Chapter 12

I woke and started breakfast before completing getting ready to go. Promptly at eight thirty, my doorbell rang and I let Jam inside. I gave him a hug and a kiss which he returned.

He then held me out from his body and looked up and down mine. He remarked, “Jar, you are dazzling. I’m becoming more and more glad we met every moment.”

I said something romantic, “Breakfast is ready. Let’s eat.” I grinned at him.

We ate after blessing the food and our time together. We walked out to his car holding hands. He handed me into his big SUV after opening the passenger door.

We made the short trip to church. Once there, we were one of three couples who were catching the attention of the attendees. I guided Jam, Anna, and Mason to my class where we met up with Angela who had Roger in tow. I looked at Angela and smiled. We had been good friends for years and I was glad to see her interested in a guy who seemed to be returning her interest. Our teacher, Mister Squires, taught his usual fine lesson after Angela and I made introductions. Neither of us mentioned the royal titles of Roger or Anna.

After a closing prayer, we dismissed for the main service. The six of us sat down. Jam whispered, “I can remember sitting under that chandelier with my parents when I was young. They will be here and I want you to meet them.” I nodded. I noticed Angela whispering to Roger and had the feeling that a different talk was occurring.

A few moments later, an older couple in which the man looked like an older version of Jam walked in by the piano and came toward us. The woman’s face lit with recognition at seeing Jam. They stopped by us. We stood.

Jam said, “Mom, Dad, I am proud to introduce Joycelyn Roberts, nicknamed Jar. Jar, this is Glynnis and James Madison, my parents.

Missus Madison had a low speaking voice that was pleasant to the ears. “Jar and Jam, that’s an interesting pair of names.”

Her father nodded. “They make an attractive couple, too, Glynnis. It will be interesting to see where this goes. I note that they’re holding hands.”

Jam smiled. “Initially to Landers. Both of us had been invited to accompany Mason on his trip to Landers. Like I told you when I got home last night, my reason for going suddenly became more definite yesterday.”

His mother grinned. “You’re the girl he met yesterday! He talked about you non-stop when he got home last night. He seriously interrupted Jim’s watching of the Braves.”

I grinned. “It’s nice to know that I got his attention. However, he did seem quite willing to come to my place for breakfast this morning.”

“I will always be willing to be in Jar’s presence.”

Mister Madison smiled. “I always knew my son was smart.”

At that moment, our Senior Pastor opened the announcements with his usual, “Good morning, church.” The four of us hurriedly sat down. I found myself between Jam and his mother though holding hands with Jam. His mother was holding hands with her husband which I thought was promising for the future.

While the children were filing out after the children’s time, Missus Madison leaned over to me and whispered, “I know you are expected back at the Anderson’s for lunch today. Let Jam bring you to our house for supper. I know it will be busy but Jim and I would like to get to know you better. We don’t want to wait a week.” She grinned at me.

“If Jam will bring me, I will be glad to do that. I will need to pack for the trip but that won’t take long. I’m not fussy about clothes.”

“It doesn’t show, dear. You are gorgeous.”

“Thank you. I stick to simple outfits and colors. It makes life easier.” She nodded.

We went back to paying attention. After a good sermon, the service was over. We all stood. Missus Madison said, “I’ve asked Jar to come for supper. I know time will be tight but I want to get to know her and she and Jam will be gone for a week. I don’t want to wait.”

Jam said, “I’ll be very glad to bring her home for supper. I’ve eaten three meals with her. She has excellent table manners and makes an intelligent dinner partner.”

I hugged Jam’s parents and Jam and I left for the Anderson’s house. I noticed Angela and Roger and Anna and Mason were both couples holding hands. We closed on them and Anna said, “Jar, Jam, we’ll see you for lunch shortly.”

Angela led for the four of them toward the portico for the limo. Jam and I walked to his four-wheel drive SUV for the trip to the Anderson’s and lunch. He opened the door and handed me inside. I liked that.

I waited until he got in the driver’s seat and said, “Thank you, Jam. That was a nice touch.”

“I enjoy doing pleasant things for you, Jar.” He drove us to the Anderson’s house. Once there, he opened my door and handed me out. Since I was wearing a skirt and blouse, I let the skirt ride up giving him some extra leg to see. He had seen more yesterday with my suit. His eyes widened. “Thank you, Jar.” He pulled me close and gave me a gentle kiss.

I grinned. “You keep doing that and I may show you my legs more often.”

“Jar, you don’t need to bribe me to kiss you. It is a great pleasure. You are totally lovely. I love looking at you.” He grinned more. “Talking to you is even better.”

I grinned back at him. “And kissing is even better.” We gave each other a light kiss and headed inside. Lunch was ready and we sat down to be served. It was a Cobb salad and was excellent. Jam and I found out that both of us liked blue cheese dressing. We smiled at each other.

After lunch, the six of us talked. “I think the six of us are agreed that we’re going to Landers.” Mason started us out.

Angela asked, ‘Is there a preliminary schedule?”

Anna smiled, “Yes. Even before we knew who might be coming, there were some plans made for a visit. The current plan calls for us to leave this evening and fly to Brussels. One of our smaller planes will meet us there for the quick trip from Brussels to Landers. We will arrive Monday morning local time. We will sleep on the plane. There is a welcoming dinner that evening. That gives us some time to relax and get to know the castle and then to dress. It will be semi-formal. That means cocktail dresses are good. Jar, your little blue dress would work great.” I nodded and looked over at Angela who nodded also. She had seen me in that dress. She had a very similar one in a deep red.