Story: A Wedding Diary
Chapter 3
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Previously: Jed opened up about his father's long-time abuse
Summary: Jed introduces Abbey to someone special
May 23, 1967
Jed and Abbey spent the evening greeting guests at the engagement party her parents had put together. Among the friends, relatives, and well-wishers they had known their entire lives, was someone Jed considered a little more special, someone he couldn't wait to introduce to Abbey.
Wanting a somewhat private moment, he pulled Abbey aside. For her part, Abbey was eagerly anticipating this meeting. Jed had been so excited for days that she could hardly wait to see, for herself, what all the fuss was about. "This is Leo McGarry," Jed told her as Abbey and Leo shook hands.
"I've heard a lot about you, Leo. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"You too. Jed said you were a beauty and he wasn't kidding."
Abbey smiled. "You're too kind"
"He's honest," Jed replied, giving Abbey a kiss on the cheek. "I would have asked Leo to be in the wedding party, but he wasn't even sure he'd make it back for the ceremony. He just returned from Vietnam not too long ago."
Abbey's face suddenly turned pale at the mere mention of the war. She remembered all the violent images she had seen on television, all the flag-draped coffins and the bloody bodies they had allowed the public to witness. "Jed mentioned you were called up. I'm glad to see you're back, safe and sound."
Well, he was safe anyway. Leo simply nodded. "Me too."
"And now that he is, I have a favor to ask," Jed began. "I'd be honored if you'd stand up with me as my Best Man." Leo stared at him in silence, visibly touched by the question. "What do you say?"
"Of course I'll be your Best Man."
Abbey watched quietly as the two men shared a quick hug. She had heard countless stories about Jed and Leo, about the friendship that had endured through the years. She was grateful that Jed shared such a close bond with someone she knew was so special. Her eyes were glossy with tears of happiness, thinking about how much it meant to Jed to have his best friend by his side on his wedding day.
A soft, feminine sound finally broke the moment "Hello."
"Jenny," Jed called out as he leaned forward to give the woman a kiss. "I'd like you to meet Abbey."
"Hi," Jenny greeted her.
"It's nice to meet you."
"Jenny's my fiancée," Leo said, his eyes glued to the lovely woman. "We haven't set a date for our wedding yet."
"Well, congratulations," Abbey replied.
"Thank you and congratulations to you too. Jed and I have been friends for years. He's the one who introduced me and Leo."
"Really"
"Yeah, he's quite the little matchmaker," Leo answered. "I've never enjoyed a blind date so much in my life."
Abbey smiled at the couple. "That's very sweet."
"Well, if you guys will excuse us, I want to show Abbey off to some of our other pals."
"Absolutely," Leo replied.
"It was nice talking to you. I'm sure we'll chat again later," Abbey finished as Jed whisked her away.
Jed opened a back door, cupped the small of her back, and led her outside. He watched her walk in front of him, her dark auburn hair bouncing off her shoulders and shining under the moonlight.
"I don't think you've ever told me how you and Leo met." It was more of a question than a statement.
"During the Kennedy Campaign. We volunteered through the Boston headquarters and canvassed together for a good six weeks"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. You get to know a lot about someone when you spend that much time going door-to-door, talking politics with them."
"The Kennedy Campaign?"
"Yeah. I wanted to participate in the political process and just went in on a whim. I had no idea what I was getting myself into - 14-hour days, canvassing in the hot sun, phone banking, making signs...it was all worth it though."
She walked a little closer to him and looked into his eyes adoringly. "My guy, the political guru."
He chuckled. "Not exactly."
She ran her finger up his chest and tweaked his chin. "You'd make a wonderful politician, Jed."
Jed smiled. "You think so?"
"I know so," she replied with a kiss to his lips. "You've got such a big heart. You're smart, friendly, and charming. Besides, politics is in your blood"
"You're going to give me an even bigger ego, you know." Jed stared at her donning a more serious expression. "I need to ask you something"
"Okay."
"Why is Ron Ehrlich on the wedding guest list?"
Abbey took a few steps away. She knew it would eventually come up, but she dreaded this conversation. "We invited him."
"Why"
She closed her eyes and sighed before beginning. "Ron and I have a complicated relationship, Jed. He isn't just my ex-boyfriend. His family and my family have been friends for years. I couldn't leave him out."
"What made you think he'd even want to come, considering?"
"I don't think he will come, but I had to extend the invitation."
"He RSVPed"
"What?" Abbey looked at him in amazement.
"He's coming"
She was genuinely surprised. "Oh. I really didn't think he would," she said as she looked down at the ground, then lifted her head out of concern for him. "Jed, please don't be upset about this."
"Should I be?" he questioned. "No, you shouldn't. But I know you and I'm wondering if you are."
Jed stuffed his hands in his pocket and turned away from her slightly. "It makes me feel uncomfortable, Abbey."
"Ron and I dated for only a few months.."
"Nine"
"What?" "Nine months."
It seemed like a much shorter time to her, but she didn't bother with the calculation. "It isn't like I was ever in love with him."
"I know," he conceded. "I know I'm being silly."
Abbey stood directly behind him and put a hand on his shoulder. "You're the one I'm marrying."
He twisted his frame to put his arms around her waist and pull her around him, trapping her in front of him. "I know that too. I just can't help it."
She planted a tender kiss on his lips and held him tighter. She knew all about Jed's insecurities, especially when it came to Ron. But she accepted that about him. The way he had found out about Ron had really done a number on their relationship, so it was only natural that Jed was feeling apprehensive about seeing him again. But it was going to happen, despite his hesitation. It was just something they would have to work through...together.
TBC