The next three weeks were a whirlwind of activities. Darby and Emma Lynn immediately took over. Exuberantly, they set up checklists of what needed to be done. Jorden smiled—she had her own wedding planners. Her roommates clashed at times over the wedding arrangements, but on the whole, they worked well together. Matt tried to reserve the Episcopal Church in downtown Columbus; however, it had a year-long waiting list. He managed to get a chapel on base but the Officers’ Club wasn’t available. As good luck would have it, a fellow officer volunteered his house for the reception, and also his expertise as their photographer.

In the midst of all the activities, Jorden’s parents kept calling. She couldn’t forget her father’s words. “Jorden, your mother wants you to get help—talk with someone. She thinks you’ve lost your mind. Even Bobbette is worried. Have you thought this through? Marriage can be difficult even when you come from the same race, but being so different can pose all sorts of problems.” He stopped just short of calling her crazy.

She was thankful Bobbette agreed to be in her wedding. Her sister tried to explain the home front. “I doubt Dad will come. He’s even more upset than Mom, but she won’t miss the wedding. Of course it’s a given Mark and I will be there.”

The hardest call to make was to Madison. Jorden delayed for a couple days. Actually, Madison called her first. “What’s up? When are you and Alex driving north?”

“Alex left last Sunday,” Jorden replied simply.

“Why are you still here? I knew something wasn’t right when Alex canceled bowling last Sunday. What happened?”

“It was devastating.” Jorden went into a long explanation before telling Madison about Matt and how they planned to be married.

“Wow! I should have known. I wish you had told me about Matt—but I can see why you didn’t. I hope you’ll invite us to your wedding.”

“You’re first on my list—only I was afraid you wouldn’t want to come. My dad’s not even coming. He thinks I’ve lost my mind. I really want you to be there. Be one of my bridesmaids. Please.”

“I don’t even know Matt,” Madison replied.

“So? You’ll get to know him. He’ll grow on you. Please . . . you have to do this for me!” Jorden begged.

After continuous pleading, Madison conceded. “Okay—for you I will.”

“Thank you! Come with us tomorrow; we’re looking for bridesmaid dresses. My color theme is yellow. Yellow for the sun. It’s bright and how I want our wedding to be. We’ll have fun!”

Chapter 67: July 1970

Chapter 67

July 1970