A/N: SORRY FOR THE LONG GAP IN UPDATES, BUT SINCE THE KIDS HAVE BEEN BACK IN SCHOOL, LIFE HAS BEEN CRA-ZY. THE PACE SHOULD PICK UP NOW. HOPE YOU'RE STILL ENJOYING, IF SO PLEASE R&R. THE CHARACTERS DON'T BELONG TO ME, ONLY THE STORY.
CHAPTER 7: THE BACHELORETTE
Friday morning was a blur for Jordan, after their run and breakfast, Woody quickly left for work. Jordan paced as she nervously went over her to-do list for about the hundredth time. Dress, shoes are by Dad's, flowers confirmed, DJ and band paid, cake and pastries finished, favors done. I'm forgetting something. Oh God, What am I forgetting? She started to panic and began to pace faster, when the phone rang , she nearly jumped through the ceiling. "Yeah, hi Lily, oh I'm so sorry. I'll be there in ten minutes, I promise.", Jordan said as she grabbed her purse and keys and ran out of her apartment.
Jordan made it there in record time, her bridal party and Aunt Betty waiting patiently outside of the Zen retreat and day spa. "Jordan thank God you're here. This is going to be so much better than a traditional bachelorette party, you'll see.", Lily insisted, as they walked into the building. Jordan looked between Dolly and Emmy. "I was kinda looking forward to greasy food , loud music and male strippers. And I could really use a stiff drink right now.", she chuckled. Dolly blushed. "I tried Jordan, I tried.", Emmy laughed.
Jordan was skeptical at first, but as the day went on she was really starting to relax and enjoy her pampering. The ladies were ending their day with pedicures and manicures. Jordan, Lily and Emmy were talking about work when the subject of dates came up. Lily was bringing Matt Seely, Garret was bringing Renee, Emmy had her boyfriend, Cal had Colleen, but Nigel and Bug didn't have dates. "What about Roz Framus for Bug?", Emmy offered with a laugh. "Bug and Roz bet on a case last week, he lost, so now he has to dance with her at the reception.", Jordan chuckled. "And I don't think Nigel has seen anyone since Sarah.", Lily added, seriously. "Oh what happened with Nigel? Who was Sarah", Dolly piped up. They all smiled and looked at each other in unison. Dolly blushed again. "Well I'm just wondering because he is my escort tomorrow, and I don't know much about him, well personally that is.", Dolly tried to cover up her curiosity.
"Well, last year, right before Woody got shot, Nigel had a girlfriend named Sarah. She faked her daughters kidnapping and murder to get custody, and used Nigel to unknowingly cover it up.", Lily explained. "It seems she was quite the actress, she had us all fooled, even Woody. Nigel hasn't had another serious relationship since.", Jordan added. "Oh how terrible. Poor Nigel.", Dolly replied, sadly. Jordan looked over at Lily, she smiled and nodded back.
That evening was the rehearsal at St. Inez, everyone was to meet there at six. Jordan was running late as usual, so when she finally arrived, she was whisked down the aisle by her father, Paul explained everything that would happen tomorrow, they did a practice run and it was time to go, Jordan didn't even have time to think. Woody kissed her and they turned to make their way back down the aisle. "Wow, that was quick.", was all she could find to say. "Yeah, It'll take me longer to walk down this aisle, then it will to actually get married.", he chuckled. "Sorry.", Jordan said as she touched his cheek and shrugged. "I guess this is my punishment for wanting a traditional wedding. You go and pick the one church in Boston with the longest aisle.", Woody stated, his eyes smiling. "Well, I can't go too easy on you, can I farm boy?", she asked with a smirk.
The dinner was being held at Max's house. Pizza and pasta was served as they all sat around the family room telling their favorite stories about Woody and Jordan. They both handed out the bridal party gifts; money clips for the groomsmen and jewelry for the bridesmaids. After a little while Max, stood up and asked for everyone's attention. He handed Jordan a medium jewelry box, "This was you mothers, she got it on her sixteenth birthday, I would like to know if you want to wear it tomorrow.", he offered, a little choked up. She opened it to find a beautiful strand of pearls. Jordan nodded, as tears formed. "And these are from me.", he offered her a second smaller box containing a matching set of pearl earrings.
"Now you have something old and new.", Max stated as he took his daughter into his arms. "Jordan I have a pearl bracelet that was my mom's. You could borrow that.", Lily offered, wiping the tears from her eyes. "What about something blue?", Dolly asked. "I already have something blue.", Jordan replied, smiling at Woody. Max then turned to Woody and handed him a box. "This is for you, I wore then on my wedding, and I would like you to have them now.", Max said. Woody opened the box to find a pair of gold cufflinks. "It would be my honor, Dad. Thank you.", Woody stated, trying to keep his emotions at bay.
Max raised his glass for a toast. "It's not an easy thing for a father to let his little girl go, even as independent and strong-willed as Jordan is. But I could not have picked a better man for my daughter to marry. Jordan thank you for being such a good daughter to me even when I may not have deserved it. And Woody thank you for loving and accepting my daughter as much as I do. To Jordan and Woody and." Max acknowledged. "To Jordan and Woody.", was the reply.
Later that evening after almost everyone else had left, Jordan and Woody snuck out to the front porch. She sat on the swing and motioned for him to do the same. They sat there together for a long time just talking and snuggling. "I'm going to miss you tonight.", Jordan said, running her fingers through his hair. "Yeah, but it will make tomorrow night all the more special.", he replied with a grin. They continued to watch the stars and kiss, enjoying the beautiful summer night.
All to soon, Calvin came out and perched himself in Woody's empty chair. "C'mon big brother, let's get going. I have to drop off Colleen before we go back to your place.", Cal said, rocking back and forth in the chair. "Calvin, you really do have the worst timing.", Woody chuckled as he kissed Jordan goodbye. "I love you Dr. Hoyt.", he smiled at her. Jordan leaned down to kiss him, "I love you too, Detective Hoyt.