“That is a serious subject. Michael, I told you before I wasn’t ready. The accident has changed all of that. I want my future to be with you. If we can keep our business relationships separate, we can make it work. I want you in my life, and I want to be a part of yours. If I’m not getting too far ahead, I want a family, with kids. The whole ball of wax. There you have it and me if you want me.”
“That is a lot more than I expected you to say. I want and would love to be your future. I was raised to believe in the family as a unit, and that’s what I want. We can make it work. I respect you and your dreams. I would like to help you realize them. Wait, your project is your project. I’m here for you, but you have to ask. I’ll gladly sign up for the whole ball of wax. Jordan Carlyle, would you do me the great honor of being my wife?”
“Well, that is a surprise so soon, but yes, I want to be your wife. You just made me the happiest girl in Hermann Hospital.
Michael moved so he was just over her head. He leaned down, slid one hand under her head and cupped her chin with the other. He brought his lips to touch hers. She felt sparks where they touched, tingles shot through her body. Her lips were soft but cracked. He moistened them with his tongue, then probed the entrance with his tongue. She parted her lips, and his tongue touched her. The sparks turned into electricity, and she felt the shock in her stomach and in the part of her that was the essence of her being. She tried to move, but it was painful, so she left the heavy lifting to Michael. He explored the contours of her mouth and gums. Slowly, he pulled out and kissed her chin lightly and then kissed her forehead.
If I were standing, “I would need support. I think you changed me to a quivering hulk full of need and desire.”
“Well, I won’t do that again until the medicos clear you. Now, I have another proposal. I want to wait to get a ring until you can pick it out. I want you to wear it for the rest of your life and mine, and it should be something you like.”
“Whatever you say, Michael.”
The nurse, an attractive young woman in her mid-twenties came in. “I saw a spike in your readings. Are you having pain?”
“No, I’m fine. Michael just kissed me is all,” then she giggled.
“The nurse looked at Michael, and said with a smile, “I can see why. Buzz if you need anything. Either of you.” She was laughing as she left the room.
“Michael, you stay away from her, you hear me. I’ll bang you over the head with my cast.”
“Jordy, you are the only girl in the world and you can bang me anytime you want,” he said with a wicked grin.
Jordy laughed and grimaced. “Don’t make me laugh. It hurts.”
Chapter 14 Telling The Parents
Marian and Jim Carlyle walked into Jordy’s new room. Michael had pulled a chair over closer to the bed and was holding Jordy’s uninjured hand. He was being careful not to disturb the IV line on her arm. Marian hugged Jordy and said, “You look better.”
“Thanks, Mom. Michael kissed all my cuts to make them all better,” she said with a big smile.
Marian said, “Thank you for helping our little girl out.” She moved aside to allow Jim closer to the bed. She went around to the other side of the bed. Michael stood and hugged her too.
“Are you in any pain, honey?” Jim said.
“Only when I laugh, Dad, then it hurts like hell.”
Michael had stood but was still holding Jordy’s hand. “You or me, Jordy?”
“Mom, Dad, Michael asked me to marry him, and I said yes. We’ve gone no further than that yet.”
Marian said, “Ooohhh, I’m so glad. You couldn’t have made a better choice. Michael give your mother-in-law-to-be a big hug. This is such good news. I think Michael will make a great husband and father,” she said pointedly. She went around the bed and gave Jordy as big a hug as she could under the circumstances.
Jim stood and shook Michael’s hand. “Promise me you’ll take good care of my girl. She’s something special.”
“I know she is, and I promise I’ll take as good a care as she’ll let me.”
“I know what you mean. She can be pretty stubborn at times.”
Later that day…
Michael went into his dad's office at the bank; “Dad, I asked Jordy to marry me and she accepted. We haven’t made any plans yet since it just happened today.”
“Well, son, I’m pleased. I like Jordy and I think she’ll make an excellent wife. Has she told her parents yet?”
“Yes sir. They came into the room right after, and Jordy told them. They were both pleased, especially her mom.”
“Why don’t you come to dinner tonight and you can tell your mother.”
“Are you going to tell her you invited me or shall I?”
His dad laughed and said, “I’ll call her and tell her you’re coming.”
That Night… Simms home
“Mom, Jordy and I are going to get married.”
“Well, I wondered how long it was going to take you two to figure it out. I’m happy for you, son as she planted a kiss on his forehead. How is she by the way?”
“They moved her to a regular room and took the big cast off. Her bruises are turning a hideous shade of green, and her ribs are sore, but she’s better. She’ll start therapy now too. It’ll be really nice to see her up and around.”
* * *
Jordy and Michael were discussing preliminary plans for their wedding. Michael said he had no preference in time, Jordy said, “Everyone gets married in June, that wouldn’t give our parents time for the planning. What about September?”
“September’s a long time to wait.”
“Wait for what?”
“The wedding, silly,” he said.
“Who says we have to wait?”
“I like the way you think, girl.”
“Okay. Sometime in September. We’ll leave the date up to Mom.”
“Jordy, when you are discharged, why don’t you stay at my place?”
“Michael, I’d love to, but it might hurt Mom’s feelings. If you don’t mind too much, let’s wait for the wedding.”
“Okay. What about our honeymoon? Where would like to go? BTW, we can go to Belize before the wedding. Sort of a practice run.”
“Hah! Like you need practice.”
“Seriously, would you like to go to Belize before?”
“I think I would rather go while the weather here is cold. Also, it’d be past the hurricane season down there. You’ve been all over Europe. I’d like for you to show me your favorite places.”
“That would be Paris, hands down. Besides, it’s the city of love. There is an awful lot to see in Paris.”
“I think I’d love it. Let’s do it, that is if it’s okay with you.”
“I think I’d like it too. You could go nuts shopping. It’s a whole new experience.”
* * *
Marian and Jim Carlyle Get the Details Jordy’s hospital room
“Mom, Dad, Michael and I have decided we would like our wedding to be in September. You can pick the specific date. Does that give you enough time for planning? Also, Michael is going to show me Paris for our honeymoon. He spent a couple of summers there during his college years.”
“Have you given any thought to your maid of honor, bridesmaids, flower girl? What about invitations, and your wedding gown.”
“No, I haven’t. I had forgotten all of those things that go into it. Michael, why don’t we just elope? Sure would save everyone a lot of trouble.”
“Don’t you want a big wedding? It could give great memories to show your kids. You do want kids don’t you? I don’t think I’ve heard you say.”
Jordy said, “I don’t need a big wedding personally. Most of my friends are scattered all over. If I were just out of college or high school it might be important. As long as you are happy with it, I would like a small intimate ceremony. I don’t have anything to prove. What about you, Michael? What do you want?”
“You.”
“What a romanti
c thing to say. Mom don’t start anything yet. Let’s think about it. Now, about kids, we haven’t talked much about it, but I’d like to have two, a girl and a boy. I’d love to have a little Michael.”
“And I’d like a little Jordy.”
“I guess it’s time to put my two cents worth in. I’m not sure the world is ready for two of either one of you.”
Everyone laughed at that. Jordy said, “Daddy, don’t make me laugh. It hurts.”
“Truth hurts,” Jim said.
“Mom, would you get him out of here or make him be quiet? His humor is painful in more ways than one.”
“Michael,” Jim said, let’s get a cup of coffee. I can always tell when I’m not wanted.”
In the cafeteria, located on a basement floor, an array of food is offered. They have pizza, hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, meals, desserts, and salads, you name it they have it. It is an extremely busy place. Michael looked at the bountiful display of food and decided on a slice of pie and coffee. Jim settled for the coffee, remembering his promise to Marian about watching his diet.
“Jim, are you sure you’re comfortable watching the business while we’re off lollygagging all over Europe?”
“I’m fine. We’ve got great foremen, and now that we have Connie, things are in capable hands, and they are probably better off without us. Take as long as you want.”
“I’d like to take a minimum of two weeks, three would be better. I want this to be a truly unique time for Jordy and three would give us a lot of time together.”
“Go for it, son, take a month if you want. Things will be okay here. The first few months are critical to a marriage while you get used to each other’s ways.”
“Thanks, Jim. I appreciate it and I know Jordy will.”
* * *
The parents were gone. Jordy had been to therapy and was back in her room with Michael. About an hour was left of visiting hours.
“What did you and Daddy talk about?”
“You. He told me how to keep you in line.”
“As if. I can twist him around my little finger and always could.”
“We talked about our honeymoon. I told him I wanted to show you Europe and would like at least two weeks. He told me to take a month. With Connie and your foremen, things will be fine.”
“Really? He said a whole month. Michael, a month would be fantastic. Just the two of us. Oh wow, I would never have dreamed of it. If we’re going to do it that way, let’s just have a small wedding and get on with the honeymoon. Michael don’t let me railroad you into something you would rather not do. Sometimes I do that. You’re going to have to rein me in. I won’t stay mad long and making up is a lot of much fun,”
“You won’t make me do something I honestly don’t want to do. Small is agreeable with me if the Moms will agree. A daughter’s wedding is quite special for a mother.’
“With a month’s time, we can see France, Italy, maybe a part of Germany. I always wanted to take a cruise on the Rhine. He took her hand and said, Jordan Carlyle, I am so looking forward to being married to you.”
With tears welling in her eyes, she said, “If you don’t kiss me now, I’ll be furious.” It was a long, tender and a satisfying kiss that left both wanting more, but the nurse walked in just then.
“I guess I better go. “I’ll see you tomorrow evening. You be good. Good night, honey.”
“Night, Michael, love you.”
“Love you too.”
Chapter 15 The Wedding
The Dallas Morning News September 3, 2012
Miss Jordan Carlyle and Michael Simms were married Saturday at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Sugar Land. The bride was the daughter of James and Marian Carlyle of Sugar Land. She is a graduate of Texas A&M with a MS Degree in Construction Engineering. She is the chief operating officer of Carlyle Enterprises and the president of Carlyle Construction of Sugar Land.
The groom is the son of Steven and Elizabeth Simms of Sugar Land. The groom is a graduate of the University of Texas and Harvard Business School. He is vice president of First City Bank Financial Investments of Sugar Land.
Following a honeymoon in Paris and other European points, the couple will be at home in Sugar Land.
* * *
Jordy’s mother was looking at her daughter in her beautiful white wedding gown made by Priscilla of Boston, “You are absolutely radiant darling. I think you are the most gorgeous bride I have ever seen.”
“Thanks, Mom. I actually feel pretty. I love you and Daddy very much. Thanks for all you’ve done for me.”
The ceremony was being held in the small chapel at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Sugar Land. Only family and a few select friends had been invited.
When they heard the first chords of Mendelsohn’s Wedding March, Jordy took the arm of her father, and they moved down the short aisle to the altar. Michael was facing the aisle when he got his initial look at his bride to be. “My God, she is the most incredibly beautiful woman I have ever seen. I can’t believe she’s going to be my wife,” he thought. Her smile was brighter than the brightest star. An audible gasp rose from those gathered in the chapel as they craned their necks to see her. She winked at her grandfather as she passed him. Her dad handed her hand to Michael as he came to meet them.
The ceremony continued, with Michael placing a large diamond ring on her finger, and she placed a ring on his finger. The vows were said, and the minister pronounced them man and wife. They turned to face the small group and the minister intoned, “I present to you Mr. And Mrs. Michael Simms. You may kiss your bride. Michael lifted the veil and did so tastefully.
The recessional began, and they exited the church. A reception was being held at the Carlyle home. After some thirty minutes passed, someone noticed the bride and groom had disappeared. The next morning at 9:00AM they were aboard Air France on a direct flight to Paris. Sitting in the First Class Cabin, they toasted the future with bloody marys. Their marriage had begun.
After thoughts
After a month-long honeymoon enjoying the delights of Paris, Rome, Venice, Naples and Vienna, Jordan and Michael Simms returned to Sugar Land, Texas and began their new life together.
They lived in Michael’s town home until Jordy became pregnant, and they decided to build a new home. Michael’s father gave them acreage along the river where they had ridden horseback prior to their marriage. They engaged an architect, approved the plans, then Carlyle Construction Company built the new home. It was luxurious but not palatial. Jordy had told Michael about her conversation with her mother regarding their lifestyles and values and said she wanted their children to have the same set of values. Michael agreed, and it came to pass their children had everything they needed but not necessarily everything they wanted.
Their first born announced his arrival with a strong wail in the Sugar Land Methodist Hospital. He weighed seven pounds nine ounces, was 20 inches long. He had a shock of dark hair. He had his father’s dark eyes. He was christened Michael James Simms. He would be followed two years later by a beautiful little sister with curly blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. She would be christened Jordan Stevie Simms. She would grow to rival her mother’s charm and beauty. She was as much a daddy’s girl as her mother before her. She would go on to become an Aggie while her brother was a Teasip at the University of Texas.
Michael continued his career at First City and became President of First City Bank Investments.
Jordy continued as the head of Carlyle Construction and eventually was named CEO of Carlyle Enterprises. Carlyle Estates became a reality and one of the premier planned communities in the entire country. Since Jordy shows no signs of being a stay-at-home mom, they have a nanny to care for the children while they are working. Both Jordy and Michael ensure that each child has his or her personal time with their parents.
Hank Webster returned to the Dallas area and worked in his father’s company, eventually rising to head the company, a little known company outside Dallas County.
&
nbsp; Jim and Marian Carlyle are still alive and became doting grandparents, still active in their mid-sixties. Jim never had another stroke.
Isaac Carlyle just celebrated his 101st birthday. He is as sharp witted as anyone. He still lives on his ranch and has a live-in caretaker. He doesn’t think he needs one but his granddaughter insisted. He enjoys his great-grandchildren whenever possible.
Steven and Elizabeth Simms are healthy, retired, and love to show off their wonderful grandchildren.
Felton Simms, in his eighties is confined to a wheelchair and lives in an assisted care facility. He is hobbled with arthritis.
Connie Perrone is Chief Operating Officer of Carlyle Enterprises.
Paul Merriam was never heard from again.
About the Author
Susan Leigh Carlton
Susan Leigh Carlton lives in Tomball, Texas, a suburb northwest of Houston. She lives with her husband of over 40 years, their two toy poodles and Lissie, her cat.
Susan began writing in August, 2012, publishing two cookbooks culled from the hundreds of recipes in her mother-in-law’s collection.
Visit Susan’s website: Visit Susan’s website Susan Leigh Carlton's E-books
Click the Welcome Tab to visit with Susan on facebook
Cakes From Mamaw's Kitchen
Pies From Mamaw's Kitchen
She also published Diabetes: You Can Live With It Or Die From It
Susan recently published her first romance novel Loving An Airborne Ranger
Cakes From Mamaw's Kitchen
Pies From Mamaw's Kitchen
She also published Diabetes: You Can Live With It Or Die From It
Susan recently published her first romance novel Loving An Airborne Ranger
Visit Susan’s website Susan Leigh Carlton's E-books
Love On The Brazos Page 11
