Matthew Jordan

CHAPTER ONE

Victoria was up earlier than usual. She slipped through the sliding glass door onto the deck. With cell phone in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, she walked over and leaned against the railing. She was caught up in the moment, staring out over the lake. God, how beautiful, she thought. An almost perfect morning, the sun was casting rays onto the water which gave the illusion of twinkling stars. The ripples created tiny sprays that leaped into the air, like miniature dancing ballerinas. She couldn’t help but smile, thinking, what a vivid imagination, I still have. The morning was a little cool for August which made it all the more comfortable.

She remained there, as if frozen in time, a good ten minutes, before she picked up her cell phone pushed it down into the pocket of her jeans. Picking up her cup of coffee, she walked over and sank down into the thick cushion of one of the recliners that rested on the deck.

Closing her eyes and feeling the warmth of the sun on her face, again she thought, an almost perfect morning. If only Matthew Jordan was here, and Matt, Oh yeah, Matt would make the morning complete. How could she possibly be so wrapped up in two guys, both holding the key to her heart?

She slipped into a state of suspension, not awake and not asleep, just somewhere in between. A peaceful state of tranquility that wrapped it’s self around her. She was clearly unaware of the crisis that was about to unfold.

Victoria, a very attractive thirty year old with blonde hair and dark blue eyes that sparkled when she smiled. At a 120 pounds, five foot seven and in great physical condition, she was a natural beauty. She had always been a likeable person and excelled in everything she put her mind to do. She grew up in New York City and never gave much thought to living anywhere else. That was until she met Matt Emerson.

Matt was a gorgeous guy, thirty years old at the time they met. Six years older than she was. He was six feet tall at 190 pounds. She remembered telling her friends that he was so good looking that she could not keep her eyes off him. He had black hair, and his eyes were blue, broad shoulders and a beautiful smile that showed his left dimple. She was at his mercy: hook, line and sinker the first time she laid eyes on him. What she didn’t know was, he was equally infatuated with her beauty. He bragged to his friends that she was the most beautiful girl he had ever met and he vowed to treat her with the uppermost of respect. And he did, all the way up, until the end.

Matt had received his BS degree from the University of New York with a major in business and a minor in English. She too had attended NYU for awhile, but then decided to do on line studies.

She was introduced to Matt at Rose’s wedding. She and Rose had been best friends since the first grade, so naturally she was asked to be her Maid of Honor. She and Matt had somehow crossed paths numerous times but had never officially met. In fact she did not recall ever seeing him prior to the wedding.

Rose had met Phillip in Paris while she was studying art. She studied for two years then returned home with him. He was an American but had lived in Paris for the last three years. Phillip worked for a large US architectural company and had been transferred to Paris to supervise the construction of a shopping mall. His work was complete so he returned to the states with Rose. He was originally from upstate New York but Victoria had never met him.

She and Rose were in constant contact, almost daily, while Rose was gone. They were either talking on the phone, texting or emailing. So Victoria was not surprised, in fact, she met them at the airport. It was Rose’s parents whom she apparently forgot to forewarn that, not only was she coming home, but that the man she was planning to marry would be with her. Her family was a little shaken but handled it graciously. She knew Rose’s parents well, Harley and Lillian, after all, they were like a second set of parents to her. After the news set in, Lillian said, Oh Victoria, do you think it’s right? Do you think he will be good to her? Lillian, I believe he really loves her and she loves him. I think they are perfect together. She also knew when it came to Rose, as far as Harley and Lillian were concerned, it was all about Rose. If Rose was happy, they were happy.

Victoria had been invited to dinner twice with Rose and Phillip, and she and Rose had had several lunch outings to discuss the wedding. Before she knew it, Rose had her in charge of sending the invitations, ordering the flowers and selecting a catering service. She had a director who would be doing all the work on the day of the wedding, and would also be overseeing the people who had volunteered to help like herself and Rose’s younger sister Abbey. Victoria had agreed to be the Maid of Honor but did not remember volunteering for all the extra work. But to be honest, she was excited for Rose and happy to have a part. After all, Rose was her best friend and who knows, maybe she too would need Rose’s help someday.

There had been lots of guys in her life, but it just had never seemed right. You know, she felt she had never met her soul mate. She wasn’t in a hurry, she was only 24 years old. She rationed that she had plenty of time before her biological clock stopped ticking. And not only that, she knew she would never rush into a marriage. Her standards were high, so she decided that if she ever became engaged then the engagement had to be at least two years prior to the wedding. She wanted to make sure she really knew the man she was going to marry. In her mind it was the same as being carved in stone. That was, of course, until she met Matt Emerson. Little did she know that Matt Emerson was coming at her like an oncoming train. His charm, well there would be nothing she could do about it.

It was only one month until the wedding, June 12, 2005. Everything seemed to be coming together as planned. Rose chose a designer in Paris, Donte’ Pierre, to design her dress and arranged two trips back to Paris for fittings. Victoria went with her the second time and was overcome by how beautiful was her dress. It was pearl white, strapless with intricate beading from the waist up. From the waist down she couldn’t believe the perfect fit. Rose had a great figure, but the dress accented her figure even more. The train was six feet long, satin trimmed with lace. The dress overall had a magical effect for the white pearl satin cast a faint pick hue which illuminated Rose’s face. She truly looked like royalty.

She and Rose had a great time in Paris visiting all the famous sights, eating at Rose’s favorite cafes with nonstop chattering about the wedding. Rose had gone over the names of the wedding party; the bridesmaids included: of course Abbey, two friends she had made in Paris and two of her cousins. She named Matt Emerson as the best man which did not ring a bell with Victoria nor did she give it much thought. She did not know the groomsmen either.

While in Paris she met the two friends of Rose, Monique’ and Talyona, and it was the four of them that went together for the gown fitting. Victoria felt she had gained two new friends and looked forward to seeing them again at the wedding. Then it was time to go home, all too soon. Of course Rose was eager to get back home to the love of her life, and besides that, there was a lot to do and very little time left to do it.

Her dress would be shipped to her with extreme caution. Donte’ Pierre would never allow one of his dresses to be packed in a suitcase. Oh No! It would be shipped in a full length crate with no folding, with strict instructions regarding the handling. He considered his dresses a work of art. Victoria could not fathom what the dress cost and even though Rose was her best friend she thought it would be inappropriate to ask.

CHAPTER TWO

June 11th finally arrived, the rehearsal was at 2:00 p.m. and the rehearsal dinner was at 6:00 p.m. Victoria overheard two of the bridesmaids, Rose’s cousins, Molly and Amber whispering, The best man cannot be hear until just before the wedding. Oh my God, what a wreck! said Molly. How will he know what to do? Well, Rose said the director will go over everything with him as soon as he arrives."

His flight should arrive at 12:10. That’s cutting it close! By the time he gets off the plane, collects his bags and gets to the church… WOW! I don’t know, that could really throw everything off. Rose said, he works all over the country so he must fly a lot. I guess he probably knows his ins and outs of airports. Rose said, he played football with Phillip and that he was a real hunk. Rose said… Rose said, Good Lord Amber, I don’t believe half of what you’re saying. Since when did you get to do all this talking with Rose? She has been so busy, it takes an appointment to talk to her? Well, if you must know, I overheard Aunt Lillian telling Momma. Oh! So you were eavesdropping? Nooo, I wasn’t eaves anything, I couldn’t help overhearing, they didn’t stop talking when I came into the kitchen.

Yeah, right! I’m telling Momma, said Molly. Go ahead, I don’t care, said Amber, with a toss of her head. If he played football with Phillip then he certainly is not looking for a sixteen year old. Well face it, he’s too old for you. You’re the one that said he was a hunk, I didn’t say anything at all about him, snapped Molly, just as Ginger Malone, the director, whipped through the door. Girls! Girls! What’s going on here? Not giving enough time for a response, she said, Settle down, were ready to start. As she whisk by the two of them. Molly and Amber looked at each other, and just about let out a giggle. Their argument was now history.

Victoria stepped into the ladies’ room feeling a little sick at her stomach. This Matt guy was to be her escort out of the church. So if he wasn’t going to be there for the rehearsal, what was she suppose to do? She did not want to look stupid, so doing all she was told to do was all she could do, and hope that Matt, whoever, would do his part. She pat her face with a little water and gently laid the soft hand towel against her skin to absorb the moisture. She stepped out of the ladies’ room and thought, OK, I can do this.

She made her way to the sanctuary of the Freedom Light Church. She had never been in this church before, but in the vestibule were pamphlets telling the history of the Church. It started out small, but a lot of growth had taken place since its beginnings in the eighteen hundreds. The present church was not the original building nor is it the original location but the history seemed well guarded by the members of the congregation who were making sure it wasn’t forgotten. And such a beautiful church, thought Victoria.

This was the church Phillip had grown up in. Albany had been his home since birth, and apparently this Matt guy had grown up here too, based on the information she learned from Rose. Why did she keep referring to him as this Matt guy? And why did she have this mounting curiosity about this elusive stranger?

She and Rose had grown up in New York City. She had visited Albany numerous times but did not really know anyone that lived there. Rose came up from behind and hooked her arm into hers. With a big smile she said, I’m so nervous and so happy at the same time. Oh Boy, I can’t believe I’m really going to do this. Do you really think he is right for me? Rose, he’s perfect for you. I think so too. I just wanted to hear you say again for the hundredth time. Ginger’s voice came over the mic loud and clear, maybe just a little too loud. Okay, people let’s get started. Rose smiled and said, She’s tough, but she is good. She gave Victoria a quick hug and moved over to talk to Ginger.

Three times, they went through the whole wedding not counting the stops and starts and by this time Ginger had made sure everyone knew how to walk in time with the music, where to pause, where to stand, and even gave pointers on the need to have pleasant expressions, or as she put it, an expression of contained pleasure. There was to be absolutely nothing to distract from the bride. Victoria could not believe the details that went into this wedding. Ginger had a reputation for directing the best weddings and she certainly was no less of a perfectionist on this one. Even though she allowed some to help out, she watched every move and checked every detail with an eagle eye. Anything that wasn’t perfect had to be sent back. The invitations were sent back twice, and the napkins once. It was no fault of Victoria’s regarding the invitations, it was printing errors, lack of centering and the second time the decorative design was not right. Both times Ginger sent them a big note of rejection. Ginger did a lot of business with this company and they were eager to correct their mistakes, making sure she received them back immediately.

Victoria thought, somebody had to work overtime, but the due date was met and the invitations were sent out one month in advance, which was Ginger’s policy.

The rehearsal dinner was fabulous. Tables were set up on the back lawn of Phillip’s home. White table cloths topped with aqua, each had a center piece of white roses with a large aqua candle The water fall, that looked so real and natural, on the far back lawn was illuminated with aqua lighting. That was Victoria’s favorite. The setting was beautiful, something you would imagine in a fairytale. She knew this was Ginger’s touch, and what a touch it was. Ginger continued to amaze her.

A buffet was set up on the patio by the catering service Victoria had located. Ginger, Rose and Lillian selected the menu of Asian Chicken with cream sauce, rice, cooked vegetables and water on ice. Victoria thought it was perfect. Peter, one of the groomsmen, however, voiced his complaint to the small group at their table. No bread! No deserts! No beer! Victoria gasped in astonishment at Peter. Peter was a twenty year old college student who looked like he had attended more beer parties than classrooms. She knew that this was Ginger’s menu, and she knew what Ginger was doing. She reached over and gently put her hand on Peter’s and said, Peter, darling, don’t be ungrateful, this menu was carefully selected for a reason. Ginger does not want bloating, with buttons popping of pants and us girls having belly bulges. Yeah, I guess you’re right, said Peter a little embarrassed.

After eating, everyone had an opportunity to mingle and meet whoever they had not previously met and of course talk to those they had. There were several people Victoria did not know. She, Moniqué’ and Talyona were seated together at the same table, along with three of the groomsmen: Peter whom she knew well by now, Ryan and Ben. She met Haley, the flower girl, who was adorable. She was four years old, had brown curly hair, big blue eyes and the cutest smile. She met Haley’s parents Jill and Sterling. She learned that Sterling was a first cousin to Phillip. She also learned that they were Ryan’s parents. She had noticed at the rehearsal that the flower girl and the ring bearer looked just alike, so it wasn’t surprising to learn that they were twins. We call him Ronnie. Jill told her, Their names are Ashley Ron and Haley Dawn. Sterling did not want to go with Ashley, he said there were too many girls named Ashley. But I like Ashley for a boy, don’t you? There are boys named Ashley, in fact do you recall in the movie Gone With the Wind? Scarlett O’Hara’, the love of her life was Ashley Wilkes. You’re right.! I’ll have to point that out to Sterling. Sterling had wondered off to talk to some of the guys. Jill, it is so nice to meet you and Sterling. I think Ronnie and Haley are adorable, and your son Ryan is certainly a very polite handsome young man. I’m sure you are very proud of all of them. Thank you Victoria, that’s very sweet of you to say that. And yes, I am very proud of my children.

Abbey, Molly, and Amber were in a small huddle whispering like typical teenage girls, ranging from fourteen to sixteen, talking about the groomsmen and how cute they were. Victoria did not want to interrupt their fun for long, so she spoke to each of them, said a few words and moved on.

She had just met the other three groomsmen, Michael, Darrin and Josh not having time to learn anything about them, when Ginger said, Excuse me, Ladies, and Gentlemen. I have a few announcements to make. First I’d like to say thank you for all your hard work and cooperation; I know that everything is going to go perfectly tomorrow and it’s going to be the happiness and most memorable day of Rose and Phillip’s lives. Everyone clapped, and a couple of the guys in the back gave out typical male hollers. Ginger, actually smiling, said, Ladies, you know that you are to be at Lori Ella’s at 8 a.m. to have your hair, nails and makeup done. This of course includes the mother’s of the bride and groom, and Haley dear we would never forget you. Sally Renee will be doing the makeup and she will also be at the church at 1p.m. to do touch ups. Once you are finished at Lori Ella’s, please go straight to the church.

"Everyone should be there by twelve-thirty. Once you arrive at the church, you will be directed to the dressing room you are to use. There will be a table set up in the ladies and the guys dressing rooms with light healthy snacks and drinks. We do not want rumbling stomachs during the wedding. Please bring your toothbrush and toothpaste. Ladies once you have had your final touchup on your makeup, please do not eat anything else. You will find your dresses hanging in the dressing room in plastic, with your name on it. Your shoes will be in separate plastic bag attached to the hanger of your dress and in another plastic bag attached will be your nylons. Please wash your hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly before touching your dress, we do not want any smudges. Once you put your dress on, please do not sit down, as we do not want any wrinkles, folds or bends in the fabric. You should be ready to go by a quarter till two. I will be in to inspect and help you if you need it. Rose there will be three attendants there to help you get dressed and anything else you might want or need. Okay, gentlemen, it’s your turn, same rules apply, except you don’t have to be at Lori Ella’s for your hair, nails and makeup. I do encourage you that if your hair is slightly over your ears, you might want to get a little trim in the morning. You are to be at the church at twelve-thirty. There will be a table set up with light healthy snacks in your dressing room. Please allow me to reiterate, bring your toothbrush and toothpaste. After having your snacks, please wash your hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly to avoid smudges on your tux and especially your white shirts, and, just like the ladies, please do not sit down with your tuxedo on