! And walk with me slowly. And…we are here! Now, open your eyes!"
Nathan looked down at the bed, then up at Elizabeth, his face so surprised and filled with gratitude at the same time.
"You salvaged my clothes?"
"Your mother and I had a talk! She gave me these pieces along with a few memorable ties. How could we not keep the blue-checked shirt you were wearing when you first told me you loved me and were in love with me, and then you were wearing again when I told you I loved and was in love with you? And how could we not keep that gorgeous white linen shirt you wore when we first saw each other after being parted for four months? Though, to be perfectly honest, I believe your mother loved that one so much that she was already keeping it! Or this luscious candy pink-striped shirt you were wearing when I told you friends don't look at friends like this? Are you happy, Love?"
"Deliriously so! Thank you, Darling, for doing this!"
He bent to kiss her ever-so-tenderly, full of gratitude and sweet longing, while holding her close, both beginning to adjust to the fact that this was their bedroom together.
"I'll admit, salvaging these were a bit selfish on my part, but I'm so glad you love that I did it! Oh, have you seen what's behind that door?"
"I have! Take a peek into our washroom, Love. It's quite remarkable!"
"White marble everywhere with a huge marble tub and white plush towels the size of sheets! It's…it's exquisite! Nathan, there are windows, and, look, the stars are shining through!"
"My goodness," he mused aloud as he peaked over her shoulder. "How beautiful and brilliant! I totally missed that my first time through, though when I saw this, it was daylight."
"I'm sure that's why. Let's take a bath and watch the stars!"
"Now, that sounds like pure bliss! But first, I have one more surprise," he winked, taking her hand. "Though we might want to change our shoes first!"
"How about slippers?"
"Slippers it is," as he reached into their two closets to find them."
"I'll help you get out of those boots, too, unless you plan to sleep in them later. I sure do hope that's not a new regulation!"
He chuckled at her joke.
"Very funny, Mrs. Grant! But definitely not an option, thank goodness!"
"How fast are you at getting out of them?"
He chuckled at her inquisitiveness, not sure exactly where she was going with this, but having a pretty good idea.
"Well, we used to have contests. I think the record is three minutes and 24 seconds! And yes, I hold that esteemed title!"
"Yay to being the fastest, but nay to three minutes and 24 seconds! That's a minute and a half plus 12 seconds each! What if you needed to be out of them quickly?"
"That could be a problem, Love! Which is the reason I take them off first thing when I change out of uniform!"
"That's smart and very good to know! One item I can check off my worry list!"
Sitting back down beside her, having laid their slippers on the floor, he chucked her chin.
"You are far too beautiful to worry so that worry list of yours better be extremely short!"
"I do have to work on that! It's not that I'm bad. It's just that I'll get something on my mind and ruminate."
"Sounds like I'll have to provide some major distraction."
"Please do," she begged, unable to resist offering a kiss.
After, to his amusement, she watched him hurriedly remove his boots.
"Three minutes and 20 seconds! Yes!" she practically screamed.
"You timed me?"
"Of course I did! We have to work on this!"
He just shook his head and laughed.
"Elizabeth Grant, you are something else!"
"That better be in a good way!"
He chuckled.
"Oh, the very best of ways, my Darling…"
As they walked back into their main living area, dining room included, with arms around each other's waists, she was stumped as nothing was the least different or looked like a surprise.
Suddenly, Nathan was serious.
"Come dance with me under the stars, Darling!"
"But how, where?"
"That's the secret! We are starting our Honeymoon romantically! Do you trust me?"
"Explicitly!"
Now, he could hardly wait to reveal his last surprise of the evening. Knowing Elizabeth's curiosity, he had purposely asked that the drapes on the tall floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out onto their suite's huge terrace be closed. That way, he would be able to keep the suite's pièce de resistance a secret till just before they went to bed. (*214)
So, with a flourish, he drew back the drapes to reveal the heavens above with its moon and stars shining so brightly over the massive lit stone terrace that was theirs alone!
His Elizabeth gasped, the spectacular view leaving her entirely speechless.
He picked her up once more.
"Think of this as our personal threshold to Heaven on Earth, my Darling!"
She laid her head on his shoulder, tears staining his uniform once more, though this time his shirt.
He carried her over to the stone balcony railing, then let her down to stand together on the stone terrace, that like the living area, could easily hold a hundred or two of their closest friends, especially since it was larger than the living-dining area as it extended back past their master bedroom and washroom!
His Bride was simply mesmerized, grabbing his hand and pulling him, first to look up at the sky.
"The sky…it's so…so clear, and we…we must be so high, that…that it's like you can just reach up and… and just touch the stars…above us," so amazed at the beauty she was seeing, she was faltering in getting her words out.
"It's exactly that, Love! I couldn't wait to show it to you. But first, let's see those town lights you loved from a much different perspective."
"Oh, Nathan, it's like we're inside a fairy tale looking down on all the beautiful lights!"
"It is," he stood behind her, placing his arms around her shoulders. Do you need me to get your wrap?"
"Thanks, but no, this is perfect! Do you need your Serge?"
"No, just you," he sighed and bent, kissing her right ear with his hands now holding her tightly around her waist.
They stood like that for a few tender moments, with Elizabeth having no real idea what was coming next; she simply knew it would be magical.
Nathan whispered again, this time more urgently, "Dance with me, my Love, on our private dance floor!"
He then gave a little bow and offered his hand.
She smiled beautifully under the moonlight, and he fell for her all over again, taken aback by her sheer radiance.
With their hands tightly clasped and their fingers intertwined, his thumb rubbing the length of her palm, loving and reassuring her, they walked to the very center of the terrace, both deliriously in love.
That was when Elizabeth noticed the music that was playing on a gramophone she had missed.
"This music is unfamiliar but exquisitely beautiful. Do you know who wrote it?"
He hesitated, as he had been hoping that wouldn't have been where her mind went. Yet it had, and the truth was, no matter how embarrassing it was to him, she deserved an answer. As, there would always be only truth between them.
"I wrote it, Lizbeth. Quite some time ago, back when I was at Fort Clay, actually. But everything felt so dark back then that I hid it away and completely forgot about it."
"Darling! You wrote this? But hid it away? That's tragic! This is much too beautiful! What finally made you get it out again?"
"You."
Her face was such a quandary of emotions, all predicated on her concern and great love for him.
"You're also the reason I wrote these lyrics to go with the music. It's part of my Wedding Gift to you."
"You wrote lyrics too? For me? Your...your talents amaze me! What is the song entitled, Darling?"
"Stars and Roses!"
She teared up all over again because this was their love, but fought to hold her happy tears back.
He kissed both her hands.
And there, under the moonlight, he took her into that ultra-romantic hold that was theirs alone, and with her hand at his heart, they began to dance under the moon and the stars as one, fluidly, romantically, and most intimately on this their Wedding Night.
It wasn't until all the notes he had written had played through once that he began lovingly and softly singing the words to his Bride:
Stars and Roses
(Verse1)
When night falls on us, my Love
The world will fade away
Under the glow of moonlight
Your heart is what guides my way
With every whispering breeze
Your laughter fills the air
Like rose petals dancing through trees,
You're my dream with no compare.
(Chorus)
Beneath stars so bright, my Love.
Our souls so entwined there grow
In gardens filled with wild roses
Your beauty flames aglow.
Each of our heartbeats let us know
Our love's eternal, my sweet rose.
(Verse2)
The night binds us ever tight
As the bright stars shine and gleam
Your eyes show me the light,
Your essence my only dream
A glance from you sends me aflight
Dancing with you feels so right
As lovers, we write our great song
Our symphony of love ever strong.
(Chorus)
Beneath stars so bright, my Love.
Our souls so entwined there grow
In gardens filled with wild roses
Your beauty flames aglow.
Each of our heartbeats let us know
Our love's eternal, my sweet rose.
(Bridge)
When Dawn awakes and begins to break
Promising us a lovely new day
Ne'er doubt you're my heart to stay,
Through all our joys and every ache
(Chorus)
Beneath stars so bright, my Love.
Our souls so entwined there grow
In gardens filled with wild roses
Your beauty flames aglow.
Each of our heartbeats let us know
Our love's eternal, my sweet rose.
(Outro)
In love we dance, hand in hand
With our linked hearts we alone understand,
With all the stars and roses too,
Eternally, Darling, it's me and you. (*215)
Their entire beings shared a kiss celebrating their marriage under those same brilliant stars that had so long ago forecast their oft tumultuous yet deep, rich, soul-mate, love that could only lead to one place.
Without words, he picked his love up and carried her through their suite into their bedroom, romantically dimming the lights just so, as he passed through…
On the side of their vast bed, he sat holding her, the most precious thing in the world to him.
He reached up, now knowing exactly where that hidden comb was and by removing it caused her hair to tumble down loose around her face.
"You are resplendent, Lizbeth!" he whispered, making her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world because she was exactly that to him and always would be.
She began slowly unbuttoning his shirt and then maneuvered herself into a new position so that it would be easier to remove it.
"Next is the Henley," she whispered. "Arms up, my Darling!"
"Why is it that I feel like I'm a child again?" he asked pitifully in that low, rich voice of his. "Next, you're going to say, 'let's strip the bear,' like Mother used to say when I was like three!"
She chuckled low, successfully stripping him of his Henley despite his sweet flashbacks!
"A mere transient feeling, my Love," she assured, now giggling despite herself.
"Nathan, remember that day in your Office, and I barged in uninvited?" she asked, now semi-sitting and semi-standing before him with her hands on his bare shoulders.
After all this time, he still blushed slightly thinking about it.
"How could I not, Love? It wasn't that I was embarrassed. It was just awkward because I didn't want you to be embarrassed!"
"And here, I wasn't the least embarrassed except for you! Personally? I was beyond delighted! And this should probably make me be a little embarrassed, but I'm not. Can I tell you a secret? I've dreamed of you and that torso of yours every single night since! Nathan, you are so very beautiful and so very handsome all at once!"
"Come here, Babe!"
He simply held her, then without words, expertly turned her around, and as she was still in her exquisite backless and so very memorable Wedding Gown, he adorned her beautiful back with the tenderest and most loving of kisses all over, her skin responding to his touch that went far beyond what she had dreamed possible.
As he did so, he began playing with the buttons on the built-in sash portion of her gown that came up around her tiny waist, slowly taking his time as though the buttons were tinier than his fingers might be able to manage!
She reached back, touching the side of his face to encourage him.
Smiling even though she couldn't see, he persevered.
"There we go," he whispered, letting her know he had been successful.
She then held her hair up as he carefully unclasped her mother's strand of pearls at her neck so as not to lose the large diamond cross pendant it held.
Holding both the pearl and diamond pieces in his large hand, he attentively kissed the exact spot where the clasp had touched her neck, sending a shiver down his Bride's spine, while also depositing her jewelry on their nightstand.
In one slow swoosh, she let her gown fall to the floor, making him quickly draw his breath in as a gasp, while also realizing he now had even more perplexing work to do.
"Help me step out of this voluminous thing first," meaning her gown. "Then I'll walk you through the rest, Love!"
He held her hand high as she stepped out of her gown, now completely on the floor and that was the moment he fully saw the beautiful curves of her silhouette.
"You are a vision…an absolute vision," he choked out, swallowing hard while suddenly finding it difficult to breathe.
Once she was free, she turned around smiling to celebrate by embracing him.
He held her close, loving her in this new way, both experiencing new feelings of desire. Feelings that had always been within them, yet both had securely locked away. Feelings wrought from their deep love that were now creating even more urgency than they were already dealing with.
"You…are stunning."
"It's rather elaborate since it was made to match my Wedding Gown. But know I chose it all for you, Darling, and I hope you love it!"
"I would say quite elegantly simple rather than elaborate," he said in a low rough voice, running his calloused hands against its silky lace. "And 'love it' doesn't quite do this justice. It's incredible on you. You are incredible, Lizbeth! Perfectly incredible!"
He watched, entranced as her Wedding Earrings gifted by him, sparkled brilliantly in the golden light, reminding him of the exquisite stars they had just danced under. As with her help, he had managed that very thing on the dock that meant so much to them, his confidence grew. Gently, he helped her remove them once more, placing them with her other jewelry while not leaving her unattended for a single second.
"Now, only one more obstacle, Love," encouraged his wife.
"This next part, I need your instruction, Love!"
"Take the top two ribbons and unlace them downward, just like you did with the ties on your boots!"
That, he could understand, though he couldn't ascertain for the life of him the juxtaposition of his rugged boots and this dainty piece of clothing being at all linked in the same sentence.
He slowly did as she instructed, finally, after much unlacing of the two loose ends, ending up with one single ribbon, realizing the distinct symbolism.
Showing her all the love in the world in one last lingering gaze, he drew his darling wife to him on this special night filled with such promise, both falling back into their bed together, wrapped in each other's arms amidst delicious laughter.
Yet their laughter was quickly spent, as they drifted from sweet nothings, so naturally into that epic love that was always meant to be just for the two of them, fulfilling their marriage vows in the most beautiful, romantic, and slowest of ways possible, with such mutually earned caring, delight, devotion, love, and profound respect, all wrapped up within utter romance, just as they had dreamed, only more so.
The beginning of God's handiwork written so long ago in those same stars, with the luscious scents of her lavender roses surrounding them, a mixture of earthiness, sweetness, and spiciness, much like the Bride herself. Their long-awaited special night was here and here to stay. The Groom's calm strength and wisdom, leading their way through this new part of their most intimate togetherness.
With their hearts beating in unison as the two beautifully became one, stars shone through their massive windows, blessing their union in beautiful, unimaginable ways to come.
They were each other's dream, with no compare, being filled now in new sacred ways that completed them. These two souls, now molded together and united as one forever, were finally embarking on their lifetime journey together. The one that had always been meant for them alone, as they were engulfed by a love that our Maker himself had ordained.
Further evidenced by all those invisible strings that had always bound them, exemplified by the beautiful words the Groom had written in his own hand, as a gift of love to his Bride:
"Beneath stars so bright, my Love.
Our souls so entwined there grow
In gardens filled with wild roses
Your beauty flames aglow.
Each of our heartbeats let us know
Our love's eternal, my sweet rose." (*216)
After much of the night, their love finally spent, they lay in each other's arms.
There, experiencing pure bliss like no other they had known.
The euphoric Bride, with her head on her Groom's bare chest, but in a state near dreamland, could only gather the words to one comment before she drifted off.
"This must be a taste of heaven's perfect contentment, am I right, my Love?"
He kissed her forehead, treasuring her.
"Perfectly so, my Darling! Our love's eternal, my sweet, sweet Rose…"
.
.
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208. "Tu es si mauvais! Parles-tu français?" translated from French to English as "You are so bad! Do you speak French?" Public Domain Information.
209. "Je t'aime plus que je n'aurais jamais rêvé qu'il était possible d'aimer," translated from French to English as "I love you more than I ever dreamed it was possible to love," Public Domain Information.
210. "Bonsoir," translated from French to English as "Good Evening," Public Domain Information.
211. "Un accueil des plus chaleureux!" translated from French to English as "A most warm and hearty welcome!" Public Domain Information.
212. "King George V and Queen Mary," His Majesty, The King of England King George V reigned and ruled from 1910 to 1936, with his wife consort, Her Majesty, The Queen of England, at his side. Public Domain.
213. "Passe une bonne nuit!" translated from French to English as "Have a good night!" Public Domain Information.
214. "Pièce de resistance," translated from French to English, meaning the ultimate or the best and most important or exciting thing, often the last in a series of things. Public Domain Information.
215-216. "Stars and Roses," Original poem written as part of story, by author CKJustice.