“The hell you did,” Pops fires back. “I’m the one who started all this.”
“Started what?” I cut in.
Gramps nods confidently. “The plan.”
Ginger looks between them with a confused expression. “The plan? What are you talking about?”
Pops leans in like he’s about to share top secret information. “Did you really think I wanted all those lights hung outside?”
Ginger nods. “Yes, I did think that.”
Pops shrugs. “Love is worth a little deceit.”
Gramps nudges Pops. “And the tree farm?” He pokes his chest. “My idea.”
Ginger’s eyes narrow at Pops. “So that’s why you insisted we have a real tree this year.”
He puffs his chest up and nods. “Yep, and it worked.”
Mom laughs. “You two are unbelievable.”
“Unbelievably effective,” Pops says, preening.
“Real-life matchmakers.” Nina shakes her head slowly.
“Oh, please,” Reed chimes in. “If anyone deserves credit, it’s me. I’ve been hinting at this for months.”
“You didn’t hint,” I say. “You taunted.”
“Same difference.” He shrugs.
Dad raises his glass. “Well, however it started, we’re happy for you both.”
Mom nods, eyes a little watery. “Very happy.”
Under the table, Ginger squeezes my leg. “I guess this relationship was destined to happen.”
I lean forward and press a brief kiss to her lips. “I’d say so.”
Gramps raises his glass. “Let’s drink to successful plans.”
Pops clinks his glass against Gramps’. “And to finding a new direction in life at ninety-one. What do you think we should call our matchmaking business?”
Gramps scratches his chin. “I don’t know. It needs to be catchy but hip like us.” He winks. “See? I’m up on the younger generation’s lingo.”
“Yeah, that one’s used all the time,” Reed drolls. “But if you need help with a name, I’m your guy. I’ve got some ideas.”
“Let’s hear them,” Gramps says.
“That sounds like a challenge. I like it.” He rubs his hands together. “Off the top of my head I’ve got a few: Ninety-Nine Problems But a Relationship Ain’t One.”
Nina snort-laughs.
“Heart of Hearing Matchmaking.”
“That one’s appropriate,” Mom says.
Reed holds up his finger. “And the last one is… Two Old Farts With a Love Plan.”
