The two interlopers glanced at each other as if wondering why she was being sarcastic when they hadn’t had a chance to annoy her yet.
“I was pondering the future of the planet. Whatever you have to say, say it and let me get on with my deliberations.”
“Hmph.” Karma stuck her fist on her hip and said, “I don’t know if you deserve to hear our good news. Not with an attitude like that.”
Gaia sighed. “All right. I could use a bit of good news about now.”
Karma gestured to Fate. “The floor is yours, Sister. Since it’s your area of expertise, I’ll let you go first.”
Fate grinned. “We found a match for you!”
Gaia slapped a hand over her eyes. “Not this again.”
“Don’t be hasty. At least listen to what she has to say.” Karma folded her arms.
Gaia sighed. “Fine. Go ahead, Fate.”
“He loves nature, is trying to do something good for humankind, and is a dedicated family man. He’s a widower with two grown daughters and a new grandchild whom he adores. Bachelor number one is Dr. Aaron Samuels.”
Gaia reared back, laughing. The fog cleared, and sunshine warmed her.
Fate whispered to Karma behind her hand. “Why is she laughing? Ah! I know. She’s glad we persisted and found her a match.”
“Or she’s just losing it,” Karma said.
“No, I’m laughing because you’re too late. I already found him.”
“Really? How?” Karma began, then she smirked. “Never mind. It just proves Fate knows what she’s doing…sometimes.”
“And we give you our enthusiastic blessing.” Fate clapped her hands.
“Well, thanks. I’m kind of glad you showed up and told me this. I was trying to think of ways to wipe the humans off the planet—but then I realized I’d be wiping out good people too, like Aaron and his children and the Fierros and their brood, as well as Dawn and her grandmother, who has been called Saint Annette by her friends.”
Fate gasped. “You were going to wipe all the humans off the planet?”
“Wow. I did not see that coming!” Karma said, wide-eyed.
“Relax. I had already talked myself out of it as soon as Aaron kissed me.”
“He—He kissed you?” Fate asked, giggling.
“Yes. What’s so funny about that?”
“Nothing! I’m just tickled. You know we love you, right?”
Gaia raised one eyebrow. “Tickled?”
“It’s an expression that means we’re happy for you,” Karma said.
“Well, thanks. I’m pretty happy too. I think.”
“Only pretty happy? Maybe?” Fate’s expression reflected concern.
“I’m still not happy about the rest of humanity. Well, many of them. I haven’t taken the time to examine each and every person. In fact, I intended to stay away from them. Like you’d cross the street to avoid a bad smell.”
“They don’t smell bad anymore. Back in the day though…” Fate waved her hand in front of her nose.
Gaia sighed deeply. “No. That’s not what I meant. I can’t explain it properly. I’ve had to keep a careful eye on my paranormals. Maybe I let the humans fall through the proverbial cracks while doing my utmost to protect them.”
