Chapter 30
It was shortly after nine p.m. when Jordan pulled up to Sam’s brownstone. He turned to her with a serious expression. “I forgot to ask what flavors of ice cream you’ve got in the freezer. The desserts at Chinese restaurants are pretty skimpy.”
“They gave us a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a fortune cookie,” she retorted. “That should be enough.”
“Are you kidding? It barely made a dent.”
“Okay, okay. I’ve your favorites, butter pecan and chocolate fudge.”
He breathed a sigh of contentment. “That’ll do it.” Then he exited the car and opened her door. “Let’s discuss our weekend while we’re enjoying those sundaes.”
When Sam entered her home, the phone was ringing, and her two cats were meowing loudly. She hurried into the kitchen to listen to the answering machine. At the sound of Uncle’s Jim’s voice, she picked up the phone.
“Uncle Jim, I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon. Is everything all right?”
“No, it’s not, and that’s why I’m calling. Here’s the situation. Your parents wanted to have Sarah and Mort Whitlock over for dinner. As you know, Sarah is your Mom’s favorite cousin, and they came into town a day early. Rather than go to a restaurant, Karen asked everyone over to her house for a catered dinner. There were eight people–your parents, Sarah and Mort, Karen, Jack, Andrea, and Ben. Although Karen had used this catering company before, it was a last-minute decision, and I think they may have used something that was spoiled. Anyway, your mother and Karen became violently ill and are in the hospital.”
“Oh, no!” Sam exclaimed. She paced the kitchen while clutching the phone, her expression grim.
“Let me give you all the details,” Uncle Jim continued. “Andrea, Ben, and your father are not feeling well, but were able to get home. Sarah and Mort didn’t eat any of the fish dish, which I think was the problem, and they’re fine. They went with your mother and Karen to the hospital. My brother just called me. He has a pounding headache and is nauseous. He asked if we could come and stay with him. He also wanted us to call you.”
With a fast-beating heart, Sam sat on one of the kitchen chairs. She had a premonition of what was to come.
Meanwhile, Jordan, who followed her into the kitchen, was closely watching her expression. “What is it?” he asked softly.
“My mother and Karen are in the hospital,” she whispered. “Food poisoning.”
He sat down opposite her waiting for more information.
“Samantha, I know how strongly you feel about getting involved with this wedding and anything to do with your sister,” Uncle Jim continued. “However, your father doesn’t know if he can manage hosting the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night. Andrea will probably spend tomorrow recuperating, so she’ll be well enough for the wedding ceremony. Ben is not up to doing anything but rest and look after Andrea. Your mother and Karen will most likely spend the next two to three days in the hospital. Fortunately, Jack is okay as he dislikes fish and only ate the chicken dish. But he has his sons to handle. Your father wants you to be at his side tomorrow night. He knows the two of you haven’t been close, and he confided to me how bad he feels. Now he needs you.”
Sam rose from the chair and started pacing again, her brow furrowed, her lips set in a tight line.
“Samantha, I think you have to do this. At least for the rehearsal dinner. There’ll be over one hundred and fifty people coming to the country club tomorrow evening. Faith and I will help as much as we can, but it’s not the same as having one of his daughters there.”
“I just walked into the house. Can I call you right back? I have to discuss this with Jordan.”
“Of course. By the way, Jordan’s invited too. I told your father about him. Hope you don’t mind. He remembers him and was pleased the two of you are in a relationship. Call me on my cell. Faith is packing a few things, and then we’re leaving the hotel to be with your father.”
“Thanks, Uncle Jim.”
Sam hung up the phone and turned to Jordan. After filling him in on the details, she said, “Much as I’m reluctant to get involved, I need to help. How do you feel about it? I know you wanted to be on the boat, and so do I.”
“You have no choice, Sam. I agree with your uncle. Your father needs you, and this may be an opportunity to heal the breach between the two of you. I’m not saying it will, but you have to give it a try. We can take the boat out on Sunday instead.”
“Thanks.” She came around to his side of the table to give him a kiss. “I appreciate your understanding. This is a complicated situation.”
He put his arms around her waist and drew her close. “Call your uncle back and let him know we’ll be there. Find out what time we’re needed. I’ll have to stop at my condo tomorrow for something to wear.”
She’d have to figure out what to wear as well. This would be the first time she’d be seeing family and friends without the burden of a controlling mother and two bossy older sisters around. Sam smiled at that last thought.
~ ~ ~
The first thing Lori Atkins did after Diane left her at her apartment building was to call Andrea. She couldn’t wait to tell her friend about Samantha and Jordan. Her phone rang, but she didn’t pick up. She must be out for the evening, Lori surmised. She’d try later.
Lori’s husband, Greg, phoned that evening. “How did the dinner with Jordan and his girlfriend turn out?” he asked.
“You won’t believe this,” Lori exclaimed. “Guess who Jordan’s been dating?” Then without waiting for an answer, she continued, “Andrea’s younger sister, Samantha, the one who’s so strange and doesn’t enjoy anything to do with her family. Well, I think Jordan’s out of his mind to get involved with someone like that. It won’t last, I’d bet money on it.”
“Is she the one who belly dances? The one we saw on television?”
“Yes, that’s the one. I didn’t find her at all interesting. The only thing she has to offer is a big bust and long hair.”
“Well, it apparently is keeping your brother occupied. If he’s happy with her, there’s really nothing you can do. And, if you’re wise and want to keep seeing him, you’ll at least be cordial to the woman. Jordan is not going to give her up because you don’t like her. Remember that,” Greg warned.
“I’m hoping he’ll find out for himself how shallow she is and drop her.”
“How do you know she’s shallow?”
“Someone who belly dances like that has to be lacking in the intelligence department. I mean, the way those girls move their bodies just to attract men is pretty shameless,” Lori declared.
“I can’t agree with you there,” he said. “Changing the subject, my plane arrives a little after one tomorrow afternoon. I’ll meet you at the usual place.”
“Fine. The rehearsal dinner starts around five, I believe. You’ll just have time to shower and change. Amy’s coming with us as Vance is out of town. Diane’s hoping Carl gets back. If not, she’ll come on her own.”
“By the way, what do Diane and Amy think of Jordan’s love interest?” he asked.
“I don’t agree with their opinions,” she replied stiffly.
“Maybe they see some of the same things in her that Jordan does. Again, I want to warn you not to interfere in your brother’s love life. He won’t appreciate it if you do.”
When the call ended, Lori sat there for several long moments deep in thought. She could never see herself liking Samantha, but perhaps she could try not to be so negative.
~ ~ ~
Shortly before four in the afternoon on Saturday, Sam and Jordan arrived at her parents’ colonial-style home in Riverdale. Situated high on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River, the two-story brick building had a long, winding drive to the front door.
Sam couldn’t help the nervous flutter in the pit of her stomach. She hadn’t visited her childhood home in almost a year. Memories of her difficult times there surfaced in spite of her best intentions to forget the past.
She fingered the gold locket around her neck to give her courage. When they’d stopped at Jordan’s condo earlier in the day for his change of clothing, he’d surprised her.
“Sam, I want you to have something special to mark our commitment to each other. Shortly before my grandmother died, she gave my sisters some of her jewelry. I didn’t expect anything, but she said she wanted to give me something for my future wife. I’d always admired a particular locket she often wore.” Jordan paused a moment and took a small black velvet box out of his top dresser drawer. He handed her the box. “I hope you like it.”
Her hand trembled as she accepted the gift. This was completely unexpected. Opening it, she saw a heart-shaped gold locket with a diamond in the center. “Oh, Jordan, it’s beautiful,” she exclaimed. She picked it up carefully to examine the fine workmanship. Turning it over, her finger traced the word ‘forever’ engraved on the back.
“Open it,” he said. “You may want to replace the photos.”
When she saw the photos inside, her eyes misted. On one side was a picture of Jordan when he was about two or three. It reminded her of the little boy she’d met at the park a few weeks ago. Jordan wore a sailor suit, and his dark hair fell over his forehead. The other photo showed him with his grandmother. He was probably eight or nine, and he stood next to a tall woman with silver hair and dark eyes. Her arm was around his shoulders, and she was smiling.
“Oh, no,” Sam declared. “I don’t want to change anything. These are so lovely. Thank you for giving this to me.”
Coming back to the present moment, she said, “Whenever I feel nervous tonight, I’ll just touch the locket and my fears will disappear.”
“I’m glad you have it then,” he said.
“I haven’t been here since my father’s seventieth birthday party last July,” she confided to Jordan as he pulled up to the entrance and parked the car.
“That’s a milestone birthday,” Jordan replied. “I’m surprised he hasn’t retired. Some people want to be involved in the business world as long as possible. I’m not that devoted to my profession, although I spend many hours in my office. Spending time on my boat or travelling around the world sounds like much more fun than working.” He climbed out of the car, came around to her side and opened the door.
Leaving the car, she looked around. The manicured lawn swept down to a stand of birch trees just coming into foliage. She’d always loved this view. Beyond the trees, she could see the swift flowing waters of the river. When she was young, she’d loved going through the woods to sit on the large boulders overlooking the river. This was her thinking spot. She’d talk to the rocks and work out her problems. It always made her feel better, even though they didn’t give her any specific answers.
The weather was unusually warm for late May, and she’d decided to wear the halter-neck top that Jordan admired paired with a long black skirt. Draped over one arm was a black shawl for the cooler night air.
After ringing the bell, they waited a few moments until the door was opened by Uncle Jim, who beamed at them.
“You’re just in time,” he said. “Come in and relax. We have a few minutes before we have to leave for the club.”
They followed him down a long entryway dominated by a crystal chandelier and an antique washstand with a basin and pitcher. Above the washstand was an oval mirror in an ornate gold frame. An oriental rug in tones of dark gray, blue, and crimson stretched from the front door to the living room. To one side of the entryway was a study with floor-to-ceiling bookcases. The other side contained a den with a large flat-screen television on one wall.
At the far end was a spacious living room with two white silk sofas facing each other. An enormous mahogany coffee table stood between them with assorted candy dishes and a porcelain sculpture of a shepherdess with a lamb. Another patterned oriental rug carpeted the living room. An expanse of floor-to-ceiling glass overlooked a meticulously-kept rose garden.
Warren Milburn was seated on one of the sofas. He rose when they entered the room, but he held onto the sofa’s armrest as if to steady himself. Sam noted his unusual pallor and the dark circles under his eyes and felt a sense of trepidation. His age showed.
“Hi, Dad,” she said, walking toward him with Jordan at her side. “I think you met Jordan at Andrea’s last wedding.”
“Yes, of course,” Warren replied. “Good to see you again.” He extended a hand. “How are your parents doing? It’s been a while since we’ve been in touch. Are they still in Maine?”
“Yes. My dad retired several years ago and they bought a larger place near Camden for year-round living. Occasionally they visit us in the city,” Jordan replied.
Turning to Sam, Warren said, “Thank you for coming today. I didn’t think I could handle this rehearsal dinner on my own.”
Sam felt a lump form in her throat. She hadn’t expected to feel this way. “It’s okay,” she said softly. “If you need me, I’ll always be there to help.”
There was a moment of silence as Warren looked at his youngest daughter. He put out a hand to her. “Samantha, I’m sorry for so many things that happened between us. It’s kept me up all night thinking how I can make it right.” His voice faltered, and he fell silent.
Impulsively she took his hand and squeezed it. “Just saying that makes it so much better.” She leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. “How are Karen and my Mother doing?”
“I talked to Sarah and Mort earlier today. They stayed at the hospital ’til late last night. You know Sarah’s a retired nurse, and Mort’s still practicing medicine. Thank God they were able to be there.” He rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke. “Karen’s feeling a little better, but Lotty’s still pretty sick. After all the fussing about this wedding, your mother is going to miss the whole affair.” He heaved a heavy sigh and sank back onto the sofa. “We have a few minutes before we have to leave.”
Sam and Jordan sat opposite him and Uncle Jim sat next to his brother. Aunt Faith walked in as they were chatting.
Sam hurried over to greet her. “I wondered where you were.”
“Just fixing my hair,” she said, smiling. “Although I don’t know why I bother. Nobody but me seems to notice.”
Jim looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Are you inferring I don’t compliment you enough?”
“Now don’t fight, you two,” Sam said. “Aunt Faith, I love the way you’ve done your hair tonight.”
“Thank you, Samantha,” Aunt Faith said with a twinkle in her eye.
~ ~ ~
The evening Sam had dreaded for so long turned out to be an amazing experience. Standing at the entranceway of the country club with Jordan on one side and her father on the other, she greeted family members and friends. Uncle Jim and Aunt Faith stood nearby and helped with explanations about Andrea’s and Ben’s absence.
The comments she received were revealing. Most people initially didn’t recognize her. When she mentioned changing her hair color and style, they looked puzzled, as if they didn’t quite believe her.
After a while, Sam grew tired of explaining her transformation from ugly duckling to curvaceous beauty. She turned to Jordan and declared, “The next time anyone asks me who I am, I’m going to tell them I was just adopted by the Milburn family and leave it at that.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “I’d like to see you try.”
“I just might,” she warned. Then, noting her father beginning to tire, she said to Jordan, “He needs to sit down. Can you find a chair?”
In a few minutes, Jordan returned with a padded bar stool, which Warren gratefully accepted. “Guess I’m still under the weather. Thanks, Jordan.”
There was a challenging moment when Lori, Greg, and Amy entered the club. Lori’s eyes widened at the sight of Sam and Jordan standing next to Warren Milburn. “Well, I didn’t expect to see you here!” Lori exclaimed. Now she knew why Andrea hadn’t answered her phone. Greg shook hands with Warren and Jordan. Then he smiled at Sam. “Glad to finally meet you. I enjoyed your belly dancing on that TV ad.”
“Thanks.” She was relieved at seeing his pleasant smile.
“I enjoyed watching the TV ad, too,” Amy chimed in.
“I’m glad you did.” She looked quickly at her father to see if he’d start asking questions about her belly dancing, but he was busy talking to other guests. Which was just as well.
When Lara Jensen made her appearance with her new boyfriend, Evan Wilde, she ignored Jordan and Sam. Smiling at Warren Milburn, she introduced him to Evan and then, stony-faced, marched into the club.
Jordan breathed a sigh of relief. “At least she didn’t spit at me,” he whispered to Sam. When she started giggling, he gave her a stern look. “You can’t imagine how angry she was when I danced with you and later when I broke up with her.”
“I can believe that,” she whispered back.
Sam and Jordan sat at the head table with Warren, Uncle Jim, Aunt Faith, and a few close relatives. Here, again, Uncle Jim came to Sam’s rescue when several people asked pointed questions about how different she looked and whether she’d be attending the wedding. Evidently, rumors of the feud between Andrea and Sam had spread. Jim was able to defuse the comments and smooth things out, for which Sam was very grateful. Jordan also acted as a buffer between Sam and some of her nosy relatives.
“Are the two of you making wedding plans yet?” Aunt Evelyn asked with an innocent expression.
“Yes, we’d really like to know,” Aunt Jean chimed in.
With a straight face, Jordan replied, “I can assure you that you’ll be the first to find out. However, don’t hold your breath since Sam and I prefer to live in sin. It’s so much more fun.”
Sam almost burst out laughing at the shocked expression on her aunts’ faces. She gave Jordan’s foot a swift kick and tried for an indignant look. But it didn’t quite work.
Fortunately, Uncle Jim started chuckling, and as Aunt Faith joined him, others at the table decided Jordan was jesting and gave the couple an indulgent smile. Sam’s father leaned close and whispered in her ear that he wouldn’t mind a son-in-law like Jordan. She just smiled back without saying a word.
After the dinner ended, Warren Milburn rose and held up his glass. “I’d like to propose a toast to some of those who’ve helped me during this difficult time. With my wife and Andrea unable to be here, I called upon my brother Jim, and his wife, Faith. They came to stay with me last night, and today they’ve been at my side.” Turning to them, he smiled and said, “I will be eternally grateful.”
After everyone clapped and nodded their approval, Warren held up his glass again. “I also want to express my love and gratitude to my youngest daughter, Samantha, who gave up her weekend plans to be here with me. And my deepest appreciation to her partner, Jordan Hart, for supporting her in that decision.” He turned to Sam and Jordan. “Thank you both so much. And I want to say how happy I am that my daughter has found a partner to share her life with. Good luck to both of you.”
Jordan put his hand over Sam’s, and leaning close, gave her a long, passionate kiss. The ballroom erupted with whistles and cheers as well as laughter. It was a fitting close to an evening that Sam, in her wildest dreams, could have never visualized.