Page 11 of A Match Made at Christmas

Hayes had no reply. His aunt might be certifiable, but he didn’t feel like now was a good time to tell her so.

“And, furthermore, nobody knows anything about what I’m doing. I can assure you, there is nothing untoward happening here. I look at this as a responsibility, and I didn’t ask for it, mind you. You don’t get to choose to be Noni Rose, Noni Rose chooses you.” She stared at him, an expectant look on her face.

He smiled at her. Had she just said something important and he misunderstood?

“I think it’s a great thing, then,” he said. “If it makes you happy, and people are finding love or whatever, more power to you.”

“People do not find loveor whatever,” she said pointedly. “I create an atmosphere that allows love to blossom, that’s all.”

He didn’t respond.

“And, you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve selected my replacement.”

“You’re retiring from matchmaking?”

“I’m taking a little break.”

“Right,” he said. “Paris.”

“Right.” She nodded, that knowing expression still on her face.

“Aunt Nellie,” he said. “What are you trying to say?”

“It’s you, Hayes,” she said with enthusiasm, as if he’d been chosen the next contestant onThe Price is Right.

“What’s me?”

“My replacement.” She still leaned forward across the desk, but now it almost felt like she was luring him in somehow. “Well, temporarily.”

“Me? No.” He shook his head. “You’ve officially lost your mind.”

“I know it seems crazy, kiddo, but Helen always told me when you know, you know.” She eyed him. “And I know.”

“Well,Iknow that you are crazy,” he said. “Noni Rose is awoman.”

She shrugged. “Doesn’t have to be.”

He stared at her, trying to determine exactly how serious she was. Judging by her unchanging expression—very.

“Dudes do not become matchmakers,” he said.

“It’s a temporary gig,” she repeated, as if that made it better.

“It’s a gig I don’t want,” he said.

“Hayes, I didn’t want to bring it up, but you do know that you were the only family member who didn’t make it home for my birthday party in September.”

September.Right. He should’ve come home for the party. In hindsight, that would’ve saved him a world of grief. “The only one?”

She nodded. “And, I might add, youaremy favorite so I was especially disappointed.”

He grinned. “I’m your favorite.”

Aunt Nellie smiled back. “As if you didn’t know.” She pulled a photo out of her top desk drawer and slid it across the desk. “This is the woman I’m working on matching, and I just have a feeling if I leave for Paris without a replacement, it’s not going to happen for her.”

He looked at the photo. A plain-looking woman with kind eyes looked back at him. She was familiar. “Why her?”

“It’s hard to explain. It’s a feeling. It’s like the Lord puts someone in my path, and I just know.”

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