Page 93 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

He glanced at the bride but then watched Mel watching Molly. Her apparent joy at their happiness filled his heart.

Tim took a step toward his bride and stretched out his hand to her. They walked to the minister together. Adam slipped his arm around Mel and held her close. He was proud that her skill brought two wonderful people to this place and time.

She leaned into him and turned her face to his. “Look at Molly and Tim. That is true love.”

He tenderly kissed her lips.

Chapter 34

The ceremony had been perfect. Melinda and Adam ate, drank and danced their way through the reception. The music had been chosen specifically for people in love. Each song, whether fast or slow, was romantic. She didn’t want the night to end.

They had wandered out onto the terrace and he wrapped his arms around her as they watched the moon glisten over the ocean. He kissed the top of her head drinking in her subtle floral perfume. She shivered. “Are you ready to go?”

She stifled a yawn. “I guess so, but it’s been a day to remember.”

Adam held the glass door open and they stepped into the grand ballroom. They made their away across the dance floor toward the coatroom. Melinda leaned into him. She was happy. “I’ve never been to a more romantic wedding.”

“You seemed to have a great time.”

She sighed and looked into his eyes. “I did, and you?”

“I most definitely did.” His attention was diverted. “Let’s go look at the Christmas tree one last time.”

For the wedding Molly had a rose-covered arbor set up as the segue into the drawing room, where an enormous evergreen had been decorated. As the couple walked under it, Adam took her hand and stopped her. He pointed up.

“Mistletoe.” His voice was husky.

“So it is.” Melinda’s heart fluttered.

“We shouldn’t let it go to waste.”

Solemnly she said, “No, that would be a sin.”

Adam tilted her face toward his. He lowered his lips until they were a hairsbreadth apart. “Tonight was incredible.” She felt his mouth graze hers.

She stepped into his arms and pulled him into the kiss. Her insides sighed. It was as if the trickle of longing she had been holding back cracked. She wanted more of Adam. She kissed him again as he gathered her in the circle of his arms. For how long they stood in the embrace, Melinda wasn’t sure. It felt right.

A loud crash tore them apart.

Melinda swung around and saw one of the wait-staff pick up a small silver tray and then disappear through a swinging door.

“Where were we?” Adam said.

With her heart hammering in her chest, common sense took hold of Melinda. Reluctantly she said, “We were getting our coats. The car is waiting.”

If Adam was disappointed, it didn’t show on his handsome face, although his deep brown eyes held a hint of amusement mixed with desire.

After the attendant handed them their coats, Adam took Melinda’s stole and wrapped it around her shoulders. He slipped into his after tipping the young woman.

Melinda and Adam strolled hand in hand out the front door. The air had turned sharply colder than when they’d arrived. The light mist that had been falling made the steps slick.

Melinda tightened her arm on his. As she was about to say be careful, Adam began to fall. She tried to hold on, but he landed heavily on the ground and his pant leg ripped.

Melinda looked around for help. Their driver hurried over as Will came rushing out the door. Skidding on the stairs, he called, “Are you okay, bud?” He reached down and slipped his hands under Adam’s arms to help him up.

It was then that Adam groaned. “Wait. My leg.”

Melinda knelt down heedless of the slush she was kneeling in. “Do you think it’s broken?”

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