“But am I?” Marv gazed at her with a knowing smile. “My sources tell me you’ve moved out to the ranch. Close proximity.”
Luis got it now. “You think we’ll end up together.”
“Bingo. And you will, judging from the way you look at each other. Reminds me of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in Out of Africa.”
“Never saw it.” Somehow he’d missed hearing about Marv’s premonitions even though he’d been going in for haircuts since he was four.
“Don’t bother watching the movie. Spend your time on the real thing. What you two have is built to last. And I’m never wrong, am I, Harry?”
“Not so far, but there’s always a first time.”
“And this is that first time, Marv.” Jordan put a hand on the barber’s shoulder. “Brace yourself. That squiggle you felt in your tummy yesterday morning was just something you ate for breakfast that didn’t agree with you.”
Clearly Jordan wasn’t buying what Marv was selling. But he was. Not that it mattered if he believed they were fated to be together. If she thought it was superstitious nonsense, he was dead in the water.
Marv maintained his sunny smile. “We’ll see, won’t we? Hey, we’re almost to the head of the line. How about that? Time flies when romance is in the air.”
“You two are here to get a book signed?” He’d assumed they’d come in so Marv could check on his current fated couple project.
“Of course.” Harry held up Oksana’s book. “We read her first one the minute it came out. Can’t wait to read the second one. We’ve already been through Rance’s and M.R. Morrison’s lines. Today’s like Christmas for us.”
Marv gave Luis’s stack an approving glance. “I see you have all three, as well. Good job.”
“Thanks.” He turned toward the signing table just as the mom and daughter ahead of them walked away.
“Luis and Jordan.” Oksana greeted them with a warm smile as they stepped up. “Are congratulations in order? Or are you two caught in the cross-fire?”
“It’s more of a cross-fire situation.” Jordan laid down her book. “I’m thrilled to be here, though, and get this one signed. I love Odette.”
“Me, too.” Pulling the book toward her, Oksana opened it and began to write. “For what it’s worth, I can relate to your situation. Relationships are complicated enough as it is. Add in a big family, and things get ten times crazier.” She closed the book and handed it back.
“No kidding. Thank you so much for signing this for me. It’s great meeting you.”
“Same here. Let me know how you like it.”
“I will, for sure. Your turn, Luis.”
Oksana’s eyes widened as he put his copy on the table. “You’re getting my book, too?”
“Lucky highly recommended it.”
“Then I’m guessing you haven’t read the first one.”
“No, but I’ll get it and read it before I read this one.” Seemed like the right course of action.
“This one will make more sense if you do that.” She broke eye contact and picked up her pen. “I’ll be sure and thank Lucky for giving me a plug. And thank you, too, for trusting his judgment.” She chuckled. “You do realize he’s a mite prejudiced.” She looked up and handed him the book.
“Maybe, but you should have heard his voice when he said you’re a great writer. There was a ton of respect tucked into those words.”
She flushed. “And that’s why I love that cowboy. Thank you for telling me.”
“Thank you for teaching about how young girls think.”
She laughed. “You bet.”
“Harry and Marv, she’s all yours.” He stepped aside to make room for the barber twins. Tipping his hat to them, he followed Jordan into the hallway.
She paused. “Hang on. I want to see what she wrote.”
