“Besides,” her sister continued, “if you move to Kaldor, I may never see you again.”
“That just occurred to you now? It’s been an issue from the beginning.”
“It’s no longer a hypothetical; it’s real.”
“Well, you’re in luck.” She grinned. “It says here I’m welcome to bring along mypersonalhandmaidif I wish. You could be my servant. Do my hair, set out my clothes, pick up after me.”
They both laughed. Karma hardly picked up after herself.
People called them the Odd Couple Twins; Kismet was a neat freak, while her twin could turn a room into a disaster zone in minutes. Out of economic necessity and sisterly love, they rented an apartment together. Karmatriedto rein in her messiness, but mostly her untidiness drove Kismet nuts.
“Seriously, Kis. You ought to pass on this one. Trust me. He’s not right for you. Give it some time. Don’t do anything crazy, okay?”
Crazier than joining Cosmic Mates in the first place? Kismet rarely made a decision without a pro-and-con list. She lived by the motto, “Sleep on it.”
Her sister regarded her with concern. “Please? I have a feeling about this.”
She didn’t give much credence to her sister’sfeelings. She had once analyzed her twin’sintuitive hunches, keeping track of the premonitions and the outcomes over a span of severalmonths. The predictions had a 50/50 accuracy rate. Flipping a coin would have worked just as well.
However, the love and concern for her welfare were genuine. “Don’t worry. I won’t do anything drastic.”
“Phew!” Karma hugged her. “Don’t worry. Prince Charming will come. I’m going to the store. Do you need anything?”
“Can’t think of anything.”
Alone, Kismet studied the alien’s profile.He is handsome. Those ears are so cute.So what if he didn’t smile? Maybe, like her, he was shy and reserved. Some people went around grinning all the time; she didn’t smile unless something pleased or amused her. Besides—it could be a cultural thing. Maybe Kaldorans didn’t smile for photos.
She toggled over to her account and clicked on the message icon to reread Jaryk’s transmittal. She’d intended to share the note with her sister, but the unexpected disapproval had floored her, and she’d forgotten about it. If she was a gambler, she would have bet the house her sister would push her to accept the marriage offer. The fact she’d done the opposite had motivated Kismet to give it more consideration.
Greetings, Kismet Kennedy,
It would be my great pleasure to make your acquaintanceship and discuss marriage. I confess I don’t know how to introduce myself. I’ve never contemplated anything as audacious as an arranged marriage through a matchmaking service, but I have been unable to achieve my heart’s desire on my own. I do not wish to settle for anything less than true love. Is it the same for you?
A provisional marriage through Cosmic Mates offers us a chance to shape our future and fates. We already seem to enjoy similar interests, and your attractive appearance pleases me. Many couples have married with less. Please view my profile. If you are similarly pleased with me, perhaps we couldwed. Stranger things have happened than strangers becoming friends and then finding true love.
Ever hopeful,
Jaryk
He seemed to echo her own yearning for love. She’d been unable to achieve her heart’s desire on her own. They shared common interests. And his appearance did indeed please her.
Before she lost her nerve, she replied.
Dear Jaryk,
I would be very happy to discuss next steps with you. I have noted we seem to share similar interests, despite coming from different planets. Your physical appearance is pleasing to me as well.
It seemed shallow to talk about appearance, but physical compatibility could not be taken for granted. She couldn’t marry an alien who resembled a giant insect or a jellyfish. She’d seen several of them as she’d scrolled through the profiles.
Marriage is a bold step, but I am ready to take the leap. Please advise how you would wish to proceed. FYI, I am hoping I can convince my handmaid to accompany me.
Hopeful too,
Kismet
Hopefully, her sister wouldn’t be too upset with her. She had promised not to do anything drastic. However, this wasn’t drastic; she was following the plan—Karma’s plan. This whole thing had been her idea.
While the twins looked alike, and they loved each other unconditionally, they were polar opposites in personality and likes and dislikes. Time after time, when Karma hated something, Kismet loved it. So, if her twin deemed Jaryk a bad choice, then he must be a good one.