“I hope your uncle’s funeral went well,” Alex said.

“It’s always sad when you lose a family member, but yes, it went well.” Jorden wanted to know why he had acted so cold and left so abruptly after she told him about her uncle’s death—but something held her back. She really didn’t want to ruin the moment. Instead she asked, “How was your Christmas?”

“Good. We had a full house. My two brothers and their families were there which is why I didn’t get a chance to call you sooner. My little niece and nephew never left me alone. But it’s okay; they’re cute and fun to be around. How was your holiday?”

“Fun. Good to get back home. Bobbette, my older sister, kept me entertained like old times.”

A piercing snore interrupted them. They both laughed.

“Tom’s definitely asleep.” Jorden felt Alex’s gaze linger on her before he turned his eyes back to the road. His fingers continued to caress her hand—this was the side of Alex she cherished.

Large flakes of snow started falling. Jorden watched Alex concentrate on the road while his thick eyelashes blinked faster as the snow increased. At the same time, he turned up the speed of the windshield-wipers and blasted the defroster. Now, he used two hands on the steering wheel. The roads were slick. Slowing down, he stepped lightly on the breaks and the Mustang fishtailed—Tom woke with a start.

“Wow, what happened? What time is it?”

“Almost eight,” Alex replied.

“Where are we?” Tom belted out.

“Virginia.”

“You’re kidding. We haven’t gone any further then Virginia. Well, we know whose fault this is.” Jorden could feel his eyes boring into the back of her head. She didn’t say a word.

“We’re getting low on gas. Keep your eyes open for the next exit. Think you can do that, Tom?”

Jorden could feel the tension when Tom ignored Alex’s question. Two miles later, a large sign appeared advertising gas at 39 cents per gallon. Alex turned off and pulled up to the gas pump as the attendant walked up to the car. “How much?”

“Fill’er up,” Alex replied.

“We need a break. Let’s go in and get some snacks. Those should hold us until morning.” Alex waited for the car to be filled while Jorden and Tom went straight to the restrooms. Next, they each picked out drinks and a variety of munchies to eat. “What a lousy dinner,” Jorden mumbled, but not loud enough for the others to hear. She didn’t want to complain.

While they waited in line Jorden couldn’t help but overhear the conversation between the man in front of them and the store clerk.

“Roads are awful. Have you heard the weather report? Sure isn’t good. I wouldn’t be out if I didn’t have to,” the man remarked as he paid the clerk.