Chapter 744 - Two days before wedding (J&J) (5)

"Miss, do you have an invitation?", stern voice of the bodyguard pulled Madison out of her thoughts.

It took her some time to realize that she is facing two bodyguards. She didn't talk to them at all. She turned back and headed to her room with only thought that she needs to get ready.

Her mind was racing. Aiden is there… right there. She saw him.

Two things… one is that young woman.

'Hmph! Whoever she is, she is not significant. Just another shallow gold-digger.' , Madison dismissed Sarah as anyone of importance. Aiden is known to change girls by his side. Everyone knows that. But… everyone also knows that he does not attend events with any girl as his date. And the way he interacted with that girl, and entered together with her, his arm around her waist… he treated her like his date. And this is his brother's wedding-related-event. Did he introduce that woman to his family? As his...? Madison shook those thoughts away. 'No way he would do that.'

Second thing she noticed is that he looks different. How much can a man change in about one year? His hair. That is a short hairstyle... she didn't think that he would ever cut his prized hair. Madison thought how it suits him well, he is definitely more handsome. And his shoulders… are broader than they used to be. Madison had a goofy smile on her face as she imagined holding onto those shoulders. Ah! It will feel like heaven when she does that… first while they dance, and then later… she giggled.

Madison was lost in her thoughts and didn't even notice how she reached in front of her suite on the fourth floor. She was all giddy while thinking what dress to put on. She needs to leave a good impression!

Inside event hall…

Hall is decorated with white flower arrangements and purple-gray balloons. Matching color scheme could be seen across the tables arranged to form a 'U' shape around the dance area, and on the open side of the 'U' is a stage where local band will perform.

On each side of the hall are several large and comfortable sofas. JoAnna made sure sofas are there so that Sophia can rest if necessary, she does not want her older sister to leave early because her legs are achy.

Sarah thought how décor colors for the rehearsal dinner are matching with colors of the outfits Jeff and JoAnna are wearing. It is probably not a coincidence.

JoAnna has a purple summer dress with gray details, white shoes and a white belt. Jeff is wearing a white shirt, gray pants and both shirt and pant pockets have purple details, and his necktie is purple as well.

Sarah was pleased to see that Stella is busy chatting with Elanor. If Stella is busy, there is less chance of her coming to talk.

Aiden, Felix and Steve are groomsmen, and Aiden introduced Sarah with new faces, Jasper (the best man), and other groomsmen: Bradley, Christopher, Russel and Vincent.

Aiden gave to Sarah a short introduction about five people whom she met tonight. Jasper, Bradley, Christopher, Russel and Vincent are Jeff's friends from University, and six of them are something like power-group of their generation. They each have extremely different personalities, and if it's not for their mutually beneficial business relationships, they would probably not even talk to each other. But that is how it was at the beginning. In time, as the interacted more they became friends and now they are relying on each other.

Aiden told Sarah not to be fooled by their smiles. "Each of them can be ruthless in their own way. There is a reason why they are Jeff's buddies. Especially Jasper. If there is anyone who Jeff might call his equal in terms of business, that would be Jasper. His family made a fortune in oil industry, and he is leading efforts in switching to clean energy while increasing company value several folds."

Aiden used Jeff as a reference to prove his point. He reminded her how Jeff is always cold and indifferent, calculative and even brutal sometimes. But when he is with family, he softens up and shows himself as a loyal and dependable guy. And with JoAnna… no one would believe how Jeff's personality changes when he is with JoAnna.

Sarah exchanged few words with some of them and found that Jasper is a friendly guy (at least on the outside). Jasper was slightly flirty at first, but when he noticed Aiden glaring at him while sticking close to Sarah, he dropped the flirty part.

Bradley is an easy-going person and Sarah found him entertaining.

Aiden told her that Bradley's family is dealing with precious metals. And he gave background on others as well.

Christopher's family is in the food industry, but he decided to do his own thing and has a successful company which deals with art and antiques.

Russel's family owns major international bank, and Vincent's family is in politics.

All five guys seemed in a good mood and approachable. Definitely not ice-bergs that should be a standard mold for people who are described as a part of the ruthless power-group.

Sarah concluded that JoAnna is already familiar with all the people who are new faces for her, based on how JoAnna was friendly with everyone. On a second look, Sarah observed that Sophia is laughing while chatting with Russel while Felix talked with Bradley like they are old friends.

Sarah assumed that Jeff introduced JoAnna to them previously, but she found interesting that Sophia and Felix know (some of) Jeff's friends. 'Small world...'  

Few minutes after five o'clock, wedding officiator requested their attention.

"This is William Price. He is Jeff's and my godfather. I will introduce you later…", Aiden told Sarah when an older man stood up at the slightly elevated podium and started talking about the upcoming wedding ceremony and what to expect.

After Mr. Price ended his talk, wedding planners, Julia and Heather took over.

Julia and Heather explained how Jeff will wait at the altar, and the bridal group will be walking out two by two starting with maid of honor and best man. Last will be JoAnna and Edward…

Then they lined up and waited for music to start so they can begin their rehearsal.

Julia and Heather insisted that other than the best man and maid of honor, others arrange by height.

"It's more visually appealing, and definitely better for the photos." Heather explained.

Sarah and Sophia gave them murderous glares, and Bridgette quickly called JoAnna to come before the chaos begins. JoAnna needs to explain to her wedding planners how the idea of separating couples will not fly if they want to stay alive.

As a bride, JoAnna's word is final. First to walk out (after best man and maid of honor) will be Aiden and Sarah (with explanation that Aiden is Jeff's only brother). Next are Sophia and Felix, and then Bridgette and Steve.

"For others, ask them if they have preferences. If not, then you arrange them.", JoAnna instructed her wedding planners and went to fetch Edward. They need to line up also, and he was chatting with Whites.

Jeff has eight groomsmen (including the best man), and JoAnna has a matching number of bridesmaids.

On JoAnna's side, Ellie will be maid of honor and other bridesmaids are Sarah, Sophia and Bridgette together with two of JoAnna's friends from LA Medical Center: Millie and Sharon, and Jill and Emma from Franciscan Medical Center.

Everyone was eager to finish with this ceremony rehearsal quickly, so that they can move on to the fun parts: food, drinks, cake, dancing, and roasting newlyweds with embarrassing stories.