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Lizzie sets her fork down and takes a breath. “Actually—”
“He’s right,” Christine interrupts. “I know you’ve been using those dating apps, but they don’t seem to be working. Let me set you up on a blind date.”
Lizzie’s wide eyes find mine. “Um, Mom, I won’t be going on any more blind dates.”
“Now wait a minute,” Christine scoffs. “I know that Emily has done an awful job at setting you up—”
“Hey,” Emily says, frowning.
“It’s the truth, sweetheart,” Christine tells her before turning her attention back to Lizzie. “I promise you won’t be disappointed with the boy I’ve chosen.”
“The boy you’ve chosen?” Lizzie shakes her head in disbelief. “First off, I don’t want a boy.”
“She’s right, Chris, our little girl needs a man. A strong, successful man like Jonathan.”
“Thank you, Marcus,” Jonathan says.
Lizzie shoots me a pleading look.
Christine waves her husband off. “You know what I meant. Hubert isn’t a boy. He’s thirty-two, a lawyer, and he’s never been married.”
“Hubert?” Emily asks.
Christine gives her daughter a look. “Yes, Hubert. It’s a family name. Be nice.”
“We discussed this, Christine. Hubert is too focused on work,” Marcus says, surprising us all. “Our girl needs someone who will come home every night and spend time with her. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
Lizzie smiles at her dad. “Yes. But I don’t need you guys to—”
“Oh, that’s right.” Christine claps her hands together. “I forgot you mentioned that new guy at your firm. What’s his name?”
“Tyler,” Marcus supplies. “He’s smart as a whip and will no doubt make partner before his thirtieth birthday, but he’s down to Earth. He comes from a strong family, with deep roots, and I think he’d be the perfect fit for you.”
“But, Dad, you’re not listening to me. I—”
“Oh, and I’ve seen him.” Christine winks. “Lizzie, you won’t be disappointed.”
Lizzie looks at me, and the next thing I know, her hands are in my hair, and her lips are on mine. Probably not the best move with her dad sitting two chairs down from me, but there’s no turning back now because I’m helpless when it comes to this girl.
I hear a gasp and a cheer and then a loud screech.
I press one last kiss to Lizzie’s lips before pulling back, noting the beautiful blush that paints her cheeks.
“Lizzie Donovan, what are you doing?” Christine says, her hands folded beneath her chin and a goofy smile on her face.
“Kissing my boyfriend.”
“About time,” Emily says, snuggling into Jonathan’s side. He nods in congratulations, and I return the gesture.
“Oh my gosh.” Christine covers her mouth. I can’t help but smile as I watch the play of emotions on her face. She goes from shocked to horrified—probably when she realizes that she was trying to set Lizzie up on a blind date—and then to pleased. She grins from ear to ear.
“I take it you approve?” Lizzie asks.
“Yes, we approve.” Christine jumps up and hugs me and then Lizzie. “Isn’t that right, Marcus?”
Everyone at the table turns to look at Lizzie’s dad, who has pushed his chair a good foot away from the table. That must have been the noise I heard. Holy shit, the guy looks ready to pummel me for kissing his daughter at the dinner table.
I clear my throat. “Marcus, I—”
