“I’ll be practical. We won’t be able to afford more than two or three kids. We can follow the Church’s acceptable rhythm method or at least give it a try. If it doesn’t work, we’ll have to figure out some other plan. I know we can make this work.”

An alarm went off. She knew the method accepted by the Catholic Church wasn’t reliable. She wondered how he thought they could make this work, but she pushed the thought aside.

“When shall we get married?” Alex asked.

“This all feels so—overwhelming. I haven’t even had time to think about it.”

“I think I’d like to wait until I return from Vietnam. That will give us more time. It won’t be like we rushed into marriage. What do you think?”

“All right for now—we still have time to make up our minds.” Jorden thought about Madison. They married before Luke went to Vietnam. But, they shared the same religion. Maybe Alex is right—it would be better to wait.

“You make me so happy! Let’s break out the Champagne and celebrate our future.” Alex squeezed her shoulders.

“I’ll get the glasses. Hey, all we have are water glasses.”

“They should work.” Alex popped the cork and poured the sparkling wine.

“Whoa!”

“You’re no fun!” Alex laughed and raised his glass. “To the future Mrs. Whelan.”

Jorden shivered as she clinked his glass.

Alex put on an album by Neil Diamond. “Kentucky Woman” began playing. “Let’s dance—I like this one.”

They glided to the rhythm of the music. Jorden felt him nuzzle her neck, smelling the fragrance of her perfume. He held her tightly, touching the softness of her skin. Several songs later, Alex led them in the direction of her bedroom. Piece by piece the remnants of their clothes ended up on her bedroom floor. He kissed her, gently at first. A quiver went down her back when he lifted her like a feather and placed her on her bed. A flurry of emotions intensified. She felt herself lift out of reality. Then—it was over.

Jorden lay quietly. “I hope I haven’t hurt you?” Alex asked.

Jorden didn’t say anything.

After a few minutes, Alex left for the bathroom.

“So that’s it,” Jorden murmured.

He had his briefs on when he returned to the bed. Lying next to Alex, Jorden realized she could get pregnant. It hit her like a ton of bricks. Surely, she wouldn’t. She reached for her underwear before tracing his steps to the bathroom and looking into the mirror. She touched her face to see if she looked different. The reflection appeared to be the same, but she felt changed.

“Are you okay?” Alex called out.

“I’m fine.” Jorden walked back and slid in next to him.