Page 101 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

The coffeepot gurgled and sputtered. Melinda handed Mary the mug and carton of half and half, then settled into the sofa, shutting her laptop and setting it aside. “So, tell me, how can I help you?”

Mary toyed with the cap of the half and half. Shyly she looked up. “I would like to hire you to help me find a man. A good man.” She blew on her coffee before saying, “The last time I saw you I was in a bit of an identity crisis, running around dressing like, well, not like me.” She gestured to her outfit. “I’m more comfortable like this, rather than wearing very short dresses.”

Gently Melinda asked, “What changed?”

“I had just been dumped by a cheater who said I wasn’t pretty enough for him to stay faithful. He said he went looking because I dressed like a frump bucket.”

Anger flared in Melinda, but she kept her voice even. “First off, you must realize his cheating had nothing to do with you. It is so typical that people deflect their responsibility by blaming someone else. And secondly, you’re a beautiful woman, inside and out. If your ex couldn’t see that, well, then it’s a good thing he’s your ex.”

For the first time Melinda saw Mary’s eyes brighten and then she smiled. Her voice was breathless and soft. “Do you really think that’s true?”

“Trust me. I can tell you there is an amazing guy out there looking for you.”

A gleam came into Mary’s eye. “How soon can we get started?”

“I like your attitude. Is now too soon for you?” Melinda stood up to get her notebook and pen. “I’ll give you the questionnaire and you can either fill it out here and we’ll go over it now, or you can take it home and we can get back together in a few days.”

Excited Mary said, “If you have the time, I’ll fill it out here. This will be my Christmas present to me.”

Mel stepped behind her desk and opened the file cabinet drawer. She withdrew a folder and then handed a set of papers to Mary along with a clipboard and pen. “I’m going to step into the kitchen and you take your time. When you’re done, just yell and I’ll come in and we’ll go over it all.”

“Then what happens?” Mary asked.

“I add your information to my database and run a search or two and see who I think might be a fit. Once I have a few matches, I’ll email you the information and you can reach out to who you might like.” She handed Mary another paper. “These are my tips for first meetings. I suggest a coffee date in a public setting and during the daytime, and never have someone pick you up at home. Not until you meet each other a couple of times. Safety first.”

Mary glanced at the paper. “Do you send my information to men too?”

“I do. But it is confidential, so if you pass on someone or he does, you’ll never know. I have found it keeps feelings from getting bruised.”

“What if someone contacts me and I don’t want to go out with them?”

“I would encourage you to just go for coffee. You never know how someone will be in person as opposed to on paper.” Melinda gave her what she hoped was an encouraging smile. “I’ll leave you to the paperwork.”

“Thank you, Melinda. I’ve heard you’re the best.” She gushed, “I just know you’ll help me find a nice man.”

After she chuckled, Melinda said, “I’ll try to live up to my reputation.”

Epilogue

Melinda opened the door and grinned. Adam was standing on the front steps holding a paper bag in one hand and a bottle of wine from the vineyard in Newport in the other.

“Hello, beautiful. Dinner is served.” He stepped inside out of the falling snow. The grass was covered with a thick white blanket.

Melinda took the bag and wine and headed toward the kitchen. “I thought we’d eat in the living room. I started a fire.”

“Sounds romantic.” He called after her, “I forgot something in the truck. Be right back.”

Melinda set out plates and glasses on the kitchen counter and wondered what on earth Adam could have forgotten. She heard the front door close and she peeked down the hallway. He carried a pastry box and a bouquet of flowers.

“These are for you.” He presented the flowers with a smile and a kiss. “And I brought dessert. We might get snowed in and will need extra sustenance.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. “It’s going to be a white Christmas.”

Melinda laughed. “I’ll uncork the wine.”

Adam poured and picked up the glasses. “I’ll take these into the living room.”

She scooped up the lasagna and salad and added slices of crusty bread to their plates. Adam came around the corner and slipped his arms around her waist. “Everything smells and looks delicious.”

Melinda noticed a mischievous grin on his face. “What are you up to?”

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