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The metallic threads in Meg’s new strapless dress chafed the tender skin of her underarms every time she moved, no matter how careful she was. She would never wear the scratchy thing again. It should have stayed on the sales rack, and she should have purchased that soft, silky thing with the high neck. No wonder she hated to shop.

But she did look good. Her image in the huge gilt mirror on the Brennans’ marble foyer wall gave her a nice boost of confidence. She had taken the time with her hair, and it fell in dark curls to her bare shoulders, contrasting nicely with her silvery-white dress.

On the hanger, the dress had looked like a skirt with a stretchy band that should have gone at the waist instead of across her breasts where the clerk said it belonged. The scratchy, miserable thing did look gorgeous, skimming her body to her bare knees. She’d decided against the nuisance of panty hose, but accepted the torture of silvery sandal stilettos. Pain was worth it when shoes were this pretty.

Unfortunately, she’d gone to this trouble for nothing. Mr. Right was not here. She’d made a thorough search. Most of the guests were Beth’s parents’ age, and the few eligibles weren’t meant for her. She wished she’d stayed home, though the Brennans’ caterers had done much better than popcorn and Snickers.

She was on her second plate, tasting everything. At first it had been a problem, getting the food to her mouth without her inner arm contacting her scratchy dress, but she’d discovered a technique that worked. Holding her arm out awkwardly, she probably looked a little weird, but there was nobody here to impress, and why go home with abrasions?

It was a lovely party with the rooms aglow with candles and still-beautiful Christmas decorations. There wasn’t a drop of alcohol, not even in the punch, but the party had a silliness that most people got out of a bottle.

No doubt, it was the hats. The guests circulated, wearing the most silly, elaborate party hats imaginable. The Brennans spared no expense, and everyone wore them, even Beth’s dad, the great Dr. James T. Brennan, Jr. In the medical community, the man walked on water, but tonight he wore a satin sailor hat, cocked to the side, with the number of the new year flashing in gold lights on the brim.

Beth wore a red satin beret with a coiled wire toy on top. It slid from side to side as if it had a life of its own.

Meg’s hat, chosen for her by Beth, was worthy of a showgirl. Tall blue plumes sprouted from a silver crown, jiggling and waving with every turn of her head.

Trey, on host duty at the front door, wore a cowboy hat with a long, spiky feather that made him look like he might be a nice guy. It was too bad he wasn’t.

“What are you doing over here in the corner?”

Beth had found her. Meg wasn’t surprised. Keeping tabs on each other—that’s what best friends did. Or they used to before Beth went to medical school.

“Just enjoying the feel of my feathers,” she said, swaying to the music, letting the plumes dance.

“If I know you,” Beth said, “you’re putting pairs together, just like you do at work.”

Beth was right. “Call it an occupational hazard,” Meg joked.

Beth stepped beside her and scanned the crowd from Meg’s point of view. “Okay, who goes with who?”

“Sorry, I’m off duty,” Meg said, swirling sauce onto a shrimp.

“You’re never ‘off duty.’”

“Well, I ought to be. I drive people crazy.”

“You do not!” Beth said loyally. “You have a gift. Why not use it? So, tell me, who’s a match?”

Anything to make Beth happy. Meg handed her plate to a passing waiter and nodded to a short middle-aged man with glasses. “See the guy pretending he’s admiring the painting over the mantel?”

“That’s the new cardiologist at Brennan Medical. Let me guess.” Beth looked over the crowd, a big grin on her face, enjoying the game. “Got it! He gets the cute little nurse in Uncle Charlie’s office.”

“Dr. Cardiology isn’t into ‘cute.’ He likes the statuesque blonde who’s pretending not to notice him.”

“No way!” Beth laughed. “The blonde’s a foot taller!”

“But Dr. Cardiology likes the way she looks, and I’m pretty sure that she’s looking for a doctor to like.”

“A match made in heaven,” Beth said, giggling like the girl she used to be. Meg loved the happy sound. She nudged Beth’s shoulder, and Beth nudged her back, just like old times.

“You just watch,” Meg insisted. “They’ll get together before the night’s over.”

“Well, then, who gets the cute little nurse?”

“Sadly, I don’t have the pool to work with that I have on Dream Date. I’m afraid she’s unmatchable tonight.”

“Like me.” Beth shrugged with defeat.

“Actually, I have someone for you,” Meg said, happy that she had.

“Who?” Beth scanned the crowd.

“You’re missing him. Check out the Marine.”

“Captain Cutie-Pie?” Beth’s lip curled.

“But he’s perfect for you, Beth. Tall, a genuine hunk, a great sense of humor and he speaks in complete sentences. What more could you want?”

“How about a guy less impressed with himself? You know we don’t go for guys who think they’re all that.”

Meg frowned. “I didn’t catch that.”

“Why would a guy wear a uniform to a party like this if he didn’t want to show off that chestful of ribbons?”

“Wrong diagnosis, Dr. Brennan. If you’ll talk to the guy, you’ll discover that he didn’t want to wear the uniform. His mom, your dad’s nurse, asked him to wear it because she’s so proud of him.”

“Aww, that’s sweet.” Beth’s face softened.

“You know we go for guys who are good to their moms.”

“That’s true. But how come I get him and you don’t?”

“Because his eyes have followed you for the past hour.”

“Really?” Beth perked up, her brown eyes sparkling.

“But I ought to warn you. While he’s been watching you, the cute little nurse has been watching him. I think she’s about to make her move.”

“Then I’d better stake my claim!” Beth squared her shoulders and moved into action.

Meg laughed, glad that at least one of them would have someone younger than their parents to kiss at midnight.