Page 2 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

Molly stepped back and gave Adam the once over. She kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t you look handsome today in your dark suit? And just look at that lavender tie, spiffy.”

Adam grinned at her. “If I didn’t try to match the wedding colors a little bit, Stacey would have my head.”

Melinda watched as Adam and Molly shared a laugh. It seemed Adam already knew a few people.

Adam watched Melinda accept a glass of wine from the bartender and wandered toward the open French doors. She was dressed in a simple blue dress with polka-dotted heels that made her seem taller than her average height and showcased her legs to their best advantage. He appreciated that she looked fit, a nice hourglass shape. She had just the right amount of curves, at least in his opinion.

Molly had introduced him to every person within a twenty-foot radius. Now it was time to escape for a few minutes and maybe he could talk with, the aloof and beautiful, Melinda Phillips.

“I see you have a glass of wine.” Adam said.

Melinda whirled around. Her lips formed a large O. “You startled me.”

He half-turned. “I’m sorry to intrude. Would you like me to leave?”

With a slow shake of her head, she smiled. “No, gosh no. I was taking a breather.” She looked toward the guests gathering inside the dining room. “Everyone seems to be in high spirits. Just as it should be at a wedding.”

“Do I detect a note of melancholy?” He picked up a small plate and stabbed a square of cheese, then worked his way around the appetizer table.

“Not at all. I love weddings.”

He handed her the plate. “Let me guess, its hard being the single girl in a room full of couples.” She accepted the plate with a gracious smile. Adam continued, “I get it too, as the single guy. There is at least one well-meaning person out there who has already said she’d fix me up with someone’s cousin.” He tried to keep his voice light, but he knew it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Melinda laughed. It sounded musical to Adam, and he had to wonder why her left hand was without jewelry except for a simple thin band on her ring finger. But was she single?

Casually she asked, “And do you want to be set up?” She nibbled on a celery stick.

He couldn’t help but notice her eyes were an interesting shade of green, almost like the waters of the Atlantic in midsummer, with hints of gold and blue. She tucked a stray copper colored curl behind her ear.

“Adam?” She raised a brow.

“Oh, sorry.” He gulped down a drink of his beer. “I was wondering how you got into the matchmaking business.”

Softly she said, her eyes holding his captive, “I love helping people find that special person who adds sparkle and a sense of completeness to their lives.”

He teased, “Is that on your business card?”

“You got me.” She laughed. “But it really can be that simple.” She pointed to the banquet room. “The newly married couple has arrived. We should go back inside.”

“I’ll follow you.” Adam and Melinda stepped into the hub of activity. The lead singer of the band was warming up the crowd by introducing the members of the bridal party.

Finally, he said, “It is my pleasure to introduce the brand-new Mr. and Mrs. Benson.”

Whistles and applause filled the room as the couple sashayed their way to the center of the hardwood floor to have their first dance. As they twirled, Adam could see what Melinda had said—they both sparkled as they gazed into each other’s eyes. With a stab of longing, Anita briefly crossed his mind, but he refused to think about her today. He leaned down to rub his knee, a lingering reminder of the past and the chance he was taking to start over.

As the song concluded, clinking glasses urged the couple to kiss. Adam found his way to table eight and waved to Melinda across the room. She waved back and turned to speak to another guest.

Molly slipped into the chair next to him. “Are you having a good time?”

He nodded and sipped his beer. “I am, and you?”

She gushed, “I love weddings, and since Melinda moved to town, I swear the number of happy events have skyrocketed.” She pointed to a man in a tux talking to Will. “Tim and I were introduced by Melinda. We’ve been dating for almost six months.”

“I didn’t realize that’s how you met Will’s brother.”

“Using Melinda was the best decision I”—she gazed lovingly in Tim’s direction—“we ever made.” Tim waved to Molly. “Looks like I’m needed. Toast time. Tim and I are at your table, so we’ll be back shortly.”

Adam half-stood when Molly hopped up. She certainly had a lot of energy as he watched her sail across the dance floor to Tim’s side.

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