He stopped. Slowly he dropped his hands while he looked down at her with a slight smile. “We can kiss, can’t we?” Before Jorden could open her mouth Matt pushed her toward the shower nozzle. “Let’s at least rinse the sand out of your hair.” But, somehow, one thing led to another and of course it didn’t end there.

***

They got back to Columbus around nine thirty Sunday night. Darby and Emma Lynn’s cars were in their usual parking spots.

“Keep my bag. I can’t walk in there carrying this. Remember, we went out to dinner tonight. Maybe they’ll believe me. You think?” Jorden looked over at Matt.

“Of course they will. I’ve walked you up, but I’m not going in.”

“You’re going to leave me to the wolves?”

“Yes!” He leaned over and kissed her before skipping back down the stairs.

Jorden waited a few minutes. She watched Matt drive out of the parking area before taking three deep breaths to give her the strength and confidence to face her roommates. “Then again, she mumbled, “why should I be feeling guilty?” She couldn’t let the moral views of her mother rule all her actions. Stop the guilt, she told herself.

To Jorden’s surprise, Darby and Emma Lynn were quietly talking at the dining room table.

“We didn’t think you would ever get back. Go look in your closet.” Darby smiled.

“My dress! Is it here?”

Her roommates couldn’t contain themselves and followed Jorden back to her bedroom. Jorden swung open her closet door. The garment bag from Darby’s mother’s sewing room hung in the center of her clothing rack. Jorden’s fingers quivered. She zipped it open.

“Put it on!” Emma Lynn prompted. “I can’t wait to see it!”

Jorden climbed out of her jeans and sweatshirt. She remembered what she’d worn on Saturday—those sandy clothes were in the tote bag in Matt’s car.

The wedding dress fit perfectly. “It’s beautiful!” How could she justify her time with Matt? She pushed the thought aside—she couldn’t deal with it now.

“Mama will be so happy to know her adjustments couldn’t be better. Turn around. It’s lovely on you.”

Emma Lynn threw up her arms. “Stunning! Elegant! Exquisite! I wish it were mine.” Her arms dropped. “But I know—it’s not my time.”

“I’ll call Mama tomorrow and tell her the good news.” Darby gave Jorden a hug, followed by Emma Lynn.

Neither of her roommates questioned her about the weekend. Jorden wanted to keep it to herself. She never told Madison. Still, guilt surrounded her, but Jorden had to admit that the clandestine adventure was fun—but no more! Nothing could interfere with her marriage to Alex; she was determined to make it work.

Chapter 53: April 1970

Chapter 53

April 1970