Page 11 of Merry Little Midlife Matchmaker

“Perfect.” Sandra dropped the foil-covered green beans on the counter. “So, Sean, how are you settling in?”

“Just fine, thanks,” I answered, moving out of the way as the two women bustled around the kitchen. “Mikey seems to like the new school.”

“Wonderful. Allan and I were so sad to hear that things didn’t work out with you and Melody.” She came over and squeezed my arms. “But don’t you worry. We’ll get Lizzie on it, and you’ll find someone new in no time.”

“Mom,” Lizzie protested.

“‘Get Lizzie on it?’” I repeated.

“Hey, Mom,” Aaron said as he wandered into the kitchen. He kissed Sandra’s cheek then went to the fridge to grab himself a fresh drink. “That’s a good idea, actually,” he said as he pulled a fresh bottle from the bottom shelf. He twisted off the top and turned to face me. “Lizzie can set you up.”

“She’s a born matchmaker,” Sandra added.

I glanced at the woman in question, who seemed very interested in the state of the extra stuffing. “I don’t know if I’d go that far,” she said.

“Oh, don’t be silly!” Sandra said.

“You set me and Emily up,” Aaron cut in. He glanced at me. “And Lizzie found the perfect woman for Kyle, but she ended up moving overseas and it didn’t work out. And then there was that mom at the school that you set up with your dentist.”

“If only she had such good taste for herself,” Sandra added with a laugh.

Lizzie’s red cheeks had gone even redder. She didn’t meet my eye.

I cleared my throat. “I’m not looking for someone to date,” I said. “I’m just trying to settle in with Mikey.”

“Sure,” Sandra said, “but if therewassomeone…” She turned to Lizzie. “You must have someone in mind. You can always tell within minutes of meeting people who they’d pair up with.” Sandra shot me a smile. “She’s really good at it.”

It seemed to take a lot of effort for Lizzie to meet my gaze. Her smile was bright as ever, but it didn’t quite seem to reach her eyes. The dimple was nowhere in sight. “I can think of a couple of candidates,” she said. “But only if you’re interested.”

“Of course he’s interested!” Aaron slapped me on the back. “Sean has always been a ladies’ man.”

I snorted. “In high school, maybe.”

“Everyone deserves to go out on a date once in a while,” Sandra said, patting my cheek. Her face brightened. “And everyone deserves a New Year’s kiss!”

“Haven’t had one of those in a while,” I admitted.

Lizzie snorted sympathetically, but no one else seemed to notice. Both Aaron’s and Sandra’s eyes were on me.

Sandra smiled. “You just let Lizzie work her magic. Now to New Year’s is more than enough time. Isn’t it, honey?”

“Sure,” Lizzie said, inspecting the green beans. She squared her shoulders and turned to face us. Her smile was wide but almost brittle. “What do you say?”

I couldn’t say what I really wanted to say, which was that the most attractive solution to this proposal was for Lizzie and me to be each other’s New Year’s kiss. Which obviously would be like taking a torpedo and firing it at the fresh foundations of my new home. Instead, I shrugged. “I’m intrigued by these matchmaking skills of yours.”

“Game’s back on,” Aaron said. “How long until dinner?”

“Hour or so,” Lizzie answered.

“Cool.” Aaron towed me out of the room and Sandra followed with a fresh tray of snacks for the den. Before I turned thecorner, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Lizzie standing in the kitchen, looking lost.

SIX

LIZZIE

My mom,Emily, an uncle, and a couple of cousins came to help set the table. The kids’ table was in the living room, and while the others made sure the dining room was ready, I went outside to call the kids in for food. Then came a rush of serving plates and customizing them for every picky child, and I found myself darting between the kitchen and the living room while the adults made their way to the main table.

“Everyone good over there?” Emily asked, glancing toward the living room.

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