Page 33 of Click of Fate

Ruth’s eyes flick from me to across the room where I know Stella is. Something in her eyes tells me something is about to happen.

Smiling innocently, she says, “Luke, have you met Cassie? She’s the amazing wedding planner who made tonight just perfect.” I grin and shake Cassie’s hand.

“Hello. It was a lovely wedding,” I tell her. And it was, but I feel like it’s a standard compliment.

“Thank you,” she says.

“Cassie is quite wonderful, isn’t she? You should never expect less with a Happily Ever After, Inc. wedding,” Ruth says, taking a sip.

“Well, If I’m ever in the market for a wedding planner, I’ll be sure to look you up,” I tell her, trying not to laugh. I don’t want to be rude, but Ruth is something else.

“You know, I’d be happy to work my matchmaking magic. If you’re in the market…” Ruth says, and for a moment, I’m actually caught off guard.

A matchmaker? Is that a thing?

Cassie laughs. “Ruth, you never stop, do you?” She elbows the older woman next to her and focuses her attention on me. “Don’t mind her. She’s always looking for a project. Are you here for the bride or groom?”

“The groom. He works for me,” I tell Cassie.

Ruth, unfazed, adds, “Cassie runs this magic machine of a business. You two should talk.” She lowers her voice like she’s telling a secret. “You both know Stella, after all.”

Ah. I was wondering when she’d bring up Stella. Cassie eyes Ruth.

Ignoring the odd tension, the woman continues, “What a small world that my client Mason works for your rock climbing gym, Luke,” she says.

Client. Does that mean Mason used a matchmaking service?

Interesting.

Cassie’s eyes widen just enough. “Wait. You’re Luke?”

I raise an eyebrow. “I’m gonna assume there’s only one?”

She lets out a quiet laugh. “I didn’t put it together. You’re the climber. Lilly’s instructor.”

I nod. “Guilty.”

She glances over at Stella, then back at me, expression shifting into something like realization… and delight.

Murmuring, Cassie says, “Oh, it makes sense now.”

Before I can press her on what that means, Ruth clinks her glass against my beer and wanders away, muttering something about matchmaking and never taking a day off.

Stella catches my eye across the dance floor. She glances at Cassie next to me, and I see the woman wave at her as Stella shakes her head.

“I’m not sure she’s thrilled I’ve found you,” I tell Cassie.

The woman lets out a delighted laugh. “I’m guessing it’s probably the other way around.”

I cock my brow.

“You see, Stella has been my best friend for a decade, and she likes to keep juicy details from me. And you, Mr. Climber, are a juicy detail worth knowing about.” Cassie is watching Stella with interest as she makes her way over to us.

This is all so interesting. If I can impress the best friend, maybe I’ll have a better shot at getting more time with Stella.

Stella is close now, stopping to get a shot of the ring bearer and flower girl lying in the grass while coloring. Cassie takes the opportunity to look at me and issues a piece of advice.

“If you want a shot, don’t let her push you away. She’ll try, but she’s worth it not to give up.” I watch Stella in her element and take the words to heart. I nod to let Cassie know I’ve heard her.

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