“I don’t know. It just worries me. Jorden seems so young and naive. I wonder if she realizes what she has committed to. Saying you will convert is one thing and believing in Catholic doctrines is another. It’s not a light decision, and I don’t know if she has given it enough thought. I’d hate to see any of my boys split away from the Church. What if she converts and then decides it’s not right for her or their children. It’s a burden.”

Jorden couldn’t argue with his mother; she worried about the same thing.

“What do you mean?” Sarah asked, looking directly at Margo.

“It’s not just me. Steven refused to be here this weekend. He doesn’t want a southerner in our family—much less a converted Protestant. You know Steven has always been tough on Alex, expecting more from him. Now, Alex is coming up short again.”

“Talk to him.”

“Steven’s impossible. He will never budge. He says this girl and her family aren’t our kind. He wants better for Alex. How do I deal with him?”

Jorden’s mouth dropped open, but she pressed her head closer to hear.

“Stand up for Alex. Be there for your son.” Sarah took her eyes off her crocheting and looked at Margo. Open your eyes and see Jorden for what she is.”

“Amen!” Jorden murmured.

“He won’t listen to me. I try, and Steven shuts me out. Alex’s Dad has always been hard on him.”

“Listen to you. You disappoint me. Support your son.”

“I don’t know if I want to. I really wish he’d marry his own kind from the North. You know, a good Catholic. Alex can do better.”

Jorden gasped. The words hurt—stung! She felt defeated. To stop the tears, Jorden concentrated on the baby blanket—anything but Alex’s mother.

Sarah checked her blanket. “I can’t believe I forgot to change colors.” She pulled out the last row. “I think you’re wrong. Have you told Alex what you think?”

“No. I don’t want him going to Vietnam upset . . . thinking we disapprove. He might just do something foolish and marry her now. I made Steven promise he wouldn’t say anything. At least he agreed not to.”

“Good. You’re right not to get Alex upset, but I think you’re wrong about Jorden. You should try and get to know her better.”

Jorden lost her footing and slipped down the incline. She’d heard too much! Crushed, she couldn’t listen to another word. This time, she couldn’t stop the tears. No matter how hard she tried to fit into Alex’s family, she knew prejudice ruled. Alex’s father hadn’t even met her, and he already had his mind set against her.