Page 3 of Daddy's Little Matchmaker

“Got it.”

Once the cat was settled, Fiona and Tessica went upstairs to Fiona’s living area. She’d had the house renovated almost twenty years ago, when her husband died. The top of the stairs opened into her living room. The kitchen and dining areas were to the left, and her bedroom and bathroom were to the right. Every once in a while, Tessica would get a twinge of nostalgia when she walked past the pictures of Fiona’s family in the living room.

Tessica followed Fiona to the kitchen table and sat. Fiona dished up some homemade potato soup for both of them.

“How was your Christmas week?” Tessica asked, then blew on her steaming soup.

“It was fantastic. I got to see all three kids, my grandkids, and my great-grandkids. And I didn’t have to go to Juneau this year to see Connor.”

“Wow!” Tessica was surprised that Fiona’s oldest had made an appearance. “He actually came to Beaverton?”

“For three whole days.”

“Shocking. I’ve always thought it was ironic that he almost never comes to visit when he’s a pilot.”

Fiona shook her head. “He rarely flies into Portland, it’s mostly from Juneau to Seattle and back. But I think he’s starting to realize how much he’s missed with his granddaughters getting older.”

“How old are your great-grandbabies now?”

“Bethany is ten, and Maggie is eight.”

“Damn, that makes me feel old.” Tessica shook her head.

Fiona chuckled. “It only gets worse. How was your Christmas?”

Tessica spent the next few minutes talking about her adult twin boys with a few snide comments thrown in about her ex and his new wife. By the time she was done, her soup was gone, and she realized that Fiona’s bowl was still full.

“The soup was fantastic. Aren’t you hungry?’

Fiona shook her head. “My stomach has been upset all day.”

“Do you think you’re coming down with something? The flu maybe?”

“I hope not. I don’t have time to be sick. Ready to go take a look at the cat?”

Tessica frowned. “Maybe you should lay down and rest for a while. I can take over for the afternoon.”

Fiona sighed. “If it will make you happy, I’ll take the afternoon off once we check him out.”

Surprised, and a little worried that Fiona had actually agreed to take an afternoon off, Tessica nodded. “That’s great.”

They went downstairs and looked through the cage at their newest guest.

“Want to name him?” Fiona asked.

Tessica shrugged.

“He looks like a Butch to me.”

“Butch?” Tessica laughed.

“Like an old gangster from the movies.”

“Sure. Why not?”

“Come on, Butch.” Fiona opened the cage. “Let’s get you checked out.” She reached in to pick up the cat, but gasped and froze.

“Fiona?”

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