Page 65 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

Molly looked at Tim and then said, “One last thing. It’s an evening wedding, so the wedding will be black tie. The ladies will wear gowns and the men tuxedos.”

For the first time Will interjected. “Monkey suits?”

Adam laughed. “It won’t kill you, and I seem to recall your bride exclaiming you looked very handsome in yours.”

“Easy for you to say—you didn’t wear one that day.”

“I wore a suit.”

Melinda jumped in. “Stacey, let’s go shopping for dresses together.”

“Sounds like fun.” She poked Will. “You and Adam can go to the tux shop.”

Will groaned. Molly jutted her lower lip out, pretending to pout. “Will, for me?”

“Not to worry. You can count on me and my brother from another mother.” Will pointed to Adam. “You. Me. Tuxedos.”

“Speaking of dates,” Stacey said, “how was yours with Beth last night?”

“So, you finally called her?” Melinda said quietly. “Good for you.”

“Was this a Melinda match?” Tim asked.

“It was.” Adam kept his eyes on Mel. “We had a nice time. We were going to see that biopic about the rock band. But the lines were long, so instead we went to dinner.”

Tim looked around the small group gathered around the fire. “Maybe we’ll hear wedding bells again.”

Adam held up his hand. “Let’s not get carried away. It was our second date.”

Molly grinned. “Tim can give you pointers on engagement rings.”

Melinda felt her heart drop and noticed Adam’s face flush red. “Adam, any chance you can help me for a minute. Inside?”

“Sure.” He fell into step next to her. “Thanks.”

“I can see they weren’t going to give up on you. At least until you’re standing at the alter with a bride.”

“I’m not in any rush. I only want to get married once.” He opened the door for her and stepped to one side. “What do you need help with?”

“Nothing.” She flashed him a grin. “However, we’ll need to do something to save face.”

“I’m good at dishes.”

“Oh, Adam.” Melinda’s eyes grew bright and she sighed. “Did you bring me flowers?”

“Why do you think it was me?” He gave her a lopsided smile.

“I seem to recall one of our first conversations was about my love of flowers.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “This was very thoughtful.” She couldn’t help but notice his aftershave. Musky and very male.

“It was no big deal.” He turned to the sink and filled it with steaming water and soap bubbles. He began to scrub a few pots and, after rinsing them, set them aside to drain.

Melinda watched and smiled. She remembered another guy doing the exact same thing when they had friends over, flowers and dish duty. In some ways Adam reminded her of John but in so many more they were very different men.

“Mel?”

“What? I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.”

“I could tell. Looked like a nice memory.” He dried his hands. “I’ve finished up these dishes. Are there more?”

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