Jorden’s fingers dug into his. She shouted, almost jumped out of her seat, and kissed him. “Yes! . . . Yes! . . . I . . . can’t . . . I can’t believe it! Now I won’t have another year of worry. What a relief!”

“Do you hear yourself? You’ll be married, and I’ll be the last thing on your mind. You’re silly—but I’m glad you might worry about me.”

“Of course I’d worry about you. I want you to be safe. I’d never want anything bad to happen to you. You mean the world to me. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” Jorden stroked his cheek, moving her fingers over his chin.

A car horn blasted. “Move it, you idiots! What do you think this is—lover’s lane?”

Startled, their eyes moved back to the road. A bright green light glared at them. Matt shifted gears and stepped on the gas. Jorden laughed as the Dodge Dart sped forward.

At the Officers’ Club they ate, drank, and toasted to Matt’s good fortune—Korea rather than Vietnam! Jorden figured it must give his roommates hope they also could be so lucky. After dinner the plan was to meet at the Chattahoochee Club.

“Chip, you need to give me directions to this famous club of yours. Jorden and I have never been there.”

“Here, I’ve written it down for you, but first I need to stop by a liquor store. The laws down here are crazy. You can’t buy booze at a bar—you have to bring your own bottle and leave it at the bar.”

“It sounds idiotic, but I know you’re right.” Darby’s eyes flashed.

“It’s true alright. We’re in Columbus, Georgia and the Muscogee County doesn’t let a bar sell liquor, only the setups—mixes like soda and tonic water. Sounds nuts to me,” Chip replied as it began raining on their way out.

Jorden watched them get into Chip’s car. “My roommates are something else.” Jorden’s eyes softened. “I heard them talking last night about leaving Columbus. They’ve gone through a lot this year—Darby’s broken engagement and Kyle leaving Emma Lynn.”

“You’re kidding. They’re leaving Columbus? I thought this would be the best place to meet and date interesting men. Look at your apartment, every night it’s filled with guys from all over the States.” Matt turned the key in the ignition when Jorden slapped his forearm.

“What’s that for?” Matt replied.

“Listen to you! Do you think we’re here only to find men?” Jorden scowled.

“You took my words in the wrong way. Besides, you already have one lined up.”

“How dare you!” Jorden looked straight ahead. She was glad Darby and Emma Lynn couldn’t hear him.