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Chapter One Hundred Eighty-two
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Memorable Celebrations Continue
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William announced, "In conversations with Elizabeth and Nathan after their engagement, I learned that it was their intention to adopt each other's children as their own. Injury, recovery, and life events have filled the weeks since that day, but as this has been a weekend replete with memorable and momentous events, we have one more ceremony to witness."
Immediately, Elizabeth's and Nathan's attention was riveted on her Father.
William couldn't control his smile as he explained, "Since all of us may never be together like this in the future, Judge William Avery submitted the applications and received the paperwork this past week which allows Elizabeth to adopt our dear Allie, and Nathan to adopt our dear boy, Jack. I assure you, this is a surprise to them all!"
The Bride and Groom gasped in tandem then looked at each other.
"Nathan? Elizabeth? Children?" William instructed, "Please step over to this end of the table?"
Nathan set Jack on his feet, then stepped aside to let his wife take Jack's hand while he took that of his daughter as they moved towards Bill and William.
Judge Bill Avery stood and opened his arms to lovingly welcome the shocked parents and children to stand together at the end of the table. With unmeasured joy, Bill officiated. "It is my pleasure to make the entire Grant family official. Nathan, is it your desire to legally adopt, Jack Thornton, Junior, as your son?"
Nathan reached down and lifted Jack into his arms and, with shining eyes, voiced his agreement, "Absolutely, yes."
Bill addressed Elizabeth who was standing behind Allie, her arms around the young woman's shoulders, "Elizabeth, is it your desire to have Nathan legally adopt your son Jack?"
"Yes, it is."
"And is it your desire to legally adopt Allison Mayes Grant as your own daughter?"
Nodding, Elizabeth again responded, "It is."
"Allison, do you wish to have Elizabeth Grant become your legal mother?"
"I do," Allie could hardly get the words out as grateful tears overflowed.
"And young Jack, do you want Daddy Nathan to be your earthly Daddy?"
"He already is and I love him," Jack announced as he wrapped his arm around Nathan's neck, while Nathan held him close.
"I accept that as a 'yes!'" Bill grinned before addressing the Grants and their guests. "Today these children will become legal members of the Grant family, deserving of love, care, support and provision, protection, and inheritance, their status equal with any biological children. Nathan, do you accept responsibility for Jack as your own?"
"I do," Nathan could hardly make the words audible.
"Elizabeth, do you accept responsibility for Allie?"
"Oh, I do."
"Nathan, is there anything you would like to share to Jack, to your family, or to us?"
Pulling Jack away so he could see the little boy's face, Nathan cleared his throat and made his promise, "Jack, just as I told Allie when she became my daughter, you have been in my heart for a long time. My dear son, I promise to always love you, to be your earthly father, to teach, and admonish, to help you grow up into a man that will please God and make your mommy proud. And, Jack, my boy, one of the most important things to do as your dad, is to love and cherish your Mommy and I promise to do just that." Nathan moved his gaze to Elizabeth and their faces glowed as Nathan added, "Lisbeth, I promise to love and care for Jack, making him my first son."
Nodding, Elizabeth wiped her eyes, then placed her hands back on Allie's shoulders.
"Elizabeth, would you like to share some words with Allie?"
"Allie, my sweet girl," Elizabeth moved to stand beside the young woman and searched her face, "I have loved you since the day we first met. My heart softened when I saw your longing for a family, beyond your uncle, and when I learned of the losses you suffered for one so young. I have always admired your tenacity and bravery, and your childlike faith. You were a delight to teach, bright, humorous, and a wonderful friend once you opened your heart to friendship. You are kind, thoughtful, generous, and conscientious! I have loved watching you blossom, grow, and mature, and I look forward to mothering you and to encourage you to be all God wants you to be. As your Dad has promised to Jack, I promise to love you and to love him from the depths of my heart. I consider you to be my not just my daughter, but my friend, and my very best Maid-of-Honor! You are a blessing." Elizabeth turned to kiss Allie's cheek then faced her two menfolk, making her promise to her husband, "Nathan? I promise to love and care for Allie as my own, my first daughter." She leaned up to kiss Jack and Nathan on their cheeks.
"There is no doubt in our minds that God has ordained this family and I adjure you Guests, as family and friends, to support the Grants in every way possible."
"Now, in my judicial position in the District Court in Regina, and by the authority of the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada, I hereby declare that Allie Grant becomes daughter to Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton Grant. I also declare that Jack Thornton, Junior, is now the legal son of Nathan Thomas Grant and will hereby be known as Jack Thornton Grant. I have invited Pastor Joseph Canfield to pray a blessing over all of you and then you must sign the documents."
As Joseph came forward, Nathan adjusted Jack in his arms so he and Elizabeth could hold hands.
"Everyone, please stand and, if you feel comfortable doing so, join hands with your neighbor and let's pray." Joseph placed his hand on Nathan's back, took Bill's hand and began.
"Heavenly Father,
You created adoption so that we could become your children, therefore we know you have a heart for all that has transpired today, from the wedding vows to these adoption promises. How precious that a young woman, who lost her birth mother so long ago, now has a mother again, and a little boy, who never knew his birth father, now will grow up knowing an honorable, faithful father. We have witnessed a miracle today and give you all the glory and praise!
We ask for every blessing on Nathan and Elizabeth, on Allie and Jack, and on any little ones with whom you may bless them in the future. We give You thanks for the Grant family!
In your Blessed Name we pray,
Amen."
"Congratulations, Allie, Jack, Elizabeth, and Nathan!" Joseph shared the joy!
As applause sounded throughout the Ballroom, Archie and Ruth, William and Grace, Zachary, and Julie encircled the newly established Grant family to share hugs and congratulations and the music began to play once again. Waiting their turn, Bill, Carol, and Peter were the next ones to share hugs and kisses.
Returning to his seat, Bill squeezed Adeli's hand and whispered, "What a day!"
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Mr. Durand, the Hotel's Manager, slipped into the Ballroom and approached the Bride and Groom as their families returned to their tables. "Sergeant and Mrs. Grant, I know this is not a relaxing time for you, although joyful, so I want you to know we have prepared a basket of food, including desserts and some pieces of your cake, for you to take with you as you travel. We will make certain that Mr. Hudson has the basket as he is your chauffer. I know you still will dance and must greet your guests, but when you are ready to depart to make your train, please use the front entrance so the maximum number of your guests can see you off from the Lobby."
"Please let me congratulate you on your marriage and your sweet, and now official, family. It has been a joy to serve you and host all your wonderful guests. Thank you for allowing Le Chateaux Qu' Applle the privilege."
"We thank you as well, Mr. Durand. This Ballroom is beautiful and beautifully styled. I know we discussed it, but the actuality far surpasses what I imagined! The plantings, the flowers, the settings, and organization have all been marvelous. This weekend has been a special treat to our friends from the small town where we used to live. Hope Valley is on the frontier, although becoming more modern every day, but this has been a new experience for many of them to see Regina and this elegant Hotel. We are grateful, Sir, for all you have arranged." Nathan extended his hand in gratitude.
"You are most welcome, Sir, Ma'am. I will leave you to enjoy the remainder of the evening. Godspeed!"
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Nathan and Elizabeth were headed back to their seats when William motioned them over to their table. "While everyone is finishing their desserts, maybe you should make the rounds of the tables to greet everyone? Bill will announce when it is time for the first dance."
"Yes, Father, we should do that. Thank you for reminding us as I confess I am somewhat overwhelmed after the adoption surprise!" Elizabeth whispered as she kissed William's cheek, adding, "Thank you for all of this, Father, for allowing so many friends to travel here and have such a wonderful visit, for last evening's dinner, the reception, the musicians… it has been extravagant, yet still down-to-earth for our friends. We appreciate all you have done!"
"We do, Father, thank you! Allie expressed it well when she said her friends will have a year's worth of conversations from all that has transpired this weekend. I especially want to thank you for working with Bill to facilitate the adoptions. I confess that with the stable fire, recovery, house renovations, visitors, our family gatherings, Mom and Dad's relocation, moving into the main house, Zach's graduation, and wedding events I didn't even think of the adoption!" Nathan ran his hands through his hair and let out a long breath, "When I list it all, it is a LOT in just a couple of months! Still, I never dreamed of having it when so many loved ones would be present to witness it, but it was perfect, just perfect…" Nathan extended his hand and was drawn into a hug by his father-in-law. "Oh, and I haven't seen it yet, but thank you for the use of the Pullman! This is a heady experience for a small town Mountie from the frontier!"
Laughing, William commented, "Maybe that is what you used to be, Son, but now you are a family man with all the extras that includes by marrying into the Thatchers'. I have no doubt that you and Elizabeth will retain your values and the simple things of life, family, and faith that are so important to you and have endeared you to Grace and me, and to your many friends. I love you both, and your children, so much! It has been my delight to offer whatever assistance I could and I thank you for the privilege. Now, go make the rounds, for your loving guests await!"
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Beginning at the table where the Commissioner and Carol, the Chief Superintendent and Sylvia, Reverend Ellwood and his wife, Estelle, were seated along with Station Master Isaac Best and Esther, Nathan and Elizabeth received heartfelt congratulations and hugs.
Carol enthused, hugging the Bride, "Honey, you are stunningly beautiful in that dress. I really like it and love how you decided to wear your veil. So elegant!"
"You look happier than I have ever seen you, Son," Peter praised his favorite Mountie.
Tim added, chuckling, "And for good reason!"
"Agreed," stated Ellwood, happily. The Pastor also had a special affinity for Nathan Grant!
"Jack seems to have recovered, so we are grateful for that," Peter commented, "Poor little fella with so many changes happening, wonderful as they are."
Smiling Elizabeth squeezed Nathan's arm, "Yes, Jack needed his Daddy. He also showed me a special gift he's keeping in his pocket, so that helped! Ask him to show you his pocket gift from his Daddy!"
"Oh, did that help?" Nathan questioned Elizabeth. "It was a last minute purchase this morning and I guess God guided me on that one!"
"He did, and you listened!" Elizabeth was starry-eyed, exuding love and pride for her husband.
Nathan was the same, hardly able to look away from his Bride as they thanked their friends for coming and moved to the next table!
Josiah and Johanna Blake were seated with Jon and Jane Samuels, Wes Murphy and Ardis Ross, along with Claire Collins and her fiancé, Dan Richards. Together they were assured of many topics of conversation including their appreciation for the Grants, Nathan at Depot, and Allie at St. Anne's and Knox Presbyterian's choir!
"So, Nathan, what did you think of your Lance Arch experience?" Wes grinned at his officemate.
"I thought it was unique and probably a first for Lance Arches! Do I have you to thank?"
"Oh, I'll never tell…"
"You don't have to! I can spot suspicious activity from afar! You just wait for your turn, Brother…"
"Uh oh… Should have thought of that, Wes!" Jon chuckled. "Josiah and I are already hitched!"
With warmth creeping up his neck, Wes ducked his head until Ardis whispered, "It's alright, Sweetheart. You won't really mind, will you?"
Johanna came to the rescue, addressing the Bride and Groom, "I have never heard personal vows at a wedding, but I wish we had had them. It was a beautiful addition and made your ceremony your own."
"Didn't it?" Jane affirmed, "There are so many things about your weekend that have been unique and memorable. It's been a privilege to participate."
"I am grateful each of you could attend. You all are special to me in so many individual ways, but together, I appreciate each one of you." Elizabeth held Claire's gaze for a moment, before meeting the gaze of the other women.
"The same for me for each of you, friends. God has blessed Elizabeth and I with rich relationships even in such a short few months. Thank you, Brothers, for the arch, and participating in the service too."
"Happy to play a small part in such a momentous event. God bless you both, and your beautiful children." Josiah exclaimed, "That Allie of yours is a beauty, Nathan!"
"Isn't she?" Claire contributed, "Bright and personable too. Allie is a delight to teach. And that little son of yours is adorable!"
"Thank you," Elizabeth smiled as she glanced at the head table to see Jack and Patrick deep in conversation.
"Again, thank you all!" Nathan added.
Steve and Barbara Barrows, David Wright, and Rachel Bell had been discussing the youth group, choir, and school experiences with Ellen Wiese and the young ladies from Hope Valley. When their teacher approached they stood, excited to greet and hug her. "Mrs. Tho… Ooops, Mrs. Grant! You look beautiful!" Opal observed adoringly.
"You do! Like a dream!" Emily contributed. "A wonderful dream!"
"Oh, thank you ladies! You are kind." Elizabeth kissed them both before inquiring, "Have you enjoyed your trip?"
"We all have, Elizabeth," Ellen Wiese interjected. "Thank you so much for including us! It's been the experience of a lifetime!"
"Yes, thank you! There is so much to remember I need to write it all down!" Laura remarked, then added, "But I will have to do that on the return trip as I want to take in everything!"
"I'm so glad Allie could spend some extra time with you too. Have you gotten to know her friends from the Academy? They're at the next table."
"We have, thank you," explained Emily. "We were talking before but came back to the table here for our desserts."
Steve raised his fork containing a piece of cake, "Everything is so delicious and beautiful too! I've had almond wedding cake before, but never chocolate as well!"
"Thank you, Steve. The Hotel has done a wonderful job!" Nathan agreed, then addressed the young ladies, "What do you think of this Ballroom, eh? Doesn't it look as though we are in a Castle in Europe?"
After enthusiastic "Yes" responses, Opal interjected, "I like what you did with the frosting on Mrs. Grant's nose!"
"Ah, you liked that? You were there when she boldly did that to me!" Nathan laughed and squeezed Elizabeth a little closer. "That is a fun memory!"
"Tell us about that, Opal? It sounds like a good story!" Barbara Barrows winked at Elizabeth, "You have more guests to greet, but it is lovely to be here!"
The next table of young people was the most boisterous! Siblings, Jared and Ellie Blake, were seated with Naomi Best, Angela and Cooper Canfield, and the Samuels children, Rachel, Sally, and Joshua. As expected, Joshua was fast friends with Jared and Cooper as the only other boys at the table. The young boy was even sharing Cooper's chair!
Nathan shook hands with each young man, "I'm glad you are getting to know each other. It is fun to meet new friends, isn't it, Josh?"
"Mmm hmm! I have plenty of girls around all the time," He smirked at his sisters who basically ignored him as they concentrated on hearing from Angela.
Nathan laughed and winked at Jared, "Personally, I think girls are pretty great!"
"Angela, Sweetheart, thank you again for playing the piano last evening." Elizabeth offered, "We love to hear you play and miss that. Did you ladies know that Angela plays for church in Hope Valley every Sunday?"
"No! Wow! Do you have everything memorized?" Sally questioned.
"I do, but you see my father is the pastor so he and my mother sing the songs for me ahead of time so I can practice them throughout the week. It's not that hard."
"Maybe not for you, but I struggle just memorizing flute music and that's only the melody," Ellie confessed. "You are amazing!"
"You are amazing, Sweetheart," Elizabeth leaned over Angela's shoulder and softly mentioned, "There is more cake at three o'clock."
"Thank you, Mrs…" Angela hesitated then spoke again, "Mrs. Grant. Thank you for the music too. I can't wait to get home and learn it, except I don't want this trip to end."
"We are so glad you and so many of the Hope Valley friends could attend. It is a long way, but we are thankful." Nathan admitted, "Allie is so happy to have so many of her friends, old and new, here to meet each other and celebrate this special event, including her adoption!"
"She is. Enjoy the rest of your desserts and remember there will be dancing!" Elizabeth glanced at Jared when she mentioned that, hoping he would take the hint. When he grinned, she thought he had gotten the message!
Moving to the next table, Elizabeth and Nathan again welcomed their Hope Valley friends, along with Hudson who knew the visitors from his months staying in town.
Henry shook Nathan's hand, commenting, "I'm not one for attending weddings, but I am so glad I've been here for all of this! It's been spectacular!"
Laughing, Ned agreed, "That's a good word for it. You two are special people and we're making wonderful memories during this visit. I just wonder how I can keep the missus in our little store when she has seen all of this! We looked around the stores downtown, you know, and wow!"
"Oh, it has been an experience! I've seen some store display ideas so that's been fun too!" Florence patted her husband's hand then changed the direction of the conversation. "Elizabeth, you are glowing and truly a happy and pretty Bride, When I think of meeting you that first time when you arrived in town! And look at you now, a mother and a Bride who walked through sorrow for a second chance at love, just like me. Who would have guessed we'd be here at this moment? I am delighted for you and, of course, dear Nathan. It took a long time, but you are meant to be together."
"We have walked quite a winding road haven't we, Florence? But God has been good and blessed us both with love again." Elizabeth squeezed Nathan's hand as she spoke, "Even the journey with Nathan has been fraught with twists and turns, but this wonderful, patient man loved me through them all and now I couldn't be happier to be Mrs. Nathan Grant."
Faith stood to hug Elizabeth again, moved. Through tears she confessed, "And I couldn't be happier to see you like this, and with this precious man, dear friend. All the missteps, the hesitancy, and tentative steps have been worth it. I have been blessed to be here this weekend and Ben and I are even taking note of ideas for this summer. We'll let you know so you can see if you can attend!"
"Wouldn't that be wonderful? Congratulations again on your engagement. Who knows we may end up almost sisters!" Elizabeth giggled as she looked at Ben, "and almost brothers!"
While these conversations were taking place, Nathan bent over between Joseph and Minnie, "You got the money for the Café, right? Thank you for doing that! Gabe was appreciative. This is for you now, for coming all this distance to perform our wedding. It means so much to both of us. Actually, you both mean so much to both of us. Now, don't be a stranger, okay?" Nathan chuckled, "I think my life will settle down a little bit sometime soon, so I should have time for telephone calls!"
"I wouldn't count on that, my Brother! You have two children already and who knows what God has in store!"
"Well, any and all will be welcome additions, that is after a few months of getting adjusted to life as a family of four!"
"Don't let my husband scare you, Nathan," Minnie patted Nathan's hand which rested on her shoulder. "You are a great father and with two parents you'll both be wonderful together."
"Thank you. Please pray for us? I am definitely seeing the world through rose colored glasses right now, yet I don't want to change that anytime soon!"
"One day, one step at a time and you know my number, Nathan."
Hugging Jake and Irma Cook, Elizabeth and Nathan thanked them for all they had done for them in recent months, assuring them they would sit down and discuss schedules and plans once they returned from their honeymoon.
"There is no rush. Once Zach, the Collinses and the Kinslows depart, I'll launder all the linens, clean thoroughly, and set the house back in order for your return. Please let us know when your train arrives so we can have a meal prepared for your little family?"
"Yes, please enjoy your time away and I'll continue to care for the horses at Depot, especially since Zach won't be around. I'll see to anything else that needs doing and can begin to do Spring cleanup in the gardens if the weather allows."
Nathan and Elizabeth again thanked the neighbors who had helped the night of the stable fire, letting them know that plans were in the works to replace it in the Spring.
After introducing the Drill Sergeant to Elizabeth, she softly thanked him for all he had done, speaking with her eyes more than her words as they were in a public place. She added, "It has been a privilege to share special holidays with Zachary."
Nodding, the Sergeant replied, "You're welcome. Grateful I was in the right place at the right time. Constable Grant has been an exemplary Cadet and will be missed."
Introducing Chaplain Thom Morgan to Elizabeth, Nathan proudly named her as his wife confessing, "I hope I never tire of saying that."
"I believe you are on the road to a long and happy marriage, Nathan, Elizabeth. God's very best to you and your children."
While Nathan thanked Sgt. Keaton Moore for his good care of the horses, Elizabeth showed appreciation to the Chapel organist and her husband, who happened to be the bagpiper. "Your rendition was beautiful and a lovely surprise! Can you tell me who requested that addition?"
Glancing at his wife, the piper only responded, "Let's keep that a surprise until the person tells you themselves, eh? It was a pleasure to play together and the ceremony and this reception has been beautiful!"
On the way to meet some of William Thatcher's work associates at the next table, Elizabeth recognized one of the doctor's from the hospital. "Doctor? Thank you for watching over Nathan when he was injured some weeks ago. You were kind and thoughtful. Doesn't my husband look great now?"
Ducking his head, Nathan felt warmth creeping up his neck.
"I do not always get to see recovered patients, but I agree with your assessment, Mrs. Grant! Sergeant, you had good care from Dr. Murphy as well so we are grateful he arrived with his expertise when he did."
"Yes, Wes Murphy has been a blessing and worked with me to exercise my shoulder and get it back to normal again. Thank you for your care in the hospital too, Doctor," Nathan shook the man's hand. Glancing around the room, Nathan mentioned, "Wes is seated at that first table on the right and we are also privileged to have other doctors in our midst today, our neighbor whom you know and twin brothers, Dr. Bradley Marshall who is a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon from Hamilton and Dr. Ben Marshall a Psychiatrist who is now practicing in Hope Valley along with his fiancée, Dr. Faith Carter who is family physician!"
"Ah? Even a female doctor? That's refreshing! I will have to introduce myself then."
"Please do and enjoy the rest of the evening. Thank you for coming," Elizabeth nodded to Nathan, "Excuse us but we have a schedule to keep!"
Making their way to their family's table, which was the one closest to the head table, Nathan whispered, "Did you find out anything about the bagpiper request?"
"No. They wouldn't say, so that's a Mountie assignment for after you are back at Depot!"
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