Page 51 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

She was happy to escape his intense gaze. What was she thinking, blubbering all over him and telling him about John’s death?

Skye came mewling into the kitchen and walked in between and around Melinda’s ankles. “Hey, sweetie pie, what do you need?”

The kitten gazed up at her. Mew, mew, she squeaked.

Melinda wanted to laugh, but she didn’t have the heart. Instead she found some kitten treats on the counter and shook out a couple into the palm of her hand. “Here you go. Snack time for you and your dad.”

Adam was dumbfounded. He had no idea what really had happened to Mel’s husband until now. His injury was nothing compared to her heartbreak. He’d lost a partial limb, she’d lost the love of her life. He wondered, did she have family to support her, either hers or his?

“Mel?” he called out.

She poked her head out of the kitchen. “Can I bring you something else?”

“Do you have any plans? Maybe you’d like to stay for dinner. I don’t feel like being alone.”

She seemed to debate for a half a second before giving him a tentative smile. “Sure, I can pick up a pizza or something.” She frowned. “Shoot. I need my car.”

“Stacey will be home soon, or you can take my truck.” He grimaced as he tried to use the lever to raise the footrest on the recliner.

“Here, I can help with that.” Melinda walked toward him.

He was concerned there was a slight chance she might see his foot so he thought fast. “You know, I’m thinking sitting upright would be best. Keep my hand straight and all.” He held his hand up and Mel helped him reposition the pillows. He relaxed and gave her a tight smile. At least that’s how it felt to him. “Any idea when I can take another pain pill?”

“Two more hours.” She went back into the kitchen and brought him a glass of milk and a plate of Oreos. “Maybe this will distract you.”

He reached over, pulled the side table closer and smirked. “My dunking hand is out of commission, but I’ll do my best.”

She set the plate within easy reach. Prowling around his apartment, she picked up a framed photo. “This is a nice one of you and Will.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “You look pretty spiffy.”

Adam chuckled. “I don’t think anyone has ever said a Marine in his dress uniform is spiffy.”

“I’m sure someone has at some point in time, but a man in uniform always looks good.” She dropped her eyes. He guessed she was thinking of John. Melinda hadn’t completely dealt with her grief yet. Of that he was sure.

“I’m really sorry about your husband.”

Her eyes met his, they were clouded with sorrow. “Me too.” She shrugged as if to indicate the pain wasn’t raw. “Some days are better than others, I’m not going to lie. Today the hospital was unexpectedly tough.” She sat on the edge of the couch.

“You shouldn’t have driven me.”

With a shake of her head, she said, “I’m glad I did. I had to confront it at some point.”

“Did you have support from his family after the accident?”

“John has a brother, Joe, but they had a falling out. He seemed to get into trouble all the time, choosing to live on the wrong side of the law. John tried to help him. When I called to tell him about what had happened, Joe informed me he wasn’t coming to the funeral.”

With a low whistle Adam said, “That’s cold.”

“I feel bad for Joe. He’ll never have the chance to reconnect with John.”

“Did John regret the relationship with his brother?”

Melinda nodded. “Of course, but as a cop he had to take a hard line with Joe. But I can tell you this, if Joe had called John to say he wanted to get clean, my husband would have dropped everything to help him.”

“He sounds like a good man.”

The corners of Melinda’s mouth turned upward. “He was the best. They broke the mold when they made him.” She leaned back against the cushions. “We had the best life.”

“I’m sorry.” He waited half a beat. “But you still have time, to start over. Who knows, you might meet a great guy who wants to have a bunch of kids.”

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