"So, tell me everything!" Rosemary demanded with a happy smile and curiosity in her eyes as they settled at the table with cups of tea.
"I think I'm going to walk into town," Allie interjected, trying to speak casually to avoid raising any suspicions.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows but chose to say nothing except that she hoped she would have a good time catching up with everyone.
"So…" Rosemary prodded.
"So, we got married," Elizabeth gushed, her cheeks a becoming shade of pink. "It wasn't long after we got to Cape Fullerton."
"Elizabeth! We've spoken every week since you left!" Rosemary responded, unable to believe Elizabeth could hide such a secret from her. "My, you really are becoming a good actress," she added with a good natured elbow to Elizabeth's arm and a smirk.
Elizabeth only giggled and then her face softened to a dreamy, distant gaze as if remembering. "It was beautiful. It was simple and charming." She sighed happily.
"Well how did this come to be? You weren't even engaged when you left!" Rosemary exclaimed, enjoying every little detail.
Elizabeth shared about their arrival at Charlotte Thornton's. "At first it seemed Charlotte believed Nathan had escorted us only out of duty, but when Allie came through the door, it was clear. We were…well, we were a family."
"Surprisingly she only took it all in with wide eyes before questioning me later when we were alone." Elizabeth chuckled and Rosemary joined her. Even that much proprietary was rather impressive for the no nonsense Charlotte Thornton.
"But you know, she surprised me. Tenderly she reminded me of how I had naively believed Jack and I would have an eternity together. That we could wait until the very perfect moment to marry and then live out our days. She encouraged me to not make that same mistake twice. Especially for a man who had dropped everything to be with me, and Jack, when we needed him."
Rosemary reached across the table and squeezed Elizabeth's hand as she spoke.
"She was right, you know? We never know what the future will hold. We have to make the most of the present. Seize the day!" she added with exclamation.
"Well, that's just what we did!" Elizabeth grinned.
"Oh I suppose so!" Rosemary laughed.
"Rosemary, Nathan is the most wonderful man I have ever known. He's loved me so deeply and purely and selflessly. He's been patient and kind. He brings such joy to my world. It wasn't as though I needed any convincing that he was indeed the man I wanted to spend my lifetime with…but the reminder that our love didn't have to wait for a perfect moment was just what I needed. You know that's always been a struggle for me," Elizabeth shared as she poured out her heart. Rosemary agreed, reminding her that she had said very similar words not that long ago herself.
"So I went to Nathan…"
"You proposed?! Well done!"
"Well not exactly. But I brought it up. You know he never would in a moment like that. And I needed him beside me day and night." Elizabeth blushed at her confession.
Rosemary's eyes only softened with understanding. "So you'd have someone to face the highs and lows of life, side by side. I don't know what I'd do without my Lee."
Elizabeth's mind was immediately transported to the front step of the Coulter home the day Goldie was born. She and Nathan shared their thankfulness that Rosemary had someone. Now they were each other's someone. To have and to hold. For better or worse.
"Well it turns out, in the rush to catch up to us the night we left, Nathan had taken a moment to get this. Just in case." She held out her left hand and the sparkling, golden ring. "He had intended to propose that following weekend on a hike with the children…instead, he asked me to be his wife on the front step of Charlotte Thornton's boarding house and it couldn't have been more perfect." Elizabeth's dreamy gaze confirmed the truth of her words.
"We went to a little church the next day to say our vows. Jack and Allie joined us. Charlotte insisted on staying home and preparing us one of her special dinners…with lots of…"
"Lard?!" Rosemary gasped.
"Love, thankfully," Elizabeth laughed.
"Becoming husband and wife felt like the most natural thing. Like it was written in the stars, Rosemary. I am sorry you weren't there."
"Oh enough of that! You saw your moment and you took it! Now I'm going to plan the greatest wedding reception you've ever seen!" Rosemary proclaimed.
"Uhh…Rosemary, but we don't need…" Elizabeth tried to slow her plans but it was too late.
"There will be flowers and dancing. Oh the choir could perform a love song! And doves! I have to talk to Florence." And she was out the door, leaving Elizabeth bewildered but amused at the table.
The life-giving sound of laughter drew her to the door. Jack was running with the ball, playing keep away with his dad, his laughter carrying on the breeze. Elizabeth stood on the step taking it all in for a few moments before Nathan noticed her there. He gave up the chase and made his way over.
"Well hello, Mrs Grant," he said with a warm and loving kiss, his hands resting at her waist. "How did she take the news?"
"Surprisingly well. She's just so happy for us…so happy she's planning a huge reception!" Elizabeth said with an exasperated laugh.
"And did you tell her our other little secret?" Nathan asked close to her ear, his voice barely above a whisper.
"No, not yet. This little one is still our secret for now."