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.

”

Cordell settled in, Doreen stole a few glances at him, captivated by his charm

had a vibe unlike anyone she’d met before and he stood out in the

it down and felt a

up, he met Doreen’s

so startled that she forgot to avert her

gentle smile crossed Cordell’s

her heart race, Doreen managed a small smile in return,

found herself observing the elegant man

slightly to address Neville, who

“Just talk.

you

“What took

the mundane excuse of a traffic

could reply, Matthew chimed in, “He’s

pull him from the hospital unless

”

with a

on the verge of a breakthrough with

at a

Matthew and Stella’s wedding discussion,

”

glanced at Doreen and inquired, “Why hasn’t anyone introduced me to this