Saturday’s dedication and open house of the new Hope Valley School was a grand event. Mr. Landis, joined by both Kathryn and Elizabeth, cut a big ribbon signaling that the school was officially open. Pastor Joseph invoked a dedicatory prayer that the new building would serve not only as an institution of learning, but also be a place where the community could draw closer together. It was a short ceremony, but one that made everyone excited for the upcoming school year.
Both teachers met and talked with the students who would be in their respective classes, along with their families. Elizabeth would be teaching ages 5-11, and Kathryn was in charge of the 12-17 year old's who were more advanced and looking to continue their education. Nathan beamed as he watched his fiancé in her element, and couldn’t be more proud to be at her side. A reception and commons area was right inside the entrance, then a wide hallway led to a pair of large classrooms that would accommodate even more growth. Across from the classrooms was a space with hooks and cubbies where students could hang their jackets and store their lunch pails.
Refreshments had been provided by Minnie and Clara from the café, and music played on a gramophone that had been bought to be used for the school and other community events. Self-guided tours of the building had everyone fascinated with all of the new chalkboards, maps, desks, textbooks, and plenty of new notebooks and pencils. Kathryn and Elizabeth had been working for days to decorate their individual classrooms, prepare lesson plans, and order any final materials they deemed necessary for the start of school in just over two weeks.
Elizabeth had been skeptical of giving up her Independent Jack Thornton school that her late husband had built for her, but she now realized that the new school provided more students an opportunity to learn more effectively. Not only that, but now the other building wouldn’t have to be transformed each week from a school house into a church, and Joseph would have a permanent place to conduct business for his congregation. She was also excited to leave her classroom as is during the weekends, and she had a lot more materials to work with. In addition to the two teachers, a Principal named Mr. Jones had been hired from Union City to take care of administrative duties, and he hired a part time secretary to answer calls and type all of the paperwork that needed to be sent to the district.
Lee and Rosemary brought their new adopted son to see the school since he would be in Elizabeth’s class, but Joshua was still very nervous around large groups of strangers, so Lee decided to take him home early. While they were leaving, Thomas was approaching the school building to join the festivities, still in his Mountie uniform after finishing his rounds. Joshua stopped and stared, but Thomas just smiled and went directly up to the boy.
Thomas got down on his level and shook the boy's hand, introducing himself. “Hello, I’m Constable Bradshaw.”
“I’m Josh,” the little boy answered, timidly. “My daddy was a Mountie just like you, but he died. Now I’m going to live with my new mom and dad.” Thomas and Lee looked at each other with emotion written on both of their faces.
Putting a hand on the little boy’s shoulder, Thomas tried to express his feelings without getting emotional. “I think you will like living with the Coulters and being their little boy, Josh. Mr. and Mrs. Coulter are some of the finest people I’ve ever met, and they have prayed for years to have a child as special as you. But your father was also a very brave and dedicated Mountie, so I would like to salute you for the sacrifice made by him.” Thomas stood at attention and gave an official salute to the little boy. Josh looked up and saluted back with tears in his eyes; then took Lee’s hand and led him toward his new home.
Thomas joined Anne and baby Elsie inside, where they had been showing support for Kathryn and the community. After taking an official tour, he took a plate of refreshments and talked with his sister and boss, who would be having their wedding reception in the same location in just one week. He was excited to add another brother to his family, and a new teenage niece who had become very close to all of the Bradshaws in the past months since their arrival. Allie was also a great babysitter for Elsie, which they planned to take advantage of as often as they could. Thomas and Anne had offered to let Allie sleep in Kathryn’s current room while the newlyweds were on their honeymoon, and she was excited to spend time with her new family.
Mike had come to support Elizabeth, but when little Jack noticed his new friend Hickam, he wiggled away from his Aunt Rosemary’s arms and ran to him. His mother smiled, enjoying how comfortable Mike had become with her son. Jack pulled on Hickam’s hand, leading him around the school and pointing out everything in sight. Giving a wink to Elizabeth, Mike humored the little boy for over an hour, even helping him eat a piece of cake then cleaning him up after he had finished. When it started getting closer to bedtime, Jack began to whine, so Rosemary offered to take him home to play with Joshua and get ready for bed.
When the event had come to an end, Allie asked Nathan to go play games with her friends for a while before her curfew. “I know this means I can’t chaperone tonight, so you both better not go home together until I get back.”
Keeping a serious expression on their faces, Kathryn and Nathan promised to stay in the open or surrounded with people until she returned home. They spent quite a bit of time at the new school cleaning up from the open house with the other adults who had helped organize it, so being alone wasn’t even much of an option. With one hour left in Allie’s allotted time, Nathan and Kathryn decided to go visit with Thomas and Anne until she got back.
Walking from the school to the row houses hand in hand, Nathan suddenly stopped and pulled Kate close to him. He admired the way her blonde curls shone in the moonlight, her green eyes sparkling with excitement after an exhilarating night at the school. “You never cease to amaze me, Kate. Seeing your enthusiasm for teaching those students makes me love you even more.”
Kathryn hadn’t realized how much teaching really did mean to her, until she began preparing her classroom in a community that was quickly starting to feel like home. “Thank you, my love. I appreciate all of your support and the help you gave us tonight. Everything is just more meaningful now that I have you and Allie in my life.” She moved closer, resting her arms on his shoulders and letting her hands wander into his hair. “Do you realize one week from this very moment, I get to go home with you as your wife? No chaperone or…” she let the incomplete thought hang in the air.
“Or constraints?” he finished, glad the darkness hid the color rising up his neck.
“Mmmmhmmm” she murmured, toying with one of his unruly curls. “Are you nervous about…” again, she couldn’t bring herself to finish.
“Our wedding night?” he guessed, a bit hesitant at broaching such a delicate subject. “Of course,” he paused. “But mostly excited, knowing that there isn’t anyone I would rather share it with than you.” Nathan cupped her face with his large hands and pulled her to him. He leaned his head down to kiss her softly, trying to curb his overwhelming feelings of desire for just a few more days. Letting passion creep in for a brief moment, Nathan pulled Kate even closer to him. But quickly remembering the boundaries they had set, and keeping a promise to their diligent chaperone, he forced himself to pull away, letting his lips lightly brush her ear as he whispered: “I love you, my sweet and beautiful Kathryn. Our wedding cannot come quickly enough.”
Goosebumps covered Kathryn’s body, and she felt a shiver that had nothing to do with chilly weather. “Nathan,” she was barely able to vocalize. She leaned her head against his chest and breathed him in, soaking up the anticipation of becoming this remarkable man’s wife. “I still can’t believe I found you, and that I get to be with you forever.”
Kissing the top of her head, Nathan played with her loose golden curls as he continued to hold her close. He had been through so much pain and disappointment in his life, that he still struggled to accept he could have this amount of happiness or deserved the joy that being with Kate brought him. One week. He just prayed nothing would go wrong, so their hopes and dreams of their perfect wedding would go off without a hitch.
A gust of wind, followed by lightning strikes and booming thunder, warned of an impending storm. “As much as I would like to stand here like this all night, we better get back home. If you don’t mind, I’m going to say goodnight and make sure Allie makes it home safely.”
“Of course,” Kathryn replied, looking up at the darkening sky. Nathan took her hand and they rushed back to the Bradshaw’s house, just in time for the heavens to open up and soak the dry summer ground. “Don’t get drenched and catch a cold so you’ll be sick for the big day,” she urged, kissing him quickly. “Please let me know when you both make it back safely. I’ll wait downstairs and brew some tea.” He kissed her hand before releasing it, and watched her go safely inside the house.
Nathan went inside his own house to get a lantern to search for Allie, but by the time he had it lit and started to head to the door, it burst open and his soaked daughter rushed in. “Well, that was an unexpected ending to the day,” she groaned, grabbing a towel to dry herself before getting changed for bed. “Did Miss Bradshaw...uh, Aunt Kathryn, already go back home?” Allie asked, looking around.
“I dropped her off right as the rain started coming down, and I was going to come find you,” Nathan explained. “I’m just going to let her know you are home safely, since she made me promise I would. Get dried off and ready for bed. I’ll be back shortly to read to you.”
He waited for a few minutes until the storm settled to a drizzle before quickly running to the Bradshaw’s house and lightly knocking on the door. Nathan heard familiar footsteps coming and smiled when he saw Kate open the door. “Allie made it home just a few minutes after I got home.”
Kathryn had waited nervously for Nathan’s knock at the door, and relief flooded her when she heard him say Allie was home and safe. “Do you want to come in for tea, or do you need to get back?”
“I promised Allie I would be right back to read with her before bed,” he said apologetically. “I’ll see you in the morning for church.” He squeezed her hand and kissed her cheek tenderly. “It’s going to be a busy, but exciting week. Get some sleep, beautiful.”
“Goodnight, Inspector Grant,” she smirked with a flirty smile. “Tell Allie goodnight for me as well, and I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
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Sunday through Tuesday was a blur, as Nathan and Kathryn were busy finishing up work required of them in order to be gone for nearly a week on their honeymoon. Nathan had yet to finalize their plans, but had ideas of where they would spend most of their trip. After dinner each night, the Grants and Bradshaws worked on last minute wedding details.
Tuesday afternoon, Clara had final fittings for Allie and Anne’s dresses. They were both blown away at the care and detail that went into designing and making the perfect dresses for them to wear. Bill and Thomas had their suits altered, and Nathan began wondering if he should have tried to buy a new suit.
That evening before Nathan went home for the night, he sat with Kate on the front porch drinking the tea they hadn’t been able to have together a few nights before. Both were exhausted after long days of work, followed by wedding preparations. Nathan was lost in his thoughts, thinking about the week before when he had gotten help from Lee and some other men at the sawmill, to clear a path to the spot on their land where they would be married and eventually build their home. Nathan was pleased with the progress they had made, but they would have to enlist help from family and friends to get set up for the ceremony. He had Lee assist him in building simple benches for guests to sit on, using the logs of trees they had cut down to clear the path leading to the land near the river and waterfall.
“You know,” he began. “Allie is thrilled with her new maid of honor dress. Are you sure you want me to wear the same blue suit I’ve had for a few years for our wedding? Maybe I should use my Inspector uniform, although I want my wedding to be about just me and not my profession.”
Taking him by the hand, Kathryn tried to ease his worries. “You look good in anything, but you know I love that blue suit. You look good in your uniform, but I agree the serge doesn’t represent the most important parts of you.”
“Plus, everyone will be looking at my beautiful bride in what I’ve heard is a very spectacular wedding dress, and won’t even notice me.” Nathan studied Kate, wondering if it was even possible for her to look more magnificent than she did at this moment. “I can’t wait.”
His intense gaze made Kathryn a bit self conscious, so she attempted to lighten the mood. “Of course they are going to notice you. I mean, you are taller than pretty much everyone in town.” A fit of giggles hit her, and Nathan couldn’t help laughing along with the woman he loved.
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Nathan finished work early on Wednesday, enlisting Bill’s help in getting a wagon to the train station to retrieve his wedding gift for Kate. She would be working with Minnie at the café to finalize decisions regarding the wedding food, including the cake. Thomas and Anne would meet Trevor, Sarah, and their four children and get them settled in their rooms above the Saloon before going to the Bradshaw’s row house for dinner with Kate and the Grants. Afterwards, he would reveal his surprise gift.
Relieved the gift had arrived safely and in great condition, Bill and Nathan, with the help of Thomas and Trevor, were able to secure it in the wagon and move it to the school for the big unveiling. When they were finished, Trevor took Nathan aside before they left to meet up with the rest of the family.
“It is good to finally meet the man who captured my baby sister’s heart,” he began. “I can see why Katie fell for you after just getting to know you a little bit.”
Feeling a little self conscious, Nathan responded: “I am so glad to finally meet more of the Bradshaw family. Thomas and Anne already feel like family, and Kate has told me how close she is with you and Sarah.”
Nodding in agreement, Trevor continued. “I have always felt close to my little sister, but Sarah was like a best friend to her when we were first married. I’m glad Katie is finally getting the family she’s always wanted. I talked to my brothers, and we all agreed she should have this.” He held out a tiny ring box, and Nathan took it curiously.
Opening up the tiny box, he drew in a breath when he saw a thin gold wedding band that would perfectly match his grandmother’s ring he had given to Kate when he proposed. “Where did you get this?” he wondered aloud. “It matches her engagement ring that was a family heirloom.”
Trevor smiled. “It was our mother’s wedding band, and I know my sister would be honored to wear it as a symbol of her love for you and her family.”
Tears glistened in Nathan’s eyes. “I know she will,” he agreed. “I’m glad I hadn’t bought anything else for her.” They embraced quickly, and Nathan added: “Now, let’s go get some food and let you freshen up after your train ride.”
Kathryn was thrilled to see her brother’s family for the first time since last Christmas, when the baby was just a few months old. Now little Sylvie was just over a year old and starting to toddle around. Two middle boys, Troy and Trent at 3 and 5 years old, were very energetic and liked to follow their dad around on the ranch and farm. Savannah was the oldest at 7 years old. She was a big help to her mother with the younger kids, and with chores around the house. Sarah was a talented seamstress, making Savannah an adorable lavender flower girl dress, and a blue suit for Trent to be the ring bearer. So the others wouldn’t feel left out, she had sewn them matching outfits as well. She even brought a tiny gown for Elsie, which everyone fussed over profusely. Allie was in heaven having more cousins to play with, and Nathan felt blessed to be adding so many family members into his and Allie’s lives.
When dinner was over, Trevor’s family left to put their kids to bed, and Allie stayed at Thomas and Anne’s house for a while. Nathan led Kate toward the school for his surprise gift, praying it had been a good idea. He hoped her reaction was worth all of the stress and effort it took to make it happen.
“Where exactly are we going?” Kathryn asked, trying to figure out what he was keeping from her.
As they approached the school, he stopped a few yards from the entrance and pulled out a long strip of cloth. “I have a surprise for you, but you have to put on this blindfold.”
Intrigued, she let him tie the cloth around her eyes, and held onto him tightly as he led her into the building. “Nathan, what in the world is this surprise?”
“As I tried to figure out what to get you for a wedding gift, I found something out about you that I didn’t know before.” He situated her in just the right spot and finished explaining while she still couldn’t see. “I got this idea and wasn’t sure I could make it a reality, but Trevor really came through for me so you’ll have to thank him later. Are you ready?”
Nodding excitedly, Nathan untied the blindfold and Kathryn looked right in front of her. She put her hand over her mouth to stop a sob from escaping, not believing her eyes. “My mother’s piano? How did you know I’ve dreamed of having this with me for so long?” She hugged Nathan tightly, giving him a deep kiss of gratitude before making her way over to the well-loved instrument. Kathryn sat down on the bench, lightly running her fingers along the keys before beginning to play Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”.
Nathan sat enthralled by the talent she possessed and the feeling that emanated from the piano as she played. When she finished the first movement and let her hands drop into her lap, he moved over and put his hands on her shoulders. It was then he noticed she had been crying as she played, but she looked at him with shining eyes that were filled with more hope than despair. “Are you ok, love? I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I am perfect,” she promised. “I just feel so close to my mother when I play her favorite song on her piano. You have given me more than I could have ever hoped for or imagined. I am the luckiest girl in the world.”
Nathan kissed her tears away, then met her lips with his own. Pulling away, he made a song request. “You played the melancholy first movement, but my favorite was always the upbeat third movement. Will you play it for me?” She obliged and played pieces she had memorized for almost an hour, while Nathan listened and clapped every time she finished a song. Close to 9:00, he finally stood and held out his hand to help her up from the bench. “We better get home and go to bed so we aren’t too tired for the last two days of preparations. Aunt Edith is coming Friday before the bridal shower Anne is throwing you, right?”
“Her train comes in at noon, and the shower is at 2:00,” she reminded him. “Did you boys finally make some plans?”
“Of course. I’m taking them fishing at the best spot on the river,” he stated proudly. “Then we are finishing the setup at the wedding site on our land. After that, we’ll all meet back for our big pre-wedding dinner.”
“Sounds perfect,” she said, as they locked up the school and walked hand in hand back to their respective homes.
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Thursday flew by and before everyone knew it, Friday’s festivities had begun. Aunt Edith surveyed Hope Valley with critical eyes as she stepped off the train, but had to admit this town seemed to be full of kind and supportive people. Nathan had picked her up from the train station, since the girls were working on last minute bridal shower details. He was a bit nervous to be alone with the woman who was less than thrilled about him marrying her niece at their first meeting, but felt she had come around since then.
She had a large box in her hand that she handed to him before getting in the wagon he had rented for the week. “I brought you a gift. It is a surprise I don’t want Kathryn to see before you have it on at the wedding, so take it home and try it on to make sure it fits just right. I secured your measurements from the Mounties, so it should be the same size as your uniform. Now, one more thing. I don’t know what your exact honeymoon timeline is, but I have properties in the locations you will be stopping at over the next week. I am heading down to San Francisco directly following the wedding, so I have left you all the details of my homes you may stay in on your trip. That will help you save some money to pay for the home you are building.”
Nathan bent over and gave the old woman a kiss on the cheek. “Aunt Edith, I think we are going to be wonderful friends. You are a godsend, because I was worried about where to stay on our honeymoon trip. Truly an answer to my prayers.”
Taken aback and a little shocked, Edith placed a hand on her cheek where Nathan had kissed it. “Well, I can’t have my niece staying in cheap hotels for her honeymoon. Now, where is that Allie girl? I hope she’s going to be at the wedding shower, because she amused me and I want to give her pointers on living with Kathryn.” Nathan chuckled inwardly, happy they had officially won her over.
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Overwhelmed by the generosity of all the women who attended the shower, Kathryn helped Nathan move the bulk of the gifts to their house before their pre-wedding family dinner. In just a few hours, it would be the biggest day of their lives so far. It had come faster than they expected, but everything was in place and ready. Weather had been cooperating so far, as long as it held through the ceremony. In addition to moving the gifts, they took over almost all of her belongings, except for what she needed to get ready the next day. Seeing her things in Nathan’s bedroom sent a wave of butterflies through her stomach, and Kathryn could hardly believe the next night she would sleep beside him in his large and comfortable bed. Unable to breathe, she rushed out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Opening the door to let the evening air cool her down, Nathan slowly followed her, standing directly behind her and wrapping his arms around her at the waist.
“Are you alright?” he breathed into her ear. “I hope you aren’t backing out on me.”
Leaning into him, Kathryn closed her eyes, enjoying the moment. “No, I just had to escape the bedroom before my thoughts ran away from me.” She turned around so they faced each other, content to just stare into his soulful eyes. “I better go home, and you should probably get Allie so everyone can make it an early night. We all need to be refreshed for tomorrow.” Nodding in agreement, they did just what she suggested.
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Nathan awoke, disoriented. He momentarily forgot why excitement coursed through his entire body, but it suddenly hit him that he would be a married man in a matter of hours. He shot out of bed, the house completely silent so he knew Allie was still sound asleep. His first task was organizing the rest of Kate’s belongings and putting everything away so the room wasn’t cluttered. He changed his sheets and made the bed, then dusted the furniture and swept the floor. When the room was clean to his satisfaction, he went into his backyard to cut some red roses for the final touch to the bedroom for later in the evening.
It was still early, so he walked into town and stopped at the livery. He saddled up Newton, taking him for a long ride to both settle his nerves and spend time with his partner before being gone for a week. While putting him back in the stall, Nathan confided in his longtime friend and confidant. “You will always be important to me buddy, but I’m gaining another very significant person in my life today. A wife. Can you believe it, boy? Don’t worry, I plan to get her a horse friend, and we’ll build stables to house you both on our land. Bill is going to look out for you while I’m gone, and make sure you get some exercise. I’ll see you next week.” Giving Newton a final pat, Nathan left the livery feeling ready for the rest of his day ahead.
When he arrived back home, Allie had food on the table for him. She finished getting cleaned up and went to the Bradshaw’s house where all the women would all be getting ready together. Thomas was bringing Trevor and his boys to Nathan’s house to get dressed right before they needed to go to leave for the ceremony. Nathan took a long, refreshing bath and dressed in casual clothes until the wedding got closer. He combed his hair, shaved, and made sure his wedding attire was free of wrinkles or blemishes. His Mountie training was ever present, so he made sure to shine his shoes. To take his mind off the clock which had suddenly slowed down, he read a book while waiting for the Bradshaw men to arrive.
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Elsie’s cries woke up Kathryn, and she was surprised the sun had already been up for a while. She knew it would feel like a long day, since she wouldn’t see Nathan until she walked down the aisle at 4:00 sharp. She and Nathan had gone out to their land to see when the light would be just right a week prior. Because of all the trees, the lighting shone through perfectly in the right spot between 4 and 5:00. They had decided to only invite their closest family and friends to the ceremony, but the rest of the community was invited to celebrate with them from 6:00 - 8:00 that evening at the school with refreshments, dancing, and socializing. Florence and Molly had been hard at work decorating with beautiful wildflowers in shades of blue and lavender, both at the school and on the arch that Hickam had helped Nathan construct for the ceremony. Excitement permeated the town for another Hope Valley wedding.
Realizing these were her last moments in the bed she currently occupied, Kathryn felt gratitude for her decision to take a chance on coming here to teach and stay with her brother. She had felt guided in her decision, and now knew why she had been compelled to come. She couldn’t imagine being any happier than she felt on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. Her wedding dress hung on the front of the wardrobe in the corner, ready to finally be worn. Sarah had surprised her with a veil she had sewn from pieces of Kathryn’s mother Elsie’s wedding dress. It would be her something old, her something new was the dress purchased by Aunt Edith, something borrowed was real diamond wedding jewelry Anne had worn when she married Thomas, and something blue was the wedding bouquet with blue and lavender flowers.
Another cry from the baby finally forced her out of bed, and she slipped a robe over her nightgown before leaving her room. Anne had just taken the baby downstairs, and Kathryn offered to play with Elsie while Anne began making food to feed the masses. She wanted to spend all the time she could with her niece before she no longer lived in the same home with her. It was almost as if the baby could sense that change was coming, but she smiled and cooed for Kathryn before snuggling into her and falling back asleep.
Just finishing up what was now brunch instead of breakfast because of the time, Anne sat across from her sister-in-law with a sad expression. “As happy as I am for you and Nathan, I’m also sad for us that you have to move out of our home. It has been great to have you so close to us, but at least you aren’t moving too far away.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful you let me stay. I’ll miss this, but it will be good for your little family to bond and have the house to yourself, especially now that you will need that room for Elsie.” Anne moved over to sit right next to Kathryn and hugged her tight from the side, without waking the baby. “I just can’t wait to be Mrs. Grant and start my life with Nathan and Allie.”
Motioning for her to hand over the baby, Anne took Elsie so she could put her back in the cradle upstairs. “We better get you fed so you’ll have the nourishment you need to get through the day...and night ahead.” She winked at Kathryn, who turned a dark shade of crimson at the implication.
Before she even had time to give it another thought, the rest of her family began to arrive. As soon as they got all of the visiting family fed, the day flew by much faster than Kathryn expected. Fiona had offered to come do hair for all the women and girls, and everyone was pleased with how they looked.
Around 3:00 they all changed into their dresses, except for Kathryn. As soon as they were all ready, wagons began arriving to take everyone to the wedding spot. Allie and Anne helped Kathryn into her gown and pinned the veil right above the Updo Fiona had so beautifully crafted with Kathryn’s gorgeous blonde locks. She was a vision of beauty, and her maid of honor was especially complimentary of her soon-to-be new mother. Just after 3:30, a very special carriage arrived which had been a surprise gift from Bill to the happy couple. He and Thomas helped Allie, Anne, and Kathryn sit down before the horse trotted to the designated spot where they would begin the procession down the aisle, leading to the place where Nathan proposed along the river. As soon as they heard the rush of the water, Kathryn felt nerves like never before, but also a calming peace that this was the moment she had dreamed of her entire life.
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Nathan had dressed right before Bill picked him up in a decked out carriage and drove him to where many guests were already seated in anticipation of the ceremony. A string quartet Rosemary had pulled together was playing music while Nathan strolled down the aisle between the benches on his way to stand by Pastor Joseph under the arch. Bill left with Thomas in the carriage, and the only people Nathan noticed missing were the wedding party and his bride. Sarah held Elsie near the back, while Trevor wrangled the other kids. He noticed Hickam sitting alone, and wondered where Elizabeth and little Jack were. Florence and Ned, who had become family to the Grants, were there with Aunt Edith sitting on a bench across from them with Minnie Canfield and her two children. A few of Allie’s friends and their parents, who had been so good to Nathan, also made up the small crowd of people attending the ceremony. Nathan almost rolled his eyes when he saw Robert, but it softened the blow a little to know he would be leaving for Mountie training in the near future.
Pastor Joseph shook Nathan’s hand and patted him on the shoulder. “You ready for this, Nathan?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” he conceded. “Any last minute advice?”
Chuckling softly, Joseph nodded. “Just breathe. You are going to cry when you see her, so embrace it and ingrain that image in your memory. Take every moment and make it special today without rushing through anything. You’ll think back on these moments for the rest of your life.”
As if on cue, the final carriage arrived and the quartet began playing Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”. Sarah directed Savannah and Trent to walk up toward the front, the little girl throwing flower petals along the path to Nathan. Thomas and Anne walked slowly down the aisle, him in a nicely tailored blue suit, and her in a long lavender gown with a lace overlay bodice. Bill and Allie followed, with the judge in a slightly different shade of blue, and Allie wearing a more youthful lace and organza dress in a lovely shade of light lavender. Her hair was professionally done up, making her look far beyond her nearly 14 years.
Seeing his daughter looking so beautiful and happy, set tears off for Nathan almost immediately. Before taking her place next to where Kate would stand, Allie gave her dad a hug and kiss on the cheek. “We did it, Dad! We got our real Grant Family! I love you so much!” A dry eye was hard to find in the crowd after that display; but it became even more difficult for Nathan to keep his composure as he caught a glimpse of his stunning and captivating bride.
Having previously chosen to walk alone out of respect for her ailing father who couldn’t make the trip, Kathryn suddenly panicked at not having someone to give her away. Trevor noticed his sister’s change in expression, and seamlessly took his place next to her, slipping his arm through hers. She smiled gratefully at her big brother, then focused on who she was walking toward. As the guests stood for her walk down the aisle, she finally got a full view of her groom. Her heart nearly stopped seeing him in a custom-made blue tuxedo with matching bowtie. Aunt Edith must be responsible, she guessed with a snicker.
Kathryn felt surrounded by so much love and support, and had never felt more attractive than she did in her bright white wedding gown with ornate details and beading throughout the bodice that continued down the skirt. It hugged her curves in all the right places, then flared at the bottom with a short train following behind her. She held a beautifully-crafted bouquet full of white, lavender, and blue flowers that she handed off to Allie when they reached the arch. Trevor shook Nathan’s hand, then placed Kathryn’s hand in his before heading back to the bench to help his wife with all three small children.
Nathan held Kate’s gaze as he took both of her hands in his and nervously rubbed his thumbs back and forth over the top of her knuckles. He saw the sparkle in her eyes as she admired him, never knowing he could feel so loved and cherished by anyone. He also didn’t realize his attraction to Kate could be any stronger, but he had once again been proven wrong. As the music stopped, Joseph began the simple ceremony.
“Welcome friends and family of Nathan Grant and Kathryn Bradshaw. We are gathered on this beautiful summer afternoon at a very special location for the bride and groom. This is where they had their first official date, got engaged, are joining together in marriage, and will build a home to raise their family in coming years. I asked each of them separately to find a scripture that is meaningful to them when considering the marriage covenant. I will share those with you now. Kathryn chose: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 which speaks about the way two come together to lift and support one another.
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Nathan chose a personal favorite of mine: 1 John 4:18 which teaches us all how love takes away the fear in our lives.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Now they each will say a few words to each other. Let’s begin with Kathryn, followed by Nathan.”
All else disappeared around them as they recited their own personal vows to each other. Kathryn began: “Nathan, I never knew I could feel as much love for another person as I do for you. Now that I’ve found you, I can’t imagine ever living life without you...or Allie.” She turned to face her maid of honor and motioned her over to stand next to them. “Allie, as I marry your father, I also want to promise you I will be there for you no matter what. We are a family now, and I hope to take on not only the role of wife today, but also that of your mother.” All three of them were overcome with emotion; they hugged and cried together for a few moments, then wiping away her tears, Allie returned to her place next to Anne as Kathryn continued. “Nathan Grant, I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of my life. I love you.”
Swallowing his emotion away, Nathan began the vows he had thoughtfully written down over the past week. “Kate, when I first saw you in Union City, my heart told me you would become a very important part of my life. When I found out you had moved to Hope Valley, I knew God had His hand in guiding you to me. My entire life was full of heartache, but you were like a healing balm to my heart. You accepted me as a man, not just a Mountie in uniform; and you embraced my daughter as your own. I feel like the luckiest man on earth to be blessed with a woman who is not only stunningly beautiful, but also the most kind and caring woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Kathryn Bradshaw, I promise to try and be the man you deserve. I will protect and adore you forever. I love you more than words.”
Sniffles could be heard throughout the small crowd after such loving words were spoken between bride and groom. “Just beautiful,” Joseph affirmed. “So now I have to ask: Do you Nathan, take Katherine to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do,” Nathan forcefully affirmed.
“Please repeat after me.”
“I, Nathan, take you Kathryn, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”
Nathan repeated the vows with Joseph then he turned to Kathryn “Do you Kathryn, take Nathan to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“Yes, I do!” she exclaimed, chuckles mixed through the audience. “Please repeat after me.” She repeated the vows led by the pastor.
“I, Kathryn, take you Nathan, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”
“May we have the rings?” Joseph requested. Anne helped Trent hold out the small boxes that held the wedding bands, and they each took the correct ring.
Nathan slipped the band on Kate’s hand repeating the words: “With this ring, I thee wed.” She gasped in recognition of her mother’s wedding band, and made a mental note to ask about it after the ceremony.
She slipped a big gold band onto Nathan’s hand, also repeating: “With this ring, I thee wed.” They held each other’s hands, admiring the new bands that now adorned their left ring fingers.
Joseph finished: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. It is my pleasure to now pronounce you as man and wife. Nathan, you may now kiss your lovely wife.”
Nathan took Kate’s face in his hands and drew her in, their lips meeting for the first time as a married couple. Cheers went up, as Joseph announced: “I now introduce to you for the first time: Mr. & Mrs. Nathan and Kathryn Grant!” Mendelssohn's “Wedding March” rang out from the string quartet as Allie handed Kathryn back her bouquet and she and Nathan made their way back down the aisle, where they kissed again before climbing in the carriage to be whisked off to their reception.
Music, laughter, and dancing filled the school in support of Hope Valley’s Mountie Inspector and newest school teacher. Nathan and Kathryn shared their first dance, followed by Nathan and Allie and Thomas and Kathryn, with everyone else joining in as well. Hugs and well wishes were shared by many members of the community.
Mike Hickam showed up with Elizabeth, and she apologized for missing the ceremony due to little Jack having a toddler meltdown after refusing to nap. Laura offered to watch him so they could at least attend the reception together. Nathan and Kathryn smiled at each other with a knowing look when they saw Mike and Elizabeth holding hands and dancing close together. He was happy the woman he had come to town to protect had found new love with one of his favorite guys in all of Hope Valley.
Lee and Rosemary, who also had to miss the ceremony because little Josh was still adjusting, left him playing with little Jack and Laura for a short time while they congratulated Hope Valley’s newest married couple. Rosemary felt a kinship to Nathan, having had a Mountie father and a strong connection to Jack Thornton. She was also indebted to him for telling her about Joshua, which ultimately led to the Coulters becoming parents. Nearly everyone in the community had been helped by Nathan during his four years in Hope Valley, and anyone who had gotten to know Kathryn agreed the two public servants made the perfect pair.
As the reception was winding down, they cut the beautiful cake made by Minnie, and fed each other small pieces while everyone clapped. Before they left the building, Kathryn tossed her bouquet which was caught by Molly, who passed it off to Faith, to avoid being teased for weeks to come. Nathan and Kathryn kissed Allie, who would be staying with the Bradshaws, goodnight. Guests threw rice as the couple ducked out of their reception and into Bill’s waiting carriage with a big Just Married sign attached to the back. They waved to the crowd and kissed one last time in front of them, before disappearing toward their now-shared home.
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Thanking Bill for the ride, Nathan scooped his wife out of the carriage and easily carried her up the stairs and over the threshold of their house. He had undone his tie and unbuttoned a few of the top buttons during the ride home, and Kathryn nervously played with his collar as she laid her head on his shoulder. He kept carrying her all the way upstairs and finally set her down just outside the doorway of their bedroom.
Nathan kissed her quickly and raised his hand. “Stay here for just a moment.” He went inside the bedroom and lit a couple candles, then took a deep breath to try and calm his nerves. He took off his jacket to hang up, and for the final touch, he spread some of the rose petals leading to and on the bed. He rejoined his bride in the hallway and led her inside the room.
She caught her breath seeing the romantic setting Nathan had created with roses on the nightstand, rose petals on the floor and bed, and candles that added to the mood. But most of all, she felt an overwhelming attraction to her handsome husband. Kathryn was thrilled to know he was hers forever. “It’s exquisite, Nate. What an unforgettable day it has been.”
“Yes, it has. One we will remember for the rest of our lives. Don’t ever forget how much I love you, Kate...or should I say Mrs. Grant.” He drew her into him and kissed her without reservation, passion and desire overcoming them both as they moved closer to the large bed. Nathan moved his lips from hers to explore her neck, as his hands moved down her back, onto her hips and back up the beaded bodice. Still nuzzling her neck, he moved behind her and began unhooking the back of her dress, kissing each area of skin as it was exposed. “This dress is incredible, just like you,” he murmured against her soft skin. He unpinned her hair, allowing it to spill down her back just the way he liked. He moved to again be in front of her, and ran his fingers through her hair to smooth the creases from being pinned up all day.
Kathryn turned her attention to unbuttoning Nathan’s shirt, her heart racing as his muscular chest was exposed. She caught his steel blue eyes with hers and their lips sealed together. Their loose wedding attire fell to the floor as they eased onto the bed, wrapped in each other’s arms.
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Nathan woke up before the sun, his wife breathing softly next to him. He watched her sleep, amazed at the true joy he felt for what seemed like the first time in his life. Their vows replayed in his mind, and he felt excited to spend the entire week with her traveling to the city and the coast for some much needed rest and relaxation.
Kathryn stirred and opened her eyes slightly, moving closer to her husband to stay warm. “Is it even morning yet?” she croaked, still feeling groggy.
“We have a little time before we have to be up to leave for the train station,” he answered, running his fingers up and down her arm. “Go back to sleep, beautiful.”
“Love you,” she was barely able to utter, turning away from him as her breathing became slow and steady, signaling her being asleep again.
Realizing he was still tired, Nathan snuggled back down deep into bed next to Kate and drifted off with visions of the Grant Family’s future playing out in his mind.
