Page 23 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

Adam had come to terms with his prosthesis, but it wasn’t something he wanted to broadcast to the world. He was one of the lucky ones: he’d survived only to have lost people under his command. But only in the privacy of his apartment did he wear shorts, no matter how hot it was.

After picking up his lunch bag, baseball cap and keys, it was time to head out. It felt good to be physically tired at the end of a productive day. In another week he’d be done at Mel’s and moving on to his next project. Maybe he’d talk to her again about the fancy chicken coop she dreamed about so he could have an excuse to see her again.

The sound of slamming doors drifted through the open window. He could hear Tim talking to Will. The sound of boots thumped on his stairs, and he opened the door. Will was halfway up. “Hey, slowpoke, Tim’s here and we’re ready to roll.”

Adam held up his lunch bag and jingled his keys. “I’ve been waiting for your slow butt to show up.”

Will backed down the stairs. “Tim, I’ll ride with you?”

“Morning, Adam,” Tim called out.

“There’s the groom-to-be.” Adam stepped off the bottom step and gave his buddy a playful slug to his arm.

Tim chuckled. “Yeah, Molly is like a whirlwind planning our wedding. She wants to get married on the island at her parents’ place. I keep telling her we don’t have enough time, but well, you know my girl. Once she gets something in her mind, off she goes.”

Adam opened the passenger door on his truck. Stowing his stuff, he asked, “Why the rush to get married this year?”

Tim casually leaned against his SUV. “Molly wants a Christmas-themed wedding and wants to get married near the ocean, and that doesn’t work for December at her parents’ place. And something about it being an even-numbered year is good luck. But I’m concerned the place will be booked being we’re so late to plan.”

“You are a man in love,” Adam stated. “And it will all work out.”

“You’ll find out when you meet that special someone too.” Will chuckled. “Look at me and Stacey. I’d do anything to put a smile on her face.”

Tim nodded. “I know exactly what you mean. I want Molly and me to have the wedding of her dreams.”

Adam clapped him on the back. “Well, since you two make finding a great girl so attractive, it’s a good thing I’m working with Melinda. If she can help the two of you find the perfect girls, I’m a slam dunk with my good looks and charm.” He climbed into the truck and slammed the door. “Guys, we’re going to be late, so let’s get going. Time is money.”

“Yes, Major.” Will gave him a stiff salute.

With a hearty laugh, Tim said, “And in case you forgot, we’re working for free. On a Saturday too.”

Adam hung his arm out the window. He set his mouth in a firm line. “We’ve been over this. I’m paying you and you’re going to take it.”

“Not necessary. Besides, I’d rather have you keep your money and help me renovate the basement. Stacey has an idea about a craft room and I’m sure a few other ideas will pop up.”

Adam felt his insides relax. Will wasn’t looking at this job as pity help. It was more of a barter situation. With an easy smile, he said, “That I can do.”

Tim said, “Hey, can I get in on this action, like when we buy a house you could help us out?”

“Sure, Tim.” He tapped the truck door with his hand. “Let’s get going before Melinda thinks we’ve taken the day off.” He started the truck and watched in his rearview mirror as his buddies got in Tim’s SUV and backed out into the street. Adam followed them on the short ten-minute drive to Mel’s. He parked in front of her house as Tim pulled into her driveway.

All looked quiet. He wondered where Mel was—maybe she wasn’t home. Not that it mattered, he reminded himself. He was here to work on her house.

Tim and Will grabbed the toolbox and ladder. Adam strapped on his tool belt. They were ready. As an after-thought, he grabbed an ancient-looking portable radio. He thought he’d put the ball game on while they worked.

Following the guys around the back, he saw Mel was up to her elbows, happily digging in her garden. He called out hello, but no answer. He crossed the yard as quickly as he could, making sure his gait was smooth, just in case she looked up. He tapped her shoulder.

She jumped up and pulled ear buds out. “Adam, hey.” She glanced toward Will and Tim. “I didn’t realize it was so late.” She gave him a sheepish grin. “I tend to lose track of time when I’m puttering in the dirt.”

“It’s no problem. I just didn’t want to scare you.” He reached out and brushed a smudge of dirt from her cheek. “You really dig it.” He smirked. “Sorry about the pun. I couldn’t help myself.” He wondered if the gesture would bother her. It felt natural to him to wipe the dirt from her face.

She pulled her wide-brimmed hat from her head and laughed. “If it’s only one streak of dirt, it’s a record for me.”

He shifted from one foot to the other. “I need to get to work.”

Melinda dropped her tools in her garden cart and grabbed it by the handle. Adam reached out and took it from her. “Allow me.” They walked toward the guys, who were busy setting up sawhorses and extension cords.

“Hi, Melinda,” Will said, while Tim focused on testing the ladder.

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