Sinclair’s lips twist into a thoughtful smile, watching him lap up my attention. “You know, he isn’t normally good with new people. But he loves you. I think dogs are the best judges of characters. They can sense things. You’ve passed the Monty test.”
I smile. “Maybe I could employ him as my assistant. He can help with the matchmaking.”
“Oh my god. I cannot wait to see you in action.” Sinclair revs the engine and then swerves out into the traffic, earning an angry blare of a horn. She blows a kiss and an apologetic wave in her wingmirror to the car behind.
“Why don’t you get me started?” I reach past Monty to grab my notebook and pen from my purse. I always start with handwritten notes. They resonate more and stay in my memory better than typed ones.
“Put him in the backseat if he’s in your way.”
“No, he’s good.” I straighten up and open my notebook as Monty settles in my lap, curling himself up so he can fit without falling off.
I’ve learned to go with the flow in my job as a divine power facilitator. Some people would call me a matchmaker or dating coach. But my title is more accurate. I truly believe the divine power of the universe sends love our way. I help people to recognize the signs, that’s all. And signs are around us all the time. Like Monty accepting me. He’s reinforcing Sinclair’s belief in me. A belief which will help create positive energy around us as I work. And the more positivity, the faster love manifests.
Forget three weeks, I should have told Sophie to expect me home in two.
“So, Mr. Beaufort, he’s been single for almost two years?”
“Yep, since my mother died.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, recognizing the lines caused by grief pinching the corners of her eyes. “What made him decide he was ready to open himself up to love again?”
I’ll ask Sterling these same questions when I meet him. But getting a picture from loved ones first can be immensely helpful.
“He’s ready,” Sinclair says decidedly. “He’s been dating a little, but it never develops into anything meaningful. He’s lonely and he doesn’t deserve to be.”
“He’s told you he feels lonely?”
“He doesn’t have to.” She sighs. “It’s in his eyes. You’ll see. He’ll realize you’re exactly what he needs.”
I place the cap on my pen and close my notebook, careful not to disturb Monty.
“You have told your father that you hired me, right?”
She waves a hand in the air with a dismissive hum. “It’s what he needs. He’ll see that the minute he meets you.”
I take a deep breath, looking out of the window at Manhattan’s skyline looming on the horizon. I suspected this could be the case when Sinclair avoided questions surrounding Sterling’s knowledge on our calls, and I’ve never actually spoken to him directly.
“Did I do something wrong? You can help him, can’t you?”
I turn and the pure anguish in her eyes makes my heart sink. She cares a lot about her father’s happiness, but it’s important I’m honest with her.
“Your love for him radiates from you like warm waves. It’s beautiful.” I smile reassuringly. “And no, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m often hired by loved ones rather than the client themselves. But they are made aware of it before I arrive. You should understand, if the person isn’t open to love, the chances are?—”
“You’ve never failed though, right? You find everyone happiness.”
I press my lips together before I speak, careful not to snuff out the hope glimmering in her eyes. “Y-yes, but it’s not always straightforward. When I was asked to match the Prince of?—”
“Oh, please.” Sinclair wrinkles her nose. “I follow him online. Complete arrogant jerk. If you managed to find him love, then you’ll have no problem finding it for my father. You’re going to adore him. Everyone does. He puts everyone else before himself. He’s a gentleman.”
She turns toward me with renewed energy, causing another outraged horn to blare next to us as our car drifts out of the lane. The other driver shakes his head, but as he looks into the car and sees Sinclair blow him an apologetic kiss, his mouth curls into a smile.
I get it, Buddy. She’s gorgeous. I want to stare at her too.
She sighs and refocuses on the road. “Trust me, finding love for my father will be easy. I have complete faith in you. We’ll go to the apartment I set up for your stay, then I’ll take you to meet him. Sound good?”
“Sounds great.”
Excitement thrums in my veins. I don’t need to worry. I can feel in my gut that I’m supposed to be here. Sinclair has faith in me. I have faith in myself. My instincts have always served me well. I’ve made love matches for even the most difficult clients. Including those who had completely given up on love.
