Page 15 of Her Inconvenient Wedding Date

“I have a friend who knows someone,” I explain in Mandarin. “I’m glad you like it. If you ever want more, just let me know.”

All the aunties around us start talking amongst themselves about my language skills and knowledge of Chinese culture. My ears heat up to hear all their compliments, but Mama Lam keeps her cool and tilts her chin up proudly.

“Of course he is an excellent choice,” she touts without missing a beat. “I taught my daughters to only choose the best.”

Lily’s brows shoot up in surprise at her mother’s change of heart.

Mrs. Lam turns to me and asks, “And how do you know how to speak Mandarin so well? You speak better than Lily.”

Lily balks. “Really, Ma? I suffered through twelve years of Chinese school.”

“And you still have an accent.”

“That’s because I’m out of practice. Other than you and Ba, I have no one to talk to in Mandarin.”

“Not anymore.” Mama Lam nods in my direction. “You have Hunter, your fiancé.”

Lily and I exchange wide-eyed, jaw-dropping looks. Does this mean I’ve been welcomed into the Lam Family?

CHAPTER 9

Lily

“Love iswhen you meet someone who tells you something new about yourself.” ~André Breton

Miracles do happen.

I don’t know how Hunter did it, but he managed to win my wonderfully stubborn and strongheaded mother over. After our lunch with the family, which included an extensive interview that Hunter passed with flying colors—I’m now convinced he’s really Superman—both of my parents sent us off with their blessings. It’s now two days later, we’re out of the office on a boba tea break, and I still can’t get over how God answered my prayers.

“How did I not know your parents were missionaries in Taiwan and that you were born there?” I ask Hunter who’s studying the menu displayed on the monitor over the buy counter as we wait in line. “And you lived there for the first nine years of your life? No wonder you’re practically fluent in Mandarin!”

He shrugs and shoots me a sheepish grin. “You never asked.”

I roll my eyes at his attempt to be cute. Never mind that it’s working—the corners of his eyes crinkle in such an adorable way whenever he smiles—but I am not amused. Relieved? Yes. Amused? Not quite. “You could have mentioned it before you met my parents. It would’ve been a lot less nerve-wracking if I’d known about your superpower.”

“And ruin the surprise? No way. It was priceless seeing your reaction.” He raises his brows and drops his jaw, looking like the shocked face emoji. “I told you I was prepared for the meeting.”

“You weren’t only prepared; you blew everyone’s mind. It was like the story in Numbers where God made the donkey talk to its owner. Hearing you speak Mandarin for the first time was almost as unbelievable.”

He cocks his head. “Are you comparing me to a donkey now?”

“No, silly, just the situation. It was nothing short of a miracle, I tell you. I never, ever in a million years imagined my mom would approve of me marrying someone who’s not Chinese.”

“Well, miracles do happen. And God isn’t bound by time, so a million years doesn’t count for much from His point of view.”

I blink in surprise. Something about his answer makes my insides flutter. What can I say? I’m a gal who appreciates it when a guy talks theology to me. I love that Hunter is kindandsmart. “That is such a geeky yet logical answer.”

“That’s me, geeky and logical.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing. Geeky and logical guys are kind of h—cool.”

“Huh-cool? Is that a new slang word?”

I quickly shake my head. I’m not about to admit that I almost called Hunter hot. “No, I had a little tickle in my throat.”

His gaze softens with concern. “Your cheeks are flushed. I hope you’re not getting sick.”

“No, I’m fine. It’s probably something to do with the weather cooling down. I should’ve worn more.” I cross my arms over my cream-colored blouse that I paired with a leopard print skirt. Goosebumps form along my skin, which could be due to the strong air conditioning in this shop or a reaction to Hunter taking off his jacket.

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