Chapter 56: May 1970

Chapter 56

May 1970

Saturday, the day of the wedding, arrived. Jorden and Matt sat on Eloise’s side of the chapel. The bride wore an elegant and simple full length ivory satin gown, with an empire waist and delicate, laced short sleeves. Nora and Lisa wore similarly styled dresses in light baby blue. The major’s brother and his good friend, the FBI contact, completed the wedding party. At first Eloise had wanted a simpler wedding. Her first marriage at age nineteen had been a sham. Her second marriage to Sam occurred at the courthouse as a mere formality. The major wanted this wedding to be special for Eloise and Nora. He went all out.

The occasion celebrated a new beginning for Eloise, Nora, and the major. Jorden thought of her own upcoming wedding and hoped she would be just as happy. After the chaplain pronounced them husband and wife, the major kissed the bride. Matt squeezed Jorden’s hand.

The reception followed at the Officers’ Club. Jorden and Matt greeted the newlyweds in the receiving line. Music played while guests mingled and snacked on finger foods before the official cutting of the wedding cake.

“Hi, Miss Marshall. Isn’t Mama something?” Nora’s eyes drifted in her mother’s direction.

“She is and so are you. I’ve never seen you look happier.” Jorden embraced Nora.

“I believe this is the best day ever!” Nora couldn’t stop smiling.

“Where are Cheryl and her family? I thought they would be here.”

“They’re in Memphis. Cheryl’s uncle died. I promised her I’d take lots of pictures.”

“How sad. Give my regards to her family.” Jorden recalled her uncle’s death last year before Christmas. She couldn’t forget Alex’s reaction when she told him she couldn’t drive north with him. The apartment felt like an arctic breeze had blown through when he had left abruptly. She put her hands down on the table top to steady herself. Her vision began to blur. She tried to focus on the flat surface of the table.

“Miss Marshall . . . are you all right?”

“Oh! I . . . just lost my balance for a second.”

Matt watched from a distance before he slipped through the crowd to join her. “Are you okay?”

“I feel a little faint. Maybe some fresh air will help.” Jorden turned toward Nora. “If I don’t get to speak with your mother or the major before they leave, please give them my best.”

Nora gave her a thumbs up.

“Thank you!” Jorden waved as Matt led her to the door.

“What happened to you? You look pale.”

“I don’t know. I think I’m overwhelmed. It’s the end of the school year and there’s so much to do.”

Matt didn’t push further. “We can leave now. It’s almost six. Where would you like to go?”