Page 3 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

Tim tapped a knife against the stem of the wineglass. “Excuse me.”

The chatter died down.

“On behalf of Will and my new sister, Stacey, I’d like to thank you for sharing this amazing day with our family and close friends.”

He paused. “I’d like to propose a toast to Stacey and Will.” He turned to look at the couple and in a loud, clear voice he said, “There was a time when I wondered if my older brother, and old being the operative word”—he grinned at Will—“would ever find a woman to stand by his side as he navigates through the ever-changing waters of life. Stacey is just that woman. Not only does she love sailing and spicy food as much as Will does, but she loves my brother with all her heart.” He raised his glass a little higher and he said, “To Stacey and Will.”

Echoes around the room said, “To Stacey and Will.”

The newlyweds entwined arms and sipped pink champagne. After a few more toasts, the bandleader encouraged everyone to enjoy the buffet. Adam’s eyes drifted to Melinda’s table. Her chair was empty. Glancing around the room, he didn’t see her anywhere. Had she snuck out while the toasts were happening? When Will and Stacey got back from their honeymoon, he’d get the low down on the matchmaker.

Melinda took one last glance over her shoulder. The reception was underway and it was the perfect opportunity to slip away, unnoticed. Swinging her small beaded handbag, she strolled to the car. Another happy couple would have the chance to spend their lives with their true love. Twisting the slim gold band on her ring finger, Melinda smiled; it was just like her life with John. She felt blessed to have been well loved, and Melinda had loved her husband with all her heart in return. She couldn’t wait to get home and check her email to see who might be next on the road to happily ever after.

Chapter 2

It was hard to believe another week had come and gone. Time to enjoy the weekend. The sun was peeking from behind a white fluffy cloud in the bright blue sky. Dressed in a floral skort and pale pink tee, Melinda carried an oversized cooler and carefully picked her way down the well-worn wooden stairs to the sandy beach. The picnic was in full swing. Glancing around, she noticed the hostess Stacey hugging another late arrival.

With a big wave, Stacey hurried over to take one of the handles of the heavy cooler. “You should have left that up top. One of the guys would have brought it down for you.” She grinned from ear to ear. The glow of a faint tan accentuated her light brown eyes and sun-streaked bob. Together they lugged it across the sand and set it under the blue easy-up tent well back from the rising tide.

“It was no trouble…well, until I stepped on the sand.” Melinda kicked off the high-heeled wedge cork sandals. “They look cute, but these shoes were not the best idea for a beach party.” She wiggled her toes in the sun-warmed sand.

Stacey drew her into a hug. “You look great as always.”

“And you’re always giving me compliments.” Using her hand, Melinda shaded her eyes and scanned the group. She laughed. “Did you invite the entire town?”

Stacey slipped an arm through Melinda’s. “Come on. There are a bunch of people dying to meet you.”

“Meet me? Why?”

Melinda saw the look of surprise flash across Stacey’s face. “Everyone I know never thought I’d find anyone who could make me fall head over heels in love. So you did the impossible and now people are wondering if you can do the same for them.”

“You’ve given me far too much credit. I just took some basic information, sent you a few profiles. You’re the one who picked Will. After that, all that was left was for you two to sign the marriage license.”

Stacey laughed. “You mean after you sent me more than a dozen matches. You make it sound like it was so easy.”

“Love isn’t complicated, people make it that way.” Melinda smiled brightly. “So, give me the rundown on who is who.”

In a conspiratorial whisper, Stacey said, “Okay. That tall, well-built man over there?” she pointed to the one person who left a lasting impression on Mel at the wedding. “That’s Adam Bell. He and Will go way back to their Marine Corps days. They were deployed together and have been best friends since basic.” She gave Melinda a wink. “He’s single and Will is trying to get him to sign up with you. He could use a good woman. His ex-girlfriend dumped him after he came back from his last tour of duty.”

Melinda bit back a sharp retort about the kind of woman who would do that to a man who served his country. She quickly reminded herself to not be judgmental. There could be a very good reason why his ex broke it off, but it did sound a bit heartless to do it right after he came back from deployment.

She inclined her head toward a pretty woman about their age. “Who’s that?”

“The girl in the short shorts and crop top?”

Melinda gave a slow nod. “She seems to be a little out of place.” Glancing around, she noticed most of the girls wore longer shorts or flowing skirts and tops that covered up their midsections.

“That’s Mary, one of Will’s other friends from work. I’m surprised you didn’t notice her at the wedding. I saw a picture of her and whoa, I have no idea how she even danced in the dress she was wearing.”

Melinda’s eyebrow shot up. “She’s very pretty.”

Stacey grinned. “Someone said she’s quite the party girl. Like she hasn’t outgrown that stage of life yet.”

Assessing the woman, Mel said, “I wonder if it’s all a front. Maybe she dresses that way to get attention in certain situations but under it all, she’s shy.”

Stacey snorted. “You think so?”

Melinda nodded and continued, “I’ve met her type before and she really wants to belong, but she’s just unsure where she fits in. Instead she goes for the shock value.”

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