Chapter 16
"Manning! You old sea dog!" The two men shook hands, and Jonathan turned to the couple, "Susan, Drew, do you know Elliot Manning, a business friend from New York? We used to race sailboats together."
"Or rather against each other," Elliot laughed. He faced Susan and Drew, "I don't believe I have had the pleasure yet."
"Elliot, this is Mr. and Dr. Kendall. Drew and I have worked some business deals over the years here in LA."
"It's very nice to meet you two," he said with a smile and a handshake. He turned back to Jonathan, "However, the one I want to meet is the woman who could make you want to settle down!"
Jonathan returned the smile. "She's not here yet."
"When can we expect her?" Elliot asked him.
"Yes," Drew echoed. "When will we get to meet this elusive fiancé of yours?"
"Soon." He turned towards the door and spotted a redhead. Suzanne walked into the room, followed closely by Stephen. Even at her age, Suzanne Edwards was the definition of breathtaking. She was in a lovely emerald green silk chiffon floor-length evening dress and tunic. Jonathan faced his friends, "Excuse me, you guys. I see someone I need to greet."
As he made his way back across the room, he waved and acknowledged those he had not talked to yet. Arthur and Helen Radner, Cyrus St. Cyr, Fred Brunis, and Irene Darrell were all chatting together. He noticed Phyliss and Eddie Alexander discovered Myra and Norman Bensinger, probably discussing the latest law case. Harry and Rachel Moore, George and Rose Carrington were also in a discussion, Jonathan guessed about the last tennis match. Jonathan chuckled to himself as he passed Stanley Friesen, who was chatting with Andy Seagram and his current girlfriend about how gorgeous Andy's recent photoshoot had been.
He passed Max on his way and whispered in his ear. "Got it," Max answered. He looked to the ladies he was conversing with, "I must bid you ado for the moment." He turned and headed towards the stage.
Andrew Thomas stepped out of the crowd, "Jonathan. Such a great party."
"Andrew. Thank you for coming."
"And your lovely bride to be?" Andrew winked at Jonathan.
That made Jonathan laugh. Andrew had the inside track for the evening's mystery guest since Jennifer had already told him they were getting married, "I'm on my way to get her now."
"Good. I don't think I can keep your secret much longer."
Stephen found Jonathan, and they caught up with him as he was talking to Andrew. "Good evening, Jonathan."
"Stephen, nice to see you. Suzanne, you look lovely." He leaned over and kissed her cheek after shaking Stephen's hand. "I am very aware of where Jennifer derives her beauty. She looks just like you," he said into her ear.
"Merci, Jonathan."
"Have you two meet Andrew Thomas? He's one of Jennifer's publishers." Turning to Andrew, "Have you met Jennifer's parents?"
"I have not had the pleasure," Andrew answered. Turning to the Edwards, "Enchanté."
Before Suzanne could respond to Andrew, Jonathan asked: "Is she ready."
"Oui. She is right behind us."
"Excellent. I will go wait by the door." He kissed her cheek again, "Thank you for being here tonight. It means so much for us to have your support."
Stephen studied the younger man as he interacted with his wife. Then he reached out, grabbed his hand again, and pulled him into an embrace. "Jonathan Hart, you have surprised me and surpassed my expectations for my daughter. It is with tremendous joy and pride that I," he looked at his wife, then back to Jonathan, "we support this coming union."
"Thank you, Stephen." His words touched Jonathan; however, all he wanted right that minute was find Jennifer. "Now, if you all will please excuse me, I want to go find my future wife." Jonathan turned and headed out the door.
"Parlez-vous français?" Suzanne excitedly asked Andrew. His response started the two of them in a conversation in French.
Once out in the hall, Jonathan rounded the corner headed to the elevators, just as the center one opened down from him, and time suddenly moved in slow motion. Jennifer stepped off the elevator in a black silk velvet dress, off her right shoulder, sleeveless on her left, and cut floor length on the right and thigh-high on the left. Her open toe heels strapped around her ankle had to be 3, maybe 4 inches tall, stretching those long legs out further. Her emerald earrings were shining behind all of that red hair, the bracelet on her right wrist. This woman exuded elegance and grace.
"Stunning." He managed to say. "You are absolutely stunning."
"Thank you very much," she said as she reached his side. She lightly placed a kiss on his lips.
"Are you ready to enter the world of Jonathan Hart?"
"Without a doubt," she smiled.
They heard the music end, and Jonathan offered her his arm, as the leader of the band began to speak. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Please give a warm welcome to our guests of honor, Mr. Jonathan Hart and Ms. Jennifer Edwards." As they stepped into the doorway, the room erupted in thunderous applause.
At the sound of her name, two heads snapped her direction – Andy Seagram and Elliot Manning. "Jennifer!" they both said, on opposite sides of the room.
***
Simon had worked his way to the back of the room. As everyone's attention was on the couple walking in the main door, Simon opened the back door and let an uninvited guest slide into the banquet hall.
***
With the announcement made, the band started playing "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," and Jonathan and Jennifer made their way through the crowd to the dance floor. He pulled her close to him and began to dance her around the floor, much the way they had in London and the way they had in their living room last night.
"Jonathan, I've got to tell you," she started, looking into his eyes, "I am officially swept off my feet."
"Oh?"
"Uh-huh. By an absolutely amazing man."
"I hope I get to meet him."
"Me, too. You'll love him." She paused and then added, "I do."
He pulled her close to him as other couples joined them on the floor. "I like having you so close to me."
Before she could respond, a man tapped Jonathan on the shoulder, "Can I cut in?" He asked.
She looked up and gasped, "Elliot!"