Page 63 of A Midsummer Night's Ghost

“You can add drapes and art or whatever makes sense to you.”

“I love it.” Then a thought occurred to me. “You didn’t really remediate asbestos, did you?”

“No. We can do that later as long as we don’t disturb the tiles.”

Since that was always the plan, I wasn’t going to worry about it.

“This was worth staying at Dad’s. Despite the trauma.”

He laughed. “I’m glad you like it. I know the kitchen is still a disaster, but maybe in six months. Oh, and I got the wallpaper down in the hall bathroom that you started but I just painted the walls white because I didn’t know if you had any other plans for it.”

“How did you do this all in such a short amount of time?”

“I had help.”

“Well, tell them thank you.”

Then I caught a peek of the kitchen. He hadn’t redone the kitchen, because that would be impossible in three days, but there was food everywhere. Party trays and pasta and a beverage station.

And the chicest cupcakes I had ever seen on multiple cake and cupcake stands. They each had a dusty rose on top with pearl edible beading adorning them. In the middle was a mother-of-pearl looking giant “29.”

“You can tell them yourself in an hour.”

My jaw dropped. “A birthday party?”

“But not a surprise, because I’m telling you. A housewarming birthday party combination too, so really, you can’t be mad.”

My heart swelled. “You are pretty incredible.”

“I try.”

I hugged him. “And I’m a very lucky girl. What time is everyone coming?”

“Seven. Why?”

“Because you’re about to be a very lucky guy.”

“I already am. But why don’t you just go change in case someone arrives early?”

“You’re a very practical man.”

He winced. “That doesn’t sound sexy at all.”

“It’s very sexy. It’s called competence porn. Women want a man who handles things.”

“I’ll be handling all the things after everyone goes home.”

I laughed. “Who did you invite?”

“Alyssa, my parents, your parents, my brother. Just a few people.”

“My father is coming?” It was my turn to wince a little. “And my mother? Oh God. I don’t think that’s a good idea considering the recent history between them. My mother will skewer Nancy.”

“Don’t worry. I spoke to him and he agreed it would be better if he didn’t bring Nancy.”

“He agreed to that?” I was genuinely astonished. My father did not like to be told what to do.

“Yes. He didn’t want to make things awkward.”

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