Page 66 of More Than a Match

“Settle down, tiger. I’ll feed you, let me take of my shoes first!” He meows indignantly again. “Relax, Genie. Your food is coming, you absolute tank.”

I get Genie settled with his food and immediately move into action. Tonight is the night. The guys should be here any minute to help me set up the back yard, and I should be hearing from Katie soon. I’ve got about 2 hours to make this all happen, and I want it to be perfect.

I pull out my phone and call the Thai place we had our first date, placing our order. There’s a knock at the door, and I swing it open.

“Alex! Tonight is the night!” Mina’s mom exclaims as she practically skips inside. “Are you excited? Nervous? Have you thought about what you’re going to say?”

I laugh and give her a hug. “Hey, so glad you could come. Yeah, I’m pretty nervous. I’ve been wanting to do this for a long, long time.”

“I’m so thrilled for you both. I always knew this was meant to be.”

“Oh, did you?” I can’t help but tease, my eyebrow raising as I lightly nudge her.

“Of course,” she blusters, brushing off my gentle ribbing. “Call it mother’s intuition.” She gestures around the spacious living room. “Plus, look at the life you two are building together. You’re the supervisor of your whole department now, Mina is thriving in her attending position… you are living the dream.”

“We really are. I never imagined I’d have a life like this, and here I am!”

“That’s just a testament to what a good woman can bring to your life.”

“Alright, alright,” I groan playfully. “Yes, your daughter is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You’ve got the flowers?”

“Yeah, they’re in my trunk. Figured you’re a big strong man; you can help me bring them inside.”

“Of course. Let’s grab ‘em.”

“Is the yard set up already? I can’t wait to see it.”

“No, the guys should be here any minute to help me set it all up.”

“Perfect! I’ll delegate and direct.”

“Of course you will,” I chuckle. Let’s grab those flowers before they die of heatstroke in the car.”

A few hours later, the yard looks perfect. The food is waiting on the dining room table, Mina’s parents are safely sequestered away in the guest room, and I’m pacing nervously through the house. My phone chirps: another update from Katie. She’s been really good about keeping me posted on how the day has been progressing.

I smile and pocket my phone, knowing better than to respond so I don’t blow the whole plan. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. All my wishes have come true so far, but tonight, I’m reaching for the big one.

MINA

The music pumps from the car stereo as Katie and I sing along at full blast. Today has been amazing. It’s not often Katie and I have days off together anymore, and this girls pamper day was so needed. I feel like a whole new woman.

Katie turns down the music and glances over at me as she turns down my street. “Alex is a lucky dude. You look hot, babes.”

“Oh, you think?” I reply, tossing my freshly blown out hair and wiggling my perfectly manicured nails. “Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s an uninterrupted girls spa day with her bestie!”

Katie laughs. “Girl, you’re born with it, don’t lie. The hair, nails and makeup just give that extra va-va-voom that makes the boys go crazy.”

“Well, I only care about making one guy crazy,” I grin.

“And you definitely do!” Katie leans over and nudges me. “Drive him crazy, that is. But hey, look at this life! Look at this beautiful house. And one day, maybe beautiful babies?”

“Ha, maybe. We’re both very career-focused right now. I love what we have. Genie is a handful; I can’t imagine adding a baby right now. But maybe someday.”

We pull into my driveway and Katie leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Love you, bitch! See you at work!”

“Love you! See ya,” I wave as I leave the car and head to my front door. I walk in, and the smell makes my stomach rumble.

“Hey baby! I’m home! Whatever that food is, it smells amazing so I hope you saved me some!”

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