Eden's Secret

Chapter 9

Will's parents, Emma and Rodney, had moved to the Nashville area when Will became the superstar that he was today.  Rodney had been a successful peanut farmer in southern Georgia and this was the perfect opportunity to retire and enjoy life while he was still young.  He sold his peanut empire and made a pretty penny.  Emma was excited to finally move to the big city where she joined just about every club and every organization she could.  She used her influence and money to her advantage.  The two of them worked well together.  Rodney sat in his study and played the stock market game and Emma told him what to do.  She ran the house.  It was pretty much her way or the highway.  That's not to say she was cold and unloving, quite the opposite.  But she was headstrong and she had her ideas about how things should be.  And when things didn't go her way, it could get ugly.  But she could always be talked down and she would always end up smelling like a rose on the other side.  Will knew that this particular situation could get ugly fast or it could end up being the best day ever.  He hoped it was he latter.  His mom was unpredictable like that. 

When they entered the immaculate home, Jordan immediately noticed Emma's impeccable taste.  Jordan wasn't a stranger to nice things.  Both her jobs had allowed her to run in some pretty elite circles.  It's just that she never had been able to own such nice things, herself.  Will sat the infant carrier that held the sleeping baby on the floor in the foyer.  He took Jordan's hand and led her towards the kitchen, where the smell of breakfast was wafting from.  

"Hello, there," Will called out.

"Well, hello!" a voice called out from the kitchen.  "Come on in!"

As they entered the kitchen, Jordan noticed breakfast was just being cleared off the table.  "Would you like me to fix you a plate?" Emma asked as they entered.

"No, no, we're good," Will replied.

Rodney put the paper down and stood up, "Good to see you, son.  Who have you brought by on this lovely morning?"  Rodney was very casual and friendly.  Jordan immediately liked him.  

"Mom, Dad, this is Jordan Phillips," Will pulled her close and put his arm around her waist.

"Nice to meet you," Emma moved forward to shake her hand.  "Where did you two meet?"

"Well," Will replied.  "We met in Atlanta back in the fall.  She was working for Southern Insurance Company and put together a concert that I headlined.  Do you all remember that?"

"I don't guess I do, son, but you do so many."

"Yes, well," Will continued nervously, "she and I hit it off pretty good and, fortunately, she got a job here in Nashville back in January so we've kind of been seeing each other on and off since then."

"That's nice, where do you work at, Jordan," Rodney asked.

"I work as the PR director for Bridgestone Arena.  It is a great job," Jordan nervously replied. 

Rodney gave her nod of approval and Emma seemed pleasantly surprised to find out Jordan held such a high position, but Emma could tell they were both nervous, "What are you two so nervous about?  Will, you didn't think Rodney and I would be unwelcoming to Jordan, did you?  We would think nothing of the sort.  It's so unusual for you to bring a girl by the house.  We're excited for you!"

"Well, thanks mom, that means a lot," Will continued, "the thing is....is we're getting married."

Emma and Rodney both clapped their hands in excitement.  "Well, this is great news, Will!  Why are you so nervous about this?  Obviously, we'd love to have gotten to know Jordan before you make a big announcement like this, but there will be plenty of time to get to know her and meet her family while we plan the wedding.  This is great!"  She began to walk around the breakfast bar to give congratulations.