Page 67 of Mechanic’s Christmas Match

“So you heard them yelling for us to kiss?” he asked.

She nodded, still not meeting his gaze.

“Did you hear what happened after that?” he asked her.

“No,” she said, glancing up, as if her curiosity outweighed her embarrassment. “Mal started to say something, but Valerie stopped her. We have this pact and…”

She trailed off, then nodded again for him to continue.

“Well, Arnold Jones elbowed his way up and said he couldn’t take it anymore,” Rory said, smiling at the memory of that surprising moment. “He told Maggie that he wanted something serious with her. His daughter Emily was there, and it was all very emotional.”

“Arnold Jones?” Ana echoed, her voice tinged with wonder.

“I guess they’ve been dating,” Rory said. “I never heard anything about it, but it makes sense they were keeping things quiet, if he didn’t want anything serious.”

“And she told him yes?” Ana asked. “She wants something serious now?”

“I’ve never seen anyone so happy,” Rory said, nodding. “I’m sorry your matchmaking didn’t work out the way you pictured.”

“I guess I overestimated how well I knew Maggie,” Ana said, shaking her head.

“You were trying to help,” Rory told her. “I think it’s commendable. Are you still open to lunch? Even though it’s not with Maggie? I’m only asking because I reserved us a table.”

“Oh, um, yes,” Ana said.

“It’s not at the Village Green,” he told her warningly. “But it’s perfect for people-watching.”

“Jolly Beans,” she guessed, her eyes lighting up.

“Exactly,” he said, nodding.

“I didn’t know Pete took reservations,” she said.

“He does when they’re for you,” Rory told her, winking. “Come on, Ana Banana. Let’s have some lunch.”

He wanted to take her hand, but he knew he had to move slowly and carefully. It was becoming clear that she did have feelings for him. But she had set him up with Maggie for a reason, and he needed to understand why before he pushed her too hard.

They walked slowly up Ambler Road toward Park Avenue with the wind at their backs.

When they were halfway there, they ran into Ian and Faith Cassidy as they turned onto Ambler, headed in the opposite direction. Faith was carrying a bakery bag.

“Hey,” Ian said, winking at Rory and looking to Ana. “Good to see you two.”

She says you’re the very best kind of man…

Rory almost slapped himself in the forehead. Ian hadn’t been talking about Maggie when he’d said that. He must have been talking about Ana. And Maggie hadn’t been trying to butter him up at the diner. She’d genuinely been quoting Ana too.

“Hi, Ian,” Ana said brightly. “Hi, Faith.”

They continued past and walked on in silence for a minute while the world rearranged itself in Rory’s mind.

“I like your coat,” Ana said at last.

“Thanks,” he said. “Your mom gave it to me. She said it was supposed to be your dad’s. Is that okay?”

“It’s perfect,” she told him, looking down, but not before he caught her starting to smile.

When they arrived at Jolly Beans, he opened the door for her.