As soon as Jorden reached the kitchen, Alex got up and moved by her side. Mrs. Whelan and Carrie were doing last minute preparations while Scott and Alex had been sitting at the kitchen table talking.

“Come on over! I want you to meet Jorden,” Alex called to his brother and his sister-in-law.

Jorden saw how the brothers favored each other. Scott was taller but had the same slim build. His blue eyes contrasted with Alex’s hazel ones. Scott seemed to resemble their mother.

“We’re glad you’re here. Alex couldn’t stop telling us about you.”

“I hope all good things.”

“Glowing,” Carrie replied.

“Great to hear.” Jorden smiled.

Carrie, barely five feet tall, was perky, with fair skin, blond hair, and light blue eyes. She definitely looked pregnant—possibly more than six months. “How was your trip?”

“Great. It didn’t take long,” Jorden replied.

“We’re happy to have you and glad we could get together tonight.” Carrie glanced toward the kitchen. “Looks like Mom needs me—I better get back.”

Jorden was surprised when she heard Carrie refer to Mrs. Whelan as Mom. Obviously, Carrie felt accepted by the family.

“Can I help?” Jorden offered.

“No, we have it under control, but thank you.”

Jorden looked in awe at how well Margo worked with Carrie. If only Alex’s mother would come to accept Jorden’s help. She would be ecstatic.

“Where are you from?” Scott asked.

Jorden remained lost in her thoughts for a moment after Scott had asked her a question.

“I told you. Jorden’s from Trenton, New Jersey,” Alex replied.

“I hope Alex has been showing you a good time. I told him he’d better.” Scott slapped Alex on the back and gave him a brother-tobrother look.

“The best,” Jorden piped up.

“Come on. We need extra hands to get Mom’s wonderful dinner on the table,” Carrie called out.

Jorden and the others helped carry dishes to the dining room table. Taking her seat, she noticed the white roses were on the top of the antique chest. Pleased, she smiled. But, sadly they were not in the vase she had given Mrs. Whelan. Two of the rosebuds had opened while the third one remained closed. Jorden had been deeply immersed in her thoughts when she realized all of the family was seated.

“Scott, will you say the blessing?” Margo asked, bowing her head. They all crossed themselves. Jorden tensed, not knowing what to expect.

“Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.” Jorden looked on as each one at the table crossed themselves once more. This was so different from her family’s dinner blessing. Would she ever fit in?

After the prayer everyone relished the meal. Not hungry, Jorden did her best to make a polite effort of eating. Compliments were given, including one from Jorden, raving about Margo’s excellent dishes.