“I’m sure you’ll like them. They’re our age and fun.”

Alex spent an hour driving around Albany before he looked at his watch. “It’s almost five. We need to go back and change.”

Jorden was gazing out the car window and watching people scurry in all directions, when she remembered the roses. “Can we stop by a florist? Remember, I want to get three white rosebuds.”

“Sure. Floramart is a couple miles from here; we can stop there. I also forgot to tell you, tomorrow night Mother is having Scott and his wife, Carrie, over for dinner. Mother also tried to get Eric and his family to come, but it didn’t work out. They’re over a hundred miles away and already had a commitment. Oh, and Carrie is pregnant, almost six months. This is their first, and they’re really excited. You’ll like them.”

While Alex continued talking about his family, Jorden noticed a sign for a florist shop. “Alex, there it is!”

“What?”

“Floramart! Remember the roses?”

“Oh! Right.” Immediately, he made a sharp turn to get off the main road to circle back to the shop.

Jorden held onto her seat to brace herself. “Wow! Let’s make it there in one piece.”

“Don’t worry. You’re in good hands.”

Jorden picked out three long-stemmed white rosebuds for the vase. She hoped the buds would open before she left on Sunday.

“Why don’t you pick out a rose for yourself?” Alex proposed.

A smile slid across her face. Her eyes gravitated toward her favorite color. She chose a yellow bud. “I want to pay for these,” Jorden told the clerk as she lifted out her wallet.

“No! These are my treat, so put your money away,” Alex asserted. He already had his credit card out for the clerk.

Jorden threw up her hands in defeat as she thought about tomorrow night’s dinner. She hoped to make a good impression. She wanted to fit into this family.

Pulling up to the garage, Alex slid his Mustang into the last spot. Margo greeted Alex and Jorden as they entered the kitchen. She was having a cup of tea while reading the newspaper.

“Would either of you like some hot tea or a soda?” They both declined as they sat down.

“What do you have there?” Margo looked at the long shaped packages.

“Something for you and Jorden. Actually, it was Jorden’s suggestion.”

“Wait, Alex. I’ll be right back.” Jorden got up and raced upstairs. She retrieved her wrapped gift and hurried back to the kitchen.

“They’re beautiful,” she could hear Margo saying. “Thank you.”

Upon entering the kitchen, words stumbled out of Jorden’s mouth. “Oh, Mrs. Whelan, you already have them in water. Alex, you were supposed to wait for me!”

Margo tried to smooth over the situation. “What a nice suggestion with the roses. Thank you.”