“You must be Jorden. Mrs. Simms motioned to the porch swing. “Have a seat. I love to sit out here on warm nights. Where are you from?”

“New Jersey. I grew up back East but my roots are in the South.” Jorden looked out from the porch and listened to the crickets. “Are you from here?”

“Seems like it. After all these years this is now my home. Like you, I grew up in a different part of the country. My people are from the west. I used to wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn’t married Darby’s father. His life is here with the land and farming—he loves this rich Alabama soil. I have to admit I do, too. It grows on you.” Soon, they could hear Darby’s voice.

“Where are you? Come on in, Mama. Have you captured Jorden? You have the rest of the weekend to get to know my roommates!” Darby stepped out on the porch, laughed, and ushered them into the kitchen.

Mrs. Simms opened the refrigerator for the pitcher of iced tea. The four of them sat around the table chatting and laughing for almost an hour. Before Mrs. Simms left, she caught her daughter’s attention. “Tomorrow, after breakfast, I’ll start on the dress.” She turned to look at Jorden. “Young lady, do you think you’ll be ready to try on the wedding dress? I think it will be perfect for you.”

“Can’t wait!” Jorden replied.

Darby’s home was comfortable with a lived-in atmosphere. Jorden liked Darby’s mother. She was easy going, unlike Alex’s mother. The three roommates shared Darby’s bedroom—two in her double bed and the other on a cot. It felt more like a sleepover from Jorden’s school days.

The next morning they had a southern breakfast of grits, scrambled eggs, ham, and coffee. Afterward Jorden, Emma Lynn, and Darby followed Mrs. Simms to her sewing room. The wedding gown was carefully hung in a clear plastic garment bag. A professional seamstress’s mannequin stood in a corner of the room. Jorden assumed its measurements were set for Darby’s figure.

“Okay. Let’s get this on.” Mrs. Simms removed the dress from the garment bag. Oohs and aahs escaped from Jorden and Emma Lynn.

“I want it! It’s lovely. Oh, Mrs. Simms, you’re fantastic!” Emma Lynn’s hands flew over her mouth.

“Mama’s good. I have the best mama in the world!” Darby gave her a big hug.

“I can’t wait!” Jorden slipped off her sweatshirt and corduroy pants, pulling the dress over her head.

“Mama. Come help us with this.”