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.

”

glances at him, captivated by his

vibe unlike anyone she’d met before and he stood

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

up, he met Doreen’s

that she

gentle smile crossed Cordell’s

race, Doreen managed a small smile in return, but Cordell had already turned to engage

found herself observing the elegant man before

hint of annoyance, turned slightly to address Neville, who wore

“Just talk.

did you

Neville teased with a sly smile, “What took you so long? Were you on a secret

excuse of

chimed in, “He’s been buried in

could pull him from the hospital unless it’s

”

responded with a resigned

on the verge of

a critical

wedding discussion, I might not have made it

”

Doreen and inquired, “Why