Page 2 of Storytime and Sawdust
I pull out our intake form and begin filling it out with practiced efficiency.
Zaftig Dating Agency Intake Form
Name:Cal Rhodes
Occupation:Custom woodworker and furniture maker, known for craftsmanship and quiet reliability
Referred By:Long-time client (library board member) who's noticed Cal growing more isolated and wants to see him find happiness
Notes:Deeply rooted in tradition, prefers hands-on work to small talk, and is wary of love after a string of shallow relationships. Passionate about his craft but hesitant to step outside his comfort zone.
Name:Molly Harper
Occupation:Children's librarian, beloved for story hours, crafts, and community outreach
Notes:Endlessly optimistic and makes the library a haven for kids and families. Secretly insecure about never being "enough" for the men she dates, but lights up every room with warmth and creativity. We first spotted her at a library fundraiser and were instantly charmed by her energy.
Meeting Location:The local library, during planning and renovation of the new children's reading nook—Cal is brought into design and build custom pieces, and Molly is on the selection committee.
I cap my pen with satisfaction. "They're both ready for something real. Something once-in-a-lifetime."
"And neither will see it coming." Zara's smile turns mischievous. "I'll call Margaret about getting Cal on the bidders' list."
"And I'll swing by the library this afternoon to plant the selection committee seed with the director." I close both folders, feeling that familiar buzz of matchmaker's intuition. "Something tells me this is going to be special."
Zara raises her coffee cup in a toast. "To Cal and Molly—may they find in each other exactly what they didn't know they were looking for."
We clink cups, conspirators in the best possible way.
CHAPTER ONE
MOLLY
I throw my hands in the air with dramatic flair. "And the three little pigs lived happily ever after, while the big bad wolf went hungry!"
"Again, Ms. Harper! Again!" The chorus of tiny voices makes me laugh as I close the oversized picture book.
"We've read this one three times already, munchkins." I adjust my position on the colorful reading carpet, my knees protesting slightly. "How about we save some stories for next time?"
Little Emma Winters, a four-year-old with perpetually untied shoelaces and the biggest blue eyes I've ever seen, crawls into my lap without invitation. "But you do the best wolf voice."
I ruffle her curls. "That's because I practice my huffing and puffing when I blow out birthday candles."
The children giggle, and I feel that familiar warm glow that makes every early morning worth it. Storytime at Maplewood Public Library might not change the world, but for these twenty-five minutes, wecreate magic together.
"Alright, everyone!" I clap my hands in our signature rhythm, and twenty pairs of small hands clap back. "Time for our craft! Today we're making?—"
"PUPPETS!" they shout, already scrambling toward the activity tables where my carefully prepared paper bags and craft supplies wait.
As organized chaos erupts around the craft tables, I move between groups, helping tiny hands with scissors and offering encouragement. "That's a fantastic wolf ear, Jackson! Sophia, your pig has the cutest snout I've ever seen!"
"Ms. Harper?" A small voice tugs at my cardigan. It's Liam, our newest storytime regular, still shy after three weeks.
I kneel down to his level. "What's up, buddy?"
"I made my pig pink and purple." His voice drops to a whisper. "Bobby said boys can't use purple."
I sit back on my heels, making sure my voice carries just enough. "Well, that's silly. Purple is an excellent color for everyone. In fact—" I pull out my phone and quickly Google an image. "Look! The Minnesota Vikings football players wear purple, and they're some of the toughest guys around."
