The alarm blasted off Sunday morning at nine. Half-asleep, Jorden slammed down the snooze button. Church—an Episcopal Church, she remembered. Her hand darted to her head. Rum and Coke had left her with a slight headache.

Jorden listened for the snooze alarm, but it never rang. She stretched out and pulled the clock’s face toward her—a quarter to ten. Oh no—she must have shut the alarm button off instead of turning on the snooze. She leaped out of bed and hustled to the bathroom. Pulling the medicine cabinet open, she took two aspirins, splashed cold water on her face, applied makeup, and dressed. She swept into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee.

Darby and Emma Lynn hadn’t gotten up. Thank goodness. Now she didn’t have to listen to cracks about Matt.

Matt arrived at ten thirty. Jorden caught herself staring. He looked so different in a sports jacket and a tie; she liked the transformation.

“Want some coffee?”

“Not enough time. Parking is tight.”

Jorden took one more sip. “Okay, I’m ready.”

After finding a place to park, Matt and Jorden walked a block to the church. She looked up with wonder. Trinity Episcopal Church was an impressive structure, located in the heart of Columbus.

“It’s regal—don’t you think?” Matt asked.

“It’s amazing!” The height of the church steeple astounded her. “My Methodist Church is modest compared to this.”

As Jorden entered the church, the sight of the huge oaken trusses supporting the roof was overpowering. Matt pressed on her elbow and led her to a pew near the rear of the church’s sanctuary. “I like to sit here.”

Jorden relied on Matt to lead her through the service. She tried to listen to the sermon but her eyes strayed to the striking brass pulpit set against the brilliant stained glass windows.

“The service was so intense! I couldn’t have followed it if you hadn’t shown me when to read, sing, and get on my knees,” Jorden exclaimed.

“It’s easy once you get the hang of it. This church is much more formal than mine in Alaska. I like it though—it’s peaceful. I’m glad you came.” Matt squeezed her hand. “What about next Sunday?”

Jorden hesitated, not sure what to say.

“I can add a sweetener—I’ll treat you to lunch after the services, starting today.”

Jorden’s stomach growled at the thought of food. “Then—how can I refuse?”

“Good. Have you ever been to the Plantation House?”

“No, never heard of it.”

“Major Hawkins told me about it. It’s north of Columbus, in the direction of Callaway Gardens but a little closer.” Jorden and Matt chatted about their Christmas holidays while he drove. The two month hiatus didn’t seem to exist for Jorden.

The Plantation House lived up to its reputation. Over dessert, Nora’s name came up.