“Oh! I just had a splendid idea. I am hosting the next women’s book club at my home on Sunday. I would love for you to join us and meet the other ladies. All ferocious readers. I think they would adore you.”

I immediately agree. I have not had a chance to be very social so far, with starting up the business and getting unpacked. Plus this seems like a good idea for the shop. We exchange information and she waves as she heads out the door.

On Sunday afternoon, I knock on Liora’s cottage door. Laughter and voices are coming from the back of the house. A woman around my age answers.

“Oh, you must be Paige. Liora said you were joining us. Please come in. I am Fernanda.”

Fernanda leads me to the backyard garden, which is set up for tea. She announces my arrival and the women warmly greet me. Liora bounces up to me, clasps my hands, and exclaims how happy she is that I have joined them.

But as soon as the words leave her mouth, her eyes go wide, and she looks deep into my own.

“Are you OK, Liora?” I ask, not sure what her reaction means.

“One moment, please,” she replies, closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths. She reopens them and says, “Sorry, I just had a beautiful moment right then with you. I am very happy you are here and I hope you can linger a bit afterwards so we can chat a bit.”

I nod, a little confused by what just happened. But Liora’s eyes continue to be filled with warmth and safety, so my confusion turns to curiosity and I take a seat.

After the book club ends, I offer to help clean up. Liora shoos everyone else home, telling them we have it covered.

In her sunshine yellow kitchen, I wash the dishes while she dries and puts them away. We work in silence for a while until she interrupts the quiet.

“Paige, how much do you know about Branwen Beach?”

“Well, I did research before I moved here. I know it’s a close-knit community, but still very welcoming of outsiders. And I know many folks with supernatural abilities settle down here because of the accepting culture.”

I have a feeling that’s what her question was getting at - whether or not I understood that Branwen Beach was a paranormal safe haven.

Liora smiles and says, “Wonderful, I had a feeling you weren’t oblivious. I ask because I wanted to share that I am one of those supernatural folks.”

Liora pauses, studying me, then continues.

“I have the ability to read people by touching their hands with mine. Typically, it’s just getting a feel for their personality. But I am also a matchmaker. People seek me to find their one true love. Their true partner for this life.”

I take a sharp breath in. Her reaction when she grasped my hands now made more sense.

“Did you sense something with me, Liora?”

“Yes, yes I did. I guess I wasn’t very shy about it,” she laughs then continues, “if you allow me to share my knowledge with you, I know who your one true love is. Your perfect mate.”

I stand there, holding a soapy plate, staring down at this tiny woman with violet blue eyes. She looks at me in earnest. I realize that I instinctively trust her. I can’t explain it with words but I do trust her.

“Do tell.”

3

Lachlan

I standat my front window, looking to see if anyone was coming up my drive yet. Madame Liora called me yesterday, excited that she found my match. I have to admit, I expected this to take longer. I pride myself in my ability to keep my head on my shoulders but right now my stomach feels like butterflies were playing Twister in there.

Madame Liora informed me she would bring what we would need to have a nice first date since we are meeting at my cabin. I am not sure why she suggested the date occur here but I’m happy to not have to drive into town. As for my match, I was told her name and that she owned a bookshop. That is it.

Two cars come rambling up my drive, Liora leading the way. I open the door and watch the two women walk up my front path. A tiny but friendly old woman and the most stunning woman I have ever set eyes upon.

As Paige walks toward me, I attempt to not gawk at her beauty and gorgeous figure. Her wavy, shoulder length hair is the color of cinnamon. She appears to be close to 6 feet in height, with long, shapely legs. Her large breasts are hugged tightly by the t-shirt she is wearing. Her hips as well, underneath a snug, long skirt. Our eyes meet and neither of us appear to be able to look away.

At the doorway, Liora looks between the two of us and gives a small giggle.

“OK, I think you two know who each of you are. Here’s a picnic basket filled with goodies and a picnic blanket. I threw in a loaf of bread. I hope it came out OK!”