Chapter 33

It’s Saturday and I’m marrying a Duke! Most importantly, I’m marrying the brave, handsome man I love and who loves me. I left my bed to shower and then dress. I had packed my case for my honeymoon and put it in the trunk with my dress and another smaller case in the back seat.

I got in my car and drove to meet the others at a restaurant where reservations had been made. We would be Angela, Anna, Mo, Missus Madison, and me. I talked with Berthold this morning and he knew of no creditable threats. I did have a small pistol in my purse along with my Glock in a locked box in my car. I had the proper permits. I pulled into a parking place and walked into the restaurant to meet Missus Madison and Mo. Angela and Anna were expected momentarily. They came in and we were seated.

We had a great meal and an even better time. I did get a chance to talk to Mo. She said that she liked Berthold but wasn’t sure if it could go anywhere. She said that she had a passport when I asked her. I said, “There is another wedding in Landers for Anna with Mason. I’m sure we’ll take the private jet so it won’t cost you to go just wages from not being here.”

She smiled. “Work isn’t that important for me. I don’t have a career, Jar. My college education hasn’t done me much good.”

“After we get back from Landers, Mo, let’s talk about what you want and can handle. Something can be worked out.” She nodded.

We went to the church and went in a dressing area for the bride. At my request, Missus Madison stayed with us. As we were walking to that area, she said, “Jar, you have no idea how much I appreciate you having me with you today. Jam is our only child and I never dreamed that I would help in a wedding. I am truly looking forward to you being my daughter in-law.” She grinned, “Even if she’s a duchess!”

I don’t think anyone else noticed but I noticed Royal Guards patrolling the church campus. I didn’t expect any trouble but knowing that the Royal Guards were out in force eased my mind of one additional worry. Silently, I thanked Berthold. I would make it a point to thank him and each Guardsman I saw later though, for someof them, it would be in Landers.

We all dressed. There were sounds of surprise over my dress. Only Angela had ever seen it. I would wear my mother’s dress updated with the help of a seamstress. It was very form-fitting. I couldn’t wear a bra under it! My panties were a brand-new white satin thong. I planned to be a sexy bride. I left a small case for my “going-away” clothes in the room. I told the girls that Jam and I would change together before leaving though at the reception rather than here. The girls all had similar royal blue dresses that looked good on them. That included Mo even though she wouldn’t be part of the processional. I had brought her dress and insisted she wear it. All of them looked great which was my plan.

We could hear the church’s massive pipe organ. I looked at Angela and said, “Princess Ange, are we ready?”

She grinned, “Yes, Your Grace. Let’s do this.” We went together to the back of the church. I gave Missus Madison a hug and kiss just before she was escorted to her seat as mother of the groom. Berthold was there wearing his dress uniform looking very good and catching the eye of every female as he performed his duties as an usher. Prince Roger was quite handsome as he was ushering also. Mo and Angela both looked proud of their guys. I realized that Mo was looking at Bert that way. It suited me. We took our turns walking down the aisle. It was now my turn. King Marcus moved beside me and took my arm. The organ changed to an even more stately march and we went down the aisle. I was surprised at the number of guests. I saw Jam down front waiting for me. We both had big smiles.

We stood before Pastor Dean who said, “I have been counseling Jar and Jam as I do all couples that I marry. They are very ready for the vows they will take today.” He said other things and then asked who gives this woman?

King Marcus stood proudly and said in a clear voice, “On behalf of her parents and the people of Landers, I present the Duchess of Meuse to be wed.” There was a happy gasp around the sanctuary at those words.

Other than that, the wedding proceeded in a normal fashion. Jam and I took communion as husband and wife. Then, Pastor Dean said, “I present to you, Missus Joycelyn and Mister James Madison, the Duchess and Duke of Meuse.” We embraced and kissed.

Our organist was a wonderful older woman who knew the instrument well. I knew it would do chimes as she chimed the hour every Sunday. I found that it would also do trumpets as she embarked upon a fanfare of trumpets that moved into the recessional. Jam held out his arm and I took it as we walked together to the back of the church. We were followed by the rest of the bride’s party and the groomsmen.

We were in the narthex and found Mo standing next to Berthold who had his arm around her waist. They were smiling. We had to go back in for pictures before leaving in my car for the reception at Jam’s parents’ house. Mo handed me the keys when the pictures were finished. She had carried my small case and things out to my car. Apparently, Bert helped her. I handed Jam the keys and he drove us to the reception. News trucks were outside the church and reporters were there. We tried our best to ignore them. No one accosted us today.

Jam drove us to the reception and parked in an open spot that would allow us to leave and be difficult for our car to be blocked. We were there when King Marcus and his children and partners arrived. It was an occasion for hugs and kisses. We went inside. I noticed that a few reporters and their associated trucks were there. I also noticed that they were keeping their distance. The Royal Guard was out in force here and their presence seemed to subdue those folks.

We all went inside. On our way, King Marcus said to us quietly, “Your church is quite beautiful and your organist talented. Her concluding piece was very well done.”