A Match Made in Grace - Part 1

“Have you lost your mind?” Aubrina asked, her short, raven hair framing a face kissed by the sun, giving her complexion a flawless, natural tan. Her vibrant green eyes, usually filled with warmth, now sparkled with puzzlement and irritation.

Victoria just shrugged and smiled. “No, I haven’t lost my mind,” she said.

Victoria, with her long red hair, brown eyes, and fair complexion that could tan, was equally lovely. Both women were shapely, not quite curvaceous but definitely not a single-digit size.

“You’re suggesting I enter a contest where I could win a ‘husband’ and get married in Bora Bora. Yes, Vicki, I think you’ve lost your mind,” said Aubrina.

“Come on, Brina. Have an open mind,” Victoria urged.

“I’m trying, but all I see is absurdity,” Aubrina said, crossing her arms.

“I carefully read the terms of the contest. If you and the husband find you’re not compatible, the marriage will be null and void,” Victoria explained.

“Vicki, I know I’m lonely, but I didn’t say I’m desperate,” Aubrina replied.

“Look, it’s just an idea,” Victoria said.

“I don’t know who’s worse at playing matchmaker for me, you or my sister,” Aubrina sighed.

As if on cue, Aubrina’s phone rang. It was her sister, Catherine.

“Oh no!” she groaned.

“Let me guess, Cathy,” Victoria said.

Aubrina shook her head. It was bad enough that Catherine had set her up on a blind date with a co-worker of her husband, Jason. The man turned out to be a total jerk, with a personality so grating it made cheese curds seem smooth. Now her best friend was suggesting she enter a contest to win a husband. Enough was enough! This wasn’t a rom-com; it was her life.

Aubrina answered her phone and put it on speaker.

“Hello,” said Catherine.

“Hello, Cathy. I have something to say to you and Vicki. I’m getting a dog. I’ll be volunteering more at the animal shelter, enrolling in a floral design class at the local college, and taking Sunday trips to the nursing home to spend time with the residents. That way, I’ll be so busy that you two can finally stop playing matchmaker for me,” Aubrina declared firmly.

Neither woman said anything.

“Now that I’ve said my peace, yes, Cathy, we’re still having lunch together tomorrow. And yes, Vicki, we’ll still go shopping this weekend. Anything else?” Aubrina asked.

“Nope, I’ll see you tomorrow, sis. Love ya,” said Catherine, hanging up.

Aubrina looked at Victoria.

“I’m going to go now. I’ll see you at work tomorrow,” Victoria said, grabbing her purse and leaving Aubrina’s apartment.

Aubrina took a deep breath as she put down her phone.

“I guess I’ll be shelling out a $200 pet deposit. Small price to pay,” she said.


The next day at Francisco’s Cafe, Aubrina waited for Catherine to arrive. A mix of frustration and guilt gnawing at her. She knew Catherine and Victoria were probably upset with her for her outburst the day before, but she was tired of their constant attempts to find her a husband. The contest idea was the final straw. This was her life, and she would make her own decisions.

As the time ticked past noon, Aubrina's patience began to wear thin. Catherine was late. With a sigh, she pulled out her phone and called. It went straight to voicemail.

“Cathy, you're late," Aubrina said into the phone, her voice firm but tinged with a hint of sadness. "We were supposed to meet at twelve. I have to be back at work by 12:45. If you're mad at me, I apologize for what I said. I just want you to know that I love you, no matter what.”

She hung up, leaving the line open and the unspoken tension hanging heavy in the air. With a heavy heart, Aubrina got up from the table and made her way back to work.


At Denholm Shipping, where Aubrina worked as a Customer Service Rep, she settled back into her workspace. She grabbed a quick sandwich and a bottled water from the local deli before returning to her desk. As she prepared to place her headphones on her head, Pamelina, one of the supervisors, walked over to Aubrina.

“Yes, Pam?” said Aubrina.

“What happened between you and Victoria? She’s been crying all day,” Pamelina said.

Aubrina sighed and explained the situation.

Pamelina shook her head. “Oh my God, seriously?” she said.

“I’m afraid so. My sister is also mad at me. She didn’t show up for lunch. So, looks like I’ll no longer be welcomed to her house and I’ve lost my best friend” Aubrina said sadly.

Pamelina just shook her head.



“Sounds like to me that your sister and Vicki meant well, but they also failed to see that they were overstepping. Neither one has realize that yet” she said.

Aubrina shrugged her shoulders.

“Well, I’ll be getting a dog. Putting in more volunteer time at the animal shelter. Taking a floral design class and make some new friends at the Nursing Home on Sundays. At least, I’ll be busy”
she said.

“They will come around” said Pamelina and she walked away.

Aubrina nodded and went straight to work.


Aubrina arrived home later that day, a warm glow of contentment filling her heart. She carried Barney, the beagle she had just adopted, into her apartment.

“Welcome home, Barney,” she said, placing him on the floor.

The sweet animal sniffed excitedly around the apartment as Aubrina finished setting up his bed. She had ensured everything was safe and ready for her new canine companion, just as she had always planned. Tucking the dog food away, she was about to settle in when a knock at the door startled her.

“Who is it?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

“It's Dan,” a familiar voice replied.

Aubrina smiled and opened the door.

“Hello, Dan,” she said, her eyes lighting up.

Dan, a man of average build and physique, possessed a captivating presence. His deep bronze skin complemented his warm brown eyes. Long, black hair, meticulously braided, framed his face, adding a touch of both ruggedness and sophistication.

“Hey, Aub, I have a favor to ask of you,” Dan said.

“What is it?” she asked.

“My grandmother is coming into town and, well…” he started to say.

“Let me guess, she’s been trying to set you up with a ‘nice’ girl,” Aubrina interjected.

Dan nodded, a look of exasperation crossing his face. “Yes, but all the 'nice' girls she's introduced me to have been anything but nice,” he said, his voice filled with frustration.

“What do you need?” Aubrina asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Fake being my girlfriend for the weekend,” Dan replied, his eyes fixed on her. “If you do this, I'll be forever grateful. I'll even owe you a favor.”

Aubrina raised an eyebrow, considering his request. “Are you sure about that?” she asked, a playful tone in her voice.

Dan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, one favor within reason,” he said.

Aubrina laughed. “Alright, you got it,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Thanks, Aub,” Dan said, his face breaking into a relieved smile. He noticed Barney, who was watching them curiously.

“Cute dog,” Dan said with a smile.

Aubrina turned and saw Barney looking at her and Dan. She smiled and picked him up.

“This is Barney,” she said, introducing her new companion. "I adopted him today. He's my roommate."

Dan smiled and petted Barney. “Hey dude, how are you? Welcome to the Neighborly Heights Apartment Homes,” he said, his voice filled with warmth.

Barney barked happily, wagging his tail. Both Aubrina and Dan laughed.

“He's cute,” Dan said, his eyes filled with admiration.

“That he is,” Aubrina replied, nuzzling her nose against Barney's. Dan watched them with a fond smile.

“You two are so cute,” he said.

“Thanks, Dan,” Aubrina replied. “When is your grandmother coming to town?”

“Saturday,” Dan answered. “I'm expected for a family dinner. I didn't tell my family that I have a girlfriend, so it's going to be a surprise.”

Aubrina nodded in understanding. “Don't worry,” she said, reassuringly. “Just tell them that you and I wanted to see how well things went before doing family introductions.”

Dan smiled, relieved. “I like that,” he said. “By the way, “Family dinner is at 7 PM. Be ready by 6 PM.”

Aubrina nodded. “No problem,” she replied.

“Alright then and thanks Aub. I meant what I said...any favor within reason” said Dan.

“Okay” she said with a smile.

“Thanks again” said Dan.

“You’re welcome” said Aubrina and Dan soon walked away as Aubrina closed the door. Barney soon barked.

“Oh, you like Dan huh? Well, he is a nice guy” said Aubrina as she put Barney down.

“Alright, buddy….how about some Television and then dinner” she said to Barney.

Barney barked and Aubrina took it as a yes.


It is Saturday afternoon and the sun dappled through the leaves as Aubrina and Barney strolled through the park. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, creating a peaceful atmosphere. As they turned a corner, Aubrina spotted her sister, Catherine, her husband, Jason, and their two sons, Nick and Wesley.

“Auntie Brina!” Nick exclaimed as he ran over to Aubrina.

“Nicky!” Aubrina said, squatting down to hug Nick.

Nick had dark red-brown hair, blue eyes, and a complexion similar to Catherine’s and hers. After all, Catherine and Aubrina looked alike, except Catherine’s hair was long. The red-brown hair and blue eyes came from Jason, who was fair-skinned, tall, and slightly muscular.

“You got a dog?” Nick asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

“Yes, his name is Barney,” Aubrina replied, smiling.

Jason looked at Catherine, who was still holding a grudge.“Cathy, you can’t still be mad at her. I told you a long time ago to stop playing matchmaker for her. So, I don’t blame her for what she said,” Jason said.

“She didn't have to be so rude about it,” Catherine pouted.

“You're acting like a child,” Jason scolded. “Get over it.”

“How would you feel if your brother said something like that to you?” Catherine asked, her voice trembling.

“I'd get over it,” Jason replied firmly. “And I wouldn't be playing matchmaker for my siblings. They're adults with their own lives.”

Catherine sighed, realizing that Jason was right. “Alright, I'll apologize,” she said.

“Good, because the boys love her dog,” Jason said, pointing at Barney.

Wesley had joined Aubrina and Nick. Both boys were playing with Barney and laughing.

Catherine smiled as she walked over. “Hey, Sis,” she said.

“Hey, sis,” Aubrina replied, standing up.

Jason joined them. “Hey you two, let's get some ice cream,” he said to Wesley and Nick.

“Cool!” the boys exclaimed in unison, and they raced off towards the ice cream truck, Jason following close behind.

“Brina, I'm sorry for being so pushy about setting you up with someone,” Catherine said, her voice filled with sincerity.

“It's okay, I forgive you,” Aubrina replied. “I'm sorry for being so rude. I just had enough.”

“Jason helped me realize that,” Catherine said. “I guess because I'm so happy in my marriage, I wanted you to find the same happiness.”

Aubrina smiled. “Have faith, sis. God will bring that special man to me,” she said.

Tears welled up in Catherine's eyes as she hugged Aubrina.

“So, girl or boy?” she asked, pointing at Barney.

“Boy,” Aubrina replied. “His name is Barney.”

Catherine smiled. "He's cute," she said.

“Thank you,” Aubrina replied. “I know Mom wouldn't be thrilled about a dog.”

Catherine smirked, remembering their mother's disapproval. “Dear God, help me,” she said. “I just realized I've been acting like Mom, constantly trying to play matchmaker.”

Aubrina laughed. “Don't feel bad. I've noticed I act like Mom too, especially at work, always telling people to sit up straight and not swear.”

Catherine palmed her face, joining in the laughter. "Oh God, please forgive me for my behavior," she said.

Aubrina smiled. "I feel like God has forgiven you, as have I," she replied.

“Would you like to get some ice cream?” Catherine asked.

“Sure thing,” Aubrina said. “Come on, Barney,” she said, gently tugging on the leash. Barney barked playfully and followed them.


At 5:30 p.m. that evening, Aubrina was ready. She wore a chic black knee-length skirt paired with a light blue button-down blouse, completing the look with comfortable black flats. Her makeup was simple yet elegant – a touch of eyeliner, foundation to even her skin tone, and a hint of color with tinted lip gloss. A final glance in the mirror confirmed her satisfaction. Smiling, she placed her gold cross around her neck, a silent symbol of her faith and a reminder of her inner strength.

“Dear God, please let this evening go well. May Dan and I arrive safely and may the meeting with his grandmother and family be a positive experience. Even though we're just pretending to be a couple to appease his Nana, I hope everything goes smoothly. Amen,” she prayed.

A gentle knock sounded at the door, followed by Barney's enthusiastic barking. Aubrina left her room and approached the door. Peering through the peephole, she saw Dan standing there. With a smile, she opened the door.

“Hey, Dan,” she said.

“Hey, Aub… you look great,” Dan said, giving her an appreciative once-over.

“Thank you, you’re looking good yourself,” she replied with a smile.

Dan stood ready, a vision in a sharp black blazer. His lavender button-down shirt, a unique yet stylish choice, complemented his dark slacks and brown loafers. His neatly braided hair framed his face, adding a touch of personality to his overall polished look. The combination of his attire and confident demeanor made him look both sophisticated and approachable.

“Are you ready to go?” Dan asked.

“Yes, I am. Just let me get my purse,” she said, inviting him in.

“Alright,” Dan replied.

Dan walked into Aubrina’s apartment and saw Barney looking at him. “Hey, Barney,” Dan said with a smile.

Barney barked a friendly hello, wagging his tail enthusiastically.

Dan chuckled as Aubrina emerged from her bedroom, purse and jacket in hand. “Let’s go,” she said.

“Alright,” Dan echoed.

“Barney, behave yourself. I’ll be back soon,” Aubrina said, giving the beagle a gentle pat.

Barney barked as if to say, “Yes, I will.” Dan and Aubrina shared a laugh before heading out the door.

As they walked to Dan’s car, the evening air was cool and refreshing. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. Aubrina felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about the evening ahead.

“Thanks again for doing this, Aub,” Dan said as he opened the car door for her.

“No problem, Dan. It’ll be fun,” she replied, sliding into the passenger seat.

Dan got in and started the car. “I really appreciate it. My Nana can be a bit much, but she means well.”

“I understand. Family can be like that sometimes,” Aubrina said with a knowing smile.

As they drove off, the conversation flowed easily between them, easing any lingering nerves. They both hoped the evening would go smoothly and that their little charade would be convincing enough to keep Dan’s grandmother happy.


Dan and Aubrina pulled up to his parents’ home, a welcoming beige brick house with a neatly paved driveway. The front yard was meticulously maintained, with vibrant flowers lining the walkway and a large oak tree providing shade. Stepping out of the car, they walked towards the front door. Dan took a deep breath, a subtle tremor in his hands betraying the nervous anticipation bubbling beneath his calm exterior. Aubrina noticed and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

“You’ve got this,” she whispered, her voice a soothing balm, accompanied by a supportive smile that lit up her face.

“Thanks,” he replied, his voice tinged with a mix of nerves and excitement. “Are you ready for this?” he asked, searching her eyes for reassurance.

“Yeah,” she said, her tone steady and confident.

Dan took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. The chime echoed through the house, and moments later, an older woman peered out the window, her expression a curious blend of surprise and suspicion. The door creaked open.

“Hey, Mom,” Dan greeted her with a warm smile.

“Hello, Dan,” his mother responded, her eyes shifting to the young woman beside him. “And who might this be?”

“This is my girlfriend, Aubrina,” Dan introduced, gently taking Aubrina’s hand and pulling her close. She didn’t protest, instead, she smiled warmly at his mother.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bennett,” Aubrina said, her voice polite and sincere.

Mrs. Bennett raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking back to Dan. “You want to explain why you haven’t told us about her before?”

Dan cleared his throat, squeezing Aubrina’s hand for support. “Aubrina and I decided it would be best to see how things progressed before introducing our families to one another,” he explained, hoping his mother would understand.

His mother crossed her arms, her expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Moments later, his father appeared at the door.

“Makes perfect sense to me,” his father said with a reassuring nod.

Dan was the spitting image of his father, except for the gray, short hair that marked his father’s age. His mother, a lovely woman with a light bronze complexion, brown eyes, and black hair styled in a pixie cut with streaks of gray, gave Dan a skeptical look.

“Look, don’t mind your mother. Come on in, both of you,” his father said, stepping aside to let them enter.

“Thanks, Dad,” Dan replied, leading Aubrina inside.

“As I said to Mrs. Bennett, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bennett,” Aubrina said politely.

“Call me James,” he responded with a warm smile.

Aubrina smiled back. “Thank you, but I feel more comfortable calling you Mr. Bennett. It’s how I was raised—to address a friend or a boyfriend’s parents formally when meeting them for the first time,” she explained.

James’s smile widened. “Dan, you should take her to meet your other grandmother. She would love her,” he said, his eyes twinkling with approval.

Dan laughed, and Aubrina smiled, feeling more at ease. “Maybe after tonight,” he said.

Soon, Dan’s maternal grandmother walked into the living room. She was an older version of Mrs. Bennett, with the same skeptical look in her eyes.

“Who is this, Dan?” she asked, her voice carrying the weight of years of wisdom and experience.

“Nana Sarah, this is my girlfriend, Aubrina,” Dan said, wrapping his arm around Aubrina’s waist. Aubrina didn’t protest; if anything, she smiled warmly.

Nana Sarah looked at Dan and Aubrina, then turned her gaze to her daughter. “Caroline, did you know about her?” she asked.

“We’re all just finding out about her now,” Caroline replied, closing the front door with a soft click.

Soon, Dan’s younger sister, Tracey, walked into the living room. Tracey looked like a younger version of Caroline, but with long, flowing hair.

“I agree with Dad. Waiting a while before meeting the family is always a good thing. Gary and I did that,” Tracey said, nodding in agreement.

Nana Sarah turned to Tracey, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I still don’t like that you and he just snuck around,” she said, her tone disapproving.

“We didn’t sneak around. People knew… people like Dad, Dan, and Nana Ruby,” Tracey replied, her voice steady.

“Yet you didn’t tell me,” Caroline said, pouting slightly.

“That’s because you were hung up on Noel,” Tracey said, her voice softening.

“That’s because you and Noel had been together since you were both sixteen,” Caroline retorted.

“Yes, Mom, and then he went off to college, met another girl, and dumped me,” Tracey said, her voice tinged with old hurt.

“Yes, but he also came back to you when that other girl dumped him,” Caroline pointed out.

“Mom, she didn’t dump him. He dumped her because she was going to be in the UK for six months for a medical internship. The minute she returned, he dumped me again and went back to her. He just didn’t want to be alone for six months,” Tracey explained, her frustration evident.

James snorted. “Honestly, I’ve always felt that Tracey deserved better. Noel was a whiny mama’s boy who wanted to be taken care of. Tracey is smart and strong; she didn’t need to be with that wuss. She needed someone who is like her and shares her faith. Gary turned out to be that man,” he said firmly.

At that moment, Gary walked out of the kitchen, a smile spreading across his face. “Thanks, Dad!” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Gary was a tall man with brown eyes and a clean-shaven head. His complexion was similar to Tracey’s, and he had a solid, muscular physique from working out. Caroline and Nana Sarah just huffed in response.

“Tracey and Gary, this is Aubrina,” Dan said, introducing his girlfriend.

“It is so good to meet you,” Tracey said warmly.

“It is a pleasure to meet both of you as well,” Aubrina replied, her smile genuine.

“Are you spiritual, Aubrina? I notice a cross around your neck,” Gary asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Yes, I go to church, pray, and even do a morning devotion every day,” she said.

James smiled broadly. “My prayers have been answered!” he exclaimed loudly.

A puzzled look crossed Aubrina’s face as she held back a laugh. Dan leaned in and whispered, “I forgot to mention, my father is an associate pastor at the church that my family and I attend,” he said, trying not to laugh.

Aubrina smiled. “No problem. Honestly, I got a good feeling about your dad the moment I met him. Same thing with you, your sister, mom, and grandmother,” she said.

Dan smiled. “You caught me,” he said.

“What is it?” she asked.

“I’m actually a minister in training. Yeah, it’s my calling,” Dan said with a smile.

Aubrina’s smile widened. “I think that’s great. My uncle is a Deacon at the church that my family and I attend,” she said.

Dan and Aubrina continued to smile at each other, a shared understanding passing between them.

James was also smiling. “Come on, Gary and Tracey have made a great dinner,” he said.

“Yeah, let’s eat!” Gary added enthusiastically.

They all moved into the dining room, Dan and Aubrina holding hands as they entered.


After dinner, Dan and Aubrina sat outside on the back porch swing, the gentle creaking of the swing mingling with the distant sounds of his mother and grandmother ranting up a storm inside the house.

“I take it that your mother and grandmother had other ideas about whom they wanted you to date?” Aubrina asked with a slight smile, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Dan chuckled, shaking his head. “With all due respect to my mother and Nana Sarah, they both seem to have this idea of what kind of woman would be perfect for me. Yet, the women they set me up with have never shared my faith or interests, and that’s what I want,” he said, his voice filled with conviction.

Aubrina smiled, nodding in understanding. “Same here… My younger sister along with my co-worker, and likely former best friend have been doing the same thing. For a while, my sister was mad at me because I told her and my co-worker that I would be getting a dog, volunteering more time at the animal shelter, enrolling in a floral design class at the local community college, and taking Sunday trips to the local nursing home to spend time with the residents,” she said, her voice softening as she shared her story.

Dan laughed, a warm, hearty sound. “You have the dog. Ironically enough, I love dogs too,” he said.

“Well, that probably explains why Barney likes you,” Aubrina said with a grin.

“As for the nursing home, every Saturday, my father, my Aunt Estelle, and I go to the Serene Haven Nursing Home to sing songs and minister to the residents,” Dan said, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

Aubrina’s eyes lit up as well. “I would love to do that,” she said, her excitement palpable.

Dan smiled warmly. “Well, you are welcome to join us,” he said.

As Dan and Aubrina talked, they discovered they had a lot in common, especially their faith in God.

“I would love to visit your church on Sunday,” Aubrina said.

“You are welcome to visit. Peaceful Heart Church welcomes all, and we mean that. Lots of people are always visiting,” Dan said.

“I’ll be there tomorrow. What time does the service start?” she asked.

“Service is at 9 a.m., but how about we go together?” Dan suggested.

“I would love that,” Aubrina replied, her smile widening.

Inside the house, Caroline was still pouting while James sat in his recliner, enjoying his after-dinner tea.

“Mama is not happy,” Caroline said, her voice tinged with frustration.

“And she will get over it. Besides, Dan and Aubrina are quite happy from the way they kept looking at each other,” James said, his tone calm and reassuring.

Caroline sighed. “Yes, they are. It’s just that Mama had him all set up with someone,” she said.

James raised an eyebrow. “Sweetheart, considering the kind of women your mother has introduced Dan to in the past, I am grateful to God that he brought Dan and Aubrina together,” he said.

Caroline nodded at those words, unable to argue with that logic. “I’ll be honest with you, darling. I, too, was getting exhausted with Mama playing matchmaker for Dan. Also, you are right about Noel. I just didn’t want to let go of how cute Tracey and Noel were. He promised that he would marry Tracey one day,” she said, her voice softening with nostalgia.

James snorted. “Babe, he only told you that because he wanted to stay in your good graces. I knew the moment he went off to college that he would find someone else who could potentially take care of him and dump Tracey,” he said, his voice firm.

Caroline cringed. “He was such a sweet boy,” she said, her voice tinged with regret.

“Sweet boy, my left foot,” James retorted, shaking his head.

Meanwhile, Gary and Tracey joined Dan and Aubrina on the back porch, handing them each a cup of decaf coffee.

“Is Mom still upset?” Dan asked, taking a cautious sip.

“No, she actually got over it. Gary and I overheard her and Dad talking. She’s fine now. As for Nana Sarah… Yep! She’s still upset,” Tracey said with a shrug.

Dan shrugged his shoulders as he drank his coffee, and Aubrina took a sip of hers, savoring the warmth.

“So, Aubrina… can I call you sister-in-law?” Tracey asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Dan choked on his coffee, causing Aubrina and Gary to burst into laughter.

“Really, Lacey?” Dan said, using his sister’s nickname.

“What? With the way you two were acting at dinner, you might as well be married,” Tracey said with a teasing smile.

Aubrina giggled, and Dan gave Tracey a playful glare. “Only time will tell,” she said, sipping her coffee while still snickering.

“Face it, Danny Boy! We all noticed how you and Aubrina were acting. You might as well go out and find the perfect engagement ring. Scratch that… the wedding rings,” Gary said, grinning.

Dan just stared at Tracey and Gary as if they had lost their minds, while Aubrina laughed.

“As I said… only time will tell,” Aubrina repeated, her eyes twinkling.

“Seems like it’s telling right now, sis-in-law,” Tracey said with a smile.

Dan and Aubrina looked at each other and smiled, a silent understanding passing between them.


Back at Neighborly Heights Apartment Homes, Dan and Aubrina stopped at Aubrina’s door.

“I had a good time. Your sister and brother-in-law are cool,” she said.

Dan smiled. “Yeah, Tracey and I have always been tight. She’s only a year younger than me,” he said.

“Something else we have in common. My sister, Catherine, and I are a year apart too,” Aubrina said.

“Awesome,” Dan replied, his smile widening.

They continued to look at each other, the night air filled with unspoken words.

“Dan, would you like to meet my family?” she asked, her voice soft.

“Are you calling in the favor?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, but we can consider it me calling in the favor,” she said with a smile.

Dan continued to smile. “I would love to. How about tomorrow, after church?” he suggested.

“Perfect!” she said, her eyes lighting up.

“Alright then, see you tomorrow at 8 a.m.,” Dan said.

“I’ll be up at 7 a.m.,” Aubrina replied.

“Well then, how about breakfast at Lonnie’s?” Dan suggested.

“You bet!” Aubrina said enthusiastically.

Aubrina unlocked the door to her apartment and found Barney waiting for her. He barked at both Aubrina and Dan, making them laugh.

“He is so cute. How about next Saturday, after we visit Serene Haven Nursing Home, you and I take Barney for a walk?” Dan suggested.

Barney barked, and Aubrina laughed. “He says you bet, and so do I,” she said.

“Alright then. Night, Aub. Night, Barney,” Dan said.

“Night, Dan,” Aubrina replied, and Barney barked at Dan as he walked away and she closed the door.

Aubrina smiled at Barney as she picked him up. “I think I might be falling in love, Barney,” she said, and Barney barked in agreement.