Love Inspired April 2021--Box Set 1 of 2, page 49
“That’s great. She’s been through too much already. She’s still fragile emotionally.”
His father met his gaze. “What does that mean? Is something wrong with her?”
“Yes and no. You were right. She has been through a traumatic experience. You recognized it right away but I...” He chewed his lip. “Have you ever wondered why she always wears long sleeves, even when it’s eighty degrees out?”
Dave shrugged. “I supposed she had a sensitivity to the sun or she burned easily.”
Clay shook his head. “Do you remember that hotel bombing in Shanghai a few years ago? That was her office. She was one of only two survivors. Her arm was badly burned. She’s been through a long and painful recuperation.”
“Oh, that poor girl. I hate to hear that. I knew there was something wounded about her.”
“I’m glad she doesn’t have to face the council tonight.”
“Well, she doesn’t have to be present, but they still want to discuss the matter. A couple of them are very upset. They have questions.”
“And I have the answers. Most of them anyway. As the head of the book project, I can explain everything to them.”
“Except the reason behind that article.”
Clay shook his head. “I don’t get it. Who cares? She’s received confirmation from the military that our soldier earned his medal honestly. There’s no question he was a hero. So why are they still poking around in this?”
“Well, they’re still stuck on those conflicting dates on when his award was presented. And they’re upset that Melody leaked that article. They suspect her motives.”
“Melody didn’t leak it! Eli did. And what motive would she have? She loves this town. She is heartbroken that she has stirred up a hornets’ nest.”
“I’m aware of that. I’m counting on you to stand up for her, be her defender.”
“I will. I’m not going to let them do this to her.”
Dave smiled. “Good man. That’s what we do when we love someone.”
Clay jerked his head toward his dad. “Love?”
“I’ve suspected for a while now that your feelings for Melody were returning.”
He wanted to deny it, but he couldn’t. He’d lied enough to his father as it was. So he shrugged. “Even if they are, it’s an impossible situation. Once she finds out the truth, there will be no going back.”
“Maybe, maybe not. You won’t know until you confront the issue.”
Clay refused to comment. His dad was a wise man, but he didn’t understand the consequences of revealing the truth. Melody would surely hate him, and it could potentially destroy the relationship with his son.
Dad was right about one thing, though. He wouldn’t know for certain until he addressed the problem. He was right about another thing, too. Clay had fallen in love with Melody again despite his efforts not to.
“Have you told Melody she doesn’t have to appear this evening?”
Dave smiled. “I thought you might like to deliver that good news.”
Clay stood and started toward the cottage. At the edge of the pond, he stopped and looked back at the house. Dad had gone inside. Clay shifted his gaze to the cottage. Facing Melody right now wasn’t a happy prospect. Not with his feelings so close to the surface. A phone call would be wiser. And safer.
* * *
Her cozy cottage had never felt so small. Since Dave and Clay had left for the council meeting in town, she’d tried sitting in her rocker on the porch, working in her office, walking around the pond and even doing laundry, but nothing could keep her mind off the outcome of that meeting. Would they fire her and let someone else complete the book? That seemed overly harsh, but she’d angered a lot of people with that article. If only she’d kept it to herself. But she’d been so intent on making the Blessing history the best it could be, she hadn’t wanted to leave anything out. And she’d believed that article was significant.
A light breeze, heavy with the scent of gardenias, lifted her hair as she stepped back out onto the porch. Darkness had settled over the property. Moonlight spilled across the pond and sparkled off the ripples. It was a beautiful sight, but she had no one to share it with. Eli wasn’t even home to keep her company this evening. He was spending the night with a friend. It was probably just as well. She’d grown too attached to the boy. It would be difficult to leave him behind when she moved away from Blessing.
She touched her fingertips to her lips. It would be hard to leave Clay, as well. They’d grown closer this last week. His tenderness about her scars and her ordeal had toppled the final barrier around her heart.
Sandy had been right when she’d asked if Clay was the reason she’d never loved again. She’d given her heart to Clay and nothing that had happened since had changed that. The obstacles between them now were external and unchangeable. No matter how much she loved him or how much she regretted her decision about their child, she couldn’t go back and fix it.
Her only wish now was that Clay and Eli would have a happy life and maybe she could keep in touch with them going forward. Why were humans so shortsighted? Why did they think they could control destiny and that what they did when they were young wouldn’t have any effect on their lives down the years?
Headlights flashed as a car turned into the drive. Melody held her breath. What had they decided? She closed her eyes and prayed softly. “Lord, whatever the outcome, give me the strength and courage to go forward with my life. Thank you for bringing me here to Blessing and reuniting me with Clay, even though I don’t deserve it.”
A shadow appeared along the drive. Melody recognized Clay’s physique. The broad shoulders, the long easy stride, the way his shoulders dipped slightly as he walked. She stood and clutched the porch rail, every nerve in her body tensed for bad news.
He topped the steps and came to her side. He was smiling.
“Well?”
“You are still the book lady.”
“Oh, thank You, Lord.” Her hand went to her throat and she exhaled a heartfelt breath. She touched Clay’s arm. “What happened? What did they say?”
“Between Dad and me, we reminded them that the book was almost done and due at the printer’s in a few days if it’s going to be published for the bicentennial. We also pointed out that the article was leaked to the newspaper and the editor had failed to fact-check before printing.” He smiled. “And we presented your letter from military records confirming that our Sergeant Croft did indeed accomplish the mission and was given the award.”
“So everything is good?”
He shrugged. “All except Tom Strickland. He’s convinced that you have some nefarious reason for exposing that article and he wants it settled. Yesterday.”
“He’s the only one still upset?”
“And he’s likely to be that way from now on.” Clay shrugged. “He gets upset about a lot of things that no one else even worries about.”
“Oh, Clay, I’m so relieved. I don’t know what I would have done if they’d made me leave.”
“I wouldn’t have let that happen. Not until you were done. You’ve worked too hard.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
Clay looked into her eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. She knew that look. She’d seen it many times. That glint of attraction, the invisible cord that vibrated between them when they were close. Instinctively she placed her hand on his chest, above his heart. It was beating rapidly, in time with hers. His hand came to rest on her jaw, gently tilting her face upward.
“I’m glad you’re not leaving.”
“Me, too. But I will be going home eventually.”
He trailed his finger along her jaw. “I know. But we need to talk before you do.”
“What about?”
“About the past. Us. Mistakes.”
“Oh.”
“I know.” He stepped back, his eyes still locked with hers. “But let’s get through this book project first. Then we’ll sort it all out.”
“All right.”
“I’d better go. I have to figure a big job for tomorrow.”
“And I need to finalize the book.”
At the bottom of the porch steps, Clay turned and looked back at her. “You’re beautiful in the moonlight.”
She caught her breath, watching him until the shadows swallowed up his tall form. Did he mean that? Did he still care? She knew the attraction was still there. It pulsed between them each time they were close. Sadly, she knew that attraction wasn’t enough.
Melody rose the next morning more rested than she’d been in a long while. Knowing she could finish the book had allowed her to rest worry free. But today she had to tackle the details. With a few days’ work, she could present the finished manuscript to Clay, knowing she’d done everything possible to make the Blessing history project one the town would treasure.
Of course, that left the matter of the rogue article. Even when her job was complete, she promised herself she’d keep digging until she found the truth. Gathering up a small stack of books, Melody headed from the cottage and across the yard to the Reynolds house. She had some books to return to the family library. Clay had a proud heritage. He had the family tree she’d always fantasized about. She knew nothing about her own history. Her mother never talked about her family and her father was only a name in her memory.
Did Clay understand what a blessing he’d been given? Did he appreciate his lineage? What would it be like to look back and see a long line of grandparents and relatives and trace their accomplishments?
She entered the Reynolds home from the French doors that led directly to the library. It was a small room in area but large in ambiance. She always felt as if she’d stepped into an old English estate. Dave had told her the library wasn’t used much and they’d thought about turning the room into something more useful. The thought made her sad.
She placed the books on the desk, then picked up the first one and found its place on the shelf. She had just slipped the last book into its spot when she noticed the photo albums on the next shelf.
She’d seen them before, but now she was consumed with curiosity. What had the Reynolds men looked like when they were younger? She slipped out one small album with Eli’s name on it. She had no doubt that he’d been a beautiful little boy, the spitting image of his father.
She opened the cover, expecting to see a newborn picture of Eli, but he looked to be a few months old. He was a sweet baby. She smiled, gently touching her fingertips to the picture. Her gaze lowered to the notation below.
Eli Clayton Reynolds. July 12. 6 lbs., 4 oz. 1:34 a.m.
The album fell from her nerveless fingers, landing on the desk with a thud.
Her baby had been born at the same time. Exactly the same time. Surely it was a coincidence. It had to be. She was reading more into the date and time than what was real. Her affection for Eli was clouding her mind. How many times had she secretly wished he was her son. How many times had she thought about the little child she’d given up and what a horrible mistake it had been.
“He was a beautiful baby, don’t you think?”
Melody spun around at the sound of Dave’s voice. Her cheeks flamed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snoop.”
Dave waved off her concern. “Nonsense. You’re practically family now.” He came to her side and turned a few pages in the baby book. “That little boy saved my sanity.”
“What do you mean?”
“My wife, Clayton’s mother, had lost her battle with cancer shortly before Clay brought Eli home. I wasn’t in a good place, but having that baby here, watching him grow, took my mind off everything else. He brought me joy every day. He taught me how to laugh again and to find hope in every day.” He gently touched a photo of Eli. “He was the biggest blessing of my life. I couldn’t have made it through without him.”
Melody’s heart melted. “Thank you for telling me that. I can understand why y’all are so close.”
Dave chuckled. “Listen to you, using y’all properly. You are a certified Southerner now.” He handed her the baby book. “You’re right. We are close. But there’s always room for one more. Here—enjoy. If you have any questions, just ask.”
Melody pondered his words as she studied the baby album, memorizing every photo and every entry. How she would have loved to watch Eli grow.
How she would have loved to see her own child grow.
But she’d forfeited that opportunity for an empty dream.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Melody’s cell phone broke her concentration on the files she was searching. Absently, she picked it up without looking at the screen. “Hello.”
“Miss Williams. My name is Lana Talbot. My grandmother saw an issue of your local paper and the article about Sergeant Croft. I have some papers that I think you should see. I’d like to meet with you. I’m coming to Blessing this afternoon.”
Anticipation made her smile. “Yes, Mrs. Talbot. I’m anxious to see what you’ve found. Shall we say around three o’clock? My office is in the courthouse annex.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you then.”
Melody placed her hands on her cheeks, bubbling with excitement. The information this woman had might answer all the questions about Sergeant Croft. She’d like nothing more than to settle this question before she left Blessing.
She cleared a space on her desk and removed the small file box from the only other chair in the room. She wanted her office to look neat and professional when Mrs. Talbot arrived. Casting her gaze upward, she whispered a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, only to have reality slither into her thoughts. It might not be good news at all. It could be nothing but an insignificant antidote to his life and not an explanation of the article at all. Or it could be worse. Either way, she had decided to put an end to the issue. She had to accept that she might never learn the truth.
Hopefully, when the book was published and in the hands of the citizens, the whole thing would fade away and be nothing more than an odd bit of Blessing history. But she couldn’t keep her hopes from soaring at the prospect of a solution to the whole mess.
She’d checked the clock and glanced out her small annex office window a half a dozen times before a woman appeared in her doorway.
“Miss Williams. I’m Lana Talbot.”
Melody wasted no time in coming to the point. “I hope you have some answers for me. That article has upset the whole town.”
“No doubt.” She handed Melody a thick journal and a small stack of letters. “I think these will answer a lot of your questions. It’s a love story. An unusual one at that.”
Melody studied the old journal, its cover cracked and discolored with age. A rubber band held it closed. “I hadn’t anticipated a romantic explanation. How did you come across this?”
“As I mentioned, my grandmother saw the article in the paper and called me. She said she knew about that article and why it was never printed. She gave me these documents and asked me to contact you and give you these. She wanted you to know the truth. Your soldier, Sergeant Croft, was a relative of ours.”
Melody touched the journal. Finally, an answer lay within these old pages. “I don’t know what to say. I’d hoped for some explanation, but I never dreamed I’d meet someone related to our soldier.” Melody leaned her arms on the desk. “Can you tell me why the article was written?”
Mrs. Talbot nodded. “It’s all in the journal. The romantic part is at the end. The journal belonged to Alice Garland. The letters are from a suitor, Nathan Merritt.”
“How does he fit into the story?”
“He’s behind the whole thing.” She crossed her legs. “I’ll give you the short version, and you can read the rest for yourself.”
Melody poured them both a glass of tea then settled in to hear the tale.
“My great-great-grandmother was Alice Garland. Her father owned the Blessing bank. She was very pretty and had two suiters, Linwood Croft and Nathan Merritt, whose family owned the newspaper. When war broke out in 1914, Linwood joined up and went off to fight. Nathan was classified 4-F and had to stay home. He continued to court Alice, but her heart belonged to Linwood.
“When the war was over, Linwood came home a hero but a changed man. However, Alice loved him, and they became engaged. Nathan was heartbroken. He’d watched out for Alice while Croft was away, but she remained true to her love.
“Nathan noticed Linwood was different. He had drastic mood swings and bursts of anger. Nathan began to worry about Alice’s safety, but she was blind to his faults. She only saw him as a noble hero. Nathan wrote the article out of spite and printed up a phony front page, hoping to open Alice’s eyes and stop the wedding. But it didn’t work. Alice was furious and refused to believe ill of her fiancé.
“Alice and Linwood married, but their happiness was short-lived. Linwood was gassed during the war and he’s dying. Alice is expecting. Nathan decides to settle for being Alice’s friend, and he continues to watch over her.”
Mrs. Talbot pointed to the journal. “I must admit I feel sorry for the man. He loved my great-great-grandmother deeply and had to stand by and watch her love another, though his tactics were totally misguided.”
Melody was captivated by the story. “What happened to Nathan?”
Mrs. Talbot chuckled softly. “That’s the best part. Alice and Nathan eventually fell in love. They got married, and he raised Linwood’s son as his own. According to the journal, they had a very happy life together.”
Melody grinned. “Incredible. And the false article?”
“Forgotten, I’m sure. It’s amazing it survived at all. I imagine Nathan tucked it away and forgot all about it. No one ever saw it but the two of them. Nathan was the one who proposed the statue in Sergeant Croft’s honor. He wanted to give Alice some comfort.”
