Page 31 of The Mr. Right Checklist

“Goodbye, Rubes.” I end the call, hurry downstairs, and answer the door. Fletch looks as handsome as ever in a blue button-down that makes his eyes appear even bluer and dark slacks. A dusting of chest hair peeks out from his open collar, his sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, and his smile sets my heart aflutter. “Hi.”

“Hey, sunshine.” His gaze takes a slow stroll down my body, and my temperature rises. “You look beautiful. Ready for your big night?”

I take a deep breath. “I think so. I’m nervous. Come in. I just need to get my things.”

“Nervous, huh?” He follows me in.

“Yeah.” I close the door, and when I turn around, he’s right there, serious eyes studying me.

He places his hands on my shoulders and gazes deeply into my eyes. “You’re Destiny Amor. You were born to do this, and there’s nothing you can’t do if you put your heart into it. You’re going to win this man over and walk out of that café with a new client. I believe in you, and I know your parents are cheering you on tonight, so no more doubts, sunshine. Okay?”

His support tugs at my heartstrings almost as much as the mention of my parents does. I nod, my emotions too raw to speak.

“I brought you something to mark your big day.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a slim black box.

My pulse quickens. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“It’s not a big deal, but I think you’ll like it.”

“I already do, because it’s from you.” I open the box, and nestled among black silk is a gold pen with GET THE YES! engraved in pink. “Oh, Fletch” falls from my lips with disbelief. This isn’t the kind of gift he could walk in off the street and buy at any gift shop. This took forethought and planning, and the fact that he did that for me makes it feel like much more than just a pretty pen.

“They don’t normally engrave with pink lettering, but I wanted it to be as unique as you are, so I might have bribed the guy with the promise of a perfect proposal event at some point in his future.”

I laugh. “I couldn’t love it more. Thank you!” I throw my arms around him, and my heart races as his arms circle me, holding me tight, the way he’s been doing lately when I go in for a hug.

“I’m glad you like it.”

His voice is low and husky, sending a shiver of heat through me. I want to stay right there in his arms. But I know he’s just being nice, and I’m being weird, so I step back, admiring the gift and the thoughtful man who gave it to me.

“We’d better get a move on,” he reminds me.

I grab my bag and tuck my beautiful new personalized pen into the interior pocket. As I head out the door with this incredible, supportive man by my side, I swear I feel my parents smiling down on me brighter than ever.

FLETCH

Watching Destiny with Arjun, a kind, dark-haired man with glasses and a careful demeanor, further convinces me that proposal planning is exactly what she was meant to do. I don’t know why she was so nervous. Over the course of the last hour, she’s connected with him in a way that makes them seem like old friends, just like she’s done with me. She’s funny, confident, professional, and passionate, and her love of love radiates in everything she says and does. She answers each of his questions thoroughly and thoughtfully and listens intently as he tells stories about how he and Maura met, what his favorite things about her are, his favorite moments in their relationship, their favorite hiking spots and pastimes, and a dozen others. It’s easy to see that Destiny is genuinely invested in their story, and she’s included me in the entire conversation, asking for my opinion, touching my arm or leg as she comments on this or that, and making correlations to our friendship. This whirlwind woman is a rare force of nature, and it’s that warmth and enthusiasm that has me equally as invested. I want this man to give Maura the proposal of her dreams, and I want Destiny to be the one to help him get his yes. I believe Arjun wants her to be that person, too.

“What’s the one dream you and Maura share that is out of reach right now?” she asks.

“That’s easy,” Arjun says. “Going to Paris. We both feel like it’s calling us. We’ve even learned to speak French, but between my deadlines and the hospital being short-staffed, we haven’t been able to coordinate enough time off to go.”

“Even the thought of Paris is romantic,” Destiny says dreamily. She gasps. “I have a great idea! How would you feel about bringing Paris to Maura for the proposal? I see a magical setting, a Parisian café, a replica of the Eiffel Tower. It could be the proposal of a lifetime.”

She’s brilliant.

Hope glimmers in Arjun’s eyes. “How would we do that?”

“If you’re open to the idea and decide to book with my company, just leave it to me. I’ll put together an outline of the event and a budget for your approval, of course, and if you don’t like something, we can tweak it or move on to a different idea. I’m never short on ideas.”

“I want everything to be perfect for Maura, and she’ll never expect a Parisian-themed proposal,” Arjun says. “I’ve been so stressed about how I could possibly make the proposal as special as she deserves, but I feel better now. I know I’ll be in good hands with you. Let’s do it.”

“That’s wonderful!” she exclaims, and turns that megawatt smile at me.

I stifle the urge to tell her how great she is and how proud of her I am, turning instead to Arjun. “You’re making the right choice. Destiny has a magic touch.”

“I can see that,” he says.

Destiny touches my arm, her joyous eyes flicking briefly and appreciatively to mine, before she returns her full attention to her new client.