Darby came out with a long list. “Come on Nate, you can help me check these off. Mama’s driving me nuts over all the wedding details. I told her we were driving down for the weekend, but she still worries.”

Nate watched Darby clear off the dining room table top to make space for him. Instead of joining her, he stepped back toward the door. “Come on, Darby—let’s go for a drive and clear our heads of all these wedding preparations.”

“Okay, but there’s still a lot to do before we leave on Friday.”

Jorden noted how Darby reluctantly got her coat and put the list in her pocket. At the same time, she saw how Nate’s eyes scanned the room, noting the Christmas tree and all the decorations before he opened the door.

Kyle skipped up the stairs as Darby and Nate walked down.

Darby yelled at Emma Lynn, “Kyle’s coming!”

“Where are they going?” Kyle asked while giving Emma Lynn a hug.

“For a ride.”

“Nasty night out. Looks like it wants to snow. I’d rather be in here.” Kyle’s eyes darted from Emma Lynn to the mistletoe. Jorden took the hint and left.

Darby returned around nine thirty.

“Where’s Nate?” Kyle asked.

“Gone.”

“You didn’t ask him in? Did you have a fight?” Emma Lynn raced to the door to call his name.

“I told you, he’s gone.” Darby threw her coat down.

“Gone where?” Emma Lynn looked puzzled.

“Away. The engagement—the wedding is off.” Darby looked down at her left hand—the engagement ring was no longer on her finger. “It’s over!”

Jorden heard the commotion and peeked out of her bedroom.

“Why?” Emma Lynn asked.

Darby ignored her question. On the verge of tears, she rushed by Jorden. Darby didn’t say a word, entered her bedroom, and slammed the door.

After Kyle left, Emma Lynn approached their room. She could hear Darby sobbing. “Let me in—please. Tell me what happened.”

“Leave me alone. I don’t want to talk about it!” Darby called back.

Softly, Emma Lynn spoke, “Remember it’s my room, too. I need to get ready for bed. Please let me in.”

Jorden could hear them from her room and stepped out into the hall. Little by little, Darby opened the door. Her eyes were red. Emma Lynn held out her arms. At the same time, Jorden joined them. The threesome stood together until a sob broke the silence. Emma Lynn led Darby to her bed. “Tell us what happened.”