Storytime and Sawdust (Zaftig Ever After #3)

Matchmakers’ Log

KRISSA

I tap my cherry-red fingernail against the manila folder, stealing a glance at the clock. Zara's five minutes late, which is practically an eternity in Zara-time. The woman's so punctual she makes Swiss trains look unreliable.

The bell above our door jingles and Zara bursts in, cheeks flushed, enormous brown eyes wide with apology.

"Sorry! The coffee line was?—"

"Let me guess. Around the block because of that new barista with the beard?" I arch an eyebrow, accepting the peace offering of my extra-hot latte.

"His name is Drew, and no." Zara tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "There was a family with twins who couldn't decide between muffins or scones, and the little girl was so cute with her missing front teeth that I couldn't even be annoyed."

That's Zara in a nutshell—soft heart wrapped in an even softer cardigan. I gesture toward the folders spread across our meeting table .

"Ready to play cupid? I've got two projects that are practically begging for our attention."

Zara settles into her chair, notebook already open. "Hit me."

I slide the first folder across the table. "Cal Rhodes. Custom woodworker. Referred by Margaret Holloway."

"The library board president?" Zara's eyebrows lift.

"The very same. She commissioned a desk from him last year and says he's grown increasingly hermit-like since his grandfather passed and left him the workshop.

" I flip open the folder, revealing a candid photo of a man in his late thirties, sleeves rolled up, concentrating on sanding a piece of wood.

"Apparently, he's all craft and no play. "

"He's handsome," Zara murmurs, studying the photo. "In that rugged, capable way."

"Right? Like he could build you a house and then carry you over the threshold without breaking a sweat." I fan myself dramatically. "Margaret says he's brilliant with his hands but terrible at small talk. Had a string of relationships with women who wanted arm candy more than substance."

Zara nods thoughtfully. "So he's retreated to his workshop where the wood doesn't make demands."

"Exactly. Classic case of a good man who's given up on finding someone who appreciates him for more than his biceps." I tap another photo showing an intricate bookshelf with fairy tale-inspired carvings. "But look at what he creates. There's passion there."

"Hidden depths," Zara agrees. "Who are you thinking for him?"

I slide the second folder across the table with a flourish. "Molly Harper."

Zara's face lights up. "The children's librarian? Oh, I love her! Remember that fundraiser where she auctioned off personalized storytime packages?"

"And performed each character with different voices?

Yes! That's when I knew she was perfect for our roster.

" I open Molly's file, revealing a photo of a curvy woman with auburn hair reading to a circle of captivated children.

"She's sunshine in human form, but she keeps dating men who make her feel like she needs to dim her light. "

"That's criminal." Zara frowns, protective instinct flaring. "She's wonderful exactly as she is."

"Precisely why she needs someone who sees that." I tap Cal's photo. "Someone steady who'll appreciate her warmth instead of being threatened by it."

Zara bites her lip, thinking. "There's just one problem. Cal doesn't strike me as the type to sign up for matchmaking."

"Margaret said the same thing. She tried to suggest it, and he shut down faster than a laptop with a dead battery."

"So we're talking blind match." Zara's eyes sparkle with challenge. "My favorite kind."

I grin, leaning forward. "I was thinking we could nudge Cal to bid on the library's new reading nook project. Margaret mentioned they're accepting proposals next month."

"And Molly could be on the selection committee!" Zara claps her hands together. "It's perfect—they'd have a legitimate reason to work closely together."

"Cal's craftsmanship would speak for itself, and Molly would see the man behind the work." I nod, already visualizing their first meeting. "He'd be impressed by her vision for the space, her connection with the kids..."

"And she'd be drawn to his quiet strength, the way he listens." Zara's romantic heart is fully engaged now. "They both value creating safe, beautiful spaces for others. That's a powerful foundation."

I pull out our intake form and begin filling it out with practiced efficiency.

Zaftig Dating Agency Intake Form

Name: Cal Rhodes

Occupation: Custom woodworker and furniture maker, known for craftsmanship and quiet reliability

Referred By: Long-time client (library board member) who's noticed Cal growing more isolated and wants to see him find happiness

Notes: Deeply rooted in tradition, prefers hands-on work to small talk, and is wary of love after a string of shallow relationships. Passionate about his craft but hesitant to step outside his comfort zone.

Name: Molly Harper

Occupation: Children's librarian, beloved for story hours, crafts, and community outreach

Notes: Endlessly optimistic and makes the library a haven for kids and families. Secretly insecure about never being "enough" for the men she dates, but lights up every room with warmth and creativity. We first spotted her at a library fundraiser and were instantly charmed by her energy.

Meeting Location: The local library, during planning and renovation of the new children's reading nook—Cal is brought in to design and build custom pieces, and Molly is on the selection committee.

I cap my pen with satisfaction. "They're both ready for something real. Something once-in-a-lifetime."

"And neither will see it coming." Zara's smile turns mischievous. "I'll call Margaret about getting Cal on the bidders' list."

"And I'll swing by the library this afternoon to plant the selection committee seed with the director." I close both folders, feeling that familiar buzz of matchmaker's intuition. "Something tells me this is going to be special."

Zara raises her coffee cup in a toast. "To Cal and Molly—may they find in each other exactly what they didn't know they were looking for."

We clink cups, conspirators in the best possible way.