Page 42 of A Match Made In Fall

“Really?” I ask.

“Really,” he says. “Anyway, I have a couple options for tonight. You can make the final decision.”

I quickly gather my thoughts. “Okay. What are my choices?”

“Option one is dinner and mini golf. But I wasn't sure how much walking you'd want to do with the boot.”

“Well, the boot should be coming off Monday,” I announce proudly.

His face lights up. “Really?”

“I’m praying. The doctor said everything looked good at my last appointment.”

“That’s great news.”

I smile. “You have no idea.”

“And option two is dinner and then a drive out to an old-fashioned soda shop and dessert place about forty-five minutes away.”

“Ohhh. A soda shop?”

“Yeah. Apparently, it's been there forever, out in the country. It’s one of those places people talk about like it's a local legend. I've never been, but everyone swears it's worth the drive.”

“Okay.” I laugh. “I have to choose?”

“You do.”

“Well, the soda shop sounds perfect. But for the record, I am very good at mini golf.”

Austin laughs.

“Then maybe we save mini golf for next time. Especially if the boot comes off.”

Next time? Hearing this makes my heart skip a beat. He's already talking about a third date even after tonight started out as a disaster.

“I like that idea,” I say, not attempting to hide my smile. “Dinner and the soda shop it is.”

“Excellent choice.”

“I should’ve let you decide. Especially after you had to pick me up at my parents’ house with my entire family waiting to greet you.”

He laughs. “Well, I would’ve picked the soda shop, so we both got our first choice.”

“And I’m sure you wouldn’t want to lose to me at mini golf,” I add.

He pulls his eyes off the road for a few seconds. “I’m guessing that’s a challenge for next time?”

I shrug. “Maybe.”

“Okay, you’re on.”

I smile to myself. Austin is turning out to be even more amazing than I thought.

CHAPTER TWELVE

AUSTIN

This might be the best date I’ve ever been on. Yes, it had an unexpected start, and the ex-boyfriend showing up really threw me off. But ultimately, I had no problem pretending to be Isabella’s new boyfriend. Hopefully this Dexter guy takes this as an invitation to leave town just as quickly as he arrived.