At five, Jorden stood before the apartment’s picture window, waiting for Alex’s Mustang to pull up. She had decided to meet him outside. The red Mustang rounded the corner of the parking area. She sucked in her breath, summoned her courage, and made her way down the stairs to the walkway. He was already there.

“What’s going on?” Alex was clenching his jaw and tightening his neck muscles. Jorden knew the look—hard and impenetrable. “So where were you last night?”

Jorden hesitated. “Last night—I drove senselessly. I was so upset. I didn’t want to face my roommates and their questions. I didn’t want to face my own answers.”

“I don’t believe you. You weren’t here when I called this morning. You’re avoiding my question. Where did you go?” Alex glared at her with unflinching eyes.

Jorden’s stomach churned, she felt sick—she wanted to run.

“You were with him. You’ve slept with this character, haven’t you? Don’t lie to me.”

Her throat constricted. She couldn’t speak.

“That’s where you were the night I called from California. I should have known. I thought you were above this.” Alex grew colder. “No wonder you’re on birth control pills—very convenient. When were you going to give me the details—after we were married?”

Jorden choked. “You’re not fair.”

“And you play fair? Give me a break,” Alex responded, raising his voice.

“This isn’t about playing fair. This is about you and me. Everything has to be your way. Religion . . . no birth control . . . when we marry . . . where we live . . . what I can and can’t do . . . and . . . even down to selling my car. Control is what this is about. I can’t live like that!”

“Live however you like—just not with me!” Alex twisted away and yanked her bag out of his front seat. “You left these behind last night.” He hurled her stuff to the curb.

Dumbstruck, Jorden watched him speed away. Just like that—it was over. Those were the last words Jorden ever heard from Alex. Tears ran down her cheeks as she slowly slid down to the curb. Time seemed to stand still until she saw a car in her peripheral vision—a white Dodge Dart. In spite of herself, Jorden smiled when Matt reached her side. He immediately pulled her into his arms. Comfort was just what she needed. Moments later, they climbed the steps to her apartment.

Darby and Emma Lynn just stared at them as they entered. “Well, what’s going on?” Darby blurted out.

Jorden then leveled with her roommates and told them, before anyone else, of their wedding plans.

“I knew it!” Emma Lynn exclaimed.

Darby smiled. “I’m not surprised. I always knew the wedding gown was meant for Matt.”

“I concede you were right,” Jorden replied.