The Daddy Project. Lee Mckenzie

party. But unless I come up with an alternate plan, I’m going to be paired with my mother’s bridge partner’s daughter.”

      “So I heard.” And she would suffer the same fate if she didn’t make plans of her own.

      “What is it with families?”

      “They mean well,” she said. “At least mine does. My mom was a single parent, too, and it was hard for her. I think she always wished she’d find someone but never did, and now she’s shifted that focus onto me.”

      “My family wants to find a new mother for Molly and Martha.” His voice was thick with resentment. “They seem to think I’m in over my head.”

      “Oh, I’m sure they don’t. Your girls are great. They’re happy. Anyone can see they’re well cared for.”

      “Thank you.” The tension around his eyes softened.

      “You’re welcome.”

      “So, how about it? You come to my sister’s birthday party, I’ll go to your family barbecue, and we’ll call it even.”

      Say no. “Sure,” she said instead.

      He offered his hand to seal the deal. “It’s a date.”

      She shook it. “A fake date.”

      “Make that two fake dates.” He smiled and her insides turned to Jell-O.