“Let me see,” Alex said as he pretended to go through his pockets.

“You’re terrible.” She reached into his back pocket. “Here it is.” She grinned and shoved him toward the door. “Now, I’m ready for the dinner you promised me.”

“Can’t break my promise,” Alex said with a bow.

They went to Amore’s. Antonio waved them over. “You two look happy. Is this a special occasion?”

“It is! This beautiful young lady agreed to marry me.”

“Congratulations!”

“Thank you,” Alex replied.

“Have you set a date?” Antonio inquired as he pulled out a chair for Jorden.

“Not yet.”

“Well, with such good news, can I interest you in our special, Shrimp Fettuccini Alfredo? Antonio asked in an upbeat tone. “It’s delicious.”

“Perfect,” Alex agreed.

Jorden nodded in agreement. “Good choice.”

“For this special occasion, two glasses of Chardonnay are complimentary, if you’d like?”

“Sounds wonderful,” Alex replied.

Jorden enjoyed the dinner and Antonio’s attention to detail. “Can I tempt you with one of our delectable desserts?”

“Not for me, I can’t take another bite.” Jorden dropped her napkin on the table.

“Thank you, Antonio. We’ll linger awhile longer.”

“No rush. Take all the time you want.”

Settled in, Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out a rectangular box wrapped in Christmas paper.

“What do you have there?”

“Remember, I said I had a present for you.”

“Yes. You wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Jorden wanted to forget Justin’s phone conversation. Her shoulders slumped when she thought of him hanging up on her.

“I see a frown; maybe I should save it for later?”

“No. You can’t keep me in suspense.” Jorden took it from his hands and tore off the wrapping. She opened a jeweler’s box. At the center lay a silver bracelet. A delicate heart dangled from the silver chain. It was outlined in gold with an emerald in the center.

“It’s beautiful! Here! Help me put it on.”

“First, look on the back.”

Gently, Jorden turned it over. Their initials were finely engraved with the date, 1/4/69. Jorden looked astonished. “When did you have it engraved?”

“I found a jeweler this afternoon. I wanted to give you something special to remind you of this date. Each year I want to add another heart so it will grow with us.”

Jorden held up her wrist for Alex to latch the silver chain.

“It’s lovely.” The heart dangled freely, the emerald reflecting the light from a vase of cut flowers.

“I love it,” Jorden said while kissing him. “Thank you.”

Jorden was quiet on the ride back to her apartment. She couldn’t keep her eyes off the bracelet. “It’s amazing we ever met. Do you think we’re a good fit?” Jorden squeezed his arm.

“Getting cold feet?” Alex joked. “Oh, we have differences. Everyone does. Like we said this morning, we should talk.”