Chapter 57

The ceremony itself was short and sweet. Because of Max and LaVon's ages it was a very traditional one, with only one exception. There was no mention of the word 'obey' in the service, because of the way LaVon's first husband had treated her. Afterwards, everyone got into their cars and headed to the restaurant where the reception was being held only a few blocks away.

When the happy couple walked in they were greeted with cheers and applause. Lunch was served and when most were done eating Max and LaVon rose to cut the small wedding cake that had been ordered from Max' favorite bakery.

Just as they were about to slice into the cake, the doors to the party room swept open. All eyes turned to see who it was, since as far as they all knew everyone was already there and the staff came and went through different doors.

Only one person there didn't know who the mature red-headed woman who entered with such a flourish was. Max' old police buddy had never met his sister, but everyone else knew Meredith Cavanaugh. The cook and crew from the morgue had no idea that the groom's sister wasn't supposed to be there, but the one's 'in the know' had varying degrees of dread in their reactions.

Meredith's ex-fiancé stiffened next to Jordan and she turned to place a hand on his arm, saying, "I am SO sorry AJ!"

"You knew she was coming?" he asked.

"Oh no! I had no clue!" Jordan assured him.

"Then why are you apologizing?"

"Because I am sure this means nothing but trouble."

While they were talking Meredith had made her way to stand between the bride and groom. She wished them both the best and then loudly announced, "And now I simply MUST see my new grand nephew!"

She was almost to Jordan's side when she acted like she was seeing AJ for the first time. "AJ!" she exclaimed, "What a wonderful surprise to see you here!"

"Good afternoon Meredith," he said politely. AJ then stood to offer her his chair with the plan of quickly leaving the room.

Guessing his intentions after the way he had so relentlessly avoided her after their break up, Meredith snagged a chair from another table and pulled it up in such a way that once she had sat down he was trapped in place. All he could do without causing a scene was to sit back down in his own chair.

"What a handsome child, Jordan dear! It's too bad about his ill-fated start in life. I was surprised to hear that you decided to keep him," then she made her earlier commented about being surprised to see AJ a lie. "I was also surprised to hear that AJ would be here at the wedding! When I found out, I just had to find the time to get away." She turned slightly to direct her next comment to the man she had spoke of, "It is good to see you here, AJ."

"It was too bad you couldn't get here in time for the actual ceremony Aunt Meredith!" Jordan shot at the woman.

"I did the best I could dear," Meredith looked contrite.

"Oh really? When did you hear AJ would be here?"

"Two weeks ago…but I had to make arrangements fro someone else to teach my seminars."

Jordan just nodded, clearly not believing her Aunt's excuse. No one made any comment on the fact that AJ had not answered her. However, when she turned to him again it was not possible to avoid answering her this time, "I do so hope that we can find some time to talk together privately, AJ."

"I can't think of anything we have to say to each other Meredith," was his response.

"I can think of several things," she told him. "Would you please allow me to speak with you?"

Knowing that she would not give up on this until she's had her way, AJ said, "Alright Meredith."

"Oh that's wonderful! Maybe we could do that now?" she questioned half rising from her chair in the hopes he would get up too.

"So much for wanting to spend any time with your family!" Jordan muttered half under her breath, but because of how close AJ was to her, he heard.

To be continued…