Page 14 of My Mail Order Valentine

"People still do speed dating?"

"It's a thing." She shrugs.

"Did you pay a lot to this agency?"

"I think it was worth every penny."

"Even with the way that I've treated you?"

"Don't you want a mother for Evie?"

I'm taken aback by her question.

"I think we've been doing well so far."

"A mother's touch is crucial in a young lady's life."

"We're getting off topic."

"What happened to her mother?"

My shoulders tense up even more. Do I want to talk about the most difficult thing I've lived through after my parent's deaths? I've only known Elena for twenty-four hours, but I feel like telling her every little secret that I carry in my heart.

"She died."

"I'm so sorry, Hunter.” She looks sincere. “How long were you together? I didn't see any pictures of her in the cabin."

"It wasn't…I wasn't…Evie is my sister's daughter. Sissy passed away from lung cancer. It happened really fast, and then I had a daughter, and my life was upside down."

She gasps and then reaches out to take my hand. I feel her warmth seep through that connection, and it starts to melt my heart.

"You're an amazing dad to Evie, Hunter. I've noticed how well you care for her. I'm sure your sister is watching over you from heaven and is happy that you’re raising her daughter."

"You believe in heaven?"

"I believe in a lot of things. If you got to know me you would find that out pretty soon."

She smiles at me, and I'm struck by her beauty, quick wit, and kind heart.

"I'm sure that is true."

I place my other hand over hers and fix my gaze on her round, angelic face.

"Tell me about your sister," she says softly.

For the next two hours, I tell Elena about my family. How my parents died, how my grandmother took us in, and how me and Sissy were inseparable. I have to hand it to her, Elena listens to every word I say and asks relevant questions. I've never felt more heard than I do at this moment.

"I think it's time I stopped talking. Do you want to go grab some dinner? There's a hot dog festival at the diner today. It's a small-town thing, but it's really fun."

She smiles but hesitates.

"I really need to find somewhere to stay. It's too late to take the bus now."

I don't know what's wrong with me, but my stomach hurts when I think of her leaving town.

"Stay with me."

"What?"

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