Love Inspired April 2021--Box Set 1 of 2, page 48
On the ride back to her cottage, she’d been anxious to be alone, yet when they’d arrived, she couldn’t face the emptiness of her home and asked him to stay. His presence gave her comfort, and she’d confessed more to him than she’d intended.
Melody pressed her lips together. “He said he had something to tell me.”
“What?”
“I don’t know. I got scared and told him I was tired. I was afraid he was going to ask me to leave or stop work on the book or not to see Eli anymore.”
“That’s silly. None of that makes any sense.”
“I know but I got this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and I panicked.” She rubbed the side of her cup with her thumb. “I’m afraid he’s going to ask me about the baby, and I don’t think I can ever explain my decision to him. He’s a family man. A great father. He wouldn’t understand.”
“Sweetie, you need to talk to him about that.” Sandy squeezed her hand. “You need to tell him everything for both your sakes. Then, whatever the outcome, you can move on. I know you feel guilty, but you have to deal with this. And the sooner the better.”
Melody mulled over Sandy’s advice later that afternoon. She knew her sister was right but the thought of confessing to Clay was terrifying. Thankfully, she had her work on the book. It gave her an escape from her thoughts, and researching Sergeant Croft’s military history was keeping her glued to the internet.
“Knock. Knock. Can I interrupt?”
Melody smiled as Dave strolled into her office. “Please. I can use a break.”
Dave took a seat. “How’s your probing into our soldier coming along?”
It was the one topic she wished he hadn’t brought up. She smiled before biting her lip. “I heard from my friend in DC, and he confirms that Sergeant Croft was definitely where he was reported to be and he did, in fact, take out that machine-gun bunker.” She hesitated.
Dave raised his brows. “But? Is there something wrong?”
“There are a few small discrepancies with the dates on his commendation. One source says it was awarded July 17. Another lists the date as July 27.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’m not sure yet. Probably just a clerical error.”
“What about that article? Any progress on why it was published and what it might mean?”
She shook her head. “Not yet, but I’m still digging through the old papers and files.”
Dave rubbed his chin. “I’m sorry to hear that. It makes what I’m about to tell you more difficult.”
Melody held her breath. Dave never had bad news. He was always upbeat and positive.
“The city council is concerned about the article and how it will impact the community, especially with the bicentennial on the horizon. We’re trying to present a positive image of Blessing. Having our soldier’s honor in doubt could be problematic.”
Melody tried to put all the reassurance in her voice as possible. “I’m doing all I can. I will get to the bottom of this.”
Dave smiled. “I know you will. However, the council would like to meet with you. They have questions about this whole thing.”
“I don’t understand. Do they think I’m lying? That I want to destroy Croft’s reputation?”
“No, but I think they would like some reassurance that you are trying to solve the issue and not use it to your advantage somehow.”
“That’s ridiculous. How would smearing Croft’s image help me?”
Dave leaned forward. “Melody, I have no doubts about your intentions or your findings, and I know you’re working hard to get answers. But the council only sees that a stranger came to Blessing and found some dirt on our hero. They’re upset and angry.”
Melody crossed her arms. “Don’t I know it. I can hardly go anywhere lately without someone giving me a dirty look or telling me to go home.”
“I’m sorry. That’s not the tone we want to present to visitors, especially those who have come to help us.”
“What does the council want me to do?”
“They want you to attend the meeting this week and bring them up to speed. They’ll probably ask how you found the article, how it got into our local paper and what you’re doing to solve the problem.”
“Okay. I can do that. I have all the information and documentation on what I’ve been doing. I’m sure I can reassure them.”
Dave straightened. “I hope so. Because there are a few members who have suggested that your contract for the book should be voided.”
She couldn’t believe what she’d heard. “They want me fired? But the book is almost done. It’s supposed to go to the printer in a week. All I have to do is run through it once more and adjust a few pictures.” She sighed. “And, of course, explain about our soldier. I would like that cleared before I finish.”
Dave smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll do everything in my power to prevent you losing your job. I have some clout in this town. Just make sure you have everything at your fingertips for the meeting.”
“I will.”
Melody cradled her head in her hands after Dave left. Maybe coming to Blessing hadn’t been such a good idea after all. Seeing Clay again, meeting Eli and now the mess with the soldier—it was all taking a toll on her sanity. Lord, give me strength.
Straightening her back, she looked at her computer screen. She’d search again. One thing she’d learned through all her trials was that the only way to deal with adversity was to go through it. There was no going around.
Pulling up her files on Sergeant Croft, she started from the beginning. There had to be an explanation somewhere. She wasn’t going to stop until she found it. She refused to let the people of Blessing down.
CHAPTER TEN
Clay stretched his legs in front of him, his gaze following the ripples on the pond in front of his home. Mentally he told himself he was fishing, but his pole lay beside him in the grass. Learning of Melody’s ordeal and seeing those horrible scars on her arm had made him sick to his stomach. Since then, he’d gone through a full range of emotions from anger at the terrorist who thought bombing a news office would solve anything to aching with sadness for Melody for having to endure so much.
He’d had to take a step back and reassess his ideas about Melody. For years, he’d clung to the notion that she was selfish and that she was indestructible. But she wasn’t. His dad was right. She was broken and vulnerable, and he’d been too bullheaded, too resentful to notice.
The obstacles and trauma she’d overcome humbled him, but there was more that he had to toss in her path. Was she strong enough to learn the truth about Eli? She loved his son. Their son. Eli adored her. The fallout from both of them learning the truth frightened him to his core.
“You expecting the fish to hop up here and grab the bait?”
Clay glanced at his dad as he took a seat in the other yard chair. “Just thinking.”
“I know. This has been your thinking spot since you were a kid. Mine, too.”
Clay waited for his dad to speak. He usually had something to discuss when he joined him at the pond. “What’s on your mind?”
“Melody.”
Clay groaned inwardly. “I know, Dad. I’m going to tell her. Soon. I promise.”
“That’s good to hear, but that’s not what I want to talk about. The city council wants to meet with her about this Sergeant Croft matter. I’m afraid they’re questioning her suitability for the project.”
Clay sat up. “What? That’s crazy. Why? She’s worked hard putting this history together. Some days I don’t think she ate or slept. She’s determined to make it something the citizens can be proud of. She even suggested an idea for adding a blog to the town’s website where people could upload their family histories and stories for everyone to read.”
“That’s a good idea. But right now, she has to answer some questions. The members want to make sure she’s working to find the source of that damaging article.”
Clay fumed, rubbing his chin. “This is ridiculous. If Eli hadn’t shared that photo with his friend, there wouldn’t be a problem. That whole article is just some sort of mistake.”
“I think so, too. But if the council doesn’t hear what they want, they could take action.”
“What kind of action?”
The grim look on his father’s face sent a jolt of alarm along Clay’s nerves.
“You’re not saying they’d fire her? Not at this late date—they can’t. The book is almost finished. It’s due next week.”
Dave waved off his concern. “I know. Let’s not get too wound up until we see what happens at the meeting. I’ve already explained the situation to Melody, and she promises to be prepared.”
Clay’s hands fisted on the arms of the chair. “Of course she will. She’s the most conscientious person I know.”
“Yet another of her sterling qualities.”
Clay carried his anger and frustration to the airstrip a short while later. It took all his concentration to prepare the correct amount of product to spray the fields at Clover Hill Farms. Once in the air, his professionalism took over, but the moment he landed the Air Tractor, concern for Melody grabbed hold again.
He dreaded seeing her questioned by the council members, some of whom he’d had run-ins with himself. One in particular had a very narrow view of how things should work in Blessing. Tom Strickland would grill her ruthlessly on her work and her discovery of that old article. Clay wasn’t about to let someone he loved face that ordeal alone. He’d be there beside her.
Wait. The truth of what he’d just thought hit him like a kick in the stomach. He loved Melody. He’d never stopped. Seeing her scars, learning of her life after she left—it had all shaken him deeply. He’d been wrong. So very wrong. His actions back then and his decision to adopt the baby had been born of anger and hurt and a desire to lash out at her rejection.
Maybe he could make up for some of that by convincing the council that she should finish the book and that together they would uncover the reason behind that article.
* * *
Melody closed her laptop and spun in her desk chair to look at Eli. He was hard at work sorting through the last few photographs that needed to be returned to their owners. She had to smile at his diligence. He had a strong work ethic. But then she’d expect nothing less from Clay’s son.
“Eli, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help with this book project,” she said. “Thanks to you, I was able to keep this project on track and get it turned in on time. You are a hard worker.”
Eli shrugged self-consciously. “I guess. I liked helping you. But I really like taking pictures. I’ve asked my dad for a camera.”
“Wonderful. I’m sure it would be more fun to take pictures of things you like instead of boring old photos and documents.”
He grinned and nodded. “I like taking pictures of Barney and Lady.”
Melody smiled. “They are pretty cute. I’ve taken a few pics myself.” She glanced around her crowded office. “I need to get these books back to the library. Then I can start returning the rest to their owners. Would you like to come with me to the library? We can have ice cream when we’re done. I haven’t had a chance to visit the Ice Creamery yet.”
“It’s really good.”
His enthusiastic endorsement made her smile. “Then let’s get going.”
Returning the books to the library took a little longer than expected. Deborah was busy with a reading group. When she finally joined them, she gave Melody the names of a couple of more residents who wanted to share their family history.
The ice-cream shop was nearly empty when they entered. Melody realized that it was late afternoon, so most people would be home preparing the evening meal. “I’m afraid I’m going to ruin your supper, Eli.”
“That’s okay. I’m always hungry.”
Melody chuckled and placed their order. The clerk handed them their cones and a small paper bag, explaining that they were adding oatmeal cookies to the menu and were giving away free samples this week.
Melody and Eli took their cones outside to the table on the patio. It was a lovely afternoon.
“So is chocolate your favorite flavor?”
Eli nodded, taking another bite. “Do you like green ice cream?”
She held up her cone. “Mint chocolate chip. I have several favorites. This one is my pick today.”
“Can we try the cookies?”
“Sure. Help yourself.”
Eli slipped a cookie from the small bag and stared at it. After a minute, he began picking out the raisins. Melody grinned. “You don’t like raisins?”
“Not in oatmeal cookies. I like them plain. And soft. Not crunchy.”
She laughed and offered the boy her fist. “Me, too. I like to taste the oatmeal, not the fruit. I’ll make you some soon. I have a great recipe. The cookies come out big and soft.”
“Cool. Can I help bake them? Grandpa and I make cookies all the time.”
“Of course.” She pulled the other cookie from the bag and began picking out her own raisins, piling them on a napkin. “We’ll have to tell the owner to make some cookies without raisins.”
They shared a giggle.
The conversation centered on their book work and Barney’s latest shenanigans. When they’d finished their treats, they started back to the car. Suddenly, Eli stopped and pressed his face to the glass of Kai’s Kamera store.
“Wow. There’re sure are a lot of cameras in there. How do you know which one to start with?”
Melody looked over his shoulder at the display in the window. It was daunting, trying to choose the right equipment. “Do you have a smartphone? You could start with that.”
Eli shook his head. “I don’t have one. Dad says I have to be thirteen before I can get one, which is like a million years from now.”
“I suppose it is.” She laughed. “Hopefully the years will pass quickly. How about I do a little research and I’ll let you know what kind of camera you should start with so you can tell your dad.”
Eli lowered his eyes before looking at her again. “Can you do that before July 12?”
“I think so. Why that date?”
“It’s my birthday.”
Melody couldn’t breathe. July 12? Her child’s birthday. Surely a coincidence. Lots of people were born on that date.
The rationalization didn’t ease the tension in her chest.
The sensation was still with her when she met Sandy later in the evening at the dance studio where Sandy’s daughter, Ava, took lessons.
They took a seat on a bench outside the studio to talk. Melody told her what had happened. Sandy stared at her for a moment, then shook her head.
“No. The birth date has to be a coincidence.”
“That’s what I keep telling myself, but I’m starting to find a lot of things don’t add up. Clay says he fell in love with his wife quickly, and they had the baby right away. She died after Eli was born.”
“So what about that bothers you?”
“We were in love. He would have to meet and fall for his wife immediately after we broke up. I can’t see Clay falling for someone else so quickly.”
“He fell for you that fast.”
“I know, but if that’s what happened, then...then he must not have loved me at all. He got over it really fast.”
“Is that what bothers you? That he found someone else so quickly?”
Melody rubbed her cheek. “I don’t know. Maybe. But what about Eli’s birthday? He’s ten. That makes the date and the year the same. Not close. The same! It doesn’t make sense. Was he a preemie? He has to have been a preemie.”
Sandy took her hand. “I think you’re engaging in a little wishful thinking. You have a soft spot for Eli, and you wish he was yours.”
She couldn’t deny what her foster sister pointed out. “Maybe.”
“There’s no way Eli could be yours. You gave him up for adoption.”
“I know. You’re probably right. I do love Eli. He’s such a sweet boy.”
“He is. And he likes you, too.”
“He said he wished I was his mom. It is weird sometimes. We have the craziest things in common. We both like peanut butter and banana sandwiches.”
Sandy chuckled. “Hello, Elvis.”
Melody thought back over some of her special moments with Eli. “I guess I was drawn to him right away. Sometimes I have this fierce affection for him. It scares me.” Melody was silent for a few moments, then she stood. “I’d better go. I have that council meeting tomorrow night. I have to be prepared.”
“I’ll be praying for you.”
* * *
The last fungicide application went smoothly, despite the threat of rain and his own preoccupation with the council meeting tonight. He’d told Melody he’d come by the cottage and drive her to city hall. There was no way he’d let her face that bunch alone. They’d try to railroad her, blaming her for the smear on Croft’s reputation. But Melody would have all her ducks in a row, he was sure. She’d done everything possible to clear things up. Dragging her into the meeting was unnecessary and cruel.
His dad was sitting on the front porch when he arrived at the house, rocking away as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Clay’s nerves were frayed, and his protective instincts were running full force.
Clay took a seat in the other rocker. “Wish I could be that relaxed.”
His dad grinned. “You will be as soon as I tell you my news.”
“That the council has changed its mind about Melody?”
“Not quite, but I did get them to agree to discuss the matter without her being present.”
