Page 33 of Code of Heart

“There isn’t much to share. She said someone signed up at the same time I did, and she thinks we’re a possible match. But she won’t know until we’ve both finished the process.”

Grace’s forehead knitted in confusion. “Then how does she know if you’re compatible?”

Levi didn’t get the chance to answer.

“I think she’s a witch, but a chaotic good one,” Owen interjected matter-of-factly. “With the way you described those eyes? She without a doubt has a mystical gift. This is the plot of404: Down for Love—a witch café owner pairs a network admin and vintage bassoon restoration specialist together.”

“Get out,” Isaac barked, pointing to the door without looking up from his plate. Laughter erupted around the table.

“I will do no such thing,” Owen huffed. “Also, as the officiant of Levi’s future wedding, I need details to prepare for such an ostentatious event.”

Levi groaned. “We don’t need your services. She helps plan the wedding based on both our preferences. It can be as big or as small as we want. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.”

“How? You're not going to let us help?” Ivy challenged.

Levi burst out laughing at the absurdity of the debate. “You’re all forgetting one very important detail.”

They waited.

“I’m going to have to ask my wife first.”

CHAPTER 14

Levi

For the first time in ages, Levi had a restful night’s sleep, thanks in large part to dinner with friends and finally taking Ivy’s advice to take the rest of the week off. There was no way he could have focused on the matchmaking process and work at the same time.

Even so, nothing could have prepared him for how emotionally intense the in-depth interview with Estrella would be. At least her cozy home was a comforting contrast to the cold boardrooms he was used to.

When he arrived, she handed him a cup of hazelnut coffee. His favorite, of course. “Thank you,” Levi muttered, sipping it as the warmth soothed his tension.

Estrella settled across from him in the sitting room, notebook on her lap. “Let's begin with something straightforward, Levi. What are your non-negotiables in a relationship?”

Startled by her directness, Levi almost spat out his coffee. Recovering quickly, he sputtered, “Loyalty. Honesty. I need to trust that the person I'm with values commitment. I've been burned before—more times than I’m comfortable confessing. I can't go through that again.”

“That's understandable. Trust is foundational. What about building a family? Do you see that in your future?”

He hesitated. The idea felt distant but still stirred something in him. “I've always imagined having kids one day. But I need to trust that the person I’m with truly wants that—and will be a parent, not delegate it to others.”

Estrella’s gaze softened. “Relationships thrive when both partners are honest about their fears and hopes. Now, tell me something personal—something you find joy in.”

Levi cracked a smile. “Cooking. I’m not great at it, but it’s relaxing. It’s methodical, but you can still experiment. I’d like to cook for someone—maybe a family, someday.”

“Ah, yes. The journey is as important as the destination. How do you prefer to give and receive love?”

Levi frowned, unnerved by the line of questioning. He’d never saidI love youto anyone besides his friends and maybe his parents as a kid. It was a humbling revelation.

“I like helping others—mainly showing love through actions. But I also like doing things, spending time together. I enjoy buying gifts too, but not when it’s expected. That ruined every relationship I’ve had. They cared more about the gifts than me.”

He failed to keep the bitterness from lacing his response. The pressure of being valued for his money alone had always weighed on him.

“As for receiving love…I don’t really know. I’ve never really experienced it, I guess. Physical touch is great. But maybe someone who genuinely asks about my day and cares about the answer? This is a tough question.”

Estrella laughed. “My dear Levi, this is only the beginning of the tough questions I've lined up for today. We are only getting deeper from this point forward.”

She hadn’t been kidding.

Hours passed as Levi confronted answers to questions he had long avoided. The soft afternoon light filtered through her curtains as he peeled back layers of himself he had not realized existed. Emotionally and physically drained but somehow lighter, he left her home a different man.