The Little Matchmaker by Catherine Mann

Author:Catherine Mann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-03-01T00:25:41+00:00

Chapter Nine

“I’m so glad you’ll be trick-or-treating with us this evening,” Hollie said from beside Susanna in the chair, getting her face painted in the ranch’s salon and spa.

Eyes closed, Susanna let the makeup artist do her job in creating a face fit for the Queen of the Forest. Thank goodness Micah had assured her they would be making the candy rounds with the O’Brien family. It had saved her having to disappoint Benji with a half-baked excuse to avoid risking another toe-curling kiss with Micah. “Joining your family will be far more fun than passing out candy at my apartment building. Thank you for including me.”

At the start of their transformation, their makeup artists Raven and Fay, dressed as ladybugs, had both put on wireless headphones. This, the young women had promised in unison, would give Hollie and Susanna privacy of conversation.

Hollie’s cosmetologist—Fay—rolled her tray of supplies closer. Susanna’s beautician—Raven—picked up a fluffy shading eye brush and, instinctively, Susanna fluttered her eyes shut.

Once the light pressure from the makeup brush ceased, she took in the dramatic violets and purples on her eyelids. In the reflection, she could see the bustle going on behind her in the ranch’s small salon. Guests in costumes were getting finishing touches on their Halloween look. A table was set up with mini muffins, fruit and cider. Gold and white pumpkins tucked into the hair product shelves were draped with glittery spider webs.

With a sidelong glance, Susanna gauged the progress on Hollie’s makeup to accompany her Scarecrow costume. Jacob would be dressed as the Tin Man, and they would be walking their dog, Bandit, in a lion suit.

Hollie’s hand drifted to rest on her arm. “I love that you’ve chosen to be the Queen of the Forest coming to Sulis Springs. You look gorgeous. It was so generous of Micah to splurge on this whole pampering afternoon for both of us. I would have comped him. But he was insistent, including the tip.”

“He’s a good man,” she answered noncommittally. Just the mention of Micah stole some of the lingering mellow vibes from their massage and five-star lunch.

It was thoughtful of him. Especially when she sensed he was stressed about the construction project. And certainly all Benji’s tests with the specialists didn’t come cheap.

“A handsome man too,” Hollie said.

Discussing Micah’s looks? Nope. Not going there. “What activities did the children decide on?”

On her other side, Raven returned to her color palettes, choosing a highlighter shadow in a soft shade of pink.

“Benji’s with my crew making papier-mâché masks. The class is making their own paste. And also creating the paints from leftover fruits and vegetables,” Hollie explained, her voice just carrying over the hum of hair dryers and a young girl squealing at her transformation into a Cheshire cat.

“Well, that’s wonderfully eco-friendly and a beautiful mix with your love of the land.” Her mind was already spinning with how to work it in with reading a book about recycling. “What’s your recipe?”

“We use fruit and veggies that are about ready to be tossed out.

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