Page 92 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

He held tight to her hand as she finished descending the stairs. “I’ve heard all men look good in formalwear.”

She cocked her head. “Some more than others.” They reached the bottom of the stairs and she held out the car keys. “Would you care to drive?”

Without taking them, he opened up the front door. Parked in the driveway a driver stood next to a town car. The driver opened the door when he saw them.

“I thought we’d catch a ride tonight.”

She squeezed his hand. “Oh. Adam, how sweet.”

“It’s nothing.” Adam held up the hem of her dress as she got into the car so it wouldn’t get wet and closed her door. He adjusted his tie, taking a minute to settle his nerves. Looking at Mel made him want to skip the wedding and have a romantic night for two. He then went around to the other side and got in. The car was warm and the back seat felt intimate. Mel sank into the plush cushions.

“Too bad we don’t have a longer trip. I could get used to this.”

As they drove down Main Street, Christmas lights were sparkling, entwined around old-fashioned lampposts. Wreaths with large red bows dotted many doorways, and they even saw a group of carolers dressed in turn-of-the-century costumes in King Park.

She leaned forward and slid the window down. “We’re taking Ocean Boulevard.”

He grinned. “I knew the direct route wouldn’t be near as much fun as going this way. We have plenty of time.”

Mel took his hand and Adam felt her warmth spread through him. He wished these moments would never end. He was surprised at himself, all these tender thoughts for his matchmaker, the woman who was going to help him find love and maybe even lifelong happiness. He suspected he’d found it in her. Life certainly had its twists and turns.

The car slowed as they turned down the street lined with mansions. She gave a slight shiver due to the cold air that wafted into the car as they made their way, slowly down the street. It allowed her time to drink in the sights. Her eyes were bright as she closed the window and looked at Adam. “I wonder how Molly is feeling right this moment.”

“I’ll bet the bride and groom are a bundle of nerves.” Adam pointed. “Look. Rosecliff.”

Lights spilled across the snow-covered lawn. The mansion dressed in her holiday best. Shimmering, welcoming Adam and Melinda.

Their car stopped and the driver opened Adam’s door first. “Give me a minute to get around to your door.”

Melinda touched his arm. “I will.”

Standing next to the curb, Adam held out his hand. “Shall we?”

She put hers in his and looked into his eyes. His heart flipped. She had so much more than just physical beauty. She radiated elegance, charm and warmth.

“You’re being very formal.”

He swept his free arm toward the grandeur behind them. “I do believe it’s the setting. It must be rubbing off on me.”

They climbed the few stairs and the front door swung open. A woman was waiting for them in the main entrance and offered to take their coats. Melinda slipped her stole off. Her cheeks were pink. Adam wondered if it was the cold outside or the opulence indoors. He, for one, certainly had the distinct impression they had stepped back into another era.

Adam tucked Mel’s hand into the crook of his arm. “Let’s find a seat where we can see everything.”

“I’m sure they’re all excellent.” Mel’s voice was hushed. “Do you want to sit on the bride or groom’s side?”

“You choose.” He smiled down at her.

She pointed to two chairs close to the center on the right. They proceeded to sit down. Soft music emanated from the string quartet. She whispered, “I didn’t realize so many people were coming.” She scanned the room. “There must be at least seventy-five chairs.”

“Will said when everyone heard the location, they had very few people decline.”

Melinda turned around. The minister had taken his spot on the bottom of the heart-shaped staircase. Next Tim came down the aisle with Will by his side. They were smiling and shaking hands and greeting everyone as they walked.

Adam leaned over. “He doesn’t look nervous at all.”

“I’m not surprised. They’re ready for this next step,” Melinda whispered back.

The music changed and the quartet began to play “A Thousand Years.” Adam sang the words to himself: he felt as if he had loved Melinda for a thousand years…

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