Page 76 of The Mr. Right Checklist

“Thank you. But they’re still here, shining down on me from above.”

“And they’re proud as hell of you, sunshine.” Fletch kisses my temple again.

“They should be,” Chuck says. “Destiny is quite a businesswoman, and she’s an excellent baker, too.”

“The baking is all my mama’s doing, and I have your brother to thank for what little business savvy I have. He has been my saving grace.” In more ways than one.

“All I did was help you get organized,” Fletch says. “The rest is all you.”

“Proposal planning is quite a unique niche,” his father says.

“You should hear about the proposal she’s putting together,” Fletch says. “It’s going to be phenomenal.”

“I would love to hear about it,” his mother says.

“Me too,” Beth adds.

“It’s going to be Parisian themed, and I’m holding it right here on the roof of this restaurant next Saturday night.”

“On the roof?” Chuck asks.

“Yes. I know it seems like a strange idea, but this building has the most spectacular view of the lights of the town. It was a bit pricey to get the roof cleaned, and creating a safe area so my client and his soon-to-be fiancée aren’t at risk of falling off means paying to have barriers put up. Not that I think they’ll be anywhere near the edge, but you never know what’s going to happen when two people are caught up in love.”

“That would be a worse proposal than trying to hitch Fletch to his stalker,” Jimmy says with a laugh.

“You’ve got that right. That’s why I’m doing it. I’m going to camouflage the barriers with cloth that’ll make them look like stone walls and add lights and flowers. I designed beautiful cards to go in the bouquets, and each one has a memory printed on it of a special moment they’ve shared. I’m excited about those smaller personal touches.” I describe my vision for the event from start to finish, and I’m surprised at how interested everyone is. Even Fletch’s brothers ask questions.

“And you’re doing this all yourself?” his father asks.

“Well, as I mentioned, Fletch has been there to help keep me organized, and he and Ruby are going to help me set up the day of the event.”

“I think what you’re doing is incredible,” Beth says. “I work in marketing, and I can think of a dozen ways you can get your name out there.”

“We should talk sometime.”

“Definitely, and if you ever want to hire an assistant, I’d love to get involved.”

“If I had the means, I’d hire you in a heartbeat.” I mean that. I really like Beth. “Maybe someday I’ll have more work than I can handle, and then you’ll be the first one I call for help.”

“You know she’s not kidding, right?” Jimmy asks. “That look in her eyes isn’t going to go away.”

“Well, I sure hope not,” I say. “The world needs more people who believe in love enough to help others find their happily ever afters.”

Beth lifts her wineglass. “Here’s to one day.”

“To one day.” I lift my cup of tea and take a sip.

“You girls would make a great team,” his mother says. “Destiny, will you be there during the proposal to watch it unfold?”

“I wish I could, but I don’t want to impose. I hired a very discreet photography and videography duo. I’ll get to see the pictures and the video, and use some to promote my business.”

“It’s a shame you’ll miss out on seeing it firsthand,” his mother said. “Who’s building the replica of the Eiffel Tower?”

“Fletch’s friend Piper, and her sister Bridgette is handling the flowers. They gave me great deals.”

“How big is the tower?” Beth asks.

“It’s going to be about eight feet tall. Piper’s building it in levels, so it’ll be easier to transport, and she’ll set it up on the roof the day of the event. It’s almost done. I can show you pictures.” I reach for my purse, and remember I left it in the car. “Shoot. I’m sorry. I don’t have my phone.”