The Matchmaker Bride

by Ginny Baird

  “Mom!”

  “Hang on. I’m getting a hot flash. I need a sip of water.”

  “All right. I’ll let you go. Bye!”

  …

  Meredith showed her aunt around the cute guest cottage situated about two hundred yards from the main house and facing the water. It had a big bedroom on the main floor with a tiny kitchen and a sweet living area overlooking a deck with a gazebo and the bay. There was a small den and another bedroom with twin beds downstairs, where Meredith had stayed last summer.

  It was hard not to think about all the craziness that had gone on then, but she was glad everything had worked out okay. One thing she never could have predicted was returning to Blue Hill and partnering with Derrick on a project of any kind.

  The man had irked her beyond belief at the wedding, but she’d apparently been unable to forget him. Why else had he popped into her brain when Tanya had put her on the spot? Heat flooded her face when she guessed at the answer. It had to do with their intimate moonlight talk. That night after the bouquet toss when he’d almost taken her in his arms, and part of her had wanted him to do just that—so badly.

  “This is very nice.” Clarita surveyed her surroundings with a smile. “It will certainly do.”

  “A lot better than the pull-out at the cabin, huh?”

  “A lot better for me, yes.” She gave Meredith a sly once-over. “What’s really going on between you and Derrick?”

  “What?” Meredith asked, remaining as guileless as possible.

  “There’s some kind of tension there,” Clarita noted. “Or is a better word for it ‘chemistry’?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, although she most certainly did. There was chemistry between her and Derrick, darn it, and it had always been there. Now that they were getting along, it was hard to say whether that made things better or worse.

  “I saw the look on your face when I surprised you in the workshop, mija. On both of your faces.”

  “Titi Clarita,” Meredith asked firmly. “Where is this going?” As a professional matchmaker, she knew that relationships weren’t built on chemistry alone. Couples needed other things to glue them together. Common interests and goals. And right now her and Derrick’s interests were aligned and their goals were in sync, but not in ways that brought them romantically together.

  She was getting syndicated and he was getting Olivia.

  “I just want to make sure you’ll be okay with him out there, just the two of you all alone in the middle of the woods.”

  “While plotting together to get him back with his ex!”

  Clarita shrugged and studied the kitchen with its quaint glass-front cupboards and granite countertops. “Would you like a cup of coffee?” she asked, noting the machine.

  “Sorry, I can’t stay. I’m expecting an email from Beth this afternoon, and I want to be back at the cabin with my computer handy. Oh! I nearly forgot. Mom wants you to call her.”

  “I’ll bet. She’s been texting me nonstop.”

  “What are you going to say?”

  “That everything’s under control, because it seems that it is.”

  “Will you tell her where you’re staying?”

  Clarita stretched out her manicured hands, which were loaded with rings on nearly every finger. “Probably not. We wouldn’t want her and your dad coming up, too.”

  “No.” Meredith’s heart pounded. “We definitely don’t need that.”

  “Don’t worry about anything, hmm?” Clarita said. Her dark eyes twinkled. “Once I assure your mom that you and Derrick aren’t actually involved, things will be fine.”

  “Great. After that’s settled, maybe you won’t need to stay?” Meredith said with a hopeful lilt. “You can leave Blue Hill in the morning.”

  Clarita appeared crushed. “What? And miss the christening?”

  “You didn’t even know William and Sofia—or Julia—until today.”

  “Yes, but… I feel like we’ve bonded already.”

  “Titi Clarita.”

  Clarita frowned. “You can’t honestly expect me to go? Walk out on a family celebration?”

  “They’re not your family!”

  She eyed Meredith in a curious way. “Maybe not yet.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing, maybe nothing.” She cocked her chin. “Just that I have a feeling.”

  “If that feeling has to do with me and Derrick getting together, I can tell you it’s wrong.” Her stomach churned and her palms felt sweaty. Why? It wasn’t like she was lying to her aunt.

  Her face burned hot.

  Or was she deceiving herself?

  “You mean to say you’re not attracted to him?”

  Meredith recalled that moonlight moment and shoved it aside. Derrick sure had. So she could, too. Extra hard. “Absolutely not. And I can guarantee the feeling is mutual.”

  “Maybe that’s for the best,” Clarita said. “With Olivia on her way.”

  “It’s definitely for the best. Derrick and I are like oil and water.”

  “I’ll take your word for it,” she said, looking like she didn’t.

  “You are going to help with Olivia, right? Titi Clarita, I can’t have you acting on a ‘feeling’ and completely ruining the plan.”

  “Of course I’ll help. I’ll put in a good word for Derrick, and his awesome family. Although, honestly, Olivia probably can figure those things out for herself.”

  Relief swamped through her. “That would really be so super. Anything you could do or say.” Meredith glanced around the room. “Is there anything else you need?”

  “No. I can make myself comfortable here. Margaret told me there’d be snacks in the fridge and to help myself to anything. I’m invited to dinner at the main house at seven.”

  “They’re being very kind to include you.”

  “I know, and I won’t take their hospitality for granted. I plan to offer to help if I can.”

  “Thank you, Titi Clarita,” Meredith said. “Also for your help with Mom.”

  “My big sister is a little uptight, but she means well. You should have seen how quickly she packed her—” Clarita stopped herself. “Ay.”

  A light bulb went off. “She was planning to come at first. Not you. Right?”

  “I did catch her packing a bag,” Clarita admitted. “But I talked her down off that limb.”

  “How?”

  “By saying my schedule’s much more flexible—which it is, truthfully. And offering to take charge of the situation if it looked bad.” Clarita arched an eyebrow. “But you have to know that I wouldn’t have seriously interfered if I’d found you and Derrick together—and happy.”

  “But, when you showed up, you said—”

  “Hija, I wasn’t born yesterday. But also, not that long ago, either. I’m ten years younger than your mom, but mentally.” She tapped her temple. “I’m your age.” She proudly swept her hands across her figure. “Physically, too.”

  Meredith laughed at her aunt’s conceit, conceding it was true. Clarita did keep herself in incredible shape, which probably hadn’t hurt in attracting so many husbands.

  “In any case,” Clarita said. “If I hadn’t volunteered to come, it would have been your mom standing here in my place.”

  “Yeah. That could have been bad. Mom’s a little pushy.”

  “But she means well, and loves you very much.”

  “I know that’s true.”

  “I love you, too.” Clarita smiled. “That’s why I’m going to do everything in my power to help you land that television contract, including telling your mom I’m keeping an eye on you.”

  She winked and Meredith hugged her.

  “Aww, thank you, Titi Clarita. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”
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  Chapter Fourteen

  When Meredith returned to the cabin, she heard Derrick’s saw humming in the workshop, so she decided to check her email before disturbing him. The pot roast heating up in the Crock-Pot filled the whole cabin with the yummy aroma of braised beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery cooked in fresh herbs. If Derrick had any red wine on hand that would be nice to go with it. But Meredith didn’t want to push her luck in assuming he stocked more than beer.

  She switched on an overhead light and settled down at the table, as dusk cloaked the bay outside. The views here were spectacular, even if the accommodations were basic. Meredith was hoping she’d sleep better tonight, now that the bad weather had lifted and she’d cleared things up with Derrick about those imaginary bedbugs.

  She logged onto her computer and was pleased to find the expected update from Beth.

  Her assistant had dug up more information on Olivia’s previous whereabouts. Before moving to Acadia, she’d been involved with a lawyer in Greenville, Maine, in the state’s northwestern corner. Meredith supposed that made sense since Olivia had intended to pursue law once herself. Whoa. Not just intended, she’d apparently gone to law school and had graduated. Interestingly, she’d never actually practiced.

  Meredith flipped through a few more screen shots, and then clicked on the various links Beth had sent her. Beth was very good at investigative work. She did an exemplary job running down details of Meredith’s prospective couple match-ups. This was useful information to have, since it helped Meredith understand the people she was dealing with. That way, she could better help them appreciate each other.

  Beth had obviously been on target about Olivia’s current job, as well as her contact information. Sofia had been able to reach her no problem. From all appearances, Olivia had leaped at the chance to attend Julia’s christening. She had to know Derrick would be there.

  Meredith’s gut tightened, but she told herself not to worry. This was good. No, excellent. Precisely what she’d hoped would happen. She didn’t know why the thought of Olivia coming made her slightly queasy. Maybe it was just stage nerves, like she got sometimes before going on camera. There was a lot riding on this reunion.

  She dashed off a quick thanks to Beth and flipped her computer shut. She should go see Derrick to let him know she’d returned. But first, she’d get things ready for dinner by rustling up some plates and silverware, and maybe even by finding a candle around the place somewhere. Not that she wanted to make dinner seem romantic—Meredith always dined by candlelight. It was a custom she’d grown up with, and it made the evening meal seem special, even when she was eating alone, which she did more often than she liked to think about.

  In a strange sort of way, she found herself looking forward to Derrick’s company tonight. They had good news to discuss and plans to make regarding him and Olivia. Meredith’s cheeks sagged, but she shook off the unsettled feeling. She was good at being a matchmaker. The best. And she was pulling out all the stops to accomplish this one. If things worked out, she’d have her dream job, and pretty much everything she’d ever wanted.

  Well, almost everything. The chance to live someplace like this would be nice. She glanced around the cute cabin, thinking it would make a terrific weekend getaway spot. While Derrick’s cabin was clearly a bachelor pad with its huge-screen TV and the messy master bedroom, it did have its charms. Meredith imagined it was very cozy here in winter, with a real wood fire burning in the hearth and snow dusting the surrounding trees.

  Her apartment in Boston was sleek and upscale but basically outfitted with budget store decor, and it did get a little lonely. Given the demands of her work, Meredith had never considered living outside of the city before. But her taping schedule was flexible and she didn’t record her show every day. Although if it went into syndication, she might have to adjust things slightly. Including at her apartment, which she intended to redecorate with top-of-the-line everything.

  A tingle of excitement tore through her at the prospect of her deal going through, but then she felt oddly letdown. Like when that big moment arrived, it wouldn’t feel nearly as stellar without somebody special to share it with. She guessed she could open a bottle of champagne and call a friend to help her celebrate. Or maybe she would phone her Titi Clarita, or they could do a video chat. She’d put so much energy into making matches for other people, the truth was she hadn’t made a lot of time to focus on herself.

  Apparently, Olivia had done some soul searching and she’d taken her life in a whole different direction. Becoming a park ranger? Wow, that was an about-face. So far afield from practicing law that it had clearly been a bold move. What had inspired the change? She shot a glance out the kitchen window and at the hedge that partially shielded the workshop from here.

  Apart from her outdoorsy career, what else did Olivia want? What’s more, what did she hope to gain in Blue Hill? Was it a restored friendship with Sofia? Getting back in the Albright family’s good graces? Or, in her heart of hearts, had she always hoped this opportunity would come? The chance for her and Derrick to reconnect and start over? Meredith guessed that she and Derrick would discover those answers soon enough.

  …

  Derrick dabbed more fast-drying tung oil on his rag and massaged the railings of the assembled cradle, applying muscle. This would lend the piece’s natural wood a glossy sheen and give it a protective coating. The cradle had come together nicely and he was pleased with the result.

  He normally wasn’t into building baby furniture, but this case was special. William and Sofia had wanted their daughter for quite some time. After Sofia’d miscarried some years ago, they’d been quiet about their efforts to try again until last summer when they’d shared the news of another pregnancy with the family. Derrick didn’t think he’d ever seen William so happy. Sofia, either, for that matter.

  They made such great parents and Julia was lucky to have them, just like they’d been gifted with a special treasure in her. Derrick tried to imagine what it would feel like to hold his own baby in his arms. The notion was a tiny bit terrifying but intriguing, too. Do I have what it takes to be a good dad? The way my dad, Parker, was? And like William is now?

  He’d never put much thought into it until recently. Once he’d started building this cradle, he’d begun wondering how he might have felt if he’d been constructing it for a child of his own.

  Naturally, that would mean having a mother in the picture. Namely, a wife. But he’d never totally considered any female in a wifely way. Apart from Olivia. Obviously.

  Even then, there had been something far removed about the concept of having kids. They’d basically been kids themselves when they’d run away to get married. Still in school and figuring out their own lives, neither had been ready to have children at the time. In fact, they’d gone to great pains to avoid talking about it. Was it because—subconsciously—both were secretly questioning whether their hasty marriage would last?

  He was grateful that he hadn’t had kids then. He hadn’t been ready and that would have complicated matters further during his and Olivia’s divorce.

  He set his rag down on the workbench. If they’d had a family together, would that have changed the outcome of their separation?

  Then he shook his head, knowing things were far better the way they were. Now that he and Olivia were more mature, the universe might grant them another chance. For everything. He didn’t want to get ahead of himself by imagining their remarriage and them building a life together, and frankly, he wasn’t fully ready to mentally go there—but wasn’t that what this upcoming weekend was all about?

  No, actually, it wasn’t.

  He pursed his lips, knowing the focus of this weekend’s family gathering was supposed to be on William and Sofia and sweet little Julia’s christening, not some future imaginary family of his. But, if he did have one…someday…how would he handle things as a dad? Would he really be okay? The Oli
va he’d known was brainy. Capable and beautiful, too. There was no doubt she had parenting skills of some kind, but it was somehow hard to visualize them.

  Meredith, on the other hand. Now there was someone who was mommy material. He had no doubts about that. She was tough and brassy, but there was a softness underneath. She had a tender fierceness about her. She was protective but caring, like a devoted mama bear. It was easy to intuit she’d make a great mom. No one would mess with her kids. God help them. He laughed at the thought. And they’d grow up with a certain confidence, understanding they’d been supported and loved.

  He marveled at the fact that she wasn’t seriously involved with someone, or didn’t at least have a boyfriend in light of how accomplished she was. She had a fun personality and a sharp mind. And yeah—he chuckled—even her smart mouth, which had a cute way of twitching at the corners when she was annoyed with him. He’d never have figured her for a person lacking in romance. Then again, just look at him.

  The door to his workshop cracked opened and Meredith grinned. “Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to let you know that I’m back.”

  “It’s no bother,” he said, and in his heart he meant it. Meredith had a warm aura about her, and it radiated throughout the shadowy space like rays of sunshine. He was embarrassed to have been thinking so many favorable thoughts about her. Then he reminded himself she was a matchmaker, and fortunately, not a mind reader.

  Her gaze darted to the cradle. “Wow. It’s beautiful. Is it done?”

  “Just about. I’ll need to apply another coat of the finish once this one dries.”

  She walked over to take a look and he caught a whiff of her perfume, that same honeysuckle one that he’d noticed when she’d arrived. What was wrong with those men in Boston? If he’d been living down there, he certainly wouldn’t have let her get away.

  Wait. Where did that thought come from?

  “You really are very talented,” she was saying, unaware of his shock. “I’m sorry about all that stuff I said last summer. When I made fun of your job.” She winced, apology in her eyes, and it occurred to him in this soft light that she was even more beautiful.