She emerged from her bedroom after stubbornly stalking straight there to wash her face and settle into her pajamas. Who cared if her mother was waiting on her? If she was in for a battle she wanted to be comfortable. Having no other reason to stall, she finally made her way back to the living area and plopped into the over-sized chair, hugging a pillow to her chest.

"Would you like some cocoa or a soft drink, honey?"

"No, mom. I just want to get this over with."

"Am I so horrible that the prospect of talking with me is something to be 'gotten over' as quickly as possible?"

Sue immediately felt regret. Slumping, she leaned her head back against the plush chair. "No. I'm sorry. It's just that I have a pretty good idea of what, or who, you want to talk about and I guess I'm already feeling defensive."

"Why do you feel the need to be that way?"

Finding herself feeling antsy, Sue got up to pace. "Because you obviously know that Jack and I have been sharing a room and I know how you feel about that. But, mom, you're going to have to trust me when I tell you that we haven't done anything. Or at least we haven't done what you probably think we've done. Jack has been a perfect gentleman." She stopped and dropped to her knees in front of her mother, gripping one of her hands. "He's a good man, Mom."

Carla patted her daughter's hand. "I know, honey. And he's got gorgeous eyes."

"I mean it, Mom. You don't have any reason to be mad at...huh? Did you just say he has gorgeous eyes?" Sue sat back, a stunned look on her face.

"Don't tell me you haven't noticed!" Her mom feigned shock, raising the back of her hand to her forehead dramatically. "I don't know how you concentrate on anything when he looks at you."

"Mom!"

"What? I may be happily married but I've still got eyes." Giggling at her daughter's expression she sat up and captured both of her daughter's hands in hers, turning serious. "You love him don't you?"

Sue nodded mutely, unable to deny the truth.

"And he loves you. The forever-through-anything kind of love."

"How do you know Jack loves me?"

"Because those eyes of his light up when he talks about you and he's done that quite a bit since your father and I have arrived. His gaze follows you around the room. He puts your well-being above his own. He's willing to spend the afternoon with your parents, making sure we're comfortable and that your reputation in intact. And mostly I know because he told me. That man loves you, Sue."

Sue's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "I know he does, momma." Sue wiped her eyes and rose to settle beside her on the couch. "What else did he tell you?"

Her mother raised her eyebrows. "Why do you think he told me anything else?"

"Because you haven't pitched a fit about our rooming arrangement."

"Yes, well, about that. I did, at first, allow my concerns to surface, but your young man would hear nothing of it. He told me quite firmly that we had raised you well, that your convictions were strong, and that you had done nothing to tarnish your character."

Sue rubbed her arms, crossing them and hugging herself. "Can I tell you something and you not get mad?"

Regret flashed in Carla's eyes. "I'm so sorry I made such a mess of our relationship. I never meant to drive a wedge between us or to push you the way I did."

"I know. The older I get, the more I realize how you put your own life on hold so I could have the best you could provide. I should be thanking you instead of making you feel guilty. I love you, Mom. Don't ever doubt that."

"And I love you, Sue." She pulled her daughter into her arms and clung to her briefly before setting her away. "And yes, you can tell me anything and I promise not to overreact."

Sue's eyes dropped as she chewed on her lower lip. "Jack makes me feel...I mean, when I'm with Jack I want ...He's not like anyone else I've dated. When he's in the room I have trouble breathing. My hands get all sweaty and my pulse races and it's like I can't get close enough to him." The tears that had threatened all night finally spilled over her lids. "If he didn't have so much self-control, I wouldn't be able to face you right now."

Carla reached out and stroked Sue's cheek. "Honey, that's wonderful!"

"What? Wonderful? How?" Her mother's response shocked her.

"You're supposed to feel those things for the man you love. Sue, intimacy between a man and a woman is nothing to be ashamed of. God created us to complete the other. And you are approaching it in a way that is pleasing to Him. You've committed to wait until marriage and I know Jack is joining you in that commitment. If you let that man get away I'm going to ...well, I don't know what I'll do but it won't be pretty."

Her laugh lacked humor. "I don't think you have to worry about me letting him go. If anything it would be..."

Carla's finger on her lips stopped her words. "Don't say it! He's not going to get tired of you, Sue. He's not going to decide that you aren't worth the effort. In fact, he told me tonight that you make him want to be a better man. He wants to be somebody you can be proud of. He respects and cherishes you. He knows you are worth the wait."

Sue once again felt tears sliding down her cheek. "Thank you, Mom."

Carla leaned over and drew Sue into her arms, hugging her tightly for an all too brief time before leaning back. "I love you, honey. And I'm so excited about what your future holds because I know Who holds your future and I know He is the one that has brought Jack into your life." She swiped at a few of her own tears before continuing. "And I know my wait will be worth it too."

"You're wait? What are you talking about?"

"My wait for grandbabies of course! I can see them now, some blonde, some dark-haired, but all with those gorgeous brown eyes!"