Mom?
The second the call connected, her mother’s voice rang out sharp and annoyed. Joyce, what is going on with you? The woman who set up the date said you barely finished your meal before leaving!
Mom!
Joyce pinched the bridge of her nose, trying not to lose it. He basically told me I’d have to quit my job if we got married. I mean, why waste either of our time?
There was a beat of silence as her mom’s indignation fizzled out.
Mom, please, stop setting me up with these guys. Who in this day and age wants a wife who stays home and bakes pies all day?
She ended the call, still fuming.
Galen glanced at her from the driver’s seat, fighting back a grin. So, does this mean she’s done with blind dates for good?
He pulled up outside the Cooper house, parked, and handed her the keys.
Joyce reached out for them. Thanks for the ride. I’ll see you around.
Yeah… Galen nodded, hesitating for a second. As she took the keys, he let his hand linger, gently closing his fingers around hers.
Joyce, unless you object, I’m going to start… well, trying to win you over.
Joyce froze, her hand tingling where he touched her, her whole body sparking with nerves.
I…
She wanted to say something-shouldn’t she turn him down? But the words wouldn’t come.
Galen chuckled awkwardly and let go of her hand. Got it. I’ll take that as a maybe. Go on inside.
Oh.
Flustered, Joyce clutched the car keys and hurried toward the door.
Her head was spinning. He said he understood-understood what, exactly? She wasn’t even sure what she meant herself.
…
Later that night.
Sherilyn had just tucked James and Jenna into bed when her phone rang.
Sherilyn! Joyce’s voice came through, breathless and uncertain.
What’s up?
I… Joyce stammered, too embarrassed to spit it out.
Sherilyn’s lips curled with suspicion. Wait a minute Did Galen just tell you how he feels?
How did you know? Joyce gasped.
Sherilyn laughed quietly. It’s obvious, Joyce. The guy’s practically wearing a neon sign. I’m not blind.
She pressed on, So? Did you say yes?
No… Joyce groaned. He’s younger than me, Sherilyn.
What?
That actually surprised Sherilyn, and she couldn’t help but laugh. Dr. Cooper, seriously? You’re a brilliant, world-traveled woman living in the most open-minded place in the world, and you’re hung up on a couple years’ age gap?
Joyce hesitated. Well, when you put it like that…
Exactly! Sherilyn said, grinning. Look, I’m not saying you have to go for it, but if you’re going to turn him down, let it be because you don’t like him—not because of some silly number. Right?
Joyce mumbled, I guess so…
Sherilyn’s tone turned teasing. Let me guess… you don’t dislike him, do you?
Joyce didn’t say anything.
Sherilyn pressed, Maybe you even… kinda like him?
Oh my god! Joyce blurted, mortified. I don’t know! Stop asking!
Okay, okay, I’ll stop. Sherilyn was trying hard not to laugh. Don’t stress. Just see where things go. Give it time. And see if he’s really worth it.
She added, fair and square, “Even though he’s my brother, he’s still a guy. You know what they say never trust a man who says he’ll only eat one slice of pizza…
Just then, the door creaked open. Gilbert poked his head in, catching the tail end of her sentence. He winced. Was she talking about him again? Had he messed up lately without realizing?