The night was clear but cold, in the upper thirties. They listened to music as Alex drove out of the city limits. “Look, there’s a sign to Calloway Gardens. Have you ever been there?”

“Several times.” Jorden remembered swimming in the lake area of the resort last summer with Justin. She wondered what it would be like with Alex.

“I have an idea. Why don’t we go on Saturday? We could make it a day trip.” Alex shifted in his seat. “Wait. I forgot I have a basketball game on base. I promised my platoon I’d root for them. Why . . . why don’t you come with me?”

“Sounds like fun. I’d love to,” Jorden replied. She enjoyed a good game.

Fifteen minutes later, Alex drove back and parked in front of her apartment.

“Would you like to come in? Madison’s probably gone to bed.”

“I wish I could but I have to be up by five. The candidates have a special drill starting at six.” Alex pulled her closer. “We could get together Wednesday night. Can you fit me into your schedule?”

“I can.” Jorden’s heart leapt as he leaned over and kissed her.

***

“What’s up with you and Alex?” Madison demanded. “He calls and comes over every night. I haven’t seen you this cheerful in a long time.”

“Alex is amazing. Tomorrow I have a full day with him. I can’t wait!”

He even arrived on time Saturday for the basketball game. Jorden noticed Madison smile when she opened the door. Her roommate was starting to like him.

Jorden watched Alex drive carefully onto Fort Benning, winding through streets until he finally found a parking place. A light rain started. As they made their way to the gym, she stumbled over an uneven spot, and Alex caught her. A church steeple emerged from the mist. Fog lightly hovered over the area and enveloped her. She felt peaceful. This seemed to be a good sign, an omen for the future—perhaps her future with Alex.

“Are you all right?” Alex reached down to help her up.

“I’m fine.” Jorden stood up and took a step forward to balance herself. She searched for the church, but it had disappeared in the mist.

“Come on. We’re going to miss the game if we don’t hurry.”

Jorden noted how old the gym appeared to be. Several rows of bleachers lined each side filled with only a handful of people. She looked on as the players moved swiftly up and down the court. During the first quarter each team traded baskets to keep the score tight. Cheering exploded at the end of the second half. Jorden clapped as hard as anyone else when Alex’s platoon won. The final score was seventy-eight to seventy-four.

Jorden looked up as they walked back outside. The sky appeared even grayer and suddenly opened with drenching rain.