Page 25 of The Mr. Right Checklist

Thank you for everything you’re doing to help me with Get the Yes. The goodies in the white box are for Molly. I baked them myself, and don’t worry, I checked the allergy list on file at Perfect Paws first. The goodies in the pink box are for you. Have a good night, and thanks again for all your help and for letting me hang out with Molly!

Destiny

The i in her name is dotted with a heart. I open the box from Sweetie Pies, and my mouth waters at the sight of two of my favorite pastries, Loverboys, which are a cross between an éclair and a cupcake, with blue icing on top and thick custard inside.

Molly rubs against my leg.

“You know what’s in your box, don’t you?” I open the other box and find several bone-shaped dog treats that smell like peanut butter.

Molly barks.

“Don’t get used to this. She’s not a permanent fixture in our lives.” I hold out a treat, and she snatches it. I let her out the back door and can’t resist eating one of the Loverboys. I lick the icing from my fingers and pull out my phone to text Destiny.

Fletch:

Thank you for the treats. That was thoughtful and unnecessary. How did you know I liked Loverboys?

Destiny:

Your almost-fiancée told me, remember? They were on the picnic that Molly trampled, and when she said she heard you tell someone that Sweetie Pie was your favorite bakery, you didn’t deny it, so I figured she was right.

I wonder how she paid such close attention to that minutia when all hell was breaking loose.

Fletch:

If you keep this up, I won’t be able to fit into my basketball shorts.

Destiny:

I’ve seen your abs. I think you can handle a few treats.

That gives me pause.

Fletch:

Were you checking me out, sunshine?

Destiny:

Does a bird have wings?

Maybe I didn’t imagine that moment at the café after all.

Destiny:

There were four shirtless men standing right in front of me. What did you expect me to do? Look away? It’s kind of ridiculous how ripped you all are. I mean, what does it take to look like that? Do you guys run fifty miles each week? Starve yourselves? Do a hundred sit-ups every day? I’m tired and hungry just thinking about it.

She has me laughing again, but it doesn’t last, because I didn’t miss the part about her checking out all of us. Molly saunters back inside.

“That’s a good thing, right, Mol? It’ll help me keep things in perspective when we get together tomorrow night.”

Fletch:

I don’t run quite that much. I guess abs aren’t on your checklist?

Destiny:

There are more important body parts to consider.