To Jade’s extreme relief Hoxmire joined in on the laughter and seemed to have a wonderful time.
The next morning seemed to be a ten minute blur when Jade looked back on it. She felt like the clock jumped from seven in the morning to noon while she moved like she was in slow motion. When she looked in the antique mirror Cedric had brought from the house, her white satin gown made her feel like a glamorous princess. The red lace trim around the scoop neck and the edge of her long sleeves looked perfect with the deep red roses and white carnations in her bouquet. The white lace bow holding her golden brown hair up in back made her look tall and regal. It all took her breath away.
After Cedric walked her down the aisle between the two groups of folding chairs she managed to find her place between Juani and Matt and take a deep breath. She was sure she was going to pass out before she got to say her part. And where was Matt’s ring? She glanced over at Juani with panic in her chest. Juani grinned and tipped her gloved hand so Jade could see his ring caught in its little holder.
Rev. Hoxmire seemed to drone on forever in spite of the fact that Jade and Matt had gone over every word with him, ahead of time.
Suddenly, it was all over and Matt was kissing her for all he was worth. People were stepping up to hug one or the other of them and the party was on. By the time that Jack and Wolf had taken all the photographs everybody wanted, Jade was actually hungry. She couldn’t believe it. She slipped away to the ladies lounge while the ladies saw to the thirsty and hungry crowd.
“What are you doing in here?” Velma poked her head through the door and looked as suspicious as a disapproving mother.
“I am starved and I’ll get sick if I try to eat that sweet stuff on an empty stomach. What do you think I’m doing? I’m eating.” Jade put the last bite of her turkey sandwich in her mouth and chewed as fast as possible. “Water! I need about a gallon of water.” She spotted a new bottle by her suitcase and struggled to open it.
“Here! Let me do that! You’ll dump it on your beautiful gown. There. Now leave room for your cake.”
“Yes, Mother.” Jade laughed and shook her head. “I hate frosting and I’m not crazy about cake. Why couldn’t we have had gingerbread cookies instead?”
“Boss, sometimes I don’t know about you. Come on. Let’s get you out there. It’s time to cut the cake and have the toasts.”
The first time Jade got to relax was when she and Matt headed down the road to their motel in Eugene. It was then that she realized she had hardly spoken to her father and Daphne and Delta. “Oh, my gosh! They’ll probably never speak to me again!”
“Who?”
“My dad and Daphne and Delta. I don’t even know if I said anything to your mother or Betty. Boy, I’m bad at this stuff.”
Matt laughed and shook his head. “I’m sure they all understood. Your dad was awfully quiet but Daphne told me he was overcome by the fact you’re all grown up and have this world around you that makes you happy. She said it gave him something to think about. She had a great time talking to everybody. Betty was busy swapping recipes with Tilly and Delta and Henry seemed to find the whole scene hilarious. They make a great couple. Henry’s really come out of his shell.”
True to his word, Matt saw to it that Jade got to enjoy Newport on their honeymoon. They wandered through the aquarium and took a boat tour of Yaquina Bay. A local historic garden was her favorite exhibit but the two nights they spent making love were the best part. Jade felt as if they had all the time in the world while they had breakfast on their motel deck and watched the surf and a small family of seals.
After two blustery days in the misty seaside weather they decided to stay on the edge of Portland and take in the art museums and a tour of a lovely old mansion. Two nights in a romantic little Milwaukie bed and breakfast gave them access to more art exhibits and a couple of museums Jade had always wanted to visit. Having her fill of sculptures and Matt enjoying a touring display of stained glass art left them ready to head home for a day of rest before hitting the workaday world again.
“I promised my dad we’d have brunch with them tomorrow before we head home. Does that suit you?” Jade looked at Matt for his reaction.
“Actually, I’d like that. I was hoping he might talk to me if it was just the four of us.”
“Don’t be surprised if he seems stuffy or snobby. He’s that way to everybody, even me.”
Jade smiled to herself when they drove into the park where her father’s condo was located. It looked as stylish as she expected and the park was full of stately trees and elegant condos which were not attached to each other. Lake Oswego was a money town and they were not far from a respected old golf course.
While Matt studied the layout of the building Hampton had designed for a large private college, Jade took her father aside. Daphne and the cook were putting the finishing touches on the brunch buffet. “Dad, I just wanted to tell you how handsome and young you look. Why, you look twenty years younger and you look like you feel good, too. I’m so pleased for you. I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you that at my wedding.”
Hampton Holloway gave his daughter a half smile. “Everybody was pushing you around the room. I’m surprised you got around to saying your vow.” He sighed. “As much work as I’ve put in on this body of mine I should look like Cary Grant.”
“Well, darken your hair and we’ll see what happens.”
“Jade, your back country sense of humor never seems to get better. I’m sorry I ever let you come out here to be with my father. He ruined you.”
“No, he didn’t, Dad. He was patient and treated me like a young woman. You know he said he was sorry he was so hard on you. He hated the fact he turned you into a bitter old man by the time you were twenty-five.”
“He actually said that?”
“Yes, he did and I think he meant it.”
Hampton shook his head. “It wasn’t him that made me bitter. My mother leaving us did something to me and I disappointed your mother because of it. I could never be as warm as she wanted. I just couldn’t let her get close to me.”
“Daphne seems to be happy with you.”
“She doesn’t put up with less than what she wants. She doesn’t give up. She says what she wants and then she insists on it.”
“Well, then you don’t have to feel bad anymore.”
At that moment Daphne announced that brunch was served.
The brunch was a lavish affair and Jade wondered who else was invited. Then she noticed that the food was mostly fancy vegetable dishes, whole grain muffins, and a few tofu items. A lovely fresh bowl of fruit graced the center and the beverages were vanilla flavored decaffeinated coffee and herb teas. The fresh flowers were tulips, daffodils, and crocus.
“Uh, Daphne, you must be expecting a lot of people for a feast like this.”
She waved the notion away. “Just a few doctor friends and their wives. Hampton is gathering them for a meeting about that building he’s creating for the college. You know us, business first, pleasure dead last.”
Hampton’s voice was softer than Jade remembered but the old hard disapproving look he gave Daphne was trademark. “I suggested some meat and decent drinks for those who can enjoy them but you are the one who overlooked such pleasantries for our guests.”
Daphne chuckled and shook her head. “You see, Jade? Hampton is back to his old crusty self. Have no fear. As I remember you always ate pretty healthy so you won’t mind the rabbit food and the tofu. How about you, Matt? Would you like some fried eggs?”
Matt smiled and shook his head. “This is fine. My mother cooked like this so I’m used to it. From the layout I assume your building is for medical studies at the college, Hampton. Am I right?”
At first Jade’s father seemed reluctant to discuss his new project but, after a few minutes, he became enthusiastic in his description of a science building which would feature a special prosthetic design wing and a wing dedicated to the newest surgical tools and methods. “Gregor Timussen is the
benefactor who wants this built and he has practically written me a blank check. A man like me doesn’t get to design at the top of his creativity like this very often. I would be a fool not to make the most of it.”
When the others began arriving, Jade and Matt made their excuses about being on their honeymoon and slipped out the door to head for home.
On the way back to the farm Jade looked at Matt to see if he had enjoyed himself. He seemed cheerful enough. “I was amazed at the way you got my dad to talking about his work. I’ve never known him to do that before. Even when my mother was alive and we had dinner together a few times, he never said much and he always seemed so dour. I took it for granted he was disappointed in my mother or me or his life. I didn’t know what I could do about it so I avoided them as much as I could. I don’t think they were very happy together and I wondered if they regretted having me.”
Matt squeezed her hand and then looked back at the freeway. “I don’t think your father ever felt anyone was interested in him as an individual. I think he thought his only value to others was what he could accomplish and how much money he made. I’ve known other men like him. I think they came from cold families and always felt unappreciated, especially by women and family members.”
Jade felt a familiar old sympathy well up in her chest. “I guess I always felt sorry for him. Maybe I guessed the same thing you’re saying. I never heard him talk about his family until today and you’re pretty close to the way he saw his childhood. It was as if both he and my mother were hatched or something. Her parents were killed in a plane accident when she was in high school and she simply went back to the boarding school she had been attending. She had a trust fund for college and a car. I guess money is no guarantee for happiness. I never felt like we were a happy family and we certainly had enough money. Were your parents happy?”
“In a way, they were. Sari loved Gordon and he never looked at another woman but he sometimes apologized to her for not giving her a good life. I think he really meant it. She would smile and say that if he really wanted to make her happy he would protect himself from the hazards of glass blowing and take better care of himself.”
“Did he try to do that?”
“He would just look sad and walk away. I don’t think he really knew how. Or maybe he was so sure it was too late for him. Don’t worry. I have been listening to my mother when she talks about what to eat and getting enough exercise and I’m satisfied with my new ceramic and glass process. I don’t think I’ll be tempted to assist on a pour again. I’ll stick to designing the safety equipment.”
“Then you’ll have a very happy wife.”
“That’s all I care about. I want us to be happy and free of cultures around us. I’ve begun to notice what Sari means when she says our friends teach us bad habits when we should teach them good ones. I see too much of that. We’re going to teach them instead.”
Jade chuckled. “Do you really think I could get Uncle to stop eating pie?”
“I heard Tilly telling him that she’s only going to make pies for holidays from now on because his blood pressure is up. He grumbled a lot but I noticed him smiling when she wasn’t looking.”
CHAPTER TEN
During the rest of February, the cold rain returned and it felt like winter again. Jade didn’t mind it, this time. There was a kind of peace which settled over her whenever she looked at her wedding band. She was surprised she felt so comfortable. She had expected to have a little trouble adjusting to belonging to someone.
The last day of the month Matt dropped by her office and offered her some fancy coffee from the Cozy Cup down the street.
“This is a nice surprise. Are we celebrating something?”
“I celebrate every day, now that you’re handling the money and I’m free to hide away in my office and the shop. I just wanted to let you know that Rafael is going to drop by tomorrow night, if they get in early enough. Otherwise, we’re all invited to breakfast with him and Delta and Henry.”
“You mean he’s staying around here somewhere? I don’t believe it. I can’t picture him staying at the Wedding Bells Estate.” Jade chuckled at the thought of Miss Chin looking down her petite nose at the local people.
“You’re right, of course. When he wants to see the country up close he caravans in his deluxe buses. It looks like the Queen of England is touring when you see them coming. He usually leaves those coaches on Vashon Island.”
“How many does he take?”
“Three. They were custom made for him, of course. The two he uses are divided into one which is his private suite while the other one has a kitchen, dining area, and sitting room in it. The third one is for his bodyguards, the chef, and the relief drivers. Delta is going to stay with Henry, of course.”
“No Miss Chin, I guess.”
“Oh, she retired. She went to live with her daughter.” Matt leaned back against his folded hands as if he had no cares whatever.
“Speaking of people who are supposed to be retired, how is your mother doing? She’s supposed to be taking it easy and here she is running a clinic for Dr. Shipley. He ought to pick someone younger.”
Matt smiled and shook his head. “You’re really something. You already treat her as if she’s your own mother. Actually, I stopped to talk to Shipley after I had coffee with Mom. He told me he figures he’ll find someone younger, maybe even a brand new doctor. He wants her to break the person in.”
“I suppose she’ll have to give up that little house when that time comes. I guess I’m not doing her any favors by saying the doctor should find someone else. Do you think she’ll want to come back to Tilly’s house?”
“I don’t think that will be necessary. David Shipley asked me how I would feel with him as a stepfather. I told him I’ll be happy as long as my mother is happy.”
“So he really is serious about her. I wonder what she’ll say.”
He raised his hands in a shrug. “She seems to like him and she might be ready to take that step. We’ll just have to see.”
A couple of days later they joined Rafael Omano, Delta, and Henry for breakfast in Omano’s dining coach.
“I am most pleased you are comfortable in these humble surroundings.” Rafael smiled at each of them like a doting father.
Jade glanced at Matt and saw him swallow a grin. They were parked in the spacious parking area on Alfred Winks’ ranch. “Are you going to take your tour of this place this afternoon?”
“Absolutely! Henry has graciously offered his afternoon to us. Delta has made me very curious to see how everything is done on these ranches. I’m especially interested in seeing the horses. I once had a fine family of racing Arabs. Ah, I miss those lovely beasts but they are as spoiled as any princess and can be as delicate as a butterfly. Such temperaments!”
After listening to Rafael’s stories about his winning studs they began to leave the table for the sitting area and a second cup of coffee. “Jade, would you wait for a moment? I’d like to talk to you.”
She looked at Rafael for a second or two and then nodded. “Of course.”
After she sat back in her chair he looked into her eyes. “I was most happy about your union with Matthew. He is one of my favorite people. I was sad to hear you will not be joining my staff but I anticipated it. You are both strong of spirit, like Delta. Tell me how you would feel if I bought this ranch and made it my other estate. One I would use for the Spring and Summer seasons.”
Jade felt her smile spread across her face. “I would love that. I know that Matt would like to set up your hot shop for you and maintain the safety equipment. His new process has yielded some lovely pieces and we would love to have you and your staff as neighbors. By the way, I hope you got our letter. We are truly grateful to you for the seminar tickets and accommodations for the Seattle Sculpting Conference. It was a wonderful wedding gift and we’ll tell you all about it after we attend.”
Rafael nodded in his most gracious manner. “I am pleased if you’re pleased. I wanted you
r company for Delta for my own selfish reasons. I don’t like to send her to cities alone and Henry will be occupied otherwise, at that time. Now, to this ranch. What can you tell me about this Alfred Winks?”
Jade felt a chill run through her. “I won’t lie to you about him. He is a most disagreeable man. He acts as if he is a god of some kind, because of his money, and he treats women like they are pieces of furniture for him to put his feet on. He is going to be slapped with a restraining order the very next time he sets foot on my farm.”
Rafael looked as stern as a Chinese judge Jade had seen in a painting from the nineteenth century. Then he chuckled to himself. “The puffed egos. They are the easiest ones to outmaneuver. I take it you do not want him for a neighbor.”
“I promise I will throw a party for you if you manage to get Winks to sell to you. It would be my pleasure to celebrate his departure from this valley.”
“Excellent. I will make many people happy and accomplish my goal at the same time?”
“I’m curious. May I know what this goal is?”
Rafael winked at her. “Of course. I have sampled most of your ways of life in this great country. I have tried your most celebrated cities and their fine hotels. I have one of the finest estates on the California coast and have recently sold my desert oasis of splendor and the retreat on the island in Puget Sound. Now, I wish to create one of my last two estates, here, where the western farms and forests come together in a celebration of the past and present. This makes me feel truly American and I am most grateful.”
“I cannot guarantee he will sell to you and, if he does, I’m sure he’ll get every penny he can.”
“As expected. However, one can always reach. What one manages to grasp is often illusory and is always a tantalizing question until the very end. I enjoy the challenge.”
Jade nodded and laughed. She enjoyed almost feeling sorry for Winks. He was about to be challenged by one of the best negotiators in the world. She sighed as she realized how very much she wanted Rafael to win this battle on his terms. It would serve Winks right.
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