Well, friends, we're getting closer to the big day. It seems everything is finally under control for our favorite couple...or is it? Read on to find out...
At 7:00 Thursday morning, Aubrey was in the beginning stages of waking up as the April sun shone into the room. Feeling amorous, the sleepy agent reached over for his fiancée with the intention of them enjoying his good mood together, only to be stymied by cold sheets.
His eyes opening, Aubrey grumbled as he confirmed he was the only one in bed. "Damn it…she must be downstairs…ugh..."
Stumbling out of bed, the lanky man shuffled about in a drowsy haze, but he soon perked up as he took in a lovely aroma. Following the trail to the main floor, he happily walked over to the kitchen where a cute redhead was preparing breakfast. "Good morning, Jessica."
"Good morning, Aubrey. I was just about to wake you." Jessica opened the oven and pulled out a pan. "I made us a 'day before the wedding' quiche. This way we can have a nice breakfast together, since after dinner we'll go our separate ways and I won't see you again until the wedding."
"Awwww…thanks, Jess." Aubrey stepped around Skinner, who was drinking out of his bowl, and came up behind her to give her a hug.
"You're welcome." The startled redhead smiled as she felt his good mood. "Ooohhh, I think you have another breakfast in mind for us."
"I do, but this one sounds good, too." Aubrey kissed her cheek before pouring a cup of coffee. "So, what are the plans today?"
"We're meeting up with Booth and Dr. B at their house at 10:00. From there, you and Booth are going over to Stephan's to get the chairs for the ceremony and taking them back to Hodgins' house. Dr. B and I are going to meet up there with Daisy so we can finish setting up the party favors. When is the Faircloths' flight coming into Dulles?"
"4:00. Booth and I are going to pick them up and let them settle into Booth and Dr. B's house before we head back for the ceremony rehearsal. When do you have to get your mom at Reagan?"
"Her flight lands at 4:15. Hopefully, she won't complain too much about the change in plans or where she's staying for the weekend."
Aubrey saw Jessica sigh and rubbed her shoulder tenderly. "Jessica, she will survive with the suite we got her at the Gaylord. Frankly, I don't get why she can't stay with one of her children."
"It's not just that." Jessica poured herself a cup of coffee. "She found out yesterday that Dad is bringing his favorite nurse from his home to the rehearsal dinner and to the wedding as his plus one."
"For crying out loud, Charlie's just getting over a very nasty chest cold, and his doctor wouldn't sign off on him coming to the rehearsal dinner and the wedding if he didn't bring a nurse to monitor him." Aubrey saw Jessica's downcast face and cringed. "Jess, I'm sorry. It's just that your parents have been divorced for several years now, and it's none of Eleanor's business who your father brings with him."
"I know. Mom whined that it was bad enough that we moved our wedding back here, saying that it was inconvenient for her because she had to change her plans, but she was really annoyed about the nurse being invited, accusing Dad of trying to upstage her."
"Does your mom really think that her ex-husband actually spends his days just hanging out and thinking up ways to upstage her?" Aubrey shook his head. "Seriously?"
"Yeah. I'd told her that it wasn't the case, but I also didn't think she needed to know the whole truth. That'd just be more fuel for the fire." She picked up her mug, running her fingers around its rim before taking a drink.
Aubrey watched her sip in silence. "It's something else, isn't it?"
"What if she drinks, Aubrey?" The redhead sipped her beverage as the quiche continued to cool. "It's not like we can stop her from going to the bar at a public place. The last thing I need is my mother mixing alcohol with her bipolar medication and then being super bitchy...you know, making nasty comments about the food, atmosphere, or even about your dad."
"I won't let her goad me into a fight, Jess. Not tonight, and especially not tomorrow. I'm also sure that your brothers will keep her in line. Now, we've come this far. Don't let her bad attitude ruin our wedding, alright?"
Jessica took his hand and kissed him. "You're right. Thank you, Aubrey. I'm lucky to be marrying you."
"I think that's the other way around, but you're welcome." Aubrey looked at the quiche with a smile. "So…I think we're ready to eat, aren't we?"
"We are." Jessica felt Aubrey's arms move around her in a hug as she got dishes out of the cupboard. Feeling his happy mood, she smiled. "We have a couple hours until we meet Booth and Dr. B, so after we finish this breakfast, we can also enjoy yours. Of course...we could always heat up the quiche in an hour or so..."
Aubrey nibbled on her neck as his hands moved inside of her Jeffersonian t-shirt. "Awesome…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Later that day, wedding preparations were underway at Hodgins and Angela's house. On one side of the kitchen table, Nadia and her daughters sat beside Brennan, adding bird seed to small mesh bags. On the other side, Jessica and Daisy finished the last of the wedding reception favors.
Outside Angela, holding Jeffrey in a sling, directed Booth and Aubrey as they held up a small arbor towards the two oak trees where the ceremony would be held in 24 hours. Near the trees, Aaron, Stephan, and Niki worked on the large tent that would hold the minibar for hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
Inside his lab, Hodgins was with Jack as they concocted special cocktails for the wedding reception. Sipping from an Erlenmeyer flask, the redheaded man nodded. "Yeah, Hodgins, this fits Jessie to a T. That one you made for Aubrey is also amazing. I'm glad I was able to help."
"Well, the wines and those new spirits your place is developing are quite exceptional, and they go very well with my concoctions. Now, what do we call these cocktails? It needs to be something that's 'them', you know? Something that fits their personalities or their interests..."
"This...is the Millenium Falcon GMan-tini." Jack held up the first drink before indicating the second one, a red concoction. "...and this...is the Red-headed Leia."
"Those are perfect!" Hodgins picked up another beaker containing a layered mixture of red and orange liquid. "For this last one we created...in honor of Aubrey and Jessica's new marriage...I bestow the name...Tatooine Sunrise."
"Brilliant." The two Jacks smiled as they toasted and sipped their creations.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Back in the kitchen, Angela and Jeffrey entered through the kitchen door and walked over to the group. "How's it coming, ladies?"
"Excellent, Ms. Wedding Planner. My nieces over there are kicking some butt." Jessica smiled while tying off a bag. "Is there anyone who has not sent us their dinner option for tonight, Dr. B? We have to send Founding Fathers a final number for each entree by 2:00."
"No, we're all set and I've emailed it to their manager this morning, including what you ordered for your mother." Brennan finished a bag of bird seed and started another. "I do appreciate that you've included their Vegetarian Stir Fry as one of our choices."
"You're welcome, Dr. B." Jessica gave her a wan smile. "I'm sorry we're not providing alcohol. I was trying to control the cost and..."
Brennan spoke up, shaking her head at Jessica's comment. "Ms. Warren, you and Aubrey are not obligated to provide alcohol for this dinner. This is an intimate meal for the wedding attendants and your family after the rehearsal, not the wedding reception."
"True. You and Aubrey are providing a lovely dinner, and your mother isn't supposed to be drinking alcohol anyway. I think it's a good idea to leave it off the menu.," Nadia replied abruptly, understanding Jessica's other concern. "Don't let her ruin your good time, Jessica.
"If people want alcohol, Jessica, they can go out to the main bar and order a drink.," Daisy said. "Honestly, I don't see the need for wine this evening if there's alcohol at the reception tomorrow night."
"Thank you.," Jessica replied.
"So, a little birdie told me that you and Aubrey got a very lovely hotel suite Friday night.," Angela said in a sing-song voice as she discreetly fed Jeffrey.
"We did." Jessica smiled happily. "We've only told my dad, Daisy, Andie, and Dr. B where we're going because we don't want any special surprises from Curly, Booth, or my brothers. Aubrey and I also have a plan in case those guys try to do stuff to his SUV, even though it's government issued."
"I totally understand.," Angela said as Aubrey and Booth came back in, joined by Jessica's brothers. "How's it going out there, guys?"
"The tent...is done!" Stephan grabbed a water and chugged as Jessica got up to greet Aubrey. "Damn, it's 85 degrees out there. This is April, for crying out loud."
"The wedding favors are done." Brennan put the last bag in a box on the table before checking her tablet. "Is there much more to do here, Angela?"
"Nope. The minibar and the chairs themselves can go out tomorrow. You all can take this stuff over to the tasting room. I'll come by Founding Founders later to help you, Bren, but Hodgins, the kids, and I will see everyone else back here at 5:30." Angela nodded towards her baby. "This one needs a nap."
"Just a minute…" Jack thumbed over to the other side of the kitchen, where everyone saw that Aubrey and Jessica were kissing.
"Aubrey, quit playing kissy face with Jessica. We've got work to do and we have to pick up your priest and his wife.," Booth bellowed to everyone's chuckles. "There'll be plenty of time for that shit later."
The couple reluctantly broke apart. "Come on, Booth. I can't even have five minutes with my beautiful bride-to-be?"
"No. Now, come on. You'll see Jessica in a few hours."
"Just a minute." Jessica began kissing her fiancé again until her brothers and Booth began pulling him away.
"Jason and Michael are at the tasting room, and they are very interested in meeting you." Jack chuckled. "Come on, Aubrey. You've got all night tomorrow to make out with our sister."
"Love you." Aubrey pecked Jessica before being pulled away.
"Love you, too. See you in a few hours." Jessica chuckled as she watched the guys mockingly drag Aubrey outside.
Daisy stood up behind her friend. "Well, this wedding will be anything but boring."
"Yeah. I'm sure Aubrey is nervous about meeting my other brothers and I want to make sure nobody messes with him..." She sighed. "...but I have to pick up my mother from the airport."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Arriving at the Bethesda tasting room, Aubrey's SUV, followed by Jack's truck, pulled into the back parking lot where a few cars were already waiting. Getting out, the group converged outside the main room.
"Ready for the rest of the Warrens, Aubrey?," Jack joked.
"Yeah…" Aubrey rolled his shoulders. "I'm sure it'll be just fine."
Aaron indicated for the group to move forward. "FYI, Michael can be abrupt, and I'm sure Mom has talked to him, so if he's a dick to you, don't take it personally. He forgets sometimes that Jessica is not a flighty teenager anymore."
"Deal with that type often. I'm fine…," Aubrey said, hiding his nervousness.
"Yeah, it's good to meet them now." Booth chuckled before slapping his friend's back. "That way you can get it out of your system so you can eat dinner."
"Funny, Booth.," Aubrey snapped back as Aaron banged on the back door.
A few seconds later, a male voice came through from the other side. "What asshole is darkening this door?"
Stephan stepped up. "The asshole that is going to kick your skinny ass back to North Carolina if you don't let us in. We've even brought Jessie's fiance here. Open the damn door, Jason."
"About time I met this G-Man!"
The door opened, revealing a tall, thin, dark haired man around Aubrey's age. The agent began to hold his hand out before being pulled into a hug, making him chuckle. "I forgot...the Warrens don't do handshakes."
"Nope." Letting go, the man smiled. "Sorry, man…it's great to finally meet you, Special Agent James Aubrey. It's nice to finally put a face to the voice of the man who stole my sister's heart. Come on, Mike's inside setting up."
The men walked through a hallway into a dining room area, where a man around Booth's age stopped what he was doing. Aubrey noted that the man seemed to be studying him intently. "So, you're Michael. Jess's oldest brother, right?"
"I am. So, you're the FBI agent who's marrying my sister. I've heard a lot about you, especially on the news." Instead of a hug, Michael held out his hand and gave Aubrey's a firm shake. "My mother has also told me about you, including what happened during her last visit. Needless to say, I have some reservations about whether or not you're suitable for my sister. She doesn't always make the best decisions."
Jason rolled his eyes. "Give it a fucking rest, Mike."
"No, I won't, Jason." The accountant turned to his younger brother. "Mom has some legitimate concerns about James, starting with the prenuptial agreement he refused to sign. She's also concerned about the fact that his father is a criminal. Mom thinks that could have a negative effect on Jessica."
"No, she's just paranoid about it somehow making her look bad in front of her rich phony society friends.," Jason shot back. "You know she's all about appearances…"
Standing his ground, Aubrey looked the older man in the eye. "I signed the prenup, Michael. Jessica ripped it up because she knows I'm not after her money. As for my father, we no longer have any contact with him. Please reassure your mother and anyone else who is concerned that Philip Aubrey will longer be a factor in our lives."
An exasperated Jason turned to his older sibling. "See? I told you Mom was full of it and just causing trouble, which is no surprise to anyone but you. Now quit being a snob."
"Excuse me, I have to pick up Cindy and my daughters at the train station." Michael grabbed his keys and left before Aubrey could introduce Booth.
"Sorry about our brother, man.," Stephan said. "He's Mom's defender, but don't worry. We'll keep her in line. Jason, this is Booth, Aubrey's best man…"
"Who's married to my favorite author, Temperance Brennan. I loved that plot twist of Andy surviving that gunshot wound in her last novel. She really had me going, thinking that Andy was toast." Jason laughed as he shook Booth's hand. "Glad things didn't turn out worse."
"Thanks. Bones is good at that." Booth smiled, not wanting to delve further into the story behind that ending.
"Sorry Beth isn't here. She had a meeting in Raleigh this morning but she should be here in a couple of hours. Now, we still have to get the tables moved around, but Jessie called and said you guys were bringing all those tchotchkes for the tables."
"Got them right here." Aaron heaved a box onto the nearby bar. "Now, let's get this place set up so our future brother-in-law can go pick up the priest."
Relaxing, Aubrey followed along. "Sounds good."
Stephan pulled several bottles of Yuengling beer out of the kitchen area. "Can't work without proper refreshment first, boys."
"Sounds even better.," Booth replied as they all opened their beers and had a drink.
*/*/*/*/*/*
Nervously twisting a strand of coppery hair around her finger, Jessica stood in the baggage claim area of Reagan National Airport, waiting for her mother to arrive. She had to admit that she wasn't looking forward to seeing Eleanor and listening to what promised to be a multitude of complaints, but she was determined not to let anyone undermine her happiness.
She scanned the crowd coming down the concourse from the gates, wondering if her mother had heard about where the rehearsal dinner was now going to be held. "Mike probably told her...he's always been her informer. Oh well...can't be helped.," she muttered to herself. "It's good enough for Aubrey and me, and that's what counts."
The longer the redhead waited, the more nervous she grew. "Maybe I should've asked Daisy to come with me….no, no, I don't need my friend as a buffer. I've got this."
After finally spotting Eleanor, Jessica waved. "Mom...over here…" Seeing her mother's slight frown, the redhead's heart fluttered for just a minute before her resolve took over. "I'm a grown woman...I can do what I want...Aubrey loves me…"
"Well, darling…," Eleanor said in a condescending tone. "I certainly hope your wedding makes up for that ghastly flight. The turbulence was terrible." She offered a strained smile. "I suppose I could've taken the train, but you know how it goes with last minute meetings…"
"Yes, of course." Jessica bit her lip to keep from saying something that might sound bitter. "At least you got here in time for the rehearsal dinner…"
"I suppose…" Eleanor pulled out her phone and checked her messages. "Although, from what your brother says, it's not likely to be anything to crow about...Michael says it's at some local bar…pity you couldn't find something better..."
"Founding Fathers is more of a pub, really, but they have quite an extensive menu, and I was able to choose from a variety of entrees for tonight's dinner." Jessica sighed softly, wondering why she felt the need to defend her choice. "We have a large private room reserved…"
"I'm sure it'll be fine, dear…considering your miniscule budget and all, I'm sure it'll be a lovely little dinner." The coldness in the older woman's voice contradicted her pleasant words. Turning to look over the large of people clustered around the baggage carousel, she smiled as a young, well built blonde man approached them.
"There you are…" Taking his hand, she turned to her daughter. "This is my protege', Chase...he'll be joining me this evening and tomorrow at the wedding…"
"Nice to meet you…" Chase offered to shake Jessica's hand, and she obliged. "I've heard a lot about your fiance...can't wait to meet him."
"Thanks." Unsure of what else to say, Jessica cleared her throat. "Well, I guess we should get going…"
After getting into Jessica's Jeep, the trio rode in silence for a few minutes until Eleanor coughed slightly. "I hope you were able to find me a suitable room...one that was comparable to the Carlton...after that disaster at the winery…."
"We've reserved you a suite at the Gaylord, Mom, but I didn't realize you'd be bringing a...guest." Feeling awkward, Jessica shrugged. "I guess we can ask them if they have anything else available…"
"Oh, don't worry, darling. I'm sure we can work out something. If all else fails, Chase can stay with me." Eleanor winked broadly at her daughter. "I'm sure he won't mind…"
"Oh." Not wanting to know any more, Jessica tried to change the subject. "You know, it was pretty awful what happened at the winery, but it seems that things are going to turn out fine after all. Jack and Angela were able to coordinate moving everything from Luray down here and the estate where we're having the wedding has a beautiful lawn…"
"I have no doubt that you'll be able to pull off your country bumpkin dream wedding, Jessica. It's too bad, really...it could've been so beautiful…" Eleanor combed back her hair behind her ear. "To think, if you would've accepted my offer to have the ceremony and reception at the Carlton, this...sewer issue would have never affected your wedding. Of course, James had to turn his nose up at my attempt to contribute…"
"Mom...we didn't want to get married there. End of subject.," Jessica said quietly, keeping her eyes on the road.
Eleanor sighed. "If I'd known you had your heart set on an outdoor wedding, we could've arranged to have it at the Botanical Gardens...but you've never been one to choose the socially correct way to do things, have you? Always headstrong...always need to have your own way..."
Jessica shook her head as she checked her mirrors. "Look, Mom...I don't want to fight about this stuff, okay? It's my wedding...and my life. You don't have to agree with my choices. Can you please just accept that I'm happy with my decisions? Maybe we can put all of the petty details aside and make an effort to get along for a couple of days, okay? That also includes being respectful to James….and to Dad as well."
Sniffling slightly, Eleanor stared out the passenger window. "I'll try...but I don't want you to have any regrets, Jessica. You're my only daughter...and I've dreamed of your wedding day for years. I wanted you to have the most beautiful wedding...the best of everything...and now it seems like it's just been thrown together at the last minute...like some sort of junior high school play or something…"
Jessica tried to smile as she tightly gripped the steering wheel. "Well, you can relax, Mom. I'm not going to regret anything about my wedding. It's going to be exactly what I wanted...a ceremony to unite me with the man I love. The rest of it...the food, the clothes, the venue...none of that is important compared to the fact that I'm marrying James Aubrey. So...no more worries, okay? Let's get you and Chase settled into your room at the hotel…"
"Oh, alright." Jessica's mother pursed her lips slightly as she watched the scenery go by. "But don't say I didn't warn you…"
"Right." Jessica sighed softly. Her mother hadn't made much of a concession, but given the circumstances, that was probably the best she was going to get...at least for now.
Her mother might be annoyed with her choice to have a simple wedding, but in the end, it didn't matter one bit. Her mother would always be able to find something to nag about...something to put down or to be unhappy over.
'Some people aren't happy unless they're unhappy.,' Jessica thought to herself as she drove her passengers to their hotel. 'Fine. Let her be unhappy if that's what she wants. I'm happy...so very happy…'
She wasn't going to let her mother's attitude bring her down anymore. Jessica Warren was embarking on a new era in her life with the man she loved by her side, and right now, that was all that counted.
*/*/*/*/*/*
Meanwhile, Brennan was hard at work in one of the large private rooms flanking the Founding Fathers' main dining area. The tables had been covered with white damask tablecloths, with simple bouquets of blue, green, and salmon pink gerbera daisies in clear glass vases serving as centerpieces. After checking over the arrangement of the chairs, she nodded in satisfaction. "Yes, I think this will do quite nicely…"
"Hey, Bren…" Angela smiled as she walked into the room carrying Jeffrey. "Wow...this looks great!" She stopped to admire the ribbon streamers which were swagged across the room. "You know, I think you really have a talent for this sort of thing...first making the arrangements for the shower and the bachelorette party, and now setting up the rehearsal dinner."
"Thank you, Angela. I really appreciate that."
Ducking her head a little, Angela shrugged. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Brennan. I should've known that you could do anything you put your mind to...you're so smart, and you really do have a good eye when it comes to decorating…"
Brennan laughed softly as she cut some lengths of satin ribbon to tie around the vases on the table. "Given my inexperience in such matters, I can understand why you might have your doubts, Angela." She paused as she reached for a box of votive candles. "However, I've found out that there are a lot of helpful wedding planning hints available online. Have you ever heard of a site called Pinterest? They have literally thousands of ideas for table decor…"
"Really?" Angela smirked a bit as she turned away, not wanting to embarrass her friend. "I'll have to check it out."
"You know, I find it quite surprising that people would spend all the time and energy to put together an elaborate wedding when something simpler can have so much more meaning. After all, it is the people who make a wedding special, isn't it?" Brennan tilted her head to one side as she looked at Angela. "I hope you realize how much I appreciated your help in the preparations for my own wedding."
"Yeah, Sweetie...I know you did, and I enjoyed doing it for you and Booth. I'm glad I didn't run roughshod over you like I did Jessica and Aubrey…"
"Well, Angela, your talents have been put to good use again, it seems. I think the wedding you've arranged for them will be beautiful."
"Yeah, me, too." She giggled as Jeffrey yawned and stretched. "Guess who's up? I better check his diaper and get him fed, and then I can help you with the finishing touches…"
"I'd appreciate that. I'm still trying to decide if we need place cards..."
"Alright...be back soon…"
Returning to her work as Angela left, Brennan sighed happily. Her stint as matron of honor was almost over, and by any measure, she'd completed her task well, especially considering she'd never done anything like this before. She smiled as she tied a bow around one of the vases. "Rehearsal...rehearsal dinner...wedding day. We're almost there...and very soon Agent Aubrey and Ms. Warren will be very happily married."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Pulling up to Hodgins' guest house at 4:45, Jessica grabbed her garment bag and raced up the walk. Knocking at the door, she waited breathlessly for Daisy to answer.
After what seemed to be a half hour, she heard rustling before the door opened. "Oh...Jessica!," Daisy gasped in surprise. "What's going on?"
"Can I come in?" Moving inside, Jessica clenched her fists. "My mother can be so impossible."
Daisy was horrified. "Oh crap! What did she do now?"
Plopping down in a chair, Jessica shook her head. "The suite we arranged for her at the Gaylord wasn't luxurious enough for someone of her 'refined taste', so she insisted on upgrading, even though the place is nearly at capacity. She was so obnoxious, yelling at the manager about what a horrible room it was….everyone was staring at us, you know? And her new boy toy just stood by and did nothing to help. I finally calmed her down before she made too much of a scene, but it took almost an hour to get the 'problem' resolved." Looking like she might cry, Jessica's lower lip quivered. "Anyway...I was wondering...if I could take a shower and get dressed here. I was going to go home, but…I'm running out of time, and I don't want to be stressed tonight..."
"Don't say another word." Daisy pointed to the bathroom. "Help yourself to whatever you need...use my shower gel and shampoo if you want…and the hair dryer is in the bottom drawer." She smiled as she patted Jessica's shoulder. "I'm glad I could help."
"Thanks, Daisy." After hugging her friend, Jessica made a mad dash for the bathroom. Pulling off her shorts and tee shirt, she took a quick shower. She couldn't help but laugh at how much shorter her shower was without Aubrey's assistance. "Maybe later…"
She quickly toweled off and dried her hair before joining Daisy in the small family room. "Wait until you see what I'm wearing tonight...I got it on clearance…"
Unzipping the bag, she brought out a sleeveless black dress, which featured a deep vee shaped neck. Large embroidered red and gray flowers were sprinkled over the lacy fabric that made up the overlay on the fitted bodice and flared skirt. "What do you think?"
"Oh my God!," Daisy squealed. "That is so 'you'! It's perfect…"
"I thought so, too, and it'll look nice with my strappy black sandals. I don't want to try navigating the grass in the backyard in stilettos…"
Daisy nodded, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. "I'm so happy for you…"
"Thanks, Daisy. Now...help me get dressed, okay?"
oooooooooo
Aubrey was exhausted as he pulled into the driveway of his house. The combination of moving furniture and keeping up with the banter of Jessica's brothers had worn him out. Add to that the time it had taken to pick up Rodney and his wife at Dulles and then drive them to Booth and Dr. B's house so they could freshen up a bit before they went to Hodgins' place for the rehearsal, and he was feeling like he was on his last legs. All he really wanted to do was to soak in the tub with his girlfriend, but he figured she was already on her way to Hodgins' house as well.
Anyway, I need to get ready….I've got to be there soon…shit, look at the time...
After feeding Skinner, he slowly made his way up the stairs to his bedroom. Peeling off his sweaty clothes, he started the shower, thinking over the day's events that were yet to come. The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner had the potential to be uncomfortable, depending on whether or not Eleanor Gordon decided to behave herself.
He stepped under the hot water, nodding resolutely as he made a promise to himself as he lathered up and rinsed. "No way that woman ruins things for us. This is our time...and we're going to enjoy it."
Shutting off the water, he ran his fingers through his thick dark hair, hoping it would cooperate, before drying off. Opening his closet door, he tossed the towel in the hamper, smiling at what was hanging from the bar above. There was the garment bag holding his wedding clothes that Booth had given him yesterday...he needed to make sure he threw that into his SUV when he left, along with his shaving kit. Now the question was what to wear to the rehearsal dinner.
"Shit...I didn't even think about that. What does a guy wear to something like this, anyway?" He stood naked in his closet for a few minutes, contemplating his choices, when an idea occurred to him as he stepped into his boxers. "I'll wear what Jessica likes...the things she says are her favorites."
He quickly found his best dark wash jeans and pulled them on before looking through his shirts. "Let's see here...what do we have….blue...darker blue...lighter blue...oh, here we go." He grabbed the hanger holding a shirt with a small dark blue and white check. "A bit flashy, but hey...it's my time to shine."
He glanced at his reflection and nodded. "It needs something...I know…" He took out his black sports coat and tucked a blue pocket square into the pocket. "There we are...fancy enough...and I don't need a tie…"
Smiling happily, he put on his socks and shoes before grabbing his overnight bag and gear for tomorrow. After giving Skinner a quick bit of attention, he walked out to his SUV. "Let's do this…"
*/*/*/*/*/*
The time for the wedding rehearsal had arrived, and all the pertinent parties had gathered in the Hodgins' backyard. The day had cooled off nicely, with much lower humidity, promising not only a beautiful evening but great weather for the next day as well.
Father Rodney took his place under the arbor beneath the trees, patiently directing traffic as the wedding party took their places for the run through. "Alright, everybody...let's see how this goes, okay? So we have a place over there that'll hold the Bible for the readers…" He pointed to a white wrought iron plant stand. "...and when it's your turn, you get up and do your thing."
"Jessica's mother will already be seated." Gesturing towards his right, the priest grinned. "Okay, so we'll cue the processional music, and then Booth will lasso Jimmy and drag him over to this spot here…"
The small crowd laughed at the corny joke. "And then our lovely flower girl will throw rose petals in the air." He grinned at Christine. "Are you ready to do that, honey?"
The little girl nodded her head vigorously. "Yes! I can't wait!"
"Good deal! So Christine will walk ahead of our lovely matron of honor…" Brennan nodded as she took her place. "...and then the bride with her father…"
Seeing a frown cross Charlie's face, Rodney paused. "What's the matter, Dr. Warren?"
The old gentleman leaned heavily on his cane. "I'm...not sure...can walk...with Jessie…that far...got a...b-b-bad cough…"
"I see." Rodney nodded thoughtfully. "Well, after the rehearsal we'll figure something out, okay? No worries." Seeing Charlie's relief, the priest continued. "Okay, so Jessica and Aubrey have some shi...stuff to say before the wedding rite actually starts, and then I pray...blah de blah...stuff gets read...yadda yadda yadda...I run through their vows...whatever, whatever, whatever...they say 'I do', and then they're hitched, alright? So let's give it a try…"
Laughing softly, he began to sing the Wedding March in a silly falsetto voice. "Tah ta ta dah…"
Aubrey and Booth took their places and turned to watch as Christine pretended to wildly fling rose petals into the air while she walked down the aisle before turning to join Angela on the second row, behind Eleanor and Chase. Brennan followed, beaming happily as she approached Rodney and took her place in front.
Jessica's brothers stood at the end of what would be the aisle, loudly jostling for position as they all volunteered to escort her. Finally, she'd had enough. "Just stop...all of you! Don't be such jackasses, okay? We'll work it out later!"
Rodney laughed as he glanced at Aubrey. "You'd better behave around that woman, or she'll kick your ass…"
"Oh yeah...and I love that about her…" The agent swelled with pride as he watched his beautiful fiancee walk towards him. "God...I am so lucky…"
As she neared the end of the aisle, Charlie pushed himself up to stand next to her. "Here we are, Jessie…"
"Thanks, Dad." She kissed his cheek before turning to face Rodney. "Now what?"
"Now, if you'll pardon the expression, shit gets real. You take Jimmy's hand in yours and you both say what you want...then we have some Bible readings about marriage...I get to say a few words about the joys of being married in a homily…" He winked at his wife. "...and then the vows. No need to go over all of that stuff...we need to keep some element of surprise for tomorrow...but at the end, I get to pronounce you to be a married couple, and you get to kiss. Would you like to practice that part?"
"Oh, yeah…" Aubrey swept Jessica up in his arms and kissed her deeply. Turning her loose, he laughed at his breathless fiancee. "How was that?"
"Okay...but we better try again to make sure…" She grabbed the lapels of his jacket and kissed him soundly to the whoops and hollers of the crowd. "I think that'll do…"
"Alrighty then!" Rodney threw up his hands and smiled at the crowd. "Let's go eat!"
*/*/*/*/*/*
The group met at Founding Fathers about thirty minutes later, and were ushered into the large private dining room. Exclamations of surprise and delight filled the air as the guests saw the beautiful decor.
Overwhelmed at her mentor's efforts, Jessica was speechless for a few moments before turning to Brennan. "Oh...Dr. B, it's gorgeous…" Reaching up to touch the ribbon streamers, Jessica was thrilled. "I love it!"
"Thank you, Ms. Warren. I'm glad you approve." The anthropologist gestured toward some round tables. "There are place cards marking your seat locations. Ms. Warren and Aubrey will sit at the head table, as well as her parents, Father Faircloth and his wife, and Agent Booth and myself. Please...make yourselves comfortable…"
After speaking to the restaurant's manager, Brennan sat next to her husband on Aubrey's right, with Jessica's parents sitting on the bride to be's left. Soon servers began bringing in the salad course. Everyone commented on how pretty the plates looked, with one notable exception.
"This won't do." Eleanor rolled her eyes in disgust as she poked at her plate with her fork. "Waiter, bring me another salad immediately...one without romaine and about half the amount of dressing as is on this one." As she handed the plate to the server, she turned to Chase, running her hand down his arm as he tried to eat. "How's your salad, dearest?"
He nodded as he wolfed down a bite. Wiping a bit of dressing from his mouth, he grinned. "It's good."
Shaking her head, she gave him a dismissive wave. "Mine was not." She glanced down the table at her daughter, who was pretending she couldn't hear them. "I hope the main course isn't something greasy...you know how dives like this can be. I'll probably be up all night with indigestion."
"I like pubs." Chase shrugged as he ate more salad. "Maybe we can have some fish and chips…"
"Unlikely.," Eleanor scoffed as she caressed the young man's shoulders. "I'm sure it'll be some sort of horrid chicken casserole…mostly peas and carrots with very little meat..."
Eleanor waited for someone to respond to her complaints but quickly grew unhappy since nobody was paying attention to her. Deciding on another tactic, the attorney cleared her throat loudly. "Where is that waiter with my salad? I would like to order a glass of Riesling…since I see no wine list, Jessica, I hope you chose a decent variety of wine for your guests to choose from."
Determined to not lose her cool, Jessica continued to keep her attention with Aubrey. "We aren't serving alcohol tonight, Mom."
"Ridiculous. A properly planned rehearsal dinner provides wine and cocktails for the guests. Frankly, it's the least you can do for me since I have to be subjected to this...greasy spoon."
"You're Jessie and Aubrey's invited guest, and they don't owe you anything, Mom. Besides, everyone else seems to like this place, so cool it.," Aaron said matter-of-factly. "As for the alcohol, you're not supposed to have wine, and you know why.,"
"Why can't you have wine?," a confused Chase asked. "What's he talking about?"
"Nothing, dear. My son meant nothing but to embarrass me by speaking out of turn." Eleanor wadded up her napkin and threw it on the table. Rising from her seat, she walked over to where her oldest son was sitting with a lovely young blonde and his two daughters. "Michael, tell your sister and brother how rude it is to not give guests a proper wine selection. Tell them that I'm a grown woman who can have a glass of wine with my meal if I want."
Feeling everyone's eyes boring into him, the man shook his head. "Not tonight, Mom. I mean, yeah, it's stupid that they're not serving mixed drinks or wine, but…"
"Just a goddamn minute.," Aubrey growled. "It's our own rehearsal dinner...we paid for it and we can offer our guests whatever we want."
Jessica reached out and put a hand on her fiance's arm. "It's not important." Glaring at her mother, the redhead pointed at the empty chair. "None of us are having alcohol, Mom...it's not just you who's being singled out, okay? Look, they've brought you another salad. Please...come enjoy your dinner…"
Annoyed at being publicly corrected by her sons and her daughter, Eleanor pouted as she returned to her seat. "I hope we're not having some nasty chicken casserole…"
"If you'll recall the email Jess sent you with the menu options for tonight's dinner...nasty chicken casserole was not one of the options.," Aubrey replied, causing several guests to chuckle quietly.
"I ordered a lamb chop with mint sauce for you, Mom. I think you'll like it." Jessica smiled politely before turning away.
Humiliated, Eleanor heaved a loud sigh and fidgeted with her flatware as she watched her ex-husband talk animatedly with the attractive woman he'd brought as his date. "Charlie...aren't you going to introduce me to your cute little friend?"
"Um...s-s-sure...Ellie. This...is...Alice. S-s-she's...vas...very...nice...god...girl." Gazing at his date fondly, Charlie raised an eyebrow at his ex-wife's young escort. "Who... is...he?"
"Oh...this is Chase Hoffman, my protege'. We work together...I'm giving him the benefit of my expertise, aren't I, Darling?" She sidled closer and rested her hand on Chase's thigh. "We're very close, right? In fact, I'd say we are intimately acquainted."
Embarrassed as the older woman's hands roamed over him, the young man tried to stammer out an answer. "Yeah...I guess so?"
"Oh, don't be so shy, Chase. Everyone here is open minded…and most of us are adults." Eleanor wore a feral look as she leaned closer to her escort and planted a wet, open mouthed kiss on his lips. "They all understand passion when they see it…"
Horrified, Jessica gasped, feeling like she might die of shame until she heard Aubrey whispering next to her. "Look, Jess...no one is paying attention to her...even your dad is ignoring her. Don't let her ruin our night."
Glancing at her father, Jessica was relieved to see that he was still chatting with his nurse as she helped him cut up his lamb chop. Rodney and Amy were showing Booth and Brennan pictures of the place where they'd be staying during their sabbatical. Everyone else was engaged in pleasant conversation, with the exception of her brother, Michael, who looked somewhat mortified.
"You're right, Aubrey...nobody cares that she's making a fool of herself." Feeling relieved, she smiled. "Thank you…"
"Of course...you know I'd do anything for you." He rolled his eyes and made a funny face as Eleanor moved to sit on Chase's lap. "Anyway, it's only for a few hours more…"
After the dinner plates had been picked up and dessert arrived, Charlie clinked his fork timidly against his glass. "Wanna...-s-say...something…" With help from Alice, he stood up and turned towards his daughter and future son in law. "I...am...h-h-happy...to...have...you...in...the...family, J-J-James...A...Aubrey."
Acknowledging the applause that filled the room, Aubrey and Jessica stood hand in hand. Clearing his throat in an effort to maintain control of his emotions, the agent hesitated slightly. "Thanks, Charlie. That means a lot, and with the hazing Jessica's brothers have given me, I think I probably deserve it."
Everyone laughed at the joke before he continued. "Seriously, I know it was hard for everyone, having to change their plans at the last minute, as well as coordinating things between Luray and DC, but everyone helped bring all of it together in the end, and we appreciate it so much. Jessica and I want to thank all of you for supporting us as we pulled this wedding together."
He was interrupted by a loud snort from Eleanor. "You mean this carnival sideshow, don't you? This could've been so much better if my ex-husband wasn't such a cheapskate…"
Incensed at the woman's rudeness, Brennan started out of her chair, intent on putting Eleanor in her place, but Booth took her hand to stop her. "Jessica needs to take care of this by herself, Bones," he said quietly. "She can't let her mother walk all over her any more...she needs to stand up to her."
Jessica's eyes were blazing with anger as she faced her mother. "Mom, that's enough! I've already told you that I expect you to respect my future husband as well as my father while you're with them."
Not taking her daughter seriously, Eleanor sat back with an innocent smile while addressing everyone in the room. "What? I'm just telling the truth, Jessica…"
"No...you're being hateful and mean spirited." Jessica stood with her hands on her hips. "I'm tired of your sorry attitude, and I think you should go…"
"Don't be ridiculous. Now quit being hysterical and sit down so Chase and I can attempt to eat this subpar, cheap cheesecake for dessert."
Standing her ground, Jessica squeezed the hand Aubrey offered for support. "No, Mother, there will be no dessert for you tonight because I'm telling you to leave."
Eleanor saw everyone looking at her with disgust. Determined to regain the upper hand, the older woman's brown eyes grew cold as she stared at her daughter. "Jessica Elizabeth, I've tried to be tolerant of your impertinent attitude towards my contributions for your wedding, but as of now, I won't tolerate your humiliation of me any longer. I am your mother, after all! Now, sit down and do not speak to me until you can be respectful!"
Aubrey was about to speak up when Aaron, Stephan, Jason, Greg and Jack stood up and walked over to the head table.
"Mom," Jack said plainly. "Jessie asked you to leave. You can either walk out quietly with your boy toy and your dignity, or the five of us will carry you two out on your chairs and leave you on the sidewalk."
Shocked at being thrown out of the party, Eleanor looked over to Michael for support, only to see him looking at the table. "Fine! I won't stay where I'm not wanted. Come along, Chase…," Eleanor demanded as she stood up.
"But we haven't had dessert yet.," Chase protested. "The cheesecake looks really good…"
"Let's go!," Eleanor roared. "Now!"
"Oh, okay." The young man rose from his seat. "I'm coming."
Jessica's oldest brother looked as if he might follow his mother out, but his girlfriend put her hand on his arm as his daughters remained seated. "No, Mike...we're staying for your sister. You can talk to your mother tomorrow, after she gets over her snit."
The guests watched in interest as Eleanor left the room in a huff with Chase in tow. Satisfied that the drama was over, they all returned to their dessert, chattering happily.
Confused by what had happened, Christine pulled on her father's arm. "Why was that lady so mad, Daddy?"
"Well, Christine…," Booth began softly. "...to begin with, she isn't really a lady. Anyway, she was mad 'cause she didn't get her own way, so she left."
Christine's brow furrowed as she thought things through. "I'm glad she left. She isn't very much fun."
Smiling as he watched Jessica and Aubrey laughing together, the agent agreed with his daughter. "You're right. Who needs her, huh?"
Christine smiled. "Right, Daddy."
Aubrey couldn't help but notice how the atmosphere in the room had changed with Eleanor's departure. Everyone seemed much more relaxed. Daisy was discussing her work with Stephan's wife, Gail. Angela was comparing childbirth experiences with Nadia, and Hodgins and Jessica's brother Jack were talking about a business deal to market their new cocktails.
Taking Jessica's hand in his, he winked at her. "I can't wait for tomorrow…"
"But what if my mom acts up again?," Jessica asked, obviously worried. "She might make a scene…and there will be alcohol tomorrow. We may not be able to control her..."
"Based on how people reacted to her tonight, I doubt that she'll be a problem. Nobody cares, so she doesn't have an audience. Besides, we're gonna be much too busy to worry about her, right? Tomorrow it's just about you and me."
"Right." Smiling at him, Jessica nodded as she squeezed his hand. "Just you and me."