Page 3 of Igniting Sparks

I snort out a laugh. “That would never work. He’s so in love with Ori that he basically named the speakeasy after her.”

“He named a drink after me—one I’ve yet to sample,” Ori corrects, a smile on her lips as she pats her expanding belly. “And I would lend him to you, Mina, but I think everyone in Sparkwood knows we’re together.”

Talk about timing.

Ash strolls over, dropping a kiss on Ori’s hair. “Who are you lending out?”

Ori tilts her head up for another kiss before motioning to me. “Mina needs a fiancé, remember? Your name came up as a candidate.”

Ash laughs, running a hand over his beard. “Obviously, you ladies have great taste.”

And obviously, Ash Hammond’s ego is loving every second of this.

“But,” he continues, leaning over to steal a bite of Ori’s tart, “I’m taken. However, my younger brother is available. Why don’t you ask him?”

Ori chuckles, fixing me with her dark eyes. “That is a fabulous idea. Braden would be the perfect fiancé.”

“I hate you two right now,” I mutter.

“Why not?” Time for Mom to jump into the conversation. “Braden is a lovely choice. Would he be willing to help you out?”

“I don’t know, and I’m not going to ask him.”

“But why not?”

“Because she likes him,” Ash interjects, and I’m tempted to lob my half-eaten cinnamon muffin at his head.

“One would think that should be a prerequisite for an engagement.” Seems Mom has switched sides to align with the enemy.

A smirk dances on Ori’s mouth. “Mina likes himtoomuch, which is all the more reason he’s the perfect choice.”

So glad they’re getting so much enjoyment at my expense.

Pushing my chair back, I stand, grabbing my cup and plate.

Time to go scream into a towel in the bathroom and then, maybe I’ll play in traffic for some added fun.

“You know the trouble with Braden? He doesn’t like me back. I’m too young, remember?”

Ash wraps an arm around my shoulder, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Trust me. He likes you, Mina.”

“No, he doesn’t,” I mumble, as a rush of color climbs my face.

The few times I’ve hung out with Braden, my personality has volleyed between a mute wallflower and giddy schoolgirl.

I’m either blushing or giggling, and no doubt the man thinks I’m incapable of clever conversation. Hell, he probably thinks I’m incapable ofanyconversation.

And if I did ask him, and he said no, which I’m sure he would, I’d just die. Right there on the spot.

Let me tell you, marrying my cousin sounds better by the minute.

“Well, what a small world. Hello Therese. Mina.”

Oh shit. I know that voice. Bitsy Farnsworth herself.

Seems the universe is a comedian today.

I whip around, forcing a grin that borders on deranged. “Aunt Bitsy. You’re a surprise.”