“I think I’ve found a buyer for your car. Yesterday, I ran into Colonel Harris at Fort Benning. I was surprised he remembered me. Anyway, we got to talking and it seems his wife is looking for a smaller car. They want to take a look at your Bug this weekend.”

Jorden looked down at her plate, trying to control herself. “I never said I wanted to sell my car. You said it—not me. I specifically remember saying I didn’t want to sell it.”

“Come on, Honey. It’s crazy to drive north in two vehicles. I’ll help you buy another car after we’re married. It makes more sense.”

“I’m not selling it.” Jorden simmered. She wondered if he ever listened to her? “You need to respect my wishes.”

“I do, Jorden. But—it’s impractical. Right now all we need is one car.”

“Sell yours,” Jorden said, reversing his logic.

“What a crazy idea. My Mustang’s worth much more than yours. Just let Colonel Harris and his wife take a look at your car. I already told them they could come by Saturday morning.”

“Call and cancel. I’m not selling my car!” Jorden pushed away from the table, leaving her half-eaten breakfast.

Alex followed her. “Please be reasonable. Let’s not fight over this.”

“I’m being reasonable. You’re not.” She stepped away from Alex.

“Have it your way, but I can’t call him. You know we don’t have a phone. I don’t even have his phone number.” Alex pivoted on his heel, picked up his car keys, and stomped out.

This was yet another argument since he had returned. Jorden walked to the window and watched him drive off. She lifted her wrist to look at the silver bracelet. Where was the man who gave this to her? Then . . . Matt came to mind. She couldn’t think about him—he wasn’t a solution.

Jorden stressed for the next two hours. She resolved to speak her mind. She would let Alex know how much he had provoked her. But, unexpectedly, Alex opened the door with a dozen yellow roses poking out of white tissue. He immediately apologized. “I was wrong. I got a hold of Colonel Harris and canceled tomorrow. We’ll keep your car,” Alex said with such a gentleness—like his old self. “Please take these as a peace offering.”

Jorden couldn’t resist and gave into his charm. She knew calling Colonel Harris had been hard. Even though, Alex was no longer in the Army, he still respected the colonel’s rank. Her resolve to speak her mind vanished when she reached for the roses and hugged him. “Thank you.”

***

Saturday flew by. Alex seemed pleased with the idea of joining Madison and Luke for dinner. They arrived a little late.

“Hi y’all,” Madison called out. “Hey, you’re almost on time. Good for you, Alex, you’re improving.”