When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Stella and Matthew toasted, and then settled in for more chatter with their supportive crew.

To keep Doreen comfortable, Stella steered conversations her way now and then, with Miley and Flossie chiming in smoothly.

Doreen, being the social butterfly she was, quickly struck up chats with others.

Midway through dinner, Cordell finally strolled in, apologizing for his tardiness with a hint of humor.

“Sorry, folks.

I got held up.

My bad.

Let me make up for it with a glass.

”

“Just one? Come on, show some respect for the ladies,” Neville teased.

Cordell shot him a mock glare.

“Fine.

Three glasses then.

”

a few glances at him, captivated by

had a vibe unlike anyone she’d met before and he

downing his third glass, Cordell set it down and felt a pair of eyes

he met

she forgot to avert her

gentle smile

race, Doreen managed a small smile in return, but Cordell had

observing the elegant man

a hint of annoyance, turned slightly to address Neville,

“Just talk.

you touch

“What took you so long? Were

mundane excuse of a traffic jam

Cordell could reply, Matthew chimed in, “He’s been buried in his

anyone could pull him from the hospital unless it’s to

”

responded with a resigned

the verge of

a critical

Matthew and Stella’s wedding discussion, I might

”

glanced at Doreen and inquired, “Why hasn’t anyone