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The warm, tingling vibration seeped from Sara’s skin into Cally’s fingers, spreading bit by bit into her hand, snaking little trails up her arm until stopping at her shoulder. Cally rolled her shoulders and neck around, preparing for the next step. Closing her eyes, she waited, letting her measured breaths soothe her. After a minute, she forgot about her breathing and willed herself to concentrate on the sensations.

“Anything yet?” asked the tall, slender brunette, eagerness putting an edge to her whispered words.

Cally shook her head, keeping her eyes closed, and tried to relax. When she relaxed, the words would come. In a slow arc, she moved her head around, trying to loosen the tension creeping into her neck. Yet, all the while, she kept her hand resting on Sara’s arm. Taking long, deep breaths, Cally willed her body into acceptance. Slowly, the second wave of vibrations began flooding into her hand.

That’s it. The words are coming.

She heard Sara’s sigh and knew the young woman’s impatience grew, but she could not, would not, rush the process. After a small stop in its course, the prickly movement started flowing quicker, gliding along Cally’s shoulder to the base of her neck. Cally could sense the answers’ approach and wanted to tell Sara, but dared not speak.

Without warning, the silhouette of a face entered her mind and emerald eyes blocked out all other thoughts. Surprised, Cally forced the image away, bringing her concentration back to the words waiting to burst forth. With her focus returned, the words tumbled from her mouth.

“His name is Michael Rogers. People call him Big Dog, although I don’t know why.” She wondered at the reason for the nickname, but pushed her curiosity aside and continued before the words could get away. “He’s a kind man with a good heart. His hair and eyes are brown and he’s tall. He’s about the height of your brother. His smile is more like a goofy grin. Football is his passion—”

“Oh, no.”

She bit her bottom lip at Sara’s distress and choked back a giggle before she went on. “And he enjoys watching as well as playing the game. He’s receptive and ready for love now, so he’ll be open to your heart and words.”

And you’ll need to be open to the pungent aroma of sweat-drenched jerseys. A tiny smile brushed Cally’s lips before she gained control again.

Another image of Sara’s future mate emerged. A very enticing image. An image explaining how he’d gained his nickname. Big Dog stood naked in her vision, with his exceptionally long shaft sticking straight out, as hard and thick as a jousting pole. A wickedly sensual smile spread his mouth and he ran his lips over his teeth, an obvious request to taste the juices of a woman as a thirsty canine might lap up a cool drink of water. “Uh, I understand why he’s called Big Dog now. You’ll find out soon enough, you lucky girl.”

Cally’s eyelids attempted to flutter open, but she managed to keep her eyes closed. She knew she would lose the connection if she opened them. Yet as hard as she struggled to stay focused, she couldn’t stop the dark face that floated across her mind. The startling, moss-colored orbs stared unblinking at her. Intuitively, she knew such intelligent eyes didn’t belong to Big Dog. After all, she sensed his name was Big Dog, not Big Smart Dog, for a reason.

“Fortunately, he’s near Lawson, but he’ll return to his home in a few days. You’ll find him at the campgrounds near the lake. Go to him and let go of your inhibitions. Take him as you’ve always dreamed of taking the man you love. But be prepared to leave your home soon and go with him. If that’s your choice.”

With the words out, Cally allowed her body to relax and the tense feeling dissipated in rippling waves. She opened her eyes and wasn’t surprised to find Sara crying, tears streaming down her joyful face.

“You’re sure? He’s the one for me?”

“I’m sure. And you’ll be sure once you’ve met him.” She knew Sara didn’t doubt her ability. Everyone in Lawson trusted her gift. Still, she understood why the anxious girl needed reassurance.

Sara gathered her purse and reached into the bag to pull out a stick of licorice and bite off a piece. She chewed rapidly, excitement radiating off her. “Can I please pay you something? Anything?”

Accepting the sincere gesture behind the request, Cally knew Sara already had the answer to her question. “You know I don’t take money. Shoot, if I wanted to make money matching people, I’d get in touch with Sylvia Browne’s agent.” She flashed her teeth at Sara as she envisioned the scene. “Imagine. Fame and fortune.”

She put on an air of mystery and quipped, “You may call me Madam Cally from now on.” She sat up straighter while her hands ran over a pretend magic ball resting in front of her. Chanting in a low, measured manner, she closed her eyes and kept up the fantasy. “Oh, Mystical Crystal Ball. Oh, Great Magical Orb. Tell me the answer to my riddle.” Sneaking a peek at Sara, she brought home the punch line. “Will Sara learn to throw a pigskin?”

Cally joined Sara in a giggle over the gag before bringing up her request. She never took money for using her ability. Instead, she asked her clients to pass on the favor, thus letting more people benefit from her gift. “Maybe you can do something for me. Do you think you could lend Missy a hand and help her pick out her dress for her birthday party? She’s throwing her first teenage party and wants to look perfect like you always do.” Grinning, she rolled her eyes at Sara. “God knows why, but she thinks you’re wonderful.”

Sara responded with her usual modesty, missing Cally’s joke. “Beats me where she got such an idea. I’m certainly no one to admire.”

Having a beautiful personality to match her gorgeous exterior, Sara was unaware of her effect on people of both sexes. Which, of course, made her all the more special in Cally’s opinion.

She laughed and added another good-natured barb. “Yeah, right. What’s to admire? Just great looks, intelligence, and a sunny personality. I don’t get what Missy sees in you. But she thinks you must be the coolest person she’s ever known and she’s way too shy to ask you for help. I remember her saying so when she picked up her little sister from my classroom on the last day of school. And since you’re practically next-door neighbors…” Letting her words slide, she waited for Sara’s response.

“That’s all? Sure, I’ll help her. It’ll be like having a little sister to have fun with.” Sara’s face lit up, showing her pleasure at the request. “But couldn’t I do something for you?”

Rising from the sofa, Cally tried to keep up as Sara’s long legs carried her toward the door. “No, thanks. However, if you’ll help Missy, I’ll consider it payment enough for me.”

“Oh, Madam Cally, I can’t thank you enough.” Sara gave her a playful grin and a peck on the cheek.

Cally waited for the lump in her throat to slide down before she tried to talk again. She hid her overwhelming emotions with a poor imitation of Dr. Phil. “And what else would I do for a fellow Texan? You be sure to remember you two still have to work at marriage. You either contaminate or contribute to the relationship. See how that works for you.” Switching back to her normal voice, she added, “And don’t forget, just because you’ve been matched doesn’t mean life is all roses and champagne. But if it is, remember I drink nothing less than Dom Perignon and I adore white roses.”

Laughing together, they joined hands and walked to the front door. After a hug and another kiss, Sara hurried down the driveway.

With Sara watching her, Cally fixed a smile on her face and waved gaily as the little white car started down the road. Once the car was out of sight, she allowed the forced smile to transform into a frown while she rubbed the tight muscles in her neck.

What was the problem? Why couldn’t she shake the image popping up in her mind? This was the second time the darkened face with the startling eyes had interrupted a reading. The first time had happened during Lisa Callow’s session when she’d matched Lisa to the fisherman from Dallas. But what did this mean?

Nothing else differed from any other reading, yet she knew in her heart these strange visions would somehow change her life. The question was…would they change her life for the better or for the worse?