Speechless, Jorden stood there staring at the cabinet. Carrie had rescued her from a disaster, and Jorden was grateful to have an ally. She had broken Alex’s mother’s favorite dish while discovering at the same time her vase would just be re-gifted. Jorden didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Alex came up behind Jorden. “Oh—here you are. I wondered where you were hiding. What are you doing out here?”

“I was helping Carrie bring plates back to the pantry.”

“Come on, let’s go back to the kitchen before Scott and Carrie leave.” Alex nudged Jorden back into the kitchen just as Scott slipped on his jacket.

Scott leaned over and hugged Jorden. “It was great to meet you.”

Carrie also gave Jorden a hug. “Come back whenever you get a chance. Don’t worry about the dish,” Carrie whispered.

Jorden nodded a silent thank you and gave Carrie an extra squeeze to seal their secret. The pair waved as they left through the kitchen door.

“Why don’t we sit in the sunroom,” Alex suggested. “What did you think of Scott and Carrie? I could tell they liked you.”

“They are nice.” Jorden’s mind was on the broken platter, but she knew this wasn’t the time to mention it or her re-wrapped vase. Instead she simply said, “I enjoyed them. Scott is lucky to have Carrie for a wife.”

Jorden wanted time alone with Alex; she wanted him to hold her. “Let’s go for a walk; I never got to see the garden.”

“It’s too dark out there. I’ll show it to you in the morning.”

Jorden flipped on the outside light before stepping out to get a glimpse of the flowers. Losing her footing, she fell against the side of the house.

“I told you. It’s too dark!” Alex seemed irritated Jorden wasn’t listening to him.

Mrs. Whelan came into the adjacent den to turn out the light. “Oh, I didn’t realize you two were out here.”

Margo stayed, making small talk. “You know, I don’t think Scott meant to upset Carrie tonight. He’s just worried about her—this is their first child. Maybe she ate so much because she really was hungry. She’s always been thin and has never had a weight problem.” Mrs. Whelan’s chatter seemed to go on abnormally long.

Frustrated, Jorden decided to excuse herself. “Thank you, Mrs. Whelan, for the wonderful dinner. I certainly enjoyed meeting Scott and Carrie.” She turned to Alex. “I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning.”

The distance between Jorden and Alex seemed to increase with each passing hour. They were still under the same roof, but she may as well have been back in Columbus, Georgia. What a way to end their last night.

Chapter 42: January 1970

Chapter 42

January 1970