****
“How was the coffee with your mum and Dave? Sorry I couldn’t go, but I’ll be ready to go in an hour for the big BBQ this afternoon,” Emmy shouted out over her shoulder while typing on the computer. When Jordan didn’t respond, she spun around in her chair.
Jordan was propped up against the wall and looked flushed.
“Are you okay?”
“Sort of for now but not when you get your hands on my neck.”
“Why? What did you do?”
“I mentioned our engagement to Mom.”
Emmy shook her head and gave a small grin. “We did agree to not say anything until after their wedding, but that was your idea. It’s no big secret. She’s your mum. You should share.”
Jordan still had not come unglued from the wall and remained across the room.
Emmy rose, closed the distance with Jordan, embraced her, and gave her a tender kiss. Jordan’s muscles began to loosen, but she still felt a little tense. Emmy separated and took her by the shoulders. When Jordan diverted her gaze down, Emmy brought her chin up with her finger. “Sweetheart, I’d marry you tomorrow or even tonight. You’re the one who’s a little timid about a wedding. I can’t figure out if you’re worried about the planning or if you’re getting cold feet.”
Jordan’s eyes widened. “I’m not getting cold feet. I want to announce to the world that I love you. I just…ah…Dammit. It’s the whole formality of a ceremony, particularly in this town, is a little scary. We made a lot of progress with friends and family, but there are still nutcases out there.”
Emmy sighed. “Did the restaurant get another phone call?”
“For now, I think Gerry’s church buddies have calmed down. The gas station episode last month shook me up. I can handle almost anything, but the threat to hurt you scared the living crap out of me. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.”
“Change can be frightening to people, and some people never want anything to evolve. I think their hot air is a scare tactic to try to quiet us, but I’m not backing down. I’m not giving up my rights to happiness and equality. I refuse to hide and live my life in the shadows.”
Everyone knew about the stranger at the gas station shouting hateful rhetoric and putting a dent in the hood of Jordan’s SUV with his fist. The guy had grabbed his crotch and said, “I’ve got something to make your girlfriend straight.” The sheriff’s department had been called, and it made the papers. The judge ordered him to pay damages and sentenced him to jail for a week followed by community service.
As for the phone calls, only Robby and Jo knew. People would spout off, then slam down the phone. They were the same harassing lines shouted by Gerry’s group months ago, and the numbers on the phone bill also matched the church protesters. Emmy had talked Jordan into installing additional cameras at the restaurant and around the house perimeter and along the driveway.
Jordan kissed the palm of Emmy’s hand. “I want to marry you, and I don’t want our love locked away. I thought a small ceremony with only family wouldn’t stir the pot so much. But some people just can’t keep their mouths shut. Some will always make comments.”
Emmy was curious now that a lopsided grin had replaced Jordan’s worry lines. “So what has you upset and scared this time?”
“Mom scares me. Any chance we could run away and do a Provincetown weekend wedding?”
Emmy playfully swatted her arm before kissing her again. “No. A wedding with family, formal dress, and cake in our home as you agreed. Sure, I’d relish a bigger ceremony where we party the night away, but I’ll settle for a small wedding. You promised. Now, what did your mum say? It can’t be that bad.”
“Before or after she told Dave or after she called Betty Jean?” Jordan swallowed.
Emmy raised her eyebrow. “You are her only daughter. She’s excited for you. I can see her telling Dave but why call Betty Jean? Not that I mind if she knows. What did she say exactly or shall I say what plan is she hatching with Auntie?”
Jordan visibly swallowed. A light knock at the door interrupted their conversation. “Brace yourself. If it weren’t morning, I’d fix us a drink.”
Emmy crossed her arms. “I doubt it’s that bad, but curiosity has the best of me.” She eased her stance and gave Jordan another kiss. “Go sit down before you fall down, and I’ll answer the door.”
Emmy stifled her laugh and put on a pleasant face. “Gwyneth and Dave! What a wonderful surprise. Please come in.”
Hugs and kisses were exchanged, and they joined Jordan in the living room. Good thing Jordan was sitting because she looked frightened. Emmy got a kick out of Jordan’s personality. She could be brave one moment but sensitive and shy in another. Even when she was upset, her actions were always considerate. She took others’ feelings and safety into account.
Gwyneth and Dave sat across from Jordan and Emmy.
“Jordan told me the wonderful news. I am so happy for the both of you. I can see how much you make my daughter happy, but I’m afraid my wild idea sent Jordan running out the door. It was only a thought, but I will respect and honor what you all wish to do.”
Jordan moistened her lips. “I know, Mom. I want Emmy to be happy. We will talk it over. It’s not a bad idea. We don’t want to be a distraction, and honestly, the formality of such a large audience is a bit much.”
With those words, Emmy suspected what Gwyneth had proposed. Yet she needed to know exactly what was going on. “So, bring me up to speed. Jordan hasn’t told me, but we have no secrets.” She glanced at Jordan and squeezed her hand. “You obviously felt strongly about this idea, Gwyneth, and, in a sense, you’re like a mum to me, too. So, what’s this idea? We haven’t made any solid plans other than having the family at the house.”
“Well, dear, everyone’s going to be at our wedding.”
Emmy began to smile. Oh my God, I know exactly where you’re going with this. No wonder Jordan is petrified, but I like the idea.
“So with everyone coming to our wedding, it would be no bother to add more guests and expand the festivities. We could send out another invitation, that’s no big deal. A double wedding would save money in the long run. Of course, it might be difficult for your European friends and family to make it on such short notice.”
“It’s an intriguing idea. As for my European relatives, most are older and don’t travel, and I’m not close to my brother.”
Jordan shot Emmy a questioning glance saying to her mother, “I know you mean well, but it’s your special day. We can’t take that away from you.”
Dave looked deep into Jordan’s eyes. “You would not diminish our special day. It would add to our joy. Your mother and I were talking a couple of weeks ago how you and Emmy were such a loving couple. It would be wonderful to see you get married as well.”
Jordan’s mom quickly added, “We laughed over dessert and coffee about how it would be such a fun whirlwind if we had a double wedding.”
Dave swung his arm around Gwyneth. “Well, there is a bit more.” He now sported a goofy grin. “Betty Jean was there too. We were just fantasizing. Now that we know you two are planning to marry, we thought, ‘Why not go for it?’ But, we also understand this is all so sudden. We won’t push.”
Gwyneth squeezed both their hands. “Yes, honey. I understand if you and Emmy want a separate wedding, and we both respect that. I’m sorry I scared the daylights out of you by bringing it up.”
Emmy wanted to know more. “Jordan mentioned you also said something to Betty Jean. Does she know about the idea or only about our engagement?”
“Yes, I did call her today. I apologize. It was not my place to tell her.”
“No apologies necessary. I know you meant no harm. Jordan and I have been talking a small wedding, but we will consider the idea.” She felt Jordan’s hand squeeze harder.
“I’m sorry. Again, I didn’t mean to frighten you. We should get going and let you enjoy the rest of the morning.”
After their departure, Emmy
took Jordan in her arms. “We need to talk about what each of us wants.”
After several minutes of discussion, Jordan bit her lip and cracked her knuckles before looking Emmy in the eye. “Over two hundred people are attending the June wedding. It’s anything but simple but as crazy as it sounds, I think we should do it.”
“Wow. Why the change of heart? You know I wouldn’t mind, but why do you suddenly want a large wedding?”
“Mom’s right, it would save money and time. And you’re right. We should not adjust our lives to please someone else.”
“You sure you’re not just trying to please me?”
“I’ve wasted too much time being scared. No more. I want to marry you, and I’ll be damned if I will let anyone influence me as to when and where. That’s why we should do it now. It will make a loud statement that we deserve to be together and to be happy. So, what do you want?”
“I want you. Period. I can adjust to anything with you by my side. I will marry you in June. But, I have one condition.” Emmy rubbed Jordan’s hands. “We have to tell someone about the phone calls.”
“There haven’t been any since the gas station incident.”
“Yes, but they could start again at any time. And I know they are more annoying than threatening, but that could change. I’m not suggesting you alarm any of your family. I think we should tell Reverend Anderson. He can give us support, and I believe he would reach out to the other church. They may not be perfectly in sync when it comes to beliefs but I’m betting he can quietly calm the situation. Plus, it’s only fair to tell him since he is the minister for our wedding. Next, we need to tell the sheriff. You know, better safe than sorry.”
Jordan slouched on the sofa and closed her eyes. “You’re right again.” Emmy noticed a new determination when she opened her eyes. “I’ll call now and see if we can meet with them together. It would be best, and easier on my nerves, to tell them at the same time.”
“Deal.” As Jordan reached for the phone, Emmy said, “By the way, are you going to fix that tangy cucumber salad for this afternoon?”
Jordan grinned. “Ah-ha, now the truth comes out. You only agreed to marry me so I’d become your own personal culinary slave.”
“You got it, luv.” Emmy winked.
Chapter Thirty-three
June 2015
Emmy was propped up on one end of the sofa sipping her tea and contently reading a romance novel. Her feet lay in Jordan’s lap. Jordan was half listening to the morning weather forecast, and half eyeing Emmy. God, she’s gorgeous even without makeup. Jordan was not a morning person, and it normally took an hour to hit her stride. In contrast, Emmy was productive the minute she rolled out of bed. They embraced each other’s quirks and made it work. They were content, and life was good.
Jordan couldn’t be happier. She was about to turn off the TV when the announcer spoke. “Join us tonight at six for a special news segment on the growing public opinion and activities surrounding the Supreme Court’s impending decision on gay marriage. A panel of experts will tell us what it means to our community.”
“It should be marriage, not gay marriage. Can you imagine if Loving v. Virginia had not passed? Why do some people somehow feel threatened by two people in love?” Jordan was silent for a few moments. “This threatens our wedding,” she said at last. “The Supreme Court has to provide a constitutional right to marry. If they don’t and kick the decision back to the states, it will be chaos. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling from October 2014 would be invalidated. And, West Virginia could go back to banning same-sex marriage.”
Emmy sat and scooted closer. “If somehow we lose, then we’ll worry about it and fight. Regardless of a piece of paper, we love each other and are married in our hearts.”
The muscles in Jordan’s jaw tightened. “But it will also embolden the yahoos around here to start harassing us again. Reverend Anderson stopped them a couple of times but I doubt he can hold them back if the Supreme Court upholds treating us as second-class citizens.”
“Put the worry out of your mind. What matters is our love for one another and our family. No matter what the decision, our wedding is going to be a wonderful time. It will be filled with love, friendship, and good old-fashioned fun, especially with your Poppa picking out 1950s dance songs.” Emmy kissed her before taking Jordan’s hand. “Now let’s get our morning walk in before getting ready for work.”
Jordan managed a weak smile but felt queasy. Conservatism ran deep, especially in the eastern panhandle. She prayed that hard-fought fairness would prevail. If not, she and others would be looking over their shoulders worried about their safety. Even if marriage equality passed, the so-called religious freedom bills were taking root around the country. These laws were discriminatory and aimed at taking away LGBTQ rights. Indiana Governor Mike Pence was a scary figure. He had signed the first such discriminatory law back in March. The Indiana legislature only modified the bill under national pressure. Despite all the progress, she shuddered knowing that much more work was ahead.
****
Jordan arrived at the restaurant before anyone else. The quiet of the office and book work were her go-to distractions the past couple of days. She had been a ton of nerves since the Supreme Court had added another date for official rulings to be read. They had selected today, June 26. Not just any ole’ day in June. This date was special to all LGBTQ as a beginning toward equal rights. Back in 2013, the court had struck down the Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional in the United States v. Windsor case and also upheld same-sex marriage in California in the Hollingsworth v. Perry case. Could it be that the court wanted to intentionally announce another historical decision? She glanced at the clock. The world would likely know within the next couple of hours. Would Emmy be her legal wife in two days or would the court leave it up to the states and a patchwork of conflicting legislation? She paged through invoices and nibbled on a pastry. Soon, Robby and Jo walked through the back doors.
“What the hell, Jordan. Why are you here so early? Jo and I have the restaurant in hand. You’re not chickening out, are you?”
“Sorry, Robby. You’re good, but word around town is everyone misses my cooking.”
He wadded up a towel and threw it at her. “In your dreams.”
Jo snickered. “I bet you’re weaseling out of the last-minute wedding plans.”
“Guilty as charged. Oh my God, I can’t believe we have gotten this far in one month. I watch Angie, Mom, and Emmy and my head spins. I’m glad they seem to be having fun. I knew weddings were a lot of work, but it’s been so crazy. Now I know why there are honeymoons. It’s necessary to keep a couple from dying of total exhaustion.”
“So running off to work and doing bookkeeping is soothing? How long have you been here?”
“About fifteen minutes.”
Jo tossed an apron her way. “Well, make yourself useful. Though we might be closed this weekend for your wedding, there’s plenty to be done right now. But, you’re going home after lunch.”
“So, where’s the menu?”
“Here.” Jo handed her a small placard.
“No, not today’s. Where’s the one for the wedding?”
“Sorry, hon, but I’ve got it password protected on the computer.”
“Cough it up.”
This time, Jo picked up a towel, wound it tight, and snapped it, cracking sharply on Jordan’s upper thigh.
“Ouch!” Jordan rubbed her muscle. “That hurt.”
“Did it? Sorry, boss but you need a snap back to reality. You’ll have to have Emmy kiss it when you go home.” Jo smirked as she walked over to the walk-in cooler.
Robby laughed. “Got to admire that twenty-something generation,” he said, pointing at Jo. “They unapologetically speak their mind, and you and Emmy did agree to the menu being a surprise.”
“Yes, but thank God she’s one of the hardest-working millennials. I’m glad you talked me into hiring her. She’s been a real asset.”
“Yep and she has worked splendidly with me on the meal for your special day. Her creativity is amazing. You will be pleased. You do know that she looks up to you as a big sister, don’t you?”
“Yes. I’d take Jo as a baby sister any day. Now let’s get to work.”
The day flowed as she helped Jo with lunch preps and a new dessert recipe. They had talked about everything from family pets to movies. During the conversation, Jo changed the satellite radio from a music channel to a news channel. The move had not gone unnoticed by Jordan, and she glanced at the clock. It was 9:50 a.m. Ten more minutes for a possible Supreme Court decision. She swallowed and went on with the preps and listening to Jo as if nothing had happened.
The radio droned on with commentary from an announcer with a British accent. Jordan tried to be attentive to Jo, but her mind soaked up the radio commentary, and Jo’s voice drifted away. By now, she was aimlessly staring at the baked bread cooling and hadn’t noticed that Jo stopped talking.
“Today could be a historic turning point for LGBTQ rights in America. The gay community hopes this will be a joyous occasion. Hundreds are gathered here on the steps of the US Supreme Court. Same-sex marriage became legal in the Netherlands over fourteen years ago. Great Britain approved gay marriage in March of 2014. Will the United States be the twentieth country to legalize marriage equality nationwide? We’re possibly a few minutes away from a potential answer. Signs are everywhere. Anti-gay protesters are in attendance, but the crowd has been civil for the most part. I’m standing among the LGBTQ supporters. There’s a nervous but positive feeling among this group. Here are the interns running with the decision. We will find out momentarily.”
The announcer paused. The crowd’s energy grew. A shout in the background pierced through. “Marriage. It’s marriage. Love has won!” The crowd erupted.
“As you can hear, the crowd has gone wild. People are jumping up and down celebrating. It’s a five-four decision. Marriage equality is now the law of the land throughout the United States!”
Falling for Love Page 25
