Chapter 328 – Wedding: the Church part 2
Once Maddie and Missy were ready, they waited and Father Mark moved to stand in front of the altar and they joined him. Once they were standing there, Frank and James Burke brought the bread and wine to the front of the Church. Father Mark handed one to each of the girls who put them on the altar. Father Mark came around and began the prayers he needed to go through. Jack and Elizabeth stood from their spots and everyone else stood in the pews.
Elizabeth watched even closer to what Father Mark did and what he said. She had made the decision that she wanted to be Catholic and had already looked into starting the classes when they returned to the city. She hadn't shared with anyone, but she felt the calling even more. She even knew who she wanted to ask to be her sponsor. She just needed to find some time to ask him when they all got back to the city.
Elizabeth shook her head and squeezed Jack's hand to let him know she was paying attention.
"At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say" Father Mark said.
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Everyone prayed.
"Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ." Father Mark prayed.
"For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever." Everyone responded.
Father Mark then came around the front of the altar. He motioned for Jack and Elizabeth to join him. Maddie and Missy also came around with two cushions. They helped Jack and Elizabeth kneel in front of Father Mark.
"My friends," Father Mark said. "Let us turn to the Lord and pray that he will bless with his grace this woman, Elizabeth, now married in Christ to this man, Jack, and unite in love the couple he has joined in this holy bond."
Father Mark extended his hand over Jack and Elizabeth. Maddie held the folder open for Father Mark.
"Father, by your power you have made everything out of nothing." Father Mark prayed. "In the beginning you created the universe and made mankind in your own likeness. You have man the constant help of woman, so that man and woman should no longer be two, but one flesh, and you teach us that what you have united may never be divided.
Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church. By your plan man and woman are united, and married life has been established as the one blessing that was not forfeited by original sin or washed away in the flood.
Look with love upon this woman, your daughter, now joined to her husband in marriage. She asks for your blessing. Give her the grace of love and peace. May she always follow the example of the holy women whose praises are sung in the scriptures. May her husband put his trust in her and recognize that she is his equal and the heir with him to the life of grace. May he always honor her and love her as Christ loves his bride, the Church.
Father, keep them always true to your commandments. Keep them faithful in marriage and let them be living examples of Christian life. Give them the strength which comes from the gospel so that they may be witnesses of Christ to others. Bless them with children and help them to be good parents. May the live to see their children's children. And, after a happy old age, grant them fullness of life with the saints in the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord."
"Amen." Everyone responded.
Maddie and Missy helped Jack and Elizabeth to stand and then took the cushions back. Father Mark then continued with the Mass picking up with the sign of peace.
"Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever." Father Mark prayed.
"Amen." Everyone responded.
"The Peace of the Lord be with you always." Father Mark said.
"And with your spirit." Everyone said.
"Let us offer each other a sign of peace." Father Mark said.
Father Mark shook Jack and Elizabeth's hands and then went to his grandparents and then John, before going to each member of the wedding party. Jack and Elizabeth followed Father Mark and went to the grandparents and then the wedding party. Once Father Mark finished he went back to the altar, nodding to Trish on the way. She started playing again. Everyone moved back to their spot and the Mass continued. Frank, James and Bill also came forward to help with the distribution of Communion.
Once he had finished prayers and was ready to distribute Communion, Father Mark and Frank first went to Jack and gave him Communion. Father Mark took a moment to say a blessing for Elizabeth. They then went to their spots and Father Mark nodded for everyone to come forward. While Father Mark and Frank had gone to Jack and Elizabeth. James and Bill had gone to Trish before taking their spots at the front of the church. Once she had received, Trish started playing and singing. She played Taste and See and then she played Gifts of Finest Wheat. It wasn't that they needed two songs, but it gave everyone a chance to come forward and it let Father Mark not be rushed.
Once everyone was seated again, Trish finished the song and everyone was quiet for a few moments. Father Mark stood and motioned for to stand.
"Now let us pray." Father Mark said.
Once again, Maddie came and stood in front of Father Mark. He opened the book and extended his hands.
"May God the eternal Father keep you of one heart in love for one another, that the peace of Christ may dwell in you and abide always in your home." Father Mark prayed.
"Amen."
"May you be blessed in your children, have solace in your friends and enjoy true peace with everyone." Father Mark prayed.
"Amen."
"May you be witnesses in the world to God's charity, so that the afflicted and needy who have known your kindness may one day receive you thankfully into the eternal dwelling of God." Father Mark prayed.
"Amen."
"The Lord be with you." Father Mark prayed.
"And with your spirit."
"And he blesses all the people, adding: And may almighty God bless all of you, who are gathered here, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Father Mark prayed.
"Amen."
"Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life" Father Mark said.
"Thanks be to God."
Trish started playing Be Thou My Vision. Part way into the first first, Jack and Elizabeth went and stood in front of the altar. They were joined by Maddie and Missy as well as the rest of the wedding part. Father Mark came down and stood between Jack and Elizabeth. They gave the final bow. Jack and Elizabeth then turned, joined arms and went down the aisle. They were followed by the rest of the bridal party and then Maddie and Missy. Father Mark was the last to walk down the aisle. As soon as he cleared the last pew, Trish wrapped up the song.
It took everyone a moment to start to make their way to the back of the church to greet the new couple. Once that had been done, James and Bill got people heading to the ranch while Jack, Elizabeth and the bridal party took a few photos. Gran, James, John and Bill all stayed back, because they knew that Jack and Elizabeth wanted photos with them. James and Frank also stayed just to be eyes while others were busy. They both knew that there was security outside, but one couldn't be too careful.
It didn't take long and they were able to get all the pictures that they wanted. It has been easier since they had done the individual ones before the ceremony, so it was only group shots that needed to be done. Once they were done, they made sure they had everything picked up before heading back to the ranch. Jack and Elizabeth went in the limo with Devin sitting in the front seat with the driver. The remainder of the group split between the other cars and all headed back. They knew that the limo was going to take the long way to give Jack and Elizabeth a little time together.
… … … …
When James, Margaret and John got back to the ranch, they were not ready for the sight that greeted them. They had been so excited about the wedding, but when they got back to the ranch, Thomas, Charlotte and Emily were all there, along with several news cameras. Security was keeping Thomas, Charlotte and Emily out as well as the press. They had called the State Police for back up. John sent the other cars in as he didn't want Nathan to have to deal with Emily. Andrew quickly called Devin to give him a heads up. Jack and Elizabeth were having a wonderful day and no one wanted to ruin it.
John stepped out and stood in front of the closed gate and spoke in his loud booming voice.
"Anyone who comes on this property uninvited will be arrested." John boomed. "We just came from a special Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Knock and are having a private celebration."
"We heard there was a wedding." One reporter shouted.
John didn't answer, but just looked at his son and daughter-in-law.
"You have not been invited and will not be allowed to enter." John said.
"You can't keep us from our son." Charlotte spat.
"He is an adult and said he wants nothing to do with you." John said. "He has every right to cut ties. And if you are referring to Tommy, the judge has given custody to James and Margaret. So you have no say. I suggest that you leave before you get arrested again. It will not look good if you do, so leave."
"We aren't going anywhere until we see our sons." Charlotte yelled. "You can't keep me from my boys."
"Leave or you are going to be arrested." John said.
John looked at security and nodded. They let him in the gate and shut it again. They knew that John had spoken and that was all there was. They weren't going to let anyone in that wasn't on the list. The thing that John didn't know was that most of the guests were already there and enjoying music, cocktails and appetizers.
John got in his town car and let out a sigh.
"Sorry." James said. "We should have anticipated that."
"It is not your fault." John said. "I kind of had, but didn't really think they would show up."
"I don't want them to ruin the day for JP and Elizabeth." Margaret said.
"They won't." John said. "I told them that they needed to leave, the State Police are on the way to push the media back and Andrew had called Devin to give us extra time before the limo arrives."
"Thank you for taking care of things." James said.
"No problem." John said. "Let's just have a good day.
… … … …
As the guests arrived at the ranch, they were warmly welcomed by staff and shown to the cocktail hour tent as the car were parked by a valet. The tent itself was decorated with the Thornton tartan as well as the pale yellow and blue that matched. It was beautiful without being over done. The Thornton tartan in the white tablecloths were very pretty. The centerpieces were a small bowl of the primroses with shamrocks. Others had a candle wrapped with shamrock ribbon. The tent for the cocktail hour, had a mix of larger round tables and smaller bar type tables as well as a few different couch arrangements for people to chose from.
The bar had a wide variety of New York spirits and wines as well as ciders and juices. There were tons of choices, Margaret and Trish with the help of John were more then happy to feature many of the local wineries and breweries. While they could have brought in things from anywhere, the fact that they wanted to stay local as much as possible was nice and it showed that they cared about the local places.
For the food, there was fresh fruit platters that included – oranges, sliced into half-moons grapes, on the vine, pineapple, sliced into half-moons and quarter-moons, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, bing cherries, rainier cherries, kiwi, sliced into rounds, watermelon, cut into triangles, cantaloupe, balled. It also had a strawberry yogurt and chocolate fruit dip and fresh coconut flakes. There was a second platter that had much the same but also included peaches, mangoes and nectarines.
There were also two different veggie platters. The first included mini English cucumbers, mini heirloom tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, tri-colored carrots (purple, white and orange), sugar snap peas, radishes, celery, asparagus and that had a lemon as well as a roasted red pepper hummus. The second platter had carrots, cucumber, radishes, bell peppers, jicama (similar to a turnip), endive, cherry or grape tomatoes, snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, zucchini, yellow summer squash with a creamy ranch dip and a pesto dip. There was also a large charcuterie board that included olives, mini pickles, a variety of crackers and breadsticks. There were four kinds of cheese – Brie, cheddar, smoked Gouda and Colby jack. For meat it had hard salami, ham, turkey, peppered salami, pepperoni and prosciutto.
There was lots to choose from and people were having a great time. There was a small band playing music for people, but it was soft enough that people could still talk and visit. There was lots of talk of what the celebration was about and if there wouldn't be some sort of announcement made at the party. By the time that John, James and Margaret arrived at the party tent, almost all of the one hundred and fifty guests were enjoying themselves. The only people missing were the wedding party, who had stopped by the house to freshen up and then the bride and groom who were yet to arrive. As the bridal party filtered into the tent, John and James both stood up at the microphone that had been set up.
"Welcome everyone." John said. "I first want to apologize to you. As I have heard, many people think that there is an ulterior motive for today's party and you would be right. This afternoon my grandson JP Thornton married his girlfriend, Elizabeth Thatcher. It was their desire to keep the wedding as small and private as possible, but they also wanted to celebrate with the people who were important to us. This party was a compromise to allow that to happen. Again, James, Margaret and I want to apologize if you feel lied to, but given everything that has happened. I hope you all understand the need to keep the wedding quiet as possible. They were able to get married without the interference of troublemakers who have made life difficult this summer or the media, so our deepest apologies for the subterfuge."
"That said." James said. "We welcome everyone and hope that you have a good time this evening celebrating JP and Elizabeth. They will be here shortly. For now, please continue to mingle and enjoy the snacks that have been put out."
"We should be sitting down to eat soon." John said. "Personally, I am looking forward to the nice prime rib that has been prepared for everyone. So please eat, drink and be marry. The band will continue to play and will announce when the bride and groom arrive. One last thing. While you are free to post pictures that you take tonight, we are asking for privacy and that you don't speak to the media directly. That is the only request that JP and Elizabeth had, so please try to be respectful of that."
There was a nice round of applause, then John and James both took a seat after getting a drink and a quick plate to hold them over. The bridal party also grabbed a bite and mingled among the people that had gathered.
Ten minutes after John and James had welcomed everyone, the party coordinator asked John to introduce the bride and groom as they were just inside divide the tent. John didn't want to do it, so Bill stood up and went to the mic.
"Can I get everyone's attention." Bill called out.
It took a few moments for everyone to quiet down and turn to face Bill who was near the front of where the tent was divided.
"It is with great pleasure that I get to introduce Jack and Elizabeth Thornton." Bill said.
With that ten divide opened up and Jack and Elizabeth stepped into the cocktail part with a great applause. Both were glad to see so many people and that they had pulled it off. Calls for a kiss rang out and Jack turned to Elizabeth with a dimpled grin and she just shrugged so Jack closed the distance and gave her a big kiss, which only raised the level of hooting and hollering among the gathered. Jack and Elizabeth finally pulled apart, both a little red in the face.
They circulated in the tent for about fifteen minutes before the coordinator started to get people to go to the other part of the tent to sit for dinner. Jack and Elizabeth were led to a small sweetheart table at the front. To either side was their bridal party as well as the grandparents. Jack looked out and saw lots of faces of people he knew and some he didn't. For a single moment, he felt bad as Elizabeth hadn't invited anyone from her past to celebrate the day. She noticed the change in his face.
"Is everything okay?" Elizabeth whispered leaning over.
"Yes." Jack said. "I just realized that all these people are known to either me or my grandparents, but you don't have anyone from your past here."
"That is okay." Elizabeth said. "There really isn't anyone that I would want here. If they don't support us, they don't belong here. Just like I said when Devin warned us about your parents."
"Okay." Jack said. "I just felt bad for a moment."
"And that is because you care." Elizabeth said. "But we are married and let's enjoy this party that your grandparents put together for us."
"Thank you." Jack said, leaning over to give Elizabeth a quick kiss.
Dinner started with a small side salad. There were baskets of dinner rolls on the tables. The main entree was prime rib with rosemary roasted potatoes and roasted summer veggies. As people ate, drank and enjoyed themselves Doug stood up and took the mic.