“Frankie!” Rhonda said happily. She’d gone into her office and shut the door. “I didn’t expect to hear from you until later.”

“Hey, Rhonda,” Frankie said, his tone glum. “There’s something I have to tell you and I didn’t want to wait. I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed, and believe me, I’ll understand if you never want to speak to me again.”

Rhonda’s heart sank. She’d already told all her friends and half of Asbury Park about her engagement. “Frankie, if you’ve changed your mind about us, just say so.”

“Changed my mind? No! Rhonda, it’s nothing like that,” Frankie exclaimed, his head starting to pound. “Oh my God, no.”

Tears of relief stung Rhonda’s eyes. Quickly she blinked them away. “Then what could possibly be wrong?” she asked.

“I called my mother. She sold the house a few days ago and is having a garage sale as we speak. I’ll have to find another place for us to live, which probably won’t be as big or have a swimming pool …”

“You think that would disappoint me so much that I wouldn’t speak to you again,” Rhonda asked incredulously, “never mind marry you?”

Frankie felt embarrassed. “Well, maybe …”

“Frankie, you want to know how I really feel about it?”

“Of course.”

“I’m thrilled!”

“You’re thrilled?”

“Yes! I already had one mother-in-law who didn’t think I could do anything right. If we moved into the house and I started making changes, it would be a problem whenever your mother visited. You said she’s opinionated, right?”

“That’s putting it kindly.” Frankie smiled broadly as he fell back onto his bed. “I love you, Rhonda.”

“I love you, too, Frankie. We’ll find a place here in Asbury Park and have fun fixing it up. This town is making a comeback. Artists and musicians who’ve moved here come into the restaurant all the time. We’ll get a place for less than the price of your mother’s house and it will only go up in value.”

“How did I get so lucky to meet you?” Frankie asked, rubbing his forehead.

“You’re blessed. We both are. You say your mother is having a garage sale right now? Should I go check it out?” Rhonda asked.

“No! I’m begging you. Stay away!”

“Frankie, I’m only kidding.”

“Good. I don’t want anything to ruin our plans. Like having you meet my mother when I’m not there. Rhonda, I really wish I could get off the ship tomorrow and catch a flight home,” he said softly. “I miss you so much.”

“I miss you, too. Two more weeks and you’ll be here. I can’t wait.”