Jorden noticed how his mother seemed to open up with the knowledge Jorden would soon be leaving. Relief, even a hint of joy, played on Margo’s face. Following her future mother-in-law, they set off. The path was lined with rose bushes. Jorden could imagine how majestic it must look and smell when the roses were in bloom. The walkway led to a circular opening and a large wooden deck. A barbeque grill was permanently installed next to a large circular table.

“In the summer we often have picnics out here.” Mrs. Whelan seemed to pause and reminisce. “When the boys were young, they would race around the deck and terrorize everyone. I wish this awful war was over.” Margo turned to look at her son.

For once, Jorden was moved by his mother’s words. Her youngest son would soon be off to Vietnam. Jorden knew this must be tearing Mrs. Whelan apart—just as it was her.

“We’ve been out here almost an hour. We’d better head back,” Alex declared. His voice brought them back to reality.

Jorden soaked up the warm sunrays and the scent of flowers as they walked back to the house. If only she could hold onto this moment and set her hurt aside. It would be over a year before she would see Alex again. Within minutes they reached the sunroom, and Jorden went upstairs to freshen up. She took one last look at the guest suite, remembering her time with Alex in the canopy bed. Now it seemed eons ago.

When she arrived downstairs, Alex and his mother were again waiting at the kitchen table. Jorden turned toward Mrs. Whelan, trying to find the right words in the awkward silence. “Thank you for a delightful weekend. I had a wonderful time—so good to meet you, Scott and Carrie.”

“I’m glad you could come. I know we’re both going to miss Alex. We’ll have to keep in touch.”

“We will.” Jorden intended to keep up her end of the agreement. Maybe this would be one way to get closer to his mother. Both women would miss Alex and pray for his safe return. Jorden wanted to reach out and gain his mother’s trust and hopefully one day her acceptance. Hugs had always come with farewells in her family—but none came from his mother. A hint of respect seemed to linger in her look during their final goodbye.

They said little as Alex drove to the airport. After parking, he pulled Jorden close to him. “I don’t want us to part like this.”

Jorden looked at her hands. She had been dreading this moment—saying goodbye.