Page 74 of The Mr. Right Checklist

“Don’t you know women have telepathic powers?” Beth says with a smirk. “We’ve been talking about you for weeks.”

His family laughs, and he just shakes his head.

“I wish I were in on those conversations,” his mother says. She’s even more attractive in person. “I’ve been bugging Ryan to bring you around for weeks.”

“She’s been a little busy, Mom,” Fletch says.

“And she’s here now, which is all that matters,” his father says. It’s easy to see where Fletch and his brothers got their height and athletic builds. With their father’s neatly combed hair, perfectly manicured scruff, and serious eyes, it’s also obvious that one particular apple did not fall far from the tree.

“Destiny, these are my parents, Mary and Hugh. Mom, Dad, this is Destiny.”

“Oh, honey. It is a pleasure to meet you.” His mother embraces me warmly.

“You as well. Fletch has told me a lot about you.” I turn to his father. “Happy birthday, Mr. Fletcher. I got you a little something.” I hand him the gift bag.

“Thank you, Destiny. That was unnecessary, but certainly appreciated.”

As his father hugs me, Jimmy says, “Suck-up,” and coughs to cover it.

I know he’s kidding, but Fletch glowers at him.

“James,” his father says sternly.

“What?” Jimmy splays his hands. “It was a joke.”

“Bless your heart,” I say as sweetly as I can. “Are you jealous? Do you wish I brought you a little something, too? I can run outside and get a lollipop out of my purse if you’d like.”

Everyone laughs.

“She’s a keeper,” Beth says in a singsong voice.

Fletch puts his arm around me, grinning like he thinks so, too.

I turn my attention back to his father. “If you don’t like them—”

“Then you can give them to me,” Fletch interrupts.

“That’s got me curious.” His father peeks into the gift bag and pulls out the socks. “They’re perfect. I love to fish. Thank you.”

“Aren’t they adorable,” his mother exclaims. “Where did you find them?”

“At the same place I get Fletch’s socks. Happy Feet? It’s around the corner from the grocery store in Harmony Pointe.”

“Yeah, check these out.” Fletch lifts his pant leg and shows off the latest pair I surprised him with.

“Is that Molly on them?” Jimmy asks.

“Yes. Aren’t they cute?” I lower my voice teasingly as we settle into our seats. “He has that long-second-toe thing going on. Might as well cover them up with something pretty.”

“He gets that from his father,” his mother said.

“Ugh. Jimmy has it, too,” Beth says.

“Don’t you want to snip it off at that last knuckle?” I say conspiratorially.

Beth lights up. “Yes!”

“You’re not going anywhere near my feet anymore,” Jimmy says. “And for your information, that long toe is an indication of how long another body part is. Just ask Chuck. He doesn’t have a long second toe.”