Jorden waved. “Mom! Over here.” As her mother approached, Jorden stepped back next to Matt with his short military haircut, clean shaven face, and neat appearance. Relief seemed to wash over Mary Marshall. Briskly, she walked up to her daughter and Matt.

“Hi, Mom.” Jorden enveloped her mother. Matt automatically reached for her carry-on bag. “Mother, this is Matthew Ulster.”

“It’s so good to meet you.” Mary smiled with approval after her first scare. Jorden noticed the eyes of the scruffy looking young man. He seemed to follow them before vanishing into the crowd.

“Good to meet you, Mrs. Marshall.” Matt stretched out his hand to shake hers.

“Please call me Mary.”

The awkward introduction gradually changed to easy laughter between Matt and her Mother on the drive back to Columbus. Mary Marshall never seemed to be at a loss for words.

Over the next few days, invitations to the wedding were spread directly or by phone calls. Relatives and friends from both sides would be there. Bobbette and Mark drove in early Saturday afternoon.

Jorden threw her arms around her sister. “Thank goodness you’re here.”

“We held off as long as we could. I thought Dad might change his mind. I swear he almost gave in and came with us.”

Jorden and Matt didn’t have much time alone with the continual buzz of activity. The wedding rehearsal went well. It would be a simple ceremony in the same chapel where the major and Eloise were married.

During a quiet moment Jorden asked Matt, “Did you remember to invite the major, Eloise, and Nora?”

“Of course. They’ll be there. Nora was delighted we ended up together. Sounds like she’s been having fun teasing her mother about it.”

“I’m so glad they’re coming.”

Sunday morning proved extremely hectic. Darby and Emma Lynn were at the officer’s home where the reception was being held, getting everything set up.

Bobbette called Sunday morning. “Jorden?”

“Yes. What’s up?”

“You won’t believe this! Guess who’s here?”

“Who?”

“Dad! He flew in late last night. I wanted to surprise you at the church this afternoon but thought it might be too much of a shock. Mom’s beside herself. She can’t believe he came.”

Jorden slid down onto the kitchen floor, cradling the phone against her ear. “Say it again. I don’t believe you.” Tears glistened on her face.

“It’s true. Dad’s here. He’s off with Mom right now or I’d have you talk with him.”

***

The day went on. All the planning, even in the short span of time, paid off. By four, Bobbette, Madison, Darby, and Emma Lynn had Jorden’s makeup and hair ready. Within thirty minutes, her entourage arrived at the chapel’s dressing room.