Chapter 104 Two Months Later
Audra had the whole house in an uproar the week of her wedding. The ladies were at her beck and call with dresses, flowers, gifts, decor—-no detail was too small for Audra to notice.
Victoria confided to Jarrod that "It's a good thing the wedding is this week or we would be planning a funeral for someone—-"
He chuckled and kissed his mother on the forehead, "Just a few more days."
Everyone fell into bed in exhaustion each night and began again before dawn.
Jarrod, Nick, Eugene and Heath along with every ranch hand, mine worker and extra help they could hire had worked nonstop on the hotel for the past two weeks. They had completed twenty rooms all together. It was ten single rooms less than Jarrod's original opening plan.
Ten singles and ten family rooms, the restaurant/kitchen and the lobby along with the ballroom were getting the finishing touches. The hotel would open up the next week for patrons. All the rooms were filled by advance reservation.
The Mexican crew finished the courtyard and stonework and relaid the outdoor dance floor off of it from Nick's party.
The five employee cottages were filled as well as the stable bedroom and two rooms off the kitchen for overflow staff to rest or stay overnight. Lisette had tried to think of everything. The young porter and desk clerk from Modesto was given the job of chief of staff with his mother over housekeeping. Mildred and Sissie got their own cottage with managing the restaurant and kitchen help. Two more of Rosa's extended family were given cottages for grounds and laundry. Lisette's generosity spread like wildfire and they had a wealth of applicants to choose from.
Lisette spent day and night painting the mural of San Joaquin county in the ornate lobby. She painted fleur dis lis and flowers in the ladies' gilt powder room; the ballroom was lit by the sconces Jarrod picked out in San Francisco. It was anchored on one end by the antique bar and the other with a wall of French doors. Tall tables with iron chairs were placed around the edge of the room. Screens were built for acoustics for the musicians that would entertain at the parties and events.
Jarrod's meticulous side and Lisette's eye for style were a force to be reckoned with and the workers worked all night several times side-by-side getting the exact thing they wanted.
The hotel was becoming a literal work of art in the guise of the masonry to the fountain to Eugene's landscaping to the road from the train and the sidewalks along it—-to the polished cotton duvets and family size rooms and trundles to swings and marble pit, Kai and Henry's idea to children's tables that could be moved to the adult tables to romantic tables for two in another curtained room with ferns and screens. The whole restaurant seating could be rearranged for guests or large parties. It may have been the most versatile hotel in the state.
"Do you Audra Victoria Barkley take thee Carl Davis Wheeler III as your lawfully wedded husband, to hold and honor, for better or worse, in sickness and health, to love and cherish until parted by death in the name of the Father, Son and name of God?"
"I do."
The rest of the ceremony was finished with Audra and Carl sharing deep intimate looks of love.
Victoria looked at the couple with love,and thanksgiving, "Tom, he is going to take good care of your little princess. He loves her and I still remember the day he came back from the fort and realized Nick's kid sister was a woman. I will never forget the look in his eyes—Tom, she still has her trust but Jarrod will keep an eye on it, she's not good with money, and yes, I know that's you and the boys fault. I have talked to Carl and Audra both about it. It will be a rough patch or two getting through our spoiling. He and the boys are going in on more land in Kern River. Oil and fertile soil they believe. You always said land was the best investment—look at this hotel. Built on land you took in a trade. Jarrod and Lissy should be married here soon—-and that paste necklace you were swindled with has bought Jarrod a wife—a swindle for a swindler."
Victoria's thoughts were brought back by the applause. She stood and blew the couple a kiss. The hotel courtyard was filled with a hundred guests and what it seemed like thousands of flowers. They walked arm in arm down the pathway covered with rose petals. The fountain was filled with iced champagne and a tower of glasses was staged next to the fountain. The couple cut the cake and Jarrod toasted them while the crews moved all the chairs to storage to make way for the dance and reception. Mildred oversaw the tables set up with mounds of food and flowers.
Nick and Anna stood to the side. Lisette joined them watching Grete put some finishing touches on the pastry table. Heath was holding a tray of greenery, mints and roses for her to place.
Nick guffawed, "Look at Heath. Decorating with the ladies."
Anna elbowed him, "Making sure Grete is fine most likely. He doesn't take his eyes off her."
Nick's mood turned serious, "Yep. Breaking Kai's leg and Grete's kidnapping changed him. But the other side of the coin, he hasn't ever been happier."
Anna looked at Grete again; her pooch was obvious and she was only halfway through the pregnancy. They had let out the bodice of her bridesmaid dress twice before today. Her curves made her even more beautiful, Anna thought to herself.
"Anna, let's dance again."'and Nick whirled her out on the dance floor. She leaned in on his strong shoulders and took in the smell of bay and cigars. She inhaled deeply, "I love you," she whispered. He quivered for a moment and kept up the time, "And I you, my gal. And I am going to show you how much when we get home."
Kai was out of his cast and walking with a cane Heath made him. A quail ordained the top of it to the boy's delight. Their flock had doubled and Heath helped the boys build a bigger pen.
Eugene was dancing with several young ladies to their delight. Jarrod smiled and sipped on his scotch. He eyed Lisette across the room standing with his mother. He lifted his drink to her slightly and she replied with a slight toast herself. They had still stayed away from each other in public even after Modesto and the papers were signed. They met once a week at the apartment of Jarrod's. All the effort was going into the hotel which left little time for pleasure. Lisette was planning on opening a studio in the storefront and selling local artwork in the hotel.
Jarrod stood on the staircase and rang the bell to get the guests attention.
"As you know the Barkley family has built this hotel for the citizens of Stockton to use and enjoy. Our friends and family will use it for years to come. We open to the public next week. If you will humor me, I ask that you all come outside and join me in a special moment aside from my sister's beautiful wedding."
The people filed out curious about his announcement. Jarrod stood on the front of the hotel under a canvas banner that Lisette had painted hung on the front of the lobby.
"Congratulations Carl and Audra."
Most of the guests had seen it when they arrived.
"Audra, it is your wedding day. Will you do the honors?"
She pulled the rope and the banner fell to the side. In gold and maroon letters was the name of the hotel, THE VICTORIA.
Nick took her arm and walked her to Jarrod's side. Heath and Eugene joined them. Audra smiled brightly at her brother's sides. The crowds applauded as the family honored their matriarch.
"Thank you Thank you," was all she could get out as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.
Lisette was one of the first to reach her after the official photograph for the Stockton Eagle.
"You deserve this and so much more."'she whispered into her ear.
They embraced and Victoria whispered back, "I thank God every day I met you on that train."
The wedding reception lasted several hours and finally ended when Carl took Audra to the Barkley rail car for their honeymoon trip back east. Silas had it outfitted with flowers, food and champagne.
As the crowd's dispersed, Jarrod made his way discreetly to Lisette. They met up in the back room of the check-in desk. He kissed her passionately and she responded.
"It's been hard to stay away today."
"My body aches for you, my love."
Their passionate embrace was interrupted by the bell being rung, "Telegram! Telegram! Mr Jarrod Barkley URGENT!"