WELCOME TO TARA'S PLACE...WHERE ROMANCE AND LAUGHTER 
HIDE BEHIND EVERY DOOR

"My granddaughter--who is single, I might add--is speaking out of turn.  She don't know what she needs." "Gran!"

Dusty watched the young woman's face turn a becoming shade of crimson.  When she met his eyes with hers, he smiled in commiseration.  "I have a grandmother, too."  Marilyn glared at him, obviously not accepting his sympathy.  He decided to keep his mouth shut.

Ruby Sue stood, her hands balled at her waist.  "You can speak your mind, Marilyn, and so can I.  This is still my house and I have the final say on what goes on here."  Marilyn also stood, meeting her grandmother's ire head-on.  "Gran, don't do this."  The two women stood in silent stand-off, hitching Dusty's curiosity to full blown.  "Do what?"

The women scowled at each other.  Marilyn answered without looking his way.  "She's playing matchmaker."  Dusty choked on a mouthful of green beans.  Ruby Sue turned on her heel and stomped from the room.  Marilyn slowly lowered herself into her seat.

Once he swallowed his food, Dusty found his voice.  "Did you say matchmaker?"  Marilyn stared down at her plate.  Silence reigned until the clang of pots sounded from the kitchen. She sighed.  "Gran's been trying to marry me off for some time now.  It's like a holy mission for her.  Problem is, she hasn't succeeded."

So matchmaking was why the older woman wanted to know his age, marital status, if he held a steady job, for the sole purpose of having a responsible boarder.  It also explained the big smile when Ruby Sue met him and welcomed him with open arms.  Forgetting to ask about references.  And going on how a single man like him had found just the right place to settle himself.

"It could be worse," Marilyn informed him, humor infusing her tone.  "She could have had the minister waiting in the parlor when you got home from work one day."  Dusty swallowed hard.  Just what had he gotten himself into?  The barest trace of a smile tugged at Marilyn's lips.  "I'm not joking, I've lived with this woman all my life.  It just might happen."

Dusty reached up to scratch his neck.  "I just need a place to hang out for a while.  No drama, just quiet."  He glanced in Marilyn's direction.  "I'm not gonna get any quiet, am I?"  This time her smile actually shined in her eyes.  "No."  Dusty leaned back and rested his head against the high-back chair.  He expelled a long breath.  "She got first and last."  "You won't be seeing that money again."

Melody of Love -  focusing on the importance of family, humor, mystery and romance by Tara Randel.

Melody Of Love can be ordered at: www.avalonbooks.com

Lasting Love, Hidden Hearts and Melody Of Love are also available at: 
Amazon.com and Walmart.com