Peggy Jaeger, Author

So, I’ve got a release date of May 21, 2024 for book 2 in the HEAVEN’S MATCHMAKER series, LOVE MATCH( LAYLA & CODY).

Here’s a little scene between Layla and Cody’s Mom, Sally, a woman very unlike Layla’s cold and critical mom.

All the nerves she’d been able to quiet manifested again. She stood, knowing her legs should move her to the front door, but couldn’t.

The bell chimed again. With it, she heard Cody barreling down from the attic.

“I’ll get it,” he said, glancing into the room on his way to the door.

Finally remembering how to walk, Layla shot behind the pocket doors, intent on closeting herself in the room. Cowardly? Yes, she wasn’t going to deny it. But then a female voice echoed in the front hall.

“I was in soup-making mode this morning and made a batch of vegetable and tomato, so I figured I’d bring some for lunch for you both. As usual, I made a vat. Way more than just Daddy and I can get through,” the voice said, laughter ringing in the tone.

“You got grilled cheese sandwiches to go along with the soup?”

A beat passed. Then, “Cody Angus Fonda, when have you ever known me not to make sandwiches to go along with soup?”

Layla could hear the smile in his answer. “Never. Thank God.”

Despite wanting to hide, Layla peeked around the half-opened door. She’d imagined the woman would be her age, maybe even younger from the youthful vitality lilting through the voice. But it belonged to a woman in her mother’s generation.

Cody glanced over his shoulder and caught her staring at them.

“Not the delivery guys,” he said. “It’s my mom and she’s brought us lunch. Come meet her. I promise,” he slanted his mother a playful grin, “she won’t bite.”

She shoved a bag at him, then swatted him across the forearm.

“Is that any way to introduce me?” she said, shaking her head.

The smile gracing her face belied the annoyance in her question.

Before Layla could come forward, Cody’s mother crossed the expanse of the foyer to her, a hand extended in greeting. “I’m Sally, Layla. It’s so nice to meet you.”

Layla found her hand cocooned within both of Sally’s and pumped with vigor. “My mother is up at the Arms and is besties with your gran. Effie talks about you all the time and from pictures I’ve seen of her when she was a girl, you’re her spitting image. Both of you, beauties.”

Despite her nerves, Layla smiled.

“That’s sweet of you to say.”

“I went to school with your mom, too. How’s she doing?”

Layla had to bite back the comment she really wanted to make, instead, going for the polite, “She’s well, thank you.”

“Good. Good. Well, I made some soup and sandwiches and brought some along. Cody loves my soups, especially on a cold day like today. Are you hungry?” She wound her arm through Layla’s and began walking with her toward the kitchen. “I don’t even ask Cody that anymore because the man is a walking hunger pang.” She rolled her eyes at her son. “Come on. Let’s go find some bowls and utensils. So, my son tells me you and he are fixing up the house a bit. Good, I’m glad. This house is gorgeous. Effie always left it spotless, too. I remember coming here as a girl with my parents when your grandparents had their annual Christmas party. Everything was so festive and beautiful. Do you have any plans to decorate or entertain like she did?”

Layla let herself be guided toward the kitchen, Cody following behind them, the bag in his hand.

“I hadn’t given it much thought,” she admitted. “I want to get a few of the projects completed first.”

Sally led her to a chair, told her to sit, and then started rummaging through the cabinets for bowls. “That’s smart. You don’t want drop clothes and scaffolding, and other things about if you invite people into your home.”

Once she located the bowls she turned to her son and said, “Don’t just stand there, boy. Bring me the food.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He placed the bag on the island turned and winked at Layla.

It was all she could do to stay upright on the chair.

Sally’s not really pushy, just very involved in everyone’s business, LOL