Page 68 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

“She’s nice,” he began, “high energy and always seems to be on the go.”

Melinda picked at a thread on the cushion next to her. “I got the distinct impression no grass was going to grow under her feet.”

“There is something to be said for sitting and relaxing. Like walking on the beach, holding hands with a pretty girl.” He smiled, “Or kicking back on the patio. If you’re rushing around all the time, you miss stuff.”

Melinda’s cheeks grew pink. “You do,” she said slowly.

“I love being outside, but I also enjoy movies and concerts. Which are not high on Beth’s list of things to do.”

“Do you think you should go out again, maybe take in a movie or concert? What if she does enjoy them but it’s not her first thought of a fun date night?”

“That’s a good idea. I have enjoyed her company.” Adam flashed Melinda a grin. “I’ll ask if she’d like to go listen to a band.”

“An excellent idea.”

Melinda moved to get up from the couch when Adam decided to ask, “I might be beating a dead horse, but what about you? Have you thought about dipping your toe into the dating world?”

“No.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “I was flattered when Nick flirted with me, but he wasn’t my type.”

“I wasn’t necessarily referring to him.” He regarded her carefully before asking his next question. “Don’t get mad but I want to ask you again, do you think John would have wanted you to spend the rest of your life alone?”

He saw her grief flash across her face. “I don’t think that is a fair question. It wasn’t like John and I had a reason to discuss his death.”

“Mel, of course you didn’t. I’m sure the last thing either of you thought about was what would happen if one of you died. But you must have had some type of conversation about what if. After all, he was a cop in a city. He had to face danger every day.”

She thrust out her chin. “He was a good police officer.”

He could see the challenge in her eyes and said quietly, “I have no doubt, but there is an inherent risk as a cop.”

“We did talk about the future once. We set up life insurance policies and wrote our wills.”

“That sounds like you made plans.” He noticed her eyes filled with sadness. A depth he had never seen in them before.

Her voice quavered. “Can we change the subject?”

“So how about those Sox?”

She gave him a quizzical look. “What socks?”

Adam chuckled. “The baseball team? You know, out of Boston?”

“Oh, right.”

“You’re not a fan?”

“I wasn’t prepared for you to switch our conversation to baseball.” She gave him a smile. “Have you ever been to Fenway?”

“No. It’s on my list.”

“Your list? You have to go. All that history, the Big Green Monster. It is something to experience.”

“You’ve been?”

“Heck yeah. I love baseball.” She leaned forward. “Tell me more about your list.”

Adam’s interest was piqued. He wondered why he hadn’t known this about Mel. They could have gone to a game. “One of my life goals is to visit all thirty stadiums.”

Her eyes grew wide. “Now that’s an interesting goal! How many have you been to?”

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