Love Inspired April 2021--Box Set 1 of 2, page 40
“What are you doing here?” He spoke the words without thinking. The light in Melody’s eyes dimmed.
He really needed to watch his tone when he spoke to her. His old resentment kept leaking through.
“Hey, Dad!” Eli jumped up to give him a quick hug. “I wanted Miss Melody to see Lady’s puppies.”
“Who can resist puppies?” Melody smiled as she spoke, but her eyes watched Clay carefully.
He yanked his wandering memories back in check. “Eli. Don’t you have chores to see to?”
“Yes, sir. But I can do them later.”
“Go get started on them now.”
“Why?”
“Eli.”
“Yes, sir.” He stood.
Melody smiled at his son. “Thank you for letting me see the puppies, Eli. That was very thoughtful of you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Clay watched his son walk back to the house, then turned to face Melody. She’d placed the puppy back down with the others and was facing him. Her light brown eyes were dark.
“What is your problem?”
“I told you. I don’t want you distracting Eli from his responsibilities.”
“For the record, I didn’t do any distracting. He stopped by the cottage to say hello and invite me to come and see the puppies. I accepted. I guess this means our truce is over?”
Clay rubbed his forehead, fighting to corral his surging anxiety and regain his footing. He had to remember Dad’s warning. If he made too big a deal about keeping Melody and Eli apart, it would only drive them together. And he had declared a truce.
He cleared his throat. “No. We’re good. Sorry. Like I said, I just want him to learn to be responsible.” But it was a lame excuse, and they both knew it.
“I’m sure he will be, and I’m sure my being here won’t change that in the slightest.” She started from the garage. “But, Clay, I like Eli. He’s a nice boy, and I’m not going to turn him away if he comes by the cottage just because you have a helicopter-parent notion that he should have his nose in his books and chores every moment.”
She strode off, leaving Clay regretting his reaction and knowing he’d made things worse. He’d just wiped out any goodwill they’d gained from their tour. He’d hoped to take a step forward but instead had taken two steps back.
But it wasn’t fair. He hadn’t been prepared for the sight of Melody, sweet and smiling, cuddling a little dog. It had pushed open the door to his heart a little too far. He had to get it closed fast.
And padlocked.
CHAPTER FOUR
Melody reached for another book from the tall stack and opened the cover. Her tension had eased a good bit over the last two days, thanks to Clay’s truce. Things were still a bit awkward but nothing like those first few days. Clay had kept his distance. Unfortunately, so had Eli and she regretted that. She’d looked forward to getting to know the boy better and perhaps finding a way for him to help with the book. He was curious and eager, but she doubted Clay would agree to him getting involved.
Turning her attention back to her work, she delved into the history of Burton and Naomi Bower, whose family had opened the first general store in Blessing. An hour later she stretched her back to work out the kinks then stood and fixed a glass of sweet tea, a new habit she’d acquired since coming to the South. Carrying it to the front porch, she sat on the step, reminding herself to hunt down a rocker in her next free moment. Her gaze scanned the soothing scene before her. Early green leaves budding out on the trees, splashes of color from the azaleas, daffodils and irises springing up in the flower beds—they were a sight to behold. She closed her eyes and inhaled the clean, fresh air. A low buzz overhead drew her attention. A small yellow plane soared through the blue sky. Was Clay at the controls or his dad?
Over the last several days she’d become accustomed to hearing the crop-dusting planes coming and going from the airstrip on the Reynoldses’ land. She hadn’t taken Clay up on his offer to check out the airplanes yet, but she planned to do so soon. The Reynolds family tree played a large role in the history of Blessing, and she wanted to be sure she did it justice.
A tiny bark interrupted her thoughts. She glanced down to see one of Lady’s puppies staring up at her. He placed his paws on the bottom step and tried to climb up, but his legs weren’t long enough yet. She giggled at the adorable sight and scooped him up, cuddling him close. “What are you doing over here, little guy? You’re a long way from your brothers and sisters.”
“He’s the adventurous one of the litter. I find him wandering off all the time. Sorry about this.”
Melody smiled as Clay came toward her. “No problem. I like it. He’s so cute.” She held the puppy close to her cheek.
“Maybe he’d like to stay here with you. He seems to head this direction whenever he escapes the garage.”
“Really? I would love to have him stay with me when he’s ready to leave his mama.”
“He’s ready now. If you’re serious, he’s yours.”
“Thank you, Clay.” She hugged the squirmy little dog. “I’ll have to give you a name, won’t I? You’ll need a bed and food and bowls...” The idea filled her with excitement. “Is there a pet store in Blessing?”
Clay nodded and lowered himself onto the step beside her. “Perfect Pets. One block off the square on Chandler Street.”
“I’m beginning to love your town.”
“Good. I think they love you, too. I hear people talking about you all the time.”
She smiled. At least the locals liked her. “All good, I hope. I’m looking forward to meeting more of the residents. Everyone so far has been so sweet and helpful.”
“I’m glad to hear that because I have an invitation for you. It’s the first of a series of monthly events celebrating the bicentennial. We’re kicking things off with a porch crawl in the historic district. It’ll be a good way for you to meet more of our citizens.”
Melody wasn’t sure she’d heard him right. “A what?”
He chuckled and reached over to scratch behind the puppy’s ear. “It’s like a progressive dinner. People stroll from house to house. Each home offers refreshments set out on their front porch. You stop, visit, eat a few goodies, then move on to the next porch. It’s really a lot of fun.”
The idea intrigued her, though she wasn’t as comfortable with small talk as she used to be. However, she would be working, so it would give her an opportunity to ask questions and listen to family stories, which would require little small talk. “It sounds interesting and elegant. I’ll look forward it. When and where should I report?”
“It’s this Saturday at noon. I can pick you up a little before that.”
Melody’s enthusiasm for the event dimmed a few notches. Despite their truce, spending time alone with Clay still made her uneasy. She wasn’t sure she wanted to spend an entire afternoon with him, but she couldn’t attend without him either.
Clay noticed her hesitation. “If you’d rather not take part in the crawl, there’s a family picnic taking place at Riverbank Park.”
Melody considered that option but decided the crawl would be the more comfortable choice. “I have to admit the porch crawl intrigues me.”
He smiled. “I think you’ll enjoy it. You might get two or three more chapters for the book.”
“That would be wonderful. Though I’m collecting so much history I’m not sure I can finish this book on schedule.”
“If anybody can, you can. You’re the most determined woman I’ve ever known.”
She wasn’t sure if that was a slur or a compliment. “Is that a good thing?”
He met her gaze, his blue eyes clouded. “Most of the time.”
The puppy barked and Melody set him down. He scampered off a ways and sniffed a branch on the ground. It would be nice having a puppy in the house. She could use some companionship.
“Have you picked a name yet?” Clay asked.
“I’m thinking about Barney.”
He shrugged. “As good as any I suppose.”
“You don’t like it?”
“I do if you do.” He stood.
She rose. “I guess your dad is flying today? I heard a plane overhead earlier.”
Clay shook his head. “My full-timer, Jared Miller, is flying today. My dad doesn’t take the controls anymore. He suffered a minor stroke a while back and decided he shouldn’t be in the cockpit anymore. I was proud of him for doing that. But that’s when he decided to run for city council.”
“Being in charge of a big event like a bicentennial sounds like a lot of stress.”
“It is, but it’s safer. If he has another episode, it’d better to be behind a desk than flying a hundred and fourteen miles an hour three feet above the ground.”
“Good point. So you and Jared are the pilots now?”
Clay nodded. “We have a part-timer, Greg Zachary, who fills in when we’re at peak season.”
Melody studied Clay a moment, judging his mood. He appeared relaxed and open, so maybe he would be receptive to her suggestion.
“Clay, I was wondering if you would allow Eli to help me with the book in his spare time. He could sort through the pictures and keep the family histories together.”
Clay’s shoulders stiffened as his shield shot into place. “Maybe you need an assistant. Someone qualified.”
“No. I just need someone to keep things straightened up at the end of the day. Eli would be perfect for the job. I could pay him, unless you object.”
Clay rubbed his chin. “I’ll have to think about it. His school and chores come first.”
“Yes, I know.” Barney scampered back and barked. Melody scooped him up and held him close. She turned to Clay with a smile, but his expression wiped it from her face. He was frowning, his blue eyes narrowed. What had she done now?
He stood abruptly. “I have a lot of work today. I’ll see you this weekend.” And with that, he strode away.
“Goodbye to you, too,” Melody muttered under her breath. She shook her head. She’d never understand his odd mood changes. One minute he was warm and friendly, the next all cold and distant.
Barney squirmed and Melody giggled. “We need to get you some puppy gear, little guy.”
She also had an appointment with a local to discuss their family contributions to Blessing. Might as well kill two birds, so to speak. She could use a long talk with Sandy, too. It was time for a sister-to-sister discussion. Maybe she could shed some light on Clay’s odd behavior.
Every encounter with him left her feeling off-balance and shut out.
* * *
Melody hurried down the sidewalk on Church Street a short while later, catching sight of Sandy seated at an outdoor table in front of the Blue Bird Café. It was the first chance they’d had to have lunch together in nearly a week, and she desperately needed to talk to her sister.
Sandy reached for Melody’s hand as she sat down. “I’m so glad you suggested this. I’ve missed you since you moved into the cottage.”
“Me, too. I keep meaning to call, but I’m up to my elbows in research.”
“And loving every moment of it. Except, I’m guessing, for working with Clay.”
She nodded. “We’ve declared a truce, but it’s shaky at best. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I thought since you’ve lived here so long, you might know something that could help me understand him.”
“Not really. I’ve only been here five years. I can tell you the rumors I’ve heard, but that’s not exactly reliable. Things get embellished and distorted in a small town.”
“I suppose.” She took a sip of her drink.
“I wasn’t here, but from what I’ve been told, Clay came home one day with a baby and explained that the mother died. No one ever met her. He doesn’t talk about her, but everyone’s always assumed that’s just because it’s too painful for him.” She laughed. “When you say it that way, it’s sounds weird, doesn’t it? But everyone I know thinks highly of him. He takes care of his dad, he adores his son, and he’s an honest and honorable man.”
Melody sighed. “All of which I knew. I guess he’s still holding a grudge for the way I left. I should have at least given him an answer to his proposal. At the time, all I could think about was getting away.”
“I understand. Getting away from things was how we dealt with a crisis. As foster kids, no one ever taught us how to stand and face adversity.”
The truth of that statement lodged uncomfortably in her chest. “No, they didn’t. Though Mama Kay tried.” Thoughts of their mutual foster mother made her smile. “I’ll never be able to repay her for what she’s done for me.”
“For us. We both could have ended up down very different paths. She was truly a blessing. She gave me the courage to go to college to become a teacher.”
Melody nodded. “She brought me to faith and gave me a refuge when I needed it most. I don’t know what I would have done if she hadn’t taken me in when I got pregnant.”
Sandy smiled. “I tried to get her to move down here and be the kids’ surrogate grandmother, but she didn’t want to leave Des Moines. Not even the warmer climate could persuade her.”
“She’s rooted there, I’m afraid.”
The waitress brought their food and placed it on the table.
Melody turned her thoughts to the next topic she wanted to discuss.
“I wanted to ask you about an event I’m going to tomorrow. A porch crawl.”
A big smile appeared on Sandy’s face. “Oh, you’ll love it. It’s very elegant and quintessentially Southern. What are you going to wear?”
Melody set down her fork and frowned, a small lump of concern forming in her throat. “Wear? Is there a dress code for a porch crawl?”
Sandy laughed. “No, but I don’t think your usual jeans and cotton shirt will do. You’ll be meeting the old guard of Blessing. You should at least wear a skirt or dress.”
Melody mentally scrolled through the items in her closet. Jeans, pants, several long-sleeved cotton shirts and two long-sleeved knit ones more suitable for church. “I don’t own a dress.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Sandy rubbed her hands together and grinned. “I think we need a shopping trip and maybe a visit to Tresses Beauty Shop.”
“Are you suggesting a makeover?”
“Was I too subtle?” Sandy patted her arm. “You’ll be with Clay and meeting our most prominent citizens. You need to look the part.”
Melody squirmed. “I’m not going to this event to impress anyone. I’m going to ask questions.”
“And they might be more forthcoming if you look a little more, um...” She waved her finger in a circle. “Professional.”
Melody glanced down at her faded jeans and tennis shoes. Sandy had a point. “I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
“I do. I have the rest of the afternoon free and as soon as we finish our lunch, we’re going to get you all dolled up for tomorrow.”
“I’m not sure I want to be dolled up.”
Sandy frowned. “You really have changed. Shopping used to be your favorite thing in the world. You were super aware of your appearance every moment.”
“That’s before the world changed me.”
“Yeah, well... I want to get some of that old Melly back. It’ll do wonders for your attitude and self-esteem.”
Melody sighed. Once Sandy made up her mind, there was no changing it. She was like a little terrier. But the idea did sound fun.
Sandy marched her down the block to a boutique on the town square called Forrest Fashions. The owner, Camille Forrest, helped her select a pale blue dress suitable for the balmy spring weather of Mississippi. The dress was short-sleeved, so Melody added a lightweight long-sleeved jacket to wear over it.
After selecting a pair of low-heeled sandals, Sandy escorted her to Tresses, the beauty shop around the corner, and delivered her into the hands of Mildred Graham. Before Melody knew it, her long locks were transformed to a modern chin-length style that floated softly around her face when she moved. Then Mildred insisted she let the manicurist do her nails and gave her a pale pink color that looked like spring.
Melody gauged her reflection in the mirror, realizing she’d neglected her personal appearance for too long. Looking good hadn’t been a priority lately.
Sandy smiled and clapped her hands when Melody met her at The Grind, a coffee shop on the square. “You look fantastic! I knew Mildred would do wonders with you.”
Melody touched her fingers to her hair. “I do feel lighter and more confident.” She had to admit it felt good to be free of the long strands. Thanks to a natural wave, this style would require little to no maintenance. She felt like a new woman. Almost.
“Good. It’s time you started letting go of the past and rejoin the present.”
Sandy was right. She’d withdrawn from the world after the explosion. Rejoining life had been harder than she’d ever anticipated. “I know. I’m working on it. That’s why I took this job. I hoped it would rebuild my confidence.”
Sandy patted her hand. “I believe it will. I know the good Lord brought you here for a reason, and I’m so grateful that He did.”
“I don’t know about that, but I’m glad I came. For the most part.”
“Hang in there, sis.” Sandy took her hands in a warm embrace. “Be patient. Remember, this is on God’s schedule, not yours.”
It was good advice, but Melody wasn’t sure she could abide by it. Not while things between her and Clay were so unsettled.
Then again, she had no choice. She’d learned that God’s plans were always on a different timetable from her own, but they always worked out for the better.
* * *
Melody was failing badly with her patience. Clay was due any moment, and her nerves were vibrating on full alert. She should never have agreed to attend the porch crawl with him. She caught a glimpse of herself in the bedroom mirror, and her nerves jumped up a notch. Her new look was making things worse. The change was too drastic. Would he think the makeover was for his benefit? She spun away from her image. Ridiculous. He could barely disguise his resentment toward her. He could not care less what she looked like.
