Meghan shrugged. “Deal.” Cassie probably did need some time without a man in her life. Regardless, their conversation had given Meghan an idea.
Chapter 6
Ben pulled open the wooden door leading into the Enzian Inn’s lobby. Piano music filled the room with a melody he didn’t recognize. Meghan sat at a baby grand with her eyes closed. Her fingers danced along the keys creating crescendos and diminuendos. He nodded to a young woman behind the reception counter and pointed to the piano to indicate he was here for the music. An empty chair near the entrance looked like the perfect spot to listen without being noticed. He meandered to the seat beneath the sweeping staircase.
Ben leaned his head back and closed his eyes, allowing the music to wash over him. Muscles in his neck loosened and his breathing slowed. It’d been a stressful day, and thanks to an inconsiderate dog owner, he’d be making several trips to the clinic over the weekend to care for a miniature schnauzer he’d neutered that morning. He still couldn’t believe the owner had left town for the weekend expecting to board the animal. If the guy had planned ahead, then it wouldn’t have bothered him. But he hadn’t said a word until Emma had phoned to let the owner know Rusty was ready to go home. Frustrating, but nothing he could do about the situation now.
The music stopped and several people clapped. Meghan ducked her head, giving a small wave to the tourists, and then she began another melody he didn’t recognize. The lively song ignited enthusiastic clapping from the small group gathered nearby.
He winced at one person’s loud offbeat clap. He hoped that wouldn’t throw Meghan off. He leaned forward to better see her and marveled at how she gently tapped her left foot. He’d be stomping out the beat with all the distractions she had to deal with.
The stirrings of attraction gripped him as the beauty of the music touched something deep inside. There was so much he’d never noticed about Meghan and he wondered how he could have missed it.
He stilled. She wasn’t a Christian, nor was she interested in him. If she had been, she wouldn’t be working so hard to set him up with someone else. He pushed the traitorous thoughts to the back of his mind, blaming them on an especially taxing day.
Meghan finished playing. She stood and bowed slightly. “Thanks, everyone. I’m going to take a little break and be back in five.” She waved and headed for the reception counter.
Ben glanced side to side. Should he stay or go? Meghan hadn’t noticed him. Like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, he panicked, which was silly because he told her he’d come and listen.
Taking a bracing breath, he bolted out of his chair and strode the short distance to where Meghan leaned against the counter, sipping from a bottle of water. “Hello.”
She whipped her head in his direction. “Dr. Young. This is a surprise.”
“Why? I said I’d be here.”
“I didn’t think you’d actually show.” She glanced toward the piano.
“Do you need to get back?”
“Not yet. I can visit for a minute. What did you think?”
“You play beautifully. Tristan would be lucky to have you accompany the musical.”
Her cheeks reddened. “Seems to me he’d be lucky to have anyone at this point. I heard through the rumor mill that he can’t find a replacement and may end up using his sixteen-year-old niece.” She looked down, then to him. “I appreciate you suggesting me to your director friend, and had this opportunity come about when I was sixteen, I’d have jumped at it. I’m in a different place now, and after thinking about it, I realized I’m not interested in playing in the musical. I’m sorry.” She shrugged. “I hope he finds someone soon.”
“Me, too, and don’t worry, I understand.” So she’d checked into the gig, after all. As much as he wanted her to be too busy to worry about him, he respected her decision. Tristan was a perfectionist, and as such, often difficult to please, which was why his productions were so well done. Meghan would have been under a lot of pressure.
“Well, I should get back to the piano. Thanks for stopping by.” She waltzed away without a backward glance.
Her hasty departure left a void, making him immediately wish they were still talking. Ben shook his head. It’d been a long week, and he was overly tired. That had to be what had brought on the feeling, not actually missing her.
Soft strains of music sent a warm feeling of contentment through him. He slipped into a nearby chair. Too soon, the piece ended, and another song with an ambitious bass part replaced the previous peaceful melody. He stood and headed for the exit. For whatever reason, listening to Meghan play had made him want to visit his parents.
He got behind the wheel of his Ford F-150 4x4, put it in gear and made a right out of the parking lot. His mom was dependable and wise, and she’d set his head back on straight. A short time later, he signaled and turned left onto Icicle Road.
The hum of his tires on the dry pavement filled the otherwise quiet cab. He slowed and took another left into his parents’ driveway. His truck bumped over the ruts and grooves in the gravel drive. He parked behind his dad’s truck.
“Hey, son.” Dad stood in the doorway to the barn leaning heavily on a cane. A Mariners baseball cap sat atop his gray hair. “What brings you by?”
“Nothing in particular. I was out and thought I’d swing by for a visit.”
His dad shuffled to him and clapped him on the back. “You missed dinner. But I imagine your mom can throw something together.”
“Thanks, but I’m good.” He walked beside his dad, then held the front door open for him. His dad led the way into the two-story home where Ben had grown up.
“Ben!” His mom pulled him into a hug. “This is a surprise. Are you hungry? I have leftover tuna casserole.”
He gave his mom a squeeze and held in a chuckle. It’s a wonder he hadn’t grown up to weigh a ton. His parents were always trying to fatten him up. “I ate earlier, but thanks.”
The three of them headed into the family room. A rerun of House Hunters played on the television. “I love trying to guess which house they’ll buy,” his mom said, settling onto the couch. His dad eased down beside her.
Ben soaked up the familiar comfort of home and dropped into his favorite recliner. “I’ve seen this one. They get the—”
“Shh!” both parents said in unison.
He did chuckle this time. “You two are so easy to tease.”
The show ended a few minutes later and his mom clicked off the power. “How’s business been?”
“Busy.”
“But not too busy, I hope.” She wagged a finger at him. “You need a social life so you can meet the right woman and give me a grandchild before I die.”
“Now, Betsy,” his dad warned. “Leave the boy alone.” He shot Ben a sly grin. “Although, she has a point. We aren’t getting any younger.”
“Not you, too.” What was with all the interest in his love life? He’d known for years his parents would like grandchildren to spoil, but they understood he was busy building his practice. Of course, now that things were going well, they’d expect to revisit the topic. He sighed.
His mom huffed. “You know good and well we haven’t bothered you about this. What’s with the attitude?”
Ben rolled his eyes. “There’s this woman at the clinic who is determined to find my soul mate.” He made air quotes with his fingers. “She seems convinced there is a perfect someone for everyone. The crazy thing is she’s beautiful, and very much single. I think she should be working on finding her own soul mate and leave me alone.”
Dad raised his brow. “She sounds promising—beautiful, single and she’s a romantic. Those are the best kind.” He looked lovingly at his wife of forty years.
Ben studied his parents. Now those two were a perfect match. They had found each other a little later in life, in their thi
rties, which he thought was wise. By that age, they were mature and knew what they wanted out of life.
“Don’t go there, Dad. Meghan is a busybody. Though talented, beautiful and great with animals, she doesn’t know how to mind her own business.” But was that so horrible? It showed how caring and kind she was. What had Emma called her? Sweet? Well, he wasn’t sure about that. Spirited might be a better word for the lovely brunette.
“Too bad.” Mom pouted. “The way you describe her made me think there might be something there.”
“Trust me. There’s nothing there.” Except in spite of her meddling, he was beginning to like Meghan, and see the kindhearted person everyone kept claiming her to be.
He’d hoped this visit with his parents would get his mind off of her and his singleness, but instead, it had done the opposite.
His mom clucked her tongue. “If there’s nothing between the two of you, why not let her set you up with someone? You have nothing to lose.”
His stomach lurched. He worked his jaw. “Umm...well...I don’t... Are you kidding me?” He bolted out of the recliner and strode to the window. Seconds later, he spun around.
His parents busted up laughing.
“This is not funny. I’m surprised at both of you.”
“Relax, son.” His dad pushed off the couch slower than usual. “Your mother and I are only teasing, but in all seriousness, pray about a mate. The Lord is the ultimate matchmaker. You can trust Him with your heart.”
His mom stood and slipped her hand into his dad’s. “That’s right. He knows who the right woman is for you. Trust Him and keep your heart open.”
Ben felt like an awkward teen all over again. But he respected his parents and the wisdom they offered. He scrubbed a hand up and down his chin, the roughness of his five-o’clock shadow suiting his angst. If someone had told him a month ago he’d be praying about a wife, he’d have told them they were nuts. But it seemed God had a sense of humor.
His mom’s eyes shone. “Say something. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Just digesting. I came here hoping—I don’t know what, but this wasn’t it. I think it’s time for me to head home and start praying as you suggested.”
His parents grinned and walked him to the door. He wrapped them in a bear hug, then strode to his truck. Maybe he’d put off that prayer for a bit. There was no sense in rushing into anything.
* * *
Meghan flew into her condo, flipped on the light then bumped the door closed with her hip. “I’m home! Cassie, you here?” She’d played piano a little longer than usual, and hoped her roommate was still up.
Cassie padded into the front room rubbing her eyes. “What’s going on? I was almost asleep.”
“Sorry. I saw him tonight.”
“Who? The director? Are you going to play in the musical?”
She waved a hand, kicked off her pumps, then snuggled into the corner of the couch. “No. I’m not doing that. I’m talking about Dr. Young. He came to hear me play. I still can’t believe he showed. He said he would, but I didn’t really believe him. Not that I think he’s a liar. I just figured he was trying to be nice.”
Cassie’s sleepy face lit up. “He came to hear you play? Of all nights for me to have off. I would’ve loved to have seen him. Did you talk to him?”
Meghan nodded.
Cassie plopped onto the opposite end of the couch and pulled her knees to her chin. “What’d he say?”
“Not much. Only that I played beautifully. I told him I wasn’t going to do the musical and he was cool about it. Which was a relief, because I didn’t want to disappoint him or make him angry.”
“Hmm.” Her friend waggled her brow.
“I know that look. What are you scheming?”
“Nothing. But you like him.”
“What? Don’t be absurd. He’s too old for me, and he’s boring. The man has no life.”
“You’re kidding, right? I happen to know he performed in The Sound of Music last summer, and he is very involved with volunteering at his church and helping with 4-H. I also saw him jogging the other morning. I don’t know what you think of as no life, but he certainly has something going on. And as far as being too old, are you blind? He’s a McDreamy.”
“How do you happen to know so much about Dr. Young?”
“I ran into Charity, and she told me all about him. The poor girl was mortified when she misread his friendliness for flirting and offered him her number. Shame on you by the way for messing with her head like that.”
“I didn’t mean any harm. Is she okay?” Meghan ducked her chin. She wouldn’t make that mistake again. In the future, she’d ensure Dr. Young would be interested in whomever she found for him.
“She’s fine. Although I don’t think she’ll go back to your clinic.” Cassie yawned and stretched her arms above her head. “I need sleep. I have the morning shift.”
“Okay. ’Night.” Meghan ought to go to bed, too, but she stretched out on the couch instead and flipped on the TV. McDreamy... What was her friend thinking?
She bolted up. Cassie was the perfect match for Dr. Young! She was slightly older than Meghan—okay, only a few months, but that didn’t matter. She loved animals, and thought him a great catch. Her lips turned down. Cassie had been clear about not wanting a man in her life for at least a month, and Meghan had promised to respect that. Now what?
She flipped off the TV. Maybe she’d be able to think better after a good night’s rest, because one way or another she was going to find the perfect matches for Cassie and Dr. Young. In order to succeed, she needed to find a few more clients for her matchmaking service.
First thing tomorrow, she’d put the word out and maybe even throw up a website. Scratch that thought. A person couldn’t just throw up a site. Fine. She’d make a Facebook page for her service. Even better.
In her bedroom, she slipped out of her black dress and into a pair of shorts and a tank top. She snagged her laptop off her dresser and climbed into bed. No way would she get to sleep when her brain was moving at the pace of a greyhound on race day. What should she call her service? Matchmaker Meghan? No, that was too boring. Personalized Matchmaking by Meghan Black. Not great, but it would do. She logged into Facebook and began creating a business page with a description of her services and her contact information.
An hour later, she snuggled beneath the sheets with a sense of satisfaction. Dr. Young would be surprised when she showed him her Facebook page on Monday. She might even find the perfect woman for him by then, too.
Chapter 7
Ben strolled into the veterinary clinic, flipped on the lights then relocked the door. Whistling a song from the radio, he entered the kennel room and greeted the miniature schnauzer. “Good morning, Rusty. I bet you want out of there. I came in extra early just for you.” He’d stopped by the clinic numerous times over the weekend to care for the dog, and the two had become buddies.
While he dumped food into a dish and replaced the water in a bowl, Rusty barked and whined.
“Come on, fella.” He opened the kennel and squatted to the dog’s level. Rusty lavished kisses on Ben’s face then lunged for the kibbles. Ben laughed as the dog first devoured the meal then lapped up the water. “Guess you were hungry.” He checked the dog’s incision site and grinned. “You’re healing nicely. How about a walk?” He clipped a leash onto Rusty’s collar. “Come.”
Rusty tugged hard on the leash, driving for the door.
“Heel.” He kept his tone firm.
The dog immediately fell into step beside him, and they strolled from the building together. Rusty sniffed around the planter beside the back door for several minutes, then they walked toward the village. He was still irked that Rusty’s owner had left him over the weekend. Ben would be sure to charge him for boarding and the trips he’d made to the c
linic to care for the lonely animal.
Rusty stopped and sniffed at a post, then bolted forward.
“Easy there, boy.” Ben headed toward the walking trail along the river, keeping a brisk pace. Although still early, he didn’t want to be late getting back to the clinic, and the loop was fairly long.
An hour later, he and Rusty bounded through the rear door of the clinic, both panting.
Meghan whirled around, her green eyes wide and flashing. “You scared me!”
“Sorry. Rusty and I were out for an early morning walk.”
“His owner is here. I’ve been stalling him.”
“Good. I’d like to have a word with that—”
“Whoa, there.” She placed a hand on his arm and gently took the leash from him. “Emma’s not in yet, but I have this. I know leaving Rusty here wasn’t cool, but don’t let it get the best of you.”
He blinked rapidly then stepped back. “You’re right. Thanks. I had the past hour to work up my speech about how this isn’t a doggie daycare and how irresponsible it was for him to leave his dog here all weekend.” He chuckled. “I’m glad you talked some sense into me.” Meghan did have a smart and caring side. Maybe he’d misjudged her.
She smiled. “Just doing my job. Come on, Rusty.” She escorted the miniature schnauzer down the hallway.
His face heated when the full impact of what he’d almost done set in. Instead of chewing out the owner, he hurried to his office and locked the door. No matter if it made him late or not, he needed a little time with the Lord to get his head on straight. He pulled a Bible from the bottom drawer of his desk and flipped to 2 Timothy. His spirit quieted as he soaked up the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy.
A knock sounded on his door. He slipped a scrap of paper into his Bible and closed it. “Come in.”
A Match for Meghan (Heartsong Presents) Page 5
