Jorden looked confused. She was speechless. In the beginning, love didn’t fit into their relationship. All this time she had been in complete denial, refusing to acknowledge what was happening between them. Thinking about it made her tremble. Shivers ran through her as she allowed herself to focus on the word. Finally, she opened up to herself and Matt. “I can’t deny it. We both know . . . I love you.” Those simple words said it all.

“There’s your answer. Just move in with me.”

“I can’t . . . I can’t. Maybe we should end this—go our separate ways.”

“Do you really want us to split up?” Matt watched her closely.

She looked down. “No.”

“What if we get married?”

Jorden looked up, surprised by his words. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“What if . . . it doesn’t work?” Jorden replied.

“If it doesn’t work, then we can part.”

“Sounds crazy. We can’t get married—it’s too sudden!” Jorden protested.

“No, it’s not. It’s a great idea. It’s what I want. Be honest. Don’t you?”

Jorden thought about it. “Well, if it doesn’t work—we can go our separate ways, making the decision easier.”

“Is that a yes?” Matt pressed.

She hesitated, then the corners of her lips moved upward. “Yes!” Her eyes brightened. “When?”

“Soon. We don’t have much time before I leave for Korea. We have a couple weeks to work out the wedding details. Let’s start with Lyon. Come on, I’m sure he won’t believe it.”

“Wait before we tell anyone—I have to talk with Alex. It’s only fair.”

“You’re right. You should talk with Alex first. Just don’t let him change your mind.” Matt reached for Jorden’s hand.

“Never!”

Chapter 66: June 1970

Chapter 66

June 1970

Jorden raced up the stairs to her second floor apartment.

“Jorden?” Darby called out. “There you are. Alex called this morning. He wants to meet you later this afternoon, specifically at five. What happened? I thought you were with him. In so many words, I told him I hadn’t seen you since last Sunday.”

“It’s over.”

“What’s over?” Emma Lynn stepped out of the bedroom.

“Alex and I. I left late last night.” Jorden reached for the side of the couch for support.

“Left for where? You didn’t come here,” Emma Lynn said.

A smile danced on Darby’s face. She grinned at Emma Lynn. “Only one place.”

“Matt’s!” Emma Lynn shrieked. “Tell us all.”

Jorden looked from one roommate to the other and debated what to tell them. “I need to talk with Alex first. How did he sound?”

“Hard to tell. Distant, disconnected . . . for as little as I know him.” Darby replied.

Jorden looked at her watch. “I better call Matt and let him know what’s happening.”