by Tara Randel
Reid chuckled. Bonnie Masterson, with sparkling green eyes a similar shade to his, was dressed smartly, as usual. Her heart-shaped face framed by blond hair held a familiar expression of love. “I thought I’d have to hire Logan to find you.”
“I’ve hired Logan in the past,” his grandmother piled on. “He’s a very good PI.”
“What’s with you two ganging up on me?” Reid asked, returning his mother’s greeting of a kiss.
Bonnie glanced at his grandmother. “What is Gayle Ann going on about now?”
“Grandbabies,” his grandmother said.
“She does bring up a good point.” His mother’s smile grew.
Reid ran a hand over his chin. “Why don’t you two have this conversation with Logan? He’s the one getting married.”
“We have,” came the chorus from both women.
“Look, I’m far from that stage in my life, so let’s move on to a different topic.”
His mother took a seat on the couch, smoothing her skirt as she crossed one leg over the other. His mother’s clothing choices, her hairstyle and subdued makeup reflected a woman who had an innate elegance no amount of money could buy. His grandmother looked the same, but wore a floral dress, a change from the power suits she loved.
The expression on his mother’s face turned serious. “Reid, I’m glad you stopped by. I wanted to talk to you.”
He sank down beside her. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m not sure.” She exchanged a glance with his grandmother, then slipped one of her hands in his. The gesture usually came before conversations Reid dreaded. “Your father hasn’t been himself lately.”
A prickling sense of unease ran over him. “What does that mean?”
“He’s quiet. Not sleeping well.”
“He spends long hours alone at the office,” Grandmother added.
“It may be that he’s just pushing himself too much, but I’ve scheduled a doctor’s appointment for week after next. Stubborn man refused anything sooner.”
Guilt pressed against Reid’s chest. Because he’d walked away, his father was taking too much of the load? Granted, his dad liked it that way, but he was getting older. Running the company by himself had possibly become too much for him. If anything happened to him, it could be Reid’s doing by his leaving Masterson Enterprises.
“I’m not telling you this so you’ll set foot in the office,” his mother continued.
Yes, he knew her better than that.
“But you and Logan should be aware.”
“I...” He glanced down the hallway toward his father’s study. “Is he home?”
“No. It’s a lovely day so I insisted that he take some downtime. He’s on the golf course.”
Reid couldn’t remember the last time his father had played a round. He swallowed hard. “If he needs—”
His mother cut him off. “Reid, I know your father can be unyielding. I’ve been married to him for a very long time.” Her expression softened. “The business can run as it is for now. Both of you were wise to hire good employees.” She let out a deep breath. “I don’t mean that to be harsh, but despite what you think of your father, he has set up Masterson Enterprises to continue smoothly and successfully.”
He couldn’t deny that fact. Arthur Masterson was hands-on, but also looked to the future and made plans accordingly. It was dealing with his son he had a problem with.
“If there is anything to be concerned about, I’ll let you and Logan know right away,” his mother finished.
He nodded. Bonnie Masterson had the situation in her capable hands.
She patted his hand. Conversation over. “So, tell me, how are your renovations going?”
“Good. We’re on schedule,” he said, trying to instill enthusiasm in his voice while digesting his mother’s bombshell.
“Heidi is helping him with that cute little house on Hanover Lane,” Grandmother said.
His mother looked surprised. “Really? I thought she was an accountant.”
“She is, but she wants to buy the house once I’m finished, so she’s involved.”
“That’s very sweet of you, Reid.”
He thought of how Heidi had bulldozed her way onto the project and controlled a grimace. Sweetness on his part had nothing to do with it. It was simply Heidi fighting for what she wanted.
Seemed she had to do that a lot in her life.
His mother was still speaking but he’d missed what she had said. “Wait. Can you go back?”
She shot him a stern look. “I asked what she’s doing at the house.”
“She helped me take down a wall for an open floor plan. This week she’ll be painting the living room.”
One of his mother’s shaped eyebrows rose. “A wall?”
“Part of the reno.” He glimpsed the curious expressions on both faces. Felt his face heat. “She insisted.”
Grandmother chuckled. “She does know her own mind.”
“I suppose it’s wonderful that the two of you are collaborating on a project.” His mother tilted her head. “How long has it been since you spent time together?”
“A while.” He thought back. “We haven’t kept up like when we were in high school. After college, I started at the business, she was getting her accounting firm up and running. Our paths have crossed from time to time at Smitty’s and we worked the last Oktoberfest together.”
“What a shame you’ve grown apart.” His mother grinned and sent a veiled look at Grandmother. “Remember the time those two decided to hike all the way up to Bailey’s Point? Heidi turned her ankle and Reid wouldn’t leave her alone to go get help. Then it started raining and they were stranded up there until Arthur and Logan went searching for them.”
Oh, he remembered. It had been a good day—if you overlooked the sprained ankle and torrential rain, that is—one of the last before they started college and headed in different directions.
Heidi had turned her ankle as they stepped around an exposed tree root, embarrassed since they’d hiked that particular trail many times without any mishaps. When the rain started, they’d huddled together under his rain slicker, leaning against the backpacks, their wet clothes practically stuck together. Since there was no cell phone signal up there, she insisted he go down the trail for help, but he refused to leave her alone. Good thing too, because it was dark by the time his family located them. She would have hated waiting alone, keeping the fear bottled up inside. How had she hidden her phobia all these years without letting on? He added courage to the many traits he marveled over when it came to Heidi.
His mother frowned. “It’s a shame you two lost track of each other.”
“We’re making up for lost time now.” Which made him think not only about her strength, but also how attractive she’d become. How more and more he wanted to taste her lips. Was it a bad idea?
It had been a gradual thing, he realized, this awareness of each other. He wasn’t blind; he saw that she felt the same way. She might be tough, but she wore her emotions on her sleeve. And when he did almost kiss her, he felt sure she’d have kissed him back if the heat in her eyes was any indication.
But all roads led back to it being a bad idea. They were friends. Did he want that to change? Did she? He supposed the wisest move would be to ask, but how did he start that conversation? So, Heidi, I noticed you didn’t turn down my almost kissing you. Think there’s something to explore here? Also, are you aware of how important you’ve become to me?
That would go over like gangbusters.
“And Heidi,” Grandmother prodded. “Is she a good intern?”
He mentally shook off the vision of Heidi’s lips. “Hardest worker I’ve ever had.”
Pride crossed his grandmother’s face. “I’ve always had a special place in my heart for that girl.”
“We all do,” his mo
ther agreed.
He didn’t say it out loud, but with each day they spent together at the house reno, Heidi was more and more vital to his life. Different from when they were kids. More like he wanted to spend every hour with her, learning what made her tick. What she wanted for her future. If they could reach their goals as one.
She’d always been there for him. Would he ruin the tried-and-true camaraderie they had by asking for more?
At the noticeable silence in the room, Reid eyed both women. He recognized determination when he saw it. Using his best authoritative voice, he warned, “Grandmother.”
“Don’t Grandmother me, young man.”
“Then please don’t get any ideas because Heidi and I are friends. That’s all.”
“Which we all know, dear.”
“What are we talking about?” his mother asked.
“Grandmother is on the matchmaking bandwagon again.”
“Really, Gayle Ann. We have one wedding we’re preparing for. Give Reid a break.”
“You want him happily settled as much as I do.”
“That’s true,” Bonnie said, “but he’ll follow his own path to love.”
Reid wanted to hug her.
She sent him a pointed look. “But after Logan and Serena’s wedding, all bets are off.”
“Ganging up,” he muttered under his breath.
His mother rose and patted his cheek. “It’s because we love you.”
He knew that, but it didn’t make it any less annoying.
“Now I have calls to make. The Ladies Guild spring fundraiser is coming up and I’m head of the committee this year.” His mom smiled at him. “I’ll call you when I have details.”
Reid swallowed a groan. Last fall Grandmother had tricked him and Logan into attending a high tea charity event to support the Guild. It should have been an excruciating afternoon, but Heidi had been there and thanks to her he’d actually had fun.
She had a way of doing that. Taking experiences he’d rather miss and making them worthwhile. Even demo day had been more interesting with her around.
Once his mother left, Reid focused on the reason he’d come here. He rose, hoping to gain some advantage over his grandmother, which didn’t happen often. “Can we agree on a truce?”
She released a long-suffering sigh. “I suppose we can both try. But Reid, if you won’t look toward your future, I can’t make any promises.”
“Grandmother, that defeats the purpose of a truce.”
She shrugged. “I’m too old to change, so that doesn’t bode well for either of us.”
“Fair enough, but give me a little more time.”
She huffed out a breath. “Fine.”
“Thank you.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek.
She grinned. “You never did make things easy.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
Leaving his grandmother chuckling, Reid got to his truck, his mind already gearing up for the week ahead. His crew would be focused on the new project, prepping electrical and plumbing jobs. Meanwhile, he had the deck to get started on at the Hanover house. Heidi had picked out the wall colors for the interior and he’d placed the order, so painting would begin, as well. It meant he’d be bumping into her all week. He was looking forward to seeing how she turned painting into a fun activity, because, let’s face it, she did everything with gusto.
With his grandmother off the matchmaking hunt for the time being, he could have one singular focus—spending time with his friend Heidi. Strictly business. No machinations disrupting their time together. His week was looking up.
* * *
GAYLE ANN PUSHED open the door to the kitchen. Her cohorts sat around the table, empty coffee cups and pie plates in front of them. A fresh pot was brewing, gurgling in the machine. The pie sat in the center of the round table, the juicy fruit still fragrant after they cut into the flaky center.
“Well?” Alveda asked. “How did it go?”
Gayle Ann rubbed her hands together. “Our plan is working.”
Besides Alveda and the judge, Gayle Ann had invited two other women to join the group. Bunny Wright, whose nephews owned and operated Deep North Adventures, along with Wanda Sue Harper, owner of Put Your Feet Up vacation tours and rentals, which she ran with her children. The assembled group were of varying ages, but old enough to want to see their loved ones happy and in love.
“Reid hasn’t caught on?” Bunny asked.
“He’s too worried about my sending eligible women in his direction to figure out we planned those chance meetings with Heidi.” Gayle Ann hooked air quotes around the words chance meetings. “Alveda, you finding out that Heidi would be around during those times really aided our scheme.”
“And neither Reid nor Heidi has figured out you’re trying to match them together?” Wanda Sue asked, clearly not convinced.
“I must admit,” Harry said, “Gayle Ann seems to have the situation well thought-out.”
“Like that should be a surprise,” Gayle Ann quipped.
“Heidi did mention that she was surprised not every eligible woman in town had been pointed at Reid.” Alveda grinned. “She might be a bit jealous that no one has asked her to catch Reid’s eye.”
“Between our plans for them and their working together on that house, they’ll see how right they are for each other,” Gayle Ann said. “This plan was in motion the minute Reid bought the Hanover house. We knew Heidi wanted it, so Alveda played up her immediate interest in making a deal with the listing agent. Heidi insisting on joining the renovation was icing on the cake.”
“Like you said all along—” Alveda nodded at Gayle Ann “—they’re meant to be.”
Wanda Sue frowned. “I thought those two were just friends?”
Gayle Ann clasped her hands over her heart. “Sometimes friendship can blossom into the best kind of love.”
Alveda nodded her head. “Spoken like a true romantic.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” Harry replied, his dark gaze catching Gayle Ann’s. She blinked, then focused on the conversation.
Gayle Ann pulled out a chair and sat. “Once Reid and Heidi are a couple, we’ll take recommendations for our next match. We’ll then come up with a plan of action. Decide who would be good with whom.” She looked between Bunny and Wanda Sue. “Although I imagine you two already have ideas.”
“It’s been on my mind,” Wanda Sue allowed.
“Each case will be different,” Gayle Ann went on. “We have to be willing to think outside the box. Get creative. Make it look like the couples involved are figuring their relationships out all on their own when we’re the ones actually pulling the strings.”
“You would have made a mighty fine lawyer,” Harry complimented Gayle Ann.
She preened. “I always thought so.”
Bunny rolled her eyes.
“The key is not getting caught,” Harry added as he cut himself another slice of pie. He nodded at Alveda. “Hats off to the baker.”
Alveda beamed.
Oh, that rascal was a charmer.
“See, that’s the part I’m stuck on,” Bunny said. “Our young ’uns may be terrible at love, but they’re not dumb.”
Alveda got up to fetch the coffeepot and refilled their cups. “That’s where the sneaky comes in.”
Wanda Sue grinned. “I do like that part.”
“Our objective is to be one step ahead.” Gayle Ann nodded at Harry. “And this man is an expert.”
“Why thank you.”
A little flutter caught in Gayle Ann’s stomach when he smiled.
“They are smart,” Harry conceded, “but the secret is letting them think they have one over on us. Pride always comes before the fall.”
Gayle Ann agreed. “And in this case, the fall results in love.”
“Makes sense,�
�� Wanda Sue said as she poured creamer into her cup.
Gayle Ann glanced at the newcomers. “Convinced we know what we’re doing?”
“I had my doubts,” Bunny said, “but so far, so good. Anyone looking at Reid and Heidi can see those two are falling fast.”
Alveda cut more pieces of pie to place on the empty plates.
“You’re going to make me have to walk more this week,” Bunny grumbled, but took another bite. “Mmm. Well worth the effort.”
They’re hooked, Gayle Ann thought, happy with her new, dedicated recruits.
“You’re truly turning this into a club?” Wanda Sue asked after they’d all tasted the pie.
“We say we want to turn Golden into a premier vacation destination,” Gayle Ann reminded them. “To make that happen, we need people—the next generation—to see all the good they’ve got here and stay. We’ve done all we can to highlight the town. It’s time to pass the torch. Matching our beloveds with their true loves will make sure Golden grows and prospers.”
“But there are only five of us,” Wanda Sue pointed out. “And there are more young couples out there we won’t have direct contact with.”
“In time we’ll grow,” Gayle Ann said. “We work the bugs out now and polish our craft.”
Alveda snorted. “Oh, you’re crafty all right.”
Gayle Ann shot her partner in crime a perturbed glance, then held her hand out over the table. “Let’s make a pact.”
Everyone stared at her.
“C’mon. We’re in this together.”
Harry placed his warm hand over hers. “I’m in.”
Alveda followed suit. “I’m already in, but reckon we should make it official.”
Bunny glanced at Wanda Sue and shrugged. “My nephews aren’t getting any younger.” She added her hand.
Wanda Sue shook her head. “This is a little odd, but Faith just got a divorce.” She placed her hand on top. “Count me in.”
“It’s official,” Gayle Ann said. She lifted her hand, which made all the others go up in the air, then they broke off. “I welcome you to the Golden Matchmakers Club.”