Page 9 of My Accidental Holidate

My favorite color combination was canary yellow, salmon, and beige.

I love twinkle lights and greenery.

I smile at how she navigates the conversation and helps the couple understand their options, offering personal insight if they became stuck. I step away momentarily to help Rosie, who is equally impressed.

It isn’t until I’m going through my bedtime routine that I realize Stella wasn’t just planning their wedding today.

She was also planning mine. Kurt and mine’s.

Crap.

Kurt and I definitely have things to discuss tomorrow.

5

Lucy

“To us,” Kurt holds up a glass of white wine and toasts, waiting for me to clink.

Today has been nothing short of a dream. First coffee, then walking in the park, then sitting in a library and reading to each other, and then finding a small bistro to have dinner. I didn’t expect to spend the whole day with him, but Rosie insisted that the shop was slow and seeing as I never take a day off, she would make a scene if I even thought about stepping foot in the door.

So I didn’t.

“What’s something you dream of doing?” I ask him.

“Running my own rescue,” he says without hesitation. “It takes a lot of volunteers and money. I’m starting to save and while I do, I help other organizations.”

“A rescue for a specific breed of dog…cat? If there are those?”

“Just for animals. And maybe ones that probably would never get adopted at a traditional shelter. Ones with special needs.”

My heart soars. The man doesn’t just like animals, he loves them to his soul.

“How about you?” He leans back and his dress shirt pulls tightly across his chest. We haven’t been close enough for me to feel it, but I know it’s hard planes of muscle covered in the softest skin. He’s just too God-like for it not to be.

“My business is my dream, but…” I swallow. “Having a family is something I dream of, but I’m not sure it’s for me.”

He leans forward, the glow of the flameless candle lighting up his face. “Why not?”

“I… I was the accidental child, after my parents thought they were done. They wanted to retire and travel, and I was the shackle that kept them tied down. I’m not sure I understand what true, unconditional love is.”

“Do you still talk to them?”

“I do. Not often. It’s amazing how close your family is.”

“And in everyone’s business.”

I remember Grandma Stella and what she did. I start to open my mouth and the waiter interrupts with the check.

“Dutch, I offer.”

“Not a chance. Our first date-date is mine to get.”

I want to believe that this could be real. That all of this could go somewhere, and that June wedding could happen, but the way this started—with anaphylaxis and choking—doesn’t scream longevity. It screams caution.

Kurt stands. “Shall we walk you home?”

We chose this bistro for location. He parked at my place and hand in hand we walked here. And hand in hand, we’re walking back. It’s a chilly night and he moves his arm around me to pull me under his careful grasp. The clear night has stars sparkling.

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