Guilt had spurred Jorden to shop for a care package for Alex. He mentioned he had access to paperbacks, but there was a hardback he would like to have: Michael Crichton’s latest thriller novel, The Andromeda Strain. Anderson’s Book Store was her first stop. A hardcopy stood out on the display counter. It was expensive, but he was worth it. She wrapped the book and other items carefully with plans to mail the package in the morning. Relieved, she set the parcel on the dining room table and sat down to write Alex.

Thirty minutes later the phone rang and broke her concentration. It turned out to be Emma Lynn’s mother. Her roommate’s aunt had been in a serious car accident, and her mother wanted Emma Lynn to drive home the next morning. Jorden paraphrased her mother’s words and taped a note to the refrigerator.

Jorden woke late Saturday morning. Her first thought was to mail Alex’s package. She glanced in the mirror and decided not to apply makeup. Sunlight streamed in, reflecting off her smooth skin and clear blue eyes. For an instant she noticed the similarities to her mother—she quickly dismissed them, remembering the package.

Jorden slid into her jeans, jerked a sweatshirt over her head, and pulled her light brown hair back with a hair clip. She dashed into the kitchen and immediately noticed her note was missing.

“Where are you going?” Darby asked.

“To the post office, I want to get a package and letter off to Alex.”

“Will you mail some letters for me?” Darby asked.

“Sure. Looks like Emma Lynn got my note?”

“She did. It really scared her. Thank goodness her mother talked her out of driving home last night,” Darby said with a sigh.

“Is it serious?” Jorden asked.

“Her aunt is still in the hospital with a fractured arm, but she should be all right. They might release her today or on Sunday.”

“Good. You remember when Emma Lynn told us about the awful car accident she was in which almost killed her? It’s scary.” Lost in her thoughts, Jorden almost forgot the package. “Oh, I better get going.”

“Wait!” Darby retrieved her letters and placed them on the table. “Before I forget, there’s a party in 209 tonight. Nate and I are going. Want to come?”

“I can’t,” Jorden answered.

“Why not?”

“I’m going to a movie.”

“Oh. Could it be with Matt?” Darby smiled with her knowing look.

“You guessed it but don’t read anything into it. It means nothing,” Jorden insisted.

“Sure. How many times have you seen him?”

“Not many. Besides, he knows I’m getting married.” Jorden swirled around to leave.

“Forget something?” Darby asked.

“What? I’ve got to go.”

“What about your package and my letters?” Darby replied with a huge smile.

Jorden grimaced. “You distracted me.” She grabbed the mail and hurried out.