They laughed and began to study the menu. Despite Jorden’s initial reluctance, her first impression of Kim and Rich was good.

“Where are you from?” Kim asked.

“Trenton, New Jersey.”

“Oh, I thought you were from the South, but you don’t have a southern accent. Alex, you misled us. I thought you said you met Jorden in Georgia?”

“I did. We met in Columbus, Georgia,” Alex replied.

“I went to college in the South. Right now I’m teaching in Columbus where I met Alex,” Jorden tried to explain.

“Oh—now it makes sense,” Kim replied. “We have something in common; I teach third graders. They drive me nuts, but I love them.”

Out of nowhere, a voice took over the conversation. “Good evening. My name is Ralston. I’m your server.” He was dressed completely in white with a red rose in his lapel. “I see you don’t have any water. I’ll take care of it.” Ralston snapped his fingers at the commis waiter.

“Have you seen the menu? If you have any questions, please ask. Can I start you off with a drink or something from our wine list?”

“A bottle of Champagne would be great. Do you have a suggestion?” Alex looked at Ralston.

“A white Dom Perignon is excellent.”

Alex nodded with approval, as he turned to Rich. “What do you think?”

“Fine by me,” Rich replied.

“I’ll get the Champagne right away. However, first let me make a suggestion for an appetizer. The mussels are excellent. They come with white wine, garlic, parsley and cream. It’s delicious, I highly recommend it.”

Alex gave a nod of approval, and Ralston turned on his heels and left.

Jorden was impressed with Ralston. One word summed up this man: sophisticated. He seemed to be in his late twenties, with a sturdy build and thick black hair. His dark eyes spoke volumes, commanding respect for his expertise. Jorden could imagine him owning his own equally profitable restaurant. A man on the move.

Kim turned her attention to Alex. “Have you set a wedding date?”

“Not yet, but it’ll be after I get back from my tour of duty,” Alex explained.

“You mean Vietnam?”

“Right. I leave in two weeks.”

Ralston came back with a bottle of Champagne. After popping the cork, he showed it to Alex. Carefully, Ralston poured the sparkling wine into a Champagne glass for Alex to sample. Alex nodded in approval. Afterward, Ralston filled the other glasses.

Rich promptly proposed a toast. “To Jorden and Alex . . . and many good years together.”

The bubbles from the Champagne rose up to tickle Jorden’s nose as she took a sip. “This is delicious.”

Alex raised his glass again. “Let’s make another toast—to Rich and Kim and our future friendship.”