Love Inspired April 2021--Box Set 1 of 2, page 50
Melody grinned. “This is a fabulous story. Thank your grandmother for this.” She touched the journal. “I’ll get these back to you as soon as possible.”
Mrs. Talbot stood. “No need. She asked that you donate them to the local historical society or perhaps the library when you’re finished. I hope I’ve helped clear up any questions.”
“You have. The people of Blessing will be relieved to know that there are no black marks on their hero’s reputation.” She shook the woman’s hand. “And personally, I’m relieved to be absolved of any ulterior motives toward defaming their beloved citizen.”
Melody called Clay the moment Mrs. Talbot left but it went to voice mail. She couldn’t wait to show him the journal and letters. And she couldn’t wait to devour every word herself.
* * *
Clay parked his car near the garage, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He had bad news to deliver to his father, and he dreaded the conversation. He wanted to stop at the cottage and talk to Melody first. She had a way of looking at things that always eased his concerns. But he didn’t.
He hurried toward the back door instead, avoiding the puddles along the way. Putting off this discussion wouldn’t help. He found his father in the living room, reading. Dad glanced up and smiled. It faded immediately. Clay could never disguise his worry. He took a seat, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees.
Dad closed his book and frowned. “What’s wrong?”
There was no good place to start. “Jared received an offer from Delta today. He’s seriously considering it. I offered him a raise, but we can’t compete with their number.”
Dave tugged on his ear. “I was afraid of this. I suppose I could start flying again to help out.”
Clay shook his head. “That’s not a good idea, given your medical history. It’s too risky.”
“We can hire another pilot.”
“Dad, I’m afraid that’s not possible. I think we need to look at more drastic measures. I can fly the jobs now since demand is light, but the second planting season is here, I won’t be able to meet the orders.”
“What are you suggesting? Selling the company? Has Delta approached you?”
“No. Not yet. If this rain would let up, we might be able to keep going. I can’t remember a spring this wet. And we’re not the only ones affected. The farmers can’t get crops in the ground if the rain doesn’t stop.”
Dave stood and placed a reassuring hand on Clay’s shoulder. “We’ll be all right. We can sell the planes if it comes to that.”
“I can try to fly for someone else.”
Dave shook his head. “I don’t like that idea. We’re not going to close up yet. We’ll think of something.”
Clay started to argue, then decided to let the thing go for now. Nothing would change in the short term, and he might be able to convince Jared to stay on.
His phone rang, and Clay pulled his cell from his pocket. Melody. He answered reluctantly, his thoughts on his father and the business.
“Clay, I have wonderful news. I’ve solved the puzzle about Sergeant Croft. A Mrs. Talbot contacted me, and it seems her great-great-grandmother had two beaus, and one of them was related to the editor of the paper. He tried to discredit Croft in her eyes by creating a false article.”
“That sounds cruel.”
“Strange and misguided for sure, but it was all motivated by love. I’m going to write an article for the Banner explaining everything.”
“That’s a good idea. It’ll smooth all those ruffled feathers. Melody, I’m glad you have that worked out. I know the people of Blessing will be relieved. Thanks for letting me know. I’m sorry, but I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
He hung up knowing he’d been rude, but he had to deal with company problems right now. Dad went to his small office and started making phone calls. Clay had no idea what good that would do. He’d already looked into the options he could think of, but if it made Dad feel like he was helping, he wasn’t going to get in the way.
He glanced out the front window and saw Eli and Lady fishing at the pond. They must have gone outside the moment the rain had stopped. He needed some clarity. Maybe a trip to the bridge would help. He had no answers to any of his problems at the moment.
* * *
The cottage didn’t feel as cozy this evening. Melody had been feeling restless since she’d talked to Clay on the phone. He’d been pleased that the rumors about Sergeant Croft were finally cleared up, but he’d been distracted. His mind was obviously on something else, his company perhaps. He hadn’t said much, but she knew things weren’t going well. Dave had made a few remarks, too. She’d added the Dusty Birds company to her prayer list.
Still, Clay’s attitude bothered her. She’d expected him to be overjoyed, maybe even suggest a celebration. Instead he’d cut the call short without even an explanation.
She needed to talk to him. She had questions about the baby book and that coincidence of the dates. Plus, she needed to clear her conscience. Clay needed to know the whole truth. With her job on the book complete, she’d be leaving town soon. She would hand him the final manuscript in the morning. She was out of time.
But maybe she needed an objective opinion. Her feelings for Clay were clouding her judgment, and she had no idea how to untangle things. It was time to talk to her sister.
Sandy arrived at the cottage within minutes. “What’s wrong? You sounded so strange on the phone.”
Melody sighed and clasped her hands. “Do you want the good news first or the bad?”
“Good, always.” Sandy sat down at the kitchen table and plucked a fresh cookie from the plate.
“The mystery of the rogue article on our soldier has been solved. You’ll love the explanation. It’s very romantic.”
“That’s good to hear. And the bad?”
“I’ve discovered another detail about Eli that troubles me.” Sandy waited patiently. “I was returning some books to their library when I saw his baby book. It had his time of birth. 1:34 am.” She watched for her sister’s reaction.
Sandy’s brows rose and her eyes widened. “Oh. That’s...odd.”
Melody chewed her lip. “So you think it’s more than coincidence?”
“I... It’s curious to say the least. What are you thinking?”
“I’m not sure. So many things have puzzled me since I came here. Clay’s resentment I understood, but his determination to keep me away from Eli made no sense. I asked him once about his deceased wife, and he brushed me off. What if he was trying to keep me away because he didn’t want me to find out Eli was mine?”
Sandy frowned and held up her hands. “Whoa. You are running off the rails here, sis.”
“I know, but...what about the other things? Like the way I feel when I’m around Eli? I was drawn to him from the first moment. And we like the same kind of unusual foods, like chocolate popcorn and oatmeal cookies without raisins.”
Sandy frowned. “That’s hardly proof he’s your child.”
Melody stood and paced the small kitchen. Her nerves were frayed yet her instincts told her she was onto something. “What about the timeline? Clay would had to have met someone, fallen in love, gotten married then pregnant, then the wife had to get sick and die, all within a few months. And that’s not possible.”
“Maybe it was somebody he knew before you, an old girlfriend.”
“I suppose. But if that’s true, then Clay never loved me at all. Not if he could go back to her so quickly after we broke up.”
“I know the date and time are curious, but I’m sure there are other people who have the same stats. Besides, how would it even be possible? You gave the baby to a family. Right?”
Melody clenched her teeth. “Did I? I only have the lawyer’s word for that. They’d insisted they remain anonymous. They were celebrities or something.”
“Still, given the way you and Clay parted, do you really think he’d adopt the baby? You said you didn’t leave a note. He had no idea where you went.”
“I know.” She rubbed her temples. “But it was his baby and, knowing who he is... Once he knew about it, I can’t imagine him not trying. Only I didn’t give him a chance.” She plopped onto a kitchen chair. “It’s probably my mind playing tricks, indulging in wishful thinking. I wish I could go back and do it all over.”
“There’s one way to find out,” Sandy said dryly. “Ask him.”
“I plan to. As soon as possible.”
Sandy rose and came to her side, giving her a sisterly hug. “I suggest you do it before you leave Blessing. You and Clay both deserve to know the truth. Let me know when you do, and I’ll be there to pick up the pieces.”
Melody smiled. “You always are.”
* * *
Melody paced her small living room, her gaze darting to the front window anxiously. She’d asked Clay to come over. She was going to confront him and ask him outright if Eli was her son. She had to know one way or the other. Logically, there was no way it could be true. Still, she couldn’t shake certain details about the adoption and the curious requests made by the adopting family. They’d wanted no contact with her, no questions asked. The lawyer had told her the family was well-known and didn’t want publicity. And in exchange for that utmost privacy, they covered her hospital expenses.
She looked out the window again in time to see Clay step onto his front porch. Her heart seized up. She couldn’t rest until she confronted him, but if she was wrong, he’d never forgive her and their budding friendship would be over. Her heart would be broken again.
But if she was right, wouldn’t the outcome be the same? He wouldn’t let her into Eli’s life. And what about Dave? Would revealing the truth hurt him, as well? He’d told her about his closeness with Eli; the family bond was deep and secure. Would learning the truth ruin that?
The sound of footsteps on the porch stilled her breath. She sent up a quick prayer for strength and opened the door. He was so handsome. Tall, lean and with those clear blue eyes, was it any wonder she’d fallen for him?
“Melody? What’s wrong? You sounded upset.” He entered, then turned to face her, his puzzled expression drawing his brows together.
She clasped her hands together tightly to still their shaking. “I need to ask you a question, and I need you to give me an honest answer.”
“All right.”
Her courage flagged, heat rushed through her body, her forehead broke out in a sweat and her palms became clammy. Her heart pounded fiercely. She couldn’t do this. Whatever the answer, her heart would be shattered.
“Melody. Are you all right?”
She wanted to run, avoid everything. But deep down, she knew she couldn’t hide from this any longer. It was too important. She took a deep breath.
“Clay, is Eli my son?”
The blood drained from his face. His shoulders braced and he held her gaze a moment before turning his back.
“Why would you ask me that?”
“Because his birthday is the same as my...our baby. You won’t talk about his mother, there are no pictures and Eli knows nothing about her. He doesn’t like raisins in his oatmeal cookies.” She knew she sounded like an idiot, but she didn’t care. She had to know.
“You’re not making any sense.”
“I know that. None of it makes sense, but I have a feeling... I mean, I think... I—”
Clay moved to stare out the window. He was silent a long time. She heard the long, shaky breath he drew. And then he answered.
“Yes. He’s our son.”
The words fell into her heart in icy fragments. She struggled to wrap her mind around his words. Her knees weakened and she sank onto the sofa. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, hug Clay in joy or hit him in fury.
She placed her cool hands on her flaming cheeks, struggling to arrange her thoughts into some sort of order. “How? Why?”
Clay looked as shell-shocked as she felt. Not since the bombing had her mind been so disjointed and confused. She stared at Clay as he started to speak.
“I was angry when you disappeared without a word. I couldn’t believe you’d tell me you were pregnant and then walk out. I didn’t know what you were planning to do.”
“Nothing horrible. I would never—”
Clay held up his hand. “I know. But it took me months to track you down. I had to hire a private detective. Then when I found you, I learned you were giving the baby—my baby—up for adoption. So I contacted an attorney. He took care of everything.”
Melody sorted through what he’d told her. “You adopted your own child? Why didn’t you just claim him as yours?”
Clay sighed and dragged a thumbnail across his eyebrow. “I don’t know. Because I would’ve had to involve you. I didn’t think you’d cooperate.”
“Or were you too angry?”
“I was. I won’t deny it. I was furious. So, yeah. I was determined to keep you out of it. You didn’t want our child, but I did.”
His hard tone pierced her heart. “I wanted him, Clay. I didn’t think I did when I left you but...” Her voice trailed off. She took a breath. “But I had no choice. I had no way to take care of him. I wasn’t able to be a mother. I didn’t know what else to do.”
“Giving him to strangers was the only option?”
“Yes.” She stared at her hands. “Or that’s what I thought at the time. But I’ve regretted it every day since. I’ve never stopped thinking about him, wondering where he was, worrying whether he was happy and loved, being cared for. Every birthday, I’ve cried myself to sleep, wondering what he looked like, how he was doing.”
She wiped tears from her cheeks. “I didn’t think of it before I did it, but after he was gone...I worried every day that he might have ended up like me—living in foster care with strangers instead of with people who loved him. And because of the agreement, our agreement, I couldn’t find him.”
She stopped and looked at Clay. “Thank you for loving him and taking care of him. I’m so grateful that you did.”
“He’s my son.”
The overwhelming relief of knowing her child had been loved and cared for gave way to the anger of being lied to and kept away from her son. She stood.
“And mine. You decided without telling me that you should take our child and raise him. Then, when I came here, you did everything in your power to keep me from finding out. And you’ve lied to Eli, his whole life. That’s unforgivable.”
Clay ran a hand through his hair. “I know. At first, I was angry and hurt and it all made sense. It wasn’t until I brought Eli home to Blessing that I began to realize what a tangled mess I was making. By that time, I was in too deep. There was no way out.”
“You found me once. Why didn’t you try again?”
“I assumed you were living your big life. You’d made your choice. I made mine.” He met her gaze. “If I’d found you, would you have wanted to be Eli’s mother?”
She didn’t have an answer for that. Not one that he would understand.
“You had no right to keep me in the dark. Not to mention what you’ve done to Eli. He thinks his mother is dead! How could you?”
Clay whirled around. “How could I tell him his mother didn’t want him? How could I explain to him that his mother gave him up to strangers?”
Melody sank into a chair. “I guess there’s no easy solution is there? We were both wrong.”
“Yeah.”
“But I want him to know the truth, Clay, all of it. It’s not fair to any of us this way. We can’t continue with the lies.”
“You sound like my dad.”
“You told him?”
“I really intended to tell you, Melody, but every time I tried I—”
“Chickened out?”
“Something like that. Then you and Eli grew closer, and he started asking questions. I couldn’t see a good outcome, no matter what I did.”
Melody stood. “When can we tell him?”
Clay set his jaw. “I don’t know. I’ll have to find the right time.”
“No. We’ll tell him. I’ve learned the hard way, the right time never comes. Postponing only leads to more trouble.”
“We have to take Eli’s feelings into consideration.” He set his hands on his hips. “We can’t just drop it on him—his mother isn’t dead, and I’ve been lying to him his whole life? I can’t do that.”
Melody wanted to be angry, to lash out and defend her position, but he had a point. This was Eli’s life they were talking about.
How would their son react to Clay’s deceit? And how would he feel when he learned she was his mom and had given him up? What kind of defense could she offer for her decision? A selfish one. She’d chosen her career over her child.
Clay had his own reasons. He’d let his broken heart and his anger create a wall of lies around his son, a wall that had grown taller with each year. Now they both had to find a way to dismantle it and still protect Eli.
“So what do we do?”
“I don’t know. I know what we need to do. I just don’t know how to go about it. Any suggestions?”
She shook her head. “No matter how I envision it, the outcome isn’t good. I don’t want Eli to hate either of us. Maybe your father could help. Be a mediator of sorts.”
“Maybe. I’ll talk to him. In the meantime?”
“Leave things alone. But this can’t go on much longer. I’ve found my son, and I want him to know who I am, that I love him.”
Clay nodded. “So do I.”
Melody stood stiffly as Clay went to the door. He looked back, his blue eyes troubled.
“I’m sorry, Melody. Really. I handled everything badly. It was vindictive and that’s not me. You know that.”
“I know. But I think there’s enough blame for both of us.”
