Chapter 329 – Wedding Reception
Doug took a moment to get everyone's attention.
"While you are enjoying your meal." Doug said. "I thought I would offer a few words as the best man."
Jack ducked his head and blushed, because he never knew what Doug was going to say.
"Other than his family." Doug said. "I might be one of the people who have known Jack the longest. While I haven't known Elizabeth as long, she is a wonderful person and the right person for Jack. While I never thought one of us would be married at eighteen, I couldn't be happier for Jack and Elizabeth. They were truly made for each other and are ready to face the next steps in life together.
I want to say thank you to Elizabeth for putting up with us boys this summer. I know that we can be a lot to deal with, but you handled it with grace and understanding. A little sister was just what Lee and I needed to keep us in line at times and you have filled that role wonderfully. We look forward to watching you and Jack take the next steps in life. Now Jack, you knew I couldn't let this night go without telling one story about you."
Many in the gathered crowd laughed as they many of them knew of Doug's storytelling.
"So." Doug continued. "As we hung out at the hotel last night, I thought of the first time we were at a hotel due to a jumping competition. It was the first summer we were up here. You were thirteen and we had gone to a jumping competition Syracuse. It was Lee, you and I sharing a hotel room. You needed to sleep because you were competing in morning, but you were so nervous you couldn't sleep and because you couldn't sleep you weren't going to let Lee and I sleep either."
Jack covered his face with his hands and shook his head.
"So there were are three young teenagers in the hotel room by ourselves and all Jack wanted to do was talk." Doug teased. "For those that know Jack, he doesn't talk, except about horses. So he was telling Lee and I all about the horses while we covered our heads with pillows. He finally talked himself to sleep about three in the morning and when he woke him a few hours later he didn't want to get up. We had fun that weekend and I look forward to many more adventures in the future. Our plans will just look a little different then we thought it was going to at this age. We love you and wish you the best."
"Thank you." Jack said, standing and giving Doug a hug.
People went back to eating and it wasn't that long and Caitlin stood up and took the mic.
"For those that don't know me." Caitlin said. "I am Caitlin McGill. I served as Elizabeth's maid of honor today. While we haven't known each other very long, we both come from similar backgrounds. We became fast friends this summer when my aunt Abigail introduced us and I look forward to staying in touch with Elizabeth as she goes back to the city for school.
So because I haven't known Elizabeth long, I don't have a cute story about us growing up together, but she did ask me to say a few words as her maid of honor. So that is what I am doing. While Jack and Elizabeth might only be eighteen, they are more in love then anyone I have ever seen, other then maybe my aunt Abigail. I can see the connection that Jack and Elizabeth have and that is amazing. I can only hope to have that kind of love one day. Elizabeth is very understanding and compassionate about other people. She cares about people and that is a great asset to have in someone who wants to be a teacher. I think she will be a great one. I have seen her with my Aunt Abigail's children this summer and if that is any indication, Elizabeth is going to be a great teacher. I can't wait to be there to cheer her on as she gets her degree.
I also know that Jack couldn't love Elizabeth any more then he does. According to what my Aunt Abigail said, she has never seen him smile as much as she has this summer. Her and I fully believe that Elizabeth is the reason for the smile. I have seen that smile on his face and you only see it when he is looking at Elizabeth. I wish them both the best as they head back to the city and start school."
Elizabeth stood up and gave Caitlin a hug and whispered thank you.
As people finished their meals, Jack stood up and took the mic.
"Elizabeth and I want to thank each and everyone of you for coming out today." Jack said. "I know that many of you were not expecting a wedding reception when you arrived today and I apologize for the deception. Because of circumstances, Elizabeth and I wanted to keep the wedding small and definitely quiet. While I understand that there is a certain amount I need to deal with the press, especially as I take over for my grandfathers, I would really like to keep my private life as private as possible. Elizabeth didn't ask to be in the spotlight and is not use to it yet. That is one of the reasons we kept things as small and quiet as we did. I hope that you can forgive us. The last thing that either of us wanted was our wedding splashed across the gossip pages. We however are thankful for all you coming to celebrate with us.
Now, I have a surprise for my bride. If she would join me for our first dance as my godfather, Bill Avery and best friends, Doug Burke, Lee Coulter and Nathan Grant preform Bill's song 'All I Need'. Thank you guys for this."
Jack lead Elizabeth to the dance floor that had been in part of the tent where the cocktail hour was held. The guys went over to the band and Bill counted them off as they began to play. Jack held Elizabeth close and spun her around the dance floor as Bill and the guys sang to them.
After Bill and the guys finished the song, they turned it back over to the band who opened the dance floor up to everyone. Bill came over and wanted to dance with Bill, while Jack went to get his grandmother for a dance. Jack and Elizabeth shared several dances with other people before they had one again.
As Jack took Elizabeth in his arms again, he gave her a quick kiss.
"Are you having a good night?" Jack asked.
"I am." Elizabeth said. "How about you?"
"Yes." Jack said. "But I am looking forward to leaving in a while."
Jack wiggled his eyebrows and Elizabeth giggled.
"I think we should cut our cake and spend a little time with our guests." Elizabeth said.
"I guess." Jack said, giving her a mock pout.
"Ninety minutes." Elizabeth said.
"Deal." Jack said, giving her a dimpled grin.
After the song ended, Jack and Elizabeth left the dance floor and went around, making sure they spoke with each table. They took a break to cut their cake after about thirty minutes.
"Can I get everyone's attention." Doug called.
People quieted down and turned to look at Doug.
"Jack and Elizabeth are going to cut their cake." Doug said. "Then the dessert table will be open to everyone. There will be cupcakes, mini brownies, different mini tarts and donuts. Enjoy, there is also still the fruit, veggies, meat and cheese boards for people to enjoy. While the party will continue until ten or later, many of us, including the bride and groom will be leaving at nine since we have a jumping competition tomorrow. One behalf of everyone, we invite you to stay and enjoy yourselves."
Jack and Elizabeth cut the small cake for them. They fed each other a little bit. Jack then kissed Elizabeth to finish off the frosting on her lips. They pulled apart giggling. They went back to speaking to people as people danced and had dessert. Elizabeth shared a dance with John and Jack danced with Abigail. It was nice time and while they knew the press was still at the gate, neither Jack or Elizabeth let it bother them.
At a little after nine, everyone gathered to see Jack and Elizabeth off. Jack and Elizabeth were stopped by Bill and Abigail as they went through the group of people.
"Caitlin will be by to get your dress clothes tomorrow." Abigail said. "That way you don't have to worry about packing them or taking them to Minnesota. We will get the dress cleaned and stored here at the ranch."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
"Thank you for everything." Jack said.
"Take care and have a nice time in Minnesota." Bill said. "I will be in touch in a couple of weeks. Take care and it was absolutely beautiful today, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your day."
"You are welcome." Jack said. "Thank you for all the prayers."
"You are welcome." Bill said.
Next Jack and Elizabeth were stopped by John, James and Margaret.
"We will be heading to Schuylerville by eight thirty." James said. "If you want to sleep in and have Devin bring you later, that is fine. I have tasked Carlo with making sure that your tack case gets taken."
"Thank you." Jack said. "We might do just that."
"Sounds like a plan." James said. "And if you chose to stay away, we will all understand."
"Andrew put all your luggage in your room." John said.
"Thank you." Jack said. "He gave me the key."
"You are welcome." John said. "And James is right, if you don't want to come tomorrow, we will all understand. Your call."
"Thank you." Jack said.
"Thank you all for everything." Elizabeth said.
"You are more then welcome." John said. "When you get back to the city, we will sort out your wedding gifts."
"I said you don't need to get us anything." Elizabeth said.
"But we did." Gran said. "But that can wait. Enjoy yourselves and just relax."
"Thanks." Jack said, blushing. "I love you."
"I love you too." Gran said.
Jack and Elizabeth gave each of the grandparents a hug before moving on. Their next stop was Doug, Lee, Nathan, Frank and Caitlin.
"I will be by at some point in the morning." Caitlin said. "I have been tasked with gathering your clothes from tonight to be cleaned."
"Thank you." Jack said. "Just call Elizabeth's phone."
"I will." Caitlin said.
"We got your tack case and gear." Doug said. "I made sure that you riding clothes and your Coal Creek gear were sent with Andrew. Are you sure you want to come tomorrow?"
"Thank you." Jack said. "We will make the decision in the morning, but as of right now, we plan to go."
"Okay." Doug said. "I just wanted to check."
"What you think you can beat Nathan." Jack teased.
"Easier then beating both of you." Doug teased back.
Elizabeth shook her head as they bantered back and forth.
"Yes, thank you." Elizabeth said. "I will message you, Caitlin."
"Sounds good." Caitlin said.
Hugs were again exchanged and the group moved off, leaving Father Mark standing there.
"Thank you." Jack said, hugging his cousin.
"You are more then welcome." Father Mark said. "It was a beautiful day, thank you for allowing me to be a part of it."
"I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to marry us." Jack said.
"Thank you for everything." Elizabeth said. "Take care and good luck in Rome."
"Thank you." Father Mark said. "Have fun in Minnesota and send some picture of the scenery."
"We will." Jack said. "I will talk to you before you leave."
"Sounds good." Father Mark said. "How about a quick prayer before you go?"
"Please." Jack said.
Jack and Elizabeth joined hands.
"Heavenly Father." Father Mark prayed. "Please be with Jack and Elizabeth tonight as they take the next step in their relationship. Take away their nervousness and allow them to experience the joy you meant for them. Be with them as they travel to Minnesota and keep them safe. Give them peace as they start school and be with us all until we are together again. Amen."
"Amen." Jack said.
"Amen." Elizabeth said. "Thank you. Are you not coming tomorrow?"
"I am not sure." Father Mark said. "I have some things I need to sort out before I leave next week."
"Understand." Elizabeth said. "When do you leave?"
"I fly to DC on the twenty-third." Father Mark said. "Then I will fly to Rome on the twenty-eighth."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "We will see you at Thanksgiving."
"Yes." Father Mark said.
"Sounds like a plan." Elizabeth said.
"I promise to be in contact." Father Mark said.
"You better." Jack said.
With one last hug, Jack and Elizabeth headed out to the car where Devin and the driver were waiting. They climbed in the car and Devin shut the door. They had made sure the car was shielded as much as they could from the long prying lenses of the paparazzi.
Once they were in the limo, Devin got in the front seat and opened the partition.
"We are going to take you for a bit of a drive." Devin said. "We will meet up with two other limos and then drive for a bit, before splitting off and each limo heading to a different hotel. Just in case we are followed by the press."
"Thank you." Jack said. "Thank you for everything."
"You are welcome." Devin said. "Just call me in the morning and let me know what the plan is."
"I will." Jack said.
Devin closed the partition and they took off. Jack turned to Elizabeth.
"Thank you for everything." Jack said.
"You are welcome." Elizabeth said. "It was good day."
"Despite my parents trying to crash things." Jack said.
"But they didn't." Elizabeth said.
"You are right." Jack said
Jack leaned forward and kissed Elizabeth like he had been wanting to all day. They knew that Devin was in the front seat, but they didn't care. For all that it mattered, they were finally alone.
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