Nature’s call guided her toward the bathroom. This room was equally well-provided with everything she needed, even a hairdryer. His mother had made an effort to make her comfortable, which seemed to be a good sign. She unpacked and hung up the few clothes she had brought. She lifted out the vase for Margo Whelan to make sure it was fine. She shook the wrapped box and heard no sounds. It was intact. Jorden debated where to put the gift and decided to keep it in her suitcase. She hoped her future mother-in-law would like it.

Wistfully, she wished she could share the room with Alex, but of course that was out of the question. Somehow, despite all her excitement, Jorden fell into a deep sleep. Just before she drifted off, she prayed, “Please, God, let Margo Whelan like me.”

Chapter 37: January 1970

Chapter 37

January 1970

Jorden shifted in the plane’s seat. The full force of the weekend in Albany overwhelmed her. Friday morning filtered back. How could she have been so naïve and reckless? But, how could she not?

***

Previous Year – Albany, Friday morning, May 16, 1969

The downstairs clock chimed nine times. Jorden woke with a start. Then, she felt arms envelop her.

“Wake up Sleepy Head,” Alex whispered.

Jorden realized Alex was in bed with her. “Where’s your mother?”

“Gone! Mother left before eight this morning—the perfect time to sneak down here. She’s a board member for the Hospital Auxiliary Guild. Don’t worry, she won’t be back until later this afternoon, so I have you to myself.”

Jorden could see a pleased smile grow on Alex’s face. The tips of her fingers outlined his lips. His eyes darted to her gown.

“Wait. I need to use the bathroom.” Jorden hurried off. What would she do now? This shouldn’t happen. The timing wasn’t right—she felt like she was playing Russian roulette. But it was their last time together . . . how could she not?

Alex’s clothes were on the floor when she returned. He lifted her gown as if it were air. Their desire for each other at first flowed like a meandering river, gaining speed with each turn until nothing could halt the momentum. Jorden lay quietly afterward. She couldn’t have held back knowing this may be their last intimate moment before he left for this dreadful war. Still, he used no condom. She hoped she wouldn’t have to pay the consequences—a baby was not in her plans.

Jorden tried to push those thoughts out of her mind and let herself enjoy the comfort of the canopy bed. It felt like they were in a sea of pillows with the soft comforter surrounding them as if it were a cocoon. She knew this day would be etched deeply into her memory.