“You’re right. This is a good time—Madison won’t get back until late tomorrow afternoon.”

Alex enveloped Jorden in his powerful arms after they entered her apartment. She shivered.

“Are you all right?” Alex asked.

“Just cold.”

“Are you sure that’s all?”

“Yes, but . . . I still worry we may have too many differences.”

“I don’t think so. Come sit with me.”

“First, I want to say how much I love you. I know it seems like we made this decision too quickly, but it feels right. After those crazy two days on the road, I knew I wanted you for my wife. Tom acted so terrible, and you took it so well. You’re beautiful. I hope you don’t want to back out?”

“No. I just want it to be right between us.”

“It will be. We share the same value system. What are you worried about?”

“Religion. I know you’re Catholic, and I grew up Methodist. They’re very different. The church was a big part of my life.” Jorden and her family had gone to the same church ever since she could remember. She never thought about changing faiths.

“Yes, I’m Catholic, and I have to be honest with you; I can’t leave my faith. It would break my mother’s heart. Growing up, our lives were immersed in the church. I want my children, I mean our children, brought up in the Catholic faith.” He squeezed her hands. Their eyes met.

Silence followed. Jorden kept hearing the phrase “Break my mother’s heart.” It continued to play in her mind. Lowering her eyes, she stared at her hands nestled in Alex’s large ones. The emerald on the bracelet sparkled as she moved her wrist. It reminded her of his earlier words: “Each year I want to add to this so it will grow with us.” She wanted that too.

Jorden looked up. “I know there is quite a difference between our faiths, but maybe I can bend easier than you. I’m . . . I’m willing to convert and bring up our children in the Catholic faith if it means that much to you.” She wasn’t sure she could ever go along with all the Catholic doctrines, but she would try.

Alex’s eyes brightened. “I want that more than you can ever know. You makes me a very happy man.”

“I’m glad you want children. I’d hate to fall in love with someone who didn’t want a family.” Jorden hesitated before she continued, “I also have to be honest—I only want two children, three at the most. I do believe in birth control.” Jorden looked directly at Alex. “Is this going to be a problem for you?”