The flight went well, but Jorden couldn’t stop thinking about Alex and his family. She was going to do her best to make a good impression.

Jorden had spent hours trying to find something special for his parents. She walked through Columbus Square Mall both Saturday and Sunday afternoons looking for the right gift. Nothing. Frustrated, she then spotted a pastel blue porcelain vase with violets etched around the circular rim. The colors and the intricate detail of the flower petals on porcelain lured her in.

“May I help you?” the saleswoman asked.

Lifting the vase, Jorden turned the delicate piece around in her hands. “This is perfect. How much is it?”

“It is a nice piece which just came in this week. The price is on the bottom.”

Jorden turned it over. She gulped. The price was $44.95. It was thirty dollars over her limit. Way too much! “It’s beautiful, but I can’t afford it.” She placed it back on the shelf.

“Let me show you some others. This way please. These aren’t as expensive, but they’re also well done.”

Jorden looked at the porcelain pieces; none of them caught her eye like the pastel vase. She had almost two hundred and fifty dollars in her savings account. It had taken her a year to save this much. She was saving for her wedding—especially for her wedding dress. This gift didn’t fall into the right category. On the other hand, it was for her future in-laws—she wanted to make a good impression.

While pondering what to do, two women wandered in. Their voices carried, and Jorden couldn’t help but listen. “Look at this. It’s exquisite.”

Jorden watched the taller woman pick up the pale blue vase. Her friend also looked at the piece. “I like it, but it’s just not right for Jeanie. She’s only twelve. Let’s try another store.”

Jorden sighed with relief. Without further hesitation, she bought the vase.

Lost in her thoughts, Jorden finally realized the plane had landed. She jumped up and followed the passengers to the terminal. Off in the distance she spotted Alex. A smile dominated his face as he swept through the crowd. His arms swung around her.

“At last you’re here. I thought your plane would never arrive.” His New York accent sounded heavenly.

Forty five minutes later they reached the turnoff to his home. To her surprise, Alex, with a boyish grin, activated a large gate with the push of a button.

“You have a gated drive!” Jorden exclaimed in surprise.

“My Dad’s creation. He had it put in years ago after they remodeled the house. I still get a kick out of it.”