The doldrums of winter had evaporated; temperatures were warmer, the dogwood trees and azaleas were blooming, and Emma Lynn had lightened up. She began dating again, along with Darby. Jorden and Alex’s wedding plans were underway. The date was set for Saturday, August 22.

One evening, Jorden’s mother called. “They’re here!”

“What’s here?”

“The wedding invitations. They’re perfect. We’ll have to start addressing them when you come home in June. Do you think I should start them now?”

“No, Mom. They can wait until I return to Trenton. I need to get names and addresses from Alex for his family and friends. I wrote his mother but she hasn’t answered.” Jorden looked down when she thought of Mrs. Whelan. What few letters she had received from her were short and to the point.

“Okay. I’ll wait. But . . . I could get started on our side of the family.”

“They’ll wait,” Jorden reassured her.

“I heard from Father Capello. All the arrangements have been made at St. Joseph’s. Even, your Pre-Cana classes are set up for you to attend. I never knew there was so much involved in marrying a Catholic. Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Mom! How could you even ask? You’re a worrywart! Nothing is stopping me from marrying Alex.”

“Good. Glad to hear your confirmation. We haven’t heard from his parents but the wedding is still over four months away.”

The muscles on Jorden’s forehead tightened when she remembered Mrs. Whelan’s words: “Alex can do better.” She would never tell her mother.

Jorden wrote Alex the latest details for their wedding.

We’re making progress on our wedding plans. The invitations arrived in Trenton this week. Mom is anxious to start addressing them. I told her to wait for us in June. I also wrote your mother for names and addresses from your family, but I haven’t heard back. The next time you write her, can you drop a helpful hint? It won’t be long now until you return to the States. I’m counting the days—forty-six, give or take. Your return will be a glorious time . . .

Matt had been out on ranger training duty the past four days, which gave Jorden time for catching up on lesson plans, grading papers, and writing Alex. She heard the kitchen phone ring from her bedroom. She checked her watch; it was after nine. Darby caught it on the third ring. Jorden picked up part of the conversation.

“Sounds like fun. I’d love to go. Okay, I’ll check with Emma Lynn. Hold on, I’ll get her. Jorden—phone for you.”

Jorden figured it must be Matt. She had hoped to hear from him tonight.

“I’ve got great news! Mark down today’s date: Thursday, April 16,” Matt exclaimed.

“What is it?”