Page 15 of Always the Matchmaker

Candy

I pour myself a cup of coffee and add a heaping pour of RumChata to the mix, a little boost in my cup needed this morning. I grab a blanket, wrapping it around me before heading to the porch. My stomach turns as I hear voices. I’m tired of overhearing conversations and don’t hesitate to insinuate myself into the moment, walking outside to see Ben and Cohen. Both men stand up.

Cohen smiles at me and walks past Ben, “Good luck.”

“What’s that about?” I ask Ben as Cohen shuts the door behind him. I want to sit down and enjoy my coffee but he makes me nervous.The moment makes me nervous.

“I fixed your car,” Ben blurts out. He takes off his ballcap, wringing it in his hands.

“Oh...thank you.” I hold my coffee to my chest, breathing in the dark beans and the cinnamon liquor. “What do I owe—”

“Nothing, absolutely nothing,” he stammers. He sets his hat down and tentatively steps towards me. “Except maybe, if you can give it…a second chance? A chance I probably don’t deserve but will get on my knees and beg for, Miss Owens. I’m not an asshole, I was thoughtless, but I’m not that guy. I don’t brag to my friends about conquests.”

I shake my head at him, it hurts to think about what he said. “No, I can’t do this. I’ve been through this enough. It’s always the same. I feel used and…” There’s more there, and for some reason I want to tell him, but the words are hard.

“And what?”

“And I’m scared.” I whisper the words and his eyes soften, the browns melting into hot chocolate and warming me.

“I know. I am, too, but Candy, I’mnotthe same though. You’ve changed me. You’re special and dammit my momma was right, I’m special too,” Ben laughs weakly and takes the chance to move closer again and I close my eyes. “Maybe I shouldn’t have said it...so loudly and plainly…but itwasfucking amazing.Youare fucking amazing. So magicalandamazing.” He lifts my chin and I open my eyes. “And I heard you, sweetheart.”

“Heard me what? Moan?” I furrow my brow and glance a look at him, my heart pounds in my chest.

“No, Candy Cane. I heard you say the words back—‘I love you too’…”

I thought he was asleep. Now what do I do?

I set down my coffee, too warm in my hands and cross my arms over my chest defensively, but then I realize the wall I’ve put up and how much I want to take it down with him. Only him.

“Did you mean it or not?” he asks me outright and I feel cornered, but I let the feeling come and pass. It’s not mine. It’s all those men from the past revisiting. He isn’t them.

And I meant it.But why am I holding it in?

Then a flash of my father enters my brain. He’s alone. He’s lost the love that made his life bright. I am scared to do the same. She was his life. And Ben is mine.

“Yes, I…I meant it,” my voice cracks as I speak.

“And I meant it, too.” Ben wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest, he smells of his garage and sweat...and sex. He hasn’t done anything but work on my car since it happened?

He kisses my forehead. “I fell in love with you the moment your stubborn ass walked into my shop and I can’t imagine you not getting mad at me and me not making love to you. Please, give me a chance, Candy, stay with me. Be mine forever.”

I want to cry. I bury my face in his chest and shudder with a small sob. He holds me waiting, not rushing me,

“I have some thoughts on the renovations,” I finally speak into his chest, and it rumbles with laughter.

“Whatever you want,” he chuckles.

He pulls me back to tilt my head up and kisses me deeply.

I may be his Candy Cane, but he’s my dream come true.

Epilogue

Candy

Wynter holds up a glass of champagne, her huge-ass diamond sparkling like a star in the summer’s light. “Ladies, this is it. It’s time.”

They look over at me and I fight cracking. Ever since I opened the feeling gates, the emotions have poured out.