Page 74 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

She went to him, oddly touched at his vulnerability. She always thought of him as invincible.

“They’re happy I’m happy. It’s awkward when meeting the first time, I know. But they like you, I can tell.”

“You are better at gauging their reaction than I am. Are you sure your father will go along with it?”

She laughed.

“Yes. He was worse with Tom. Of course, we were still teenagers when we were first dating, but he even asked Tom for his five-year plan. Like a high school kid had such a thing. Relax, Myles. What’s not to like?”

“As long as you keep thinking that way,” he said, kissing her. “I’ll go clean up and change and pick you and Zack up at six-thirty.”

“See you then.”

While Anna showered, she considered the afternoon meeting. Her parents had been more concerned than she expected, but who could blame them? She’d agreed to marry a man she hardly knew, who had no family or even friends in the area.

Yet she knew it was going to be a happy marriage. Myles gave her security and contentment and yet excited her as no man had before. She was looking forward to finding a place together. Making a home for their family. Sharing holidays and birthdays. Watching Zack grow to manhood.

She also liked the idea of maybe adopting a child or two out of foster care to complete their family. She knew Myles would want an older child as he’d been when available for adoption. He’d never been chosen. Maybe they could change the life of a boy or girl and include them in their family.

The rest of the weekend passed quickly. The Molinas spent as much time with their grandson—and new son-in-law-to-be—as they could. Anna was pleased everyone seemed to get along, but there was no strong bond forged.

That would take time.

Her parents had known and loved Tom for years. It would take a while for Myles to find his way with them. She hoped they’d try. It was important to her he found acceptance with her family. He’d been without one of his own all his life. She wanted him to be part of hers.

Monday morning, her parents flew home. Anna went to work as normal. When she returned home that evening, Myles was there with Zack.

“Where’s Edith?” she asked, after greetings had been exchanged.

“I sent her home about a half hour ago. I came by after my hours at the preschool. Brad also came this afternoon and Phillip Goldstein. We just about have the playground up to code.”

“Let me change and I’ll start supper.”

“We can order in. I want to talk to you about looking for a house. It takes a bit of time after we find a place to close escrow. I’d like to move right in after we get married.”

“Sounds fine to me. I’ll be right back.”

He’d printed several sheets of listings on the internet of houses in different towns on Long Island. After ordering in a Chinese dinner, they sat together and looked at the different properties. All were waterfront dwellings. Some were huge, with matching price tags.

“We can’t afford these,” Anna said at last.

The one on West Islip that was pictured on one page was an ideal home. She’d love to see inside. But no use going there. It was way out of their price range.

“Yes, we can,” he said, studying another.

She looked at him.

“We can?”

How much money did this future husband of hers have? The homes were in the millions of dollars range.

He glanced at her, caught her gaze. “What?”

“Exactly how much can we afford?” she asked.

He shrugged.

“I’ll let you know if we go over my limit. None of these will break the bank.”

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