Alex had briefly described the layout of the house to Jorden on the drive from the airport, so she knew the home had two sets of stairs to the second floor. The main stairs were off the front entrance and the ones at the back were used as a short cut to go from the kitchen directly to the second floor. Margo Whelan loved this feature, from what Alex had told her.

Jorden followed her up the stairs and down the second floor hallway. They passed what appeared to be the master bedroom suite, followed by a third set of stairs, and then to the guest bedroom at the other end of the second floor.

“This is your room.” Mrs. Whelan led Jorden into a spacious bedroom. Alex followed and placed the luggage on the rack at the foot of an antique canopy bed.

“What a lovely room!” Jorden exclaimed.

“Thank you. We had it redone when we renovated the house.” Mrs. Whelan pointed toward the bathroom and an adjoining small sun room. “I hope you’ll be comfortable.”

“I know I will be.” Jorden said, trying to make a good impression.

Mrs. Whelan acknowledged Jorden with a small smile and then turned her attention to Alex. “I have early meetings in the morning, so I probably won’t be back until mid-afternoon, but I know you and Jorden can find plenty to do. I’ll see you later tomorrow afternoon.” Margo retreated to her master suite.

“We’ll be fine. Don’t worry about us,” Alex called to his mother. He relaxed and gave Jorden a squeeze.

“It’s late. I’ll see you in the morning. My room is on the third floor—are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Jorden stretched the truth. She actually felt like a bundle of nerves.

“Don’t worry. I’m not far off and morning will be here before you know it.” Alex leaned over and kissed her. In moments, Jorden could hear his footsteps on the stairs leading up to the third floor.

Jorden sat on the enticing bed and slipped off her shoes. Her eyes traveled across the room. It was beautiful. An elegant antique chest of drawers matched the oak frame of the four poster canopy bed. Her eyes moved to the sunroom. The walls were windows with little other structure. She slid from the bed and walked toward the corner alcove. She could imagine sitting there with the sunlight streaming in. Right now the white wooden shutters were closed to seal off the room for evening privacy. Jorden sat in an armchair while her eyes traveled the length of the crown moldings on the ceiling down to the hardwood floors. She wondered what it would be like to grow up in a home like this.