Page 9 of Haunted Eclipse

“You won’t be, you know that. But if that’s how you feel, then let it be. Don’t worry about it. Someday, you’ll realize it’s time. It might be tomorrow…or in ten years.”

On thing I had to give Kevin was that he understood emotion. Maybe it was from him being a wedding dress consultant, maybe it was his nature. Whatever the reason, Kevin had an innate sense of being trustworthy.

“Yes…I suppose I will. Anyway, until that time, wearing it comforts me.” I hung up my jacket, but I didn’t turn on the open sign yet. I wanted to do some research first. “Let’s change the subject. I’ll give you a plug when I find my clients a match, because I almost always find them a match.”

Kevin stood, stretching. “I’d better get back to my shop. My first consult will be here in about twenty minutes. She wants somethingdifferent, so I brought in a few gowns that are outside the box. We’ll see just howdifferentshe’s looking for.” He laughed. “Half the time, when they want something different, they go traditional. And sometimes I think I’ve gotLittle Miss Average and she goes for goth, or super-sexy. Either way, I like to be prepared.”

I snickered. “Always get the sale, huh?”

Kevin started to laugh, then stopped. “You know, on the surface, yes. But I lovelove…and I want my brides to go away feeling happy and good about themselves. I want them to truly see themselves as a bride.” He waved, then headed out the door.

After he left, I made sure my crystal ball and tarot cards were ready, placing them on a table against one wall. I lit a stick of incense, a light rose scent, suitable for both my matchmaking clients as well as for my readings.

When everything was ready, I had another hour before my reading, so I settled down at the crystal ball. Before I even touched the database, I wanted to find out what my guides had to say about Brenda’s match.

Taking a deep breath, I lowered myself into a trance and brought Brenda to mind.

“Lady Aphrodite, I summon you,

Fill my rites with morning dew.

Open the path and let me see

The path to love, so mote it be.

Bring to me the match for Brenda Kline,

Open the door to love divine.”

As I cleared my mind, a rose colored mist began to form in the crystal. I leaned in, watching carefully. As the mist coiled and blossomed forth, I found myself standing inside the ball. I was in a garden, dusted with snow. Rose bushes stood barren, waiting for the spring. I looked around and saw a small cottage that looked like it belonged in the English countryside.

The yard was tidy. Whoever lived here, loved their home. And then I saw her—through the window. Brenda was standingby the sink, staring out at me with a dreamy look on her face. She looked happy, and I saw a ring on her finger.

The next moment, the shadow of a tall man walked into the picture. He was surrounded by a glowing aura—a nimbus of blue and purple, all sparkling and beautiful. My breath slowed, and I could hear Brenda’s heartbeat as he walked through the door. She turned as the mystery man wrapped his arms around her waist. As he leaned in for a kiss, I felt a wave of magic flow through, icy cold and clear as the night sky.

A star witch, I thought.He’s a star witch.

As the tendrils of their energy entwined, I could feel love holding them close. As the mist began to fill the scene again, I snapped out of trance, and sat back.

So, Brenda’s match was a star witch.

That narrowed the field down a great deal. I knew what kind of man I was looking for. Now, I just had to figure out where he was. As I sprayed sage water around, clearing the energy from my scrying so it wouldn’t interfere with my clients, my heart swelled. Every time I made a match, I renewed my belief in love. And when I was on the chase, hunting down my mystery match, I felt alive in ways I seldom otherwise ever felt.

CHAPTER FOUR

My first readingof the day was a woman named Charity Lane. She bustled in, flushed and two minutes late, and I immediately knew who I was dealing with. Or, I thought I did.

“I’m so sorry—first I couldn’t find parking and then I didn’t have my city parking pass for the meter, but I remembered I put it in the side pocket—” she paused for a brief second to take a breath, then continued. “Then I found it and managed to finally get the meter to work but as I started to cross the street, I almost missed spotting a bicyclist who?—”

If I didn’t stop her, she’d never finish.

“Well, I’m so glad you’re here. Why don’t we get started so you get your full reading.” I suspected she was going to be a problem. She was a gobbler—she’d eat up as much time and energy that I was willing to give her.

She froze. Apparently she wasn’t used to being interrupted. I took advantage of the silence.

“Let me take your coat while you make yourself comfortable. Would you like some coffee or tea? I also have sparkling water, if you’d prefer.” Even as I spoke, I took her coat from her as she set her purse on the table.

She settled in the chair and, looking a little confused, said, “Oh, coffee, please. Cream and one sugar, if you have it.”

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