Wedding preparations continued. Darby and Emma Lynn postponed their departure date until July 10. Jorden and Matt planned to rent the apartment for the remainder of July. Matt would be deployed to Korea in the middle of August. Jorden still hadn’t decided what to do while Matt spent the year in Korea.

“Meet us in Colorado Springs,” Darby suggested. “You can find a teaching job.”

“It’s perfect. Join us after Matt leaves.” Emma Lynn clapped. “It’ll be fun; besides, you’ll help with the rent.”

Jorden mulled it over. How could she go back home when her father wouldn’t even come to her wedding? “I like the idea. I’ll do it.”

“Great! It’s settled. Now, when’s your mother’s flight arriving in Atlanta?” Darby asked.

“Tomorrow.” Jorden pointed to the kitchen calendar—Wednesday, July 1. “Matt and I plan to pick Mom up at the Atlanta airport tomorrow afternoon.”

“Is she staying with us?”

“No. Thankfully, Madison offered to have her stay in their extra bedroom. I just hope Mother doesn’t give me a hard time.” Jorden’s stomach rolled.

Emma Lynn joined them in the kitchen. “Your mother will adore Matt. Everyone does.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Jorden and Matt left early Wednesday afternoon for the Atlanta Airport.

“Don’t be nervous. I’m sure Mom will be on her best behavior. Bobbette called last night and said Mother was getting excited about the trip.”

“Is your dad still not coming?” Matt asked. Jorden noticed Matt tighten his grip on the steering wheel while his knuckles turned whiter.

“No. He’s not coming. Bobbette says it’s his stubborn streak. But she said Mark would walk me down the aisle. I told her, if Dad’s not here, no one can take his place. My dad’s brother also offered, which was sweet of him. At least they’ll be at my wedding—thank goodness some family is coming.” Jorden looked up. “There’s the sign to the Atlanta Airport.”

A half an hour later they were waiting at the arrival gate as they watched the Boeing 727 land. Neither Jorden nor Matt spoke when the passengers deplaned directly onto the tarmac.

“There’s Mother. Stay right here. I’m going to stand next to the man over there.” Jorden pointed in the direction of a skinny man in his twenties with long greasy black hair, a scruffy beard, and tattered jeans with his shirttails hanging out. She had a hard time suppressing a laugh. Matt looked at her as if she were nuts.

Mary Marshall seemed to do a double take. Her eyes widened and focused on the man next to her daughter. Her pace slowed, she lowered her head and slid behind the burly man in front of her.