Cami, on the other hand, looked perfectlyposed as if she already knew how things would turn out, with a hint of “you''re going to regret this” in her eyes.


    Jacques was about to lose his mind. There was no way he wanted to go on a blind date. Regret? Not a chance!


    "You really won''t regret it?" Cami asked, arching an eyebrow.


    "Only an idiot would regret it!" Jacques shot back.


    "Alright then, I''ll just call the Etheridge family and let them know there''s an idiot in my house who refuses to meet Fidelia Etheridge," Cami replied coolly.


    Jacques had already been on his way out, but at those words, he froze mid-stride. He turned, stiff as a board, and looked at Cami, grinning like a fool. "Mom, are you serious? You really set up a date for me with Fidelia?"


    "Hmph. You mope around the house all day-what else was I supposed to do? Someone has to take action," Cami said with a proud little toss of her head.


    The truth was, she''d met Fidelia herself and genuinely liked the girl, which was why she''d gone out of her way to y matchmaker. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have bothered.


    "Mom, I love you!" Jacques rushed over and showered Cami with noisy kisses, leaving her cheeks covered in slobber.


    Cami, well aware of her son''s Western upbringing,ughed but finally pushed him away when his affection got a little out of hand.


    "Alright, that''s enough. Save all that for your future wife," she teased, straightening her sleeves.


    "Mom, is Fidelia old enough to get married? Can we actually tie the knot?" Jacques asked, half-joking, half-hopeful.


    Cami chuckled. "You like her that much? You''re already thinking about marriage?"


    Jacques nodded earnestly. "I mean it, Mom. I really like her. She''s the only one for me. I wouldn''t have a single regret if I married her right now."


    Cami smiled at his sincerity. "Well then, make sure you put your best foot forward when you visit their home tomorrow, alright?"


    "Roger that!" Jacques dered, giving her a mock Boy Scout salute.


    After a while, Jacques came flying down the stairs again, breathless. "Mom, I need to go out for a bit.”


    "Where are you going?" Cami asked, her suspicious tone making it clear she was worried he might try to escape.


    "I''lle with you," she said quickly, grabbing her purse.


    Jacques grinned. “Great! You''ve always had a better eye for these things than I have. I need something more mature-none of my clothes feel right for this. You pick something for me, Mom."


    It was obvious: Jacques was genuinely smitten.


    Arranged marriages rarely turned out to be happy, but if Jacques and Fidelia truly cared for each other and could support one another, who was to say it wouldn''t be a good match?


    Cami''s heart lightened. "Alright, let''s find you the perfect outfit."


    "Hurry up, Mom!" Jacques bounced impatiently at the door.


    "Okay, okay, stop rushing. I''ve got it," Cami said, rolling her eyes with a smile.


    "Come on, let''s go!"


    When they returned, Jacques paraded around the house in his new suit, rehearsing every possible greeting, tweaking his tone and gestures until they felt just right.


    Both Cami and Jacques''s father, Baade Crawford, watched in amazement; they''d never seen Jacques take anything so seriously before.


    Baade leaned over and murmured to Cami, "Aren''t you the least bit jealous?"


    Camiughed. "Why would I be? Seeing our son grow into a wonderful young man makes me happy."


    "And besides, I really do like Fidelia. She''s well-mannered and lovely. When she joins our family, I think we''ll get along beautifully. I suppose you could say I hand-picked my own daughter-inw."


    Baade smiled. "In that case, let''s hope tomorrow goes well."


    Cami nodded, confidence shining in her eyes. "It will. I know it will."