Jorden sat there bewildered. She didn’t mean to cause trouble, but she knew this would blow over. Her mind shifted to pleasant thoughts. She couldn’t help but smile when she thought about Matt’s kiss under the mistletoe.

Chapter 17: December 1969

Chapter 17

December 1969

The holidays approached swiftly. This year, Jorden planned to fly home to New Jersey. She had also made airline reservations for Hawaii, making her spirits soar at the thought of seeing Alex in Honolulu. He had sent a copy of the hotel reservation confirmation, making her smile—but the smile soon faded when she read some of his latest thoughts.

In your last letter you asked me what I thought about Madison giving you a supply of birth control pills to begin taking before you come to Hawaii. I can’t really tell you what I think. I’m mostly concerned for your health. Some women have suffered blood clots and even strokes. I would never ask you to do anything to endanger yourself. Jorden, you know I love you and want to be with you. I know how much you love me. Believe me—it makes me feel good.

I suppose if you don’t take a chance, you’ll be taking a lot of other chances, such as getting pregnant. I don’t think you are awful, you are beautiful. I guess what you’re doing is all right. I think it’s okay. If you have any doubts, please write and tell me. I promise we can be strong. I don’t want to do anything to hurt you.

Tears welled up in Jorden’s eyes. At least Alex halfway gave his approval. She would interpret his answer as a yes, but she knew birth control would continue to be a problem between them.

On the bright side, Darby’s wedding preparations were going at full speed. She had been speaking with her mother on a daily basis since the beginning of December. The long distance phone bills were expensive, but she needed to get the details of the wedding in place.

“Don’t worry, Mama. We’re driving down this weekend. You can fit my dress and make the alterations then. The church is reserved, and the invitations are ready to send.”

“I’m sure Mama worries more than I do,” Darby announced to Jorden and Emma Lynn after she hung up with her mother. “I’m bringing your dresses back to make sure they fit. They’re dark green velvet with matching lighter green satin bodices. You’ll love them.”

Jorden knew Darby wouldn’t hear whatever she and Emma Lynn said. The wedding plans mesmerized her and dwarfed all else.

The doorbell rang at seven. Jorden got up to answer it. She checked the peephole and there stood Nate. No surprise. He was like another roommate, only he didn’t live with them. She ushered him in and called out, “Darby, its Nate.”