Ginger automatically raised a hand to her jawline and gave it a soft pat. Thank you, she said, just before she realized she was offended. What does thiswoman think I am, a 4-H farm animal? And why did she pull me into her room after the reception?

The old lady looked Ginger up and down, smiling. I wanted to prepare you for something, Genevieve. Do you mind if I call you Genevieve? It's a mystery why you use a nickname in place of something so feminine and sensual.

Ginger squinted at the small, neatly dressed lady who'd officiated at her friend's wedding. According to Josie, Mrs. Gloria Needlemana widow who fancied herself a matchmakerhad gotten Josie and Rick over their rough patch and to the altar.

Prepare me for what? Ginger crossed her legs and leaned her hands behind her on the mattress.

A man, dear. Mrs. Needleman's eyes were warm and kind. I thought you should know that there is a man waiting for you, as we speak.

Ginger looked around. Like all the guest suites at Rick's wine country estate, Mrs. Needleman's room was tasteful, comfortable, and fitted with valuable Victorian pieces, and Ginger hoped she would have time to feature the Sonoma Valley retreat in the Herald' s house and garden section before the newspaper went under for good. But a man? Waiting for her? Not unless he was hiding behind the shower curtain.

Ginger swung her foot back and forth, watching her silver-toned sandal dangle from her toes, trying not to sigh with impatience. That's a sweet thing to say, Mrs. Needleman. Thank you.

You think I'm a silly old lady.

Ginger laughed. No, it's just that I'm not a teenager anymore. I stopped waiting for my knight in shining armor a long time ago.

But look at Josie!

Ginger smiled sweetly, happy that her thirty-five-year-old friend had found such a loving and devoted man to spend her life with. I'm thrilled for Josie, of course, but that kind of thing is She paused. It's so rare it's freakish!