Page 100 of The Bride Wore White

It occurs to me that if you ever decide to retire from the nightclub business, you should give serious consideration to opening a matchmaking agency,” Raina said.

Luther looked up from some notes he was making in his case journal. “What?”

“I just said I see a future in matchmaking for you,” she said.

They were alone in Luther’s private booth on the mezzanine of the Paradise Club. Prudence and Jack had joined them for drinks and dinner and a relaxed debriefing. It took a while to come down from the rush of a closed case. It was best to do that unwinding with friends.And lovers. She smiled at Luther. He returned the smile, leaned close for a moment, and kissed her.

When he straightened, his usually enigmatic eyes heated with a familiar warmth. She recognized it because everything inside her responded to it. They were bound together by so many things now—commitment, secrets, passion, and trust. It all added up to love.

Having met Prudence in person and watched her together with Jack, she was certain the pair shared a bond built on a very similar foundation.

The two had gone downstairs to dance a few minutes ago when the orchestra had begun to play. The floor was crowded, the shadows were deep, and the rain of lights from the mirror ball overhead dazzled the eye. Nevertheless, it was easy to spot Prudence and Jack. Energy seemed to whisper around them as they moved together, lost in the music and each other.

Luther followed her gaze to the dance floor. “I knew those two would get together.”

“Did you?”

“Something about the way they looked at each other that first day,” Luther said.

“As I recall, you were afraid they might try to strangle each other.”

“Exactly. You know, when you think about it, this isn’t the first couple I’ve managed to put together in the course of an investigation. When you look back at recent cases, I’ve got a remarkably good track record in the matchmaking department.”

“Probably a psychic talent,” Raina said.

“I’m pretty sure I never possessed that particular talent until I met you.”

“Is that so?”

“I do believe you have opened up a whole new psychic pathway for me.”

Raina smiled. “What a coincidence. I’ve been thinking you’ve done something very similar for me.”

“Is that right?”

“That’s what happens when you fall in love, I guess. Something about the process makes it possible to see the world in a different light.”

He wrapped an arm around her and drew her close. “Yes, itdoes. And once you have seen it in that new light, you can never go back.”

“Uh-oh.”

Raina pulled away from Luther’s warm grasp and leaned over the railing to get a better look at the dance floor.

“What’s wrong?” Luther asked.

“Prudence just came to a sudden halt on the floor and she’s waving her arms. I think they are arguing. In the middle of the dance floor.”

Curious, Luther leaned over her shoulder and looked down. “Nothing to worry about. That’s their idea of foreplay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“I’ve got it,” Prudence announced in a ringing voice.

Jack was aware that several heads had turned, but for once no one was staring at his scars. They were all watching Prudence, who looked thrilled with herself.Unpredictable as usual,he thought. This was a moment that called for action. He knew how to lead. He tightened his grip on her and drew her firmly back into the pattern of the dance.

“What have you got?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

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