by Faye Sonja
Carlos smiled. “I see you found one of the best places to eat in town.”
Austin shrugged. “It was suggest by a hotel employee.”
“My father owns it.”
Austin put his paper down and looked around the small wooden interior. It was small and the colorful masks, large abstract paintings, and sombreros that lined the walls made the space seem even smaller, but the Spanish twist on eggs was phenomenal. “The food is great,” Austin said as he looked down at his empty plate. He’d never had anything like it before and would make sure to eat at the establishment again, but food wasn’t important at the moment. The person sitting across from him was. He turned back to Carlos and leaned forward. He narrowed his eyes, trying to figure Melody and Carlos out. Melody hasn’t been gone long enough to actually get married. Melody just wasn’t the kind of girl to jump into the unknown so quickly. He knew this. He knew everything about her and Carlos was not adding up.
Carlos lifted a brow. “If you have a question to ask me, Austin, then please do.”
“Alright, how is it that you’ve managed to get Melody to agree to marry you in such a short period of time?”
Carlos grinned. “I don’t know. These things just happen, don’t they?”
No, Austin didn’t believe that they did. “When did you meet Melody?”
“The day she came into town.”
“When did you ask her out?”
“The day she came into town.”
Austin frowned.
Carlos smiled. He reached over and took up Austin’s paper. He turned, carrying his legs from underneath the table, and then crossing them at the knee. He flung the paper open and then began to read. “It’s a sad day in the age we live in, is it not?”
Austin couldn’t help but nod his head in agreement. Had it not been for Orlando, Austin could have easily imagined himself out on the streets. The unemployment rate was at 20% and having a degree from one of America’s top school mattered very little if at all these days. Unless you were working in an industry that people felt they needed, you were out of luck.
The fear of losing everything was one thing that pushed Austin to work harder. It was the reason he spent so much time travelling. “What do you do for a living, Carlos?”
“I’m a vaquero. A cattleman.”
Austin looked Carlos’ clothes over. His shirt looked clean. The jeans and boots were both well worn. “Cattle is a good business. People will always have to eat.”
Carlos turned to Austin. “And Melody told me that you work for a mail-order-bride company.”
“Yes”
“You do well?”
“I do.”
Carlos lean towards him. “Why do you think that is?”
Austin shrugged. “Two incomes are better than one?”
Carlos narrowed his eyes. “Truly?” He leaned forward. “You believe these husbands want women who are willing to work?”
Austin nodded. “Many, yes. You could lose your job and home in a matter of months. But, if you have two incomes going towards one home instead of one, you could probably survive.”
Carlos nodded. “It makes sense. Is that how your company advertises its business?”
“In certain areas. But advertising is all about the customer. There are many men who don’t wish their wife to work.”
“I am one of those men.”
Austin’s eyes went wide. “Really? What does Melody say to this?”
Carlos stared at Austin neutrally before breaking into a grin. “She is happy with the arrangement.”
Austin frowned.
“What is it?” Carlos pressed.
He shook his head. “It just doesn’t sound like Melody.” Austin narrowed his eyes. “She’s always been active in the women’s rights movement.” Austin laughs. “She likes pants, which only just starting becoming popular for women. She never knew exactly what it was she wanted to do, but I always thought she’d work.”
Carlos leaned back. “Well, it’s 1936. People change.” He smiled. “We also plan to have ten children.”
“Ten?” Austin shook his head. “Now, I know you’re not talking about Melody. She never wanted more than two.” Not that he’d wanted anymore than two himself, but ten was absolutely insane. He couldn’t picture a Melody who only wore dresses and stayed at home with children. That lifestyle would work for many, but not Melody. She couldn’t have changed that much in two months, could she?”
Carlos laughed as he turned back towards the paper. “Well, love can change the heart.”
Austin stood and threw money on the table for his meal.
Carlos looked up. “Where are you going?”
“To see Melody.”
Carlos shrugged. “Have fun.”
Austin narrowed his eyes and watched as Carlos continued on as if nothing could bother him. Had the shoe been on the other foot, he would have responded differently. Or maybe, Carlos didn’t see him as much of a challenge. If that was the case, Carlos was wrong to think so. “Aren’t you concerned?”
Carlos gave Austin a once over. “With?”
“With me seeing Melody without you around.”
Carlos looked over Austin again. “No.” He turned back to his paper.
“You know she loves me, right?”
Carlos put the paper down and looked at Austin. “I believe Melody knows what she wants.”
“And what is that?”
“Ask her and find out.”
He would and that thought alone propelled his every step towards her house. He was knocking on her door twenty minutes later. Willie answered and showed him into the sitting room. He entered just as Melody was getting off the phone. He sighed. The room, like the rest of the large home, was beautiful. The sitting room was off white and styled with the latest dark wood furniture and French styled coaches done in a deep red. It’s arched windows that let in the sun and its tall ceiling was breathtaking, but nothing stood a chance next to Melody’s beauty. Her gray eyes and taut lips stood out against her beautiful skin and stopped his breath. It was no wonder he hadn’t noticed the house last night when he’d arrived. He’d only had eyes for Melody. He still only had eyes for her. It had been that way from the beginning.
He arrived at Andrew and Harmony Pitch’s property to find over one hundred people scattered all over their lawn. Music played and it looked as though a dinner party were happening, which confused Austin, since the holidays were over.
Tables and chairs had been set out and people were being served food. The large tree that he remembered from the entryway inside last night sat in the middle of it all. Hundreds of gifts were arranged under the tree and a line of children was formed. A team of people passed out one gift to each child as they approached. Austin asked someone near him what was going on and soon found out. It was a dinner for the homeless. Austin smiled as he could see the look on a young boy’s face when a plate of food was sat before him. The glee touched him. He moved through the crowd and found Harmony first, who was on the end of a long plate assembly line. She handed the plate to an older woman, wishing her a Happy New Year before turning to Austin.
“How do I help?”
Harmony blinked a few times, then took off her apron and held it out. “Thanks. I need to go make sure that we have enough food.”
Austin didn’t hesitate in taking it. “No problem.” He put it on and easily slipped into Harmony’s position. Harmony watched him for a few minutes before going off. Once she was gone, Austin looked out into the crowd and realized that he’d never seen such a large number of unemployed people outside of a major city back east, but seeing it on the west coast really drove home the reality of the situation. It didn’t matter who you were or where you were from, the times were on the side of very few. Wealth, money, material things; they didn’t last forever. Only love did.
And as if he’d thought her up, Melody appeared. She was carrying a tray of cups and leaned over to talk to some of her guests as she handed them out. Everyone smiled
and thanked her as she went. When her eyes finally came up to meet his, she stopped.
They both stopped and the world around them faded away. Austin was nudged by the older woman who stood by him to keep working. He managed to shake himself of the trance he always found himself under when Melody was in the area and went back to placing food on the plates, but nothing could stop him from glancing up every few minutes to find her still glancing at him. Melody had resumed her activities, but her smiles were now stiff. Her shoulders were bunched. Her walk, which only a minute ago had been more fluid was now strict. Her displeasure at his presence was obvious.
Austin sighed. He had to figure out how to get back into Melody’s good graces. Once that was accomplished, he’d be able to move forward with his plan to stop the wedding. He turned to the woman beside him and said, “Is this some kind of tradition in this area?” He was referring to the dinner.
The woman shook her gray head of hair. “No dear,” she smiled. “Melody came up with this herself.”
Austin’s eyes went wide. “Really?”
The woman nodded. “Oh, yes. She presented it at the church. But Andrew surprised everyone with the gifts. We didn’t know about that until this morning. I know the children are grateful.” She smiled. “His wife has really softened the man up.”
He smiled, happy that Harmony had found love as a mail-order-bride. Had he known she’d been looking to marry, he would have offered his assistance, but Harmony seemed to have managed for herself.
Austin’s thoughts turned to Melody and the thoughtful dinner she’d arranged. He shouldn’t be so surprised that Melody had come up with something this grand. She’d always had a kind heart, and had a designer’s eye, but the fact that she’d become a major part of her new community caused anxiety within him. She was creating influence here in a place that she’d only lived for two months. Austin sighed. Not only would he have to fight the new man in her life, but he’d also have to pull her out of the life she’s flourished in.
The rest of the afternoon went by in a blur for Austin. His mind was at work, trying to figure out the best way to approach Melody. The sun was setting before someone tapped Austin on the shoulder. It was Harmony with wide eyes. “You’re still here?”
He nodded and looked around. “Time flew by.” The crowds had died down and the food was officially running low.
“Well, I don’t think you came over to serve food.”
Austin sighed. “Do you mind if I see her?” They both knew who he was asking about.
“Yes, I do.” Harmony held her hand out and took back the apron. “But it’s none of my business what Melody does. She’s old enough to make her own decisions.”
Austin nodded. “Thank you.”
Harmony gestured him towards the house and he went.
Willie announced Austin right before he walked cross the white marble floors towards her. He watched her eyes grow wide with his every step and felt his heart beat raise with his stride. He stopped when he was about five feet away. “Hello.”
Melody folded her fingers in front of her. “Hello.” She pointed towards a chair. “Would you like to sit down?”
Austin nodded.
Melody took a single chair and Austin took the other. Both chairs were in the corner of the room. Melody’s posture was stern and straight, but she looked pretty calm, except for the fact that her knuckles were turning white as she twisted her fingers together. She was nervous.
He smiled.
Melody’s red lips turn to a pout, but still, she said nothing.
Austin shook his head. “You’re dinner idea was amazing, kind, and very like you.”
Melody’s only reaction was a faint tint that came over her cheeks and the obvious rise and fall of her chest. “Thank you, and thank you for your help. You didn’t have to do that.”
“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.” He paused. “Did you get my card?”
Melody smiled lightly. “Yes.” She shook her head. “I drew that smiley face such a long time ago. How did you remember it?”
Austin smiled. “I remember everything about you, Melody. Everything.”
Melody looked away and sighed. “Then, you remember how I cried the day you told us to postpone the wedding indefinitely?”
Austin frowned. “I didn’t say those exact words. I was travelling and so busy working. It wasn’t the right time.”
Melody opened her mouth, but then shut it. She nodded. “You’re right.”
Austin narrowed his eyes. Discussions had never ended this easily before. He stared into Melody’s calm eyes and saw that look she’d given him the other night. It was a look that seemed to speak of the conversations unimportance. Austin shook his head. “I’m right?”
“Yes.” Melody gave a single nod. She placed her hands on the chair arms.
Austin sighed. “What am I right about?”
“That is was never the right time.” She shrugged. “I agree.”
Austin stared into her eyes, trying to read her, but was lost. Her back was straight, her eyes defiant, and her words ones that he’d never heard before. The topic at hand was an old one. Austin hadn’t meant to postpone either wedding indefinitely. He just hadn’t been ready to set a date. He was actually still under the impression that their first engagement had never ended. Melody had been the one ready to move on; tired from all of the waiting. He’d been out of the state when she’d called, telling him that when it took a couple more than a year to set a date then the wedding would never happen. He’d found it a crazy notion, but hadn’t told Melody so. On his return, Austin had proposed again, but still hadn’t been ready to set a date.
But no one agreed with the way he saw things.
Austin slid closer to the edge of his chair. He placed his arms on his knees. His head hung. He closed his eyes. “Melody, you know that I have always been completely devoted to you.”
The room was silent. Only the faint noise of shuffling feet in the distance penetrated the still air between Melody and Austin.
He looked up to find Melody’s eyes narrowed. Her face was red. He opened his mouth, but Melody shook her head.
She said, “I don’t believe you.”
Austin’s eyes went wide. “What?”
Melody looked away.
Austin was shocked. He’d never heard Melody say this before. He dropped from his chair and rested his hands on the ones in Melody’s lap. “Melody, look at me.”
Melody turned. Had her face not looked so warm, Austin was sure there would have been tears in her eyes. He brought her hands up to her lips and kissed them. “Melody, I have always been faithful to you. You know that. You’ve never questioned me before.”
Melody stared at him. “We were stupid. We moved too fast.”
Austin’s hold tightened on hers. He sighed heavily. “Perhaps.” He smiled. “But would you take back any moment we had together?”
Melody smiled and then surprised him again when she nodded. “Yes. We should have waited.”
Austin didn’t know how to respond, but he did feel a pressure begin to build in his chest. For religious reasons, Austin actually agreed. There had been times when he’d felt their coming together had been wrong, but then… if had felt too amazing to stop.
Melody continued. “I try to not see you as one of my many regrets, but that is something that I do regret. I wish I was... whole again. I believe loving you is what makes it so hard to move on.”
The pressure in Austin’s chest made him feel like he were about to break. This conversation was completely new to him. Melody was not the woman he remembered. It hurt his pride, but not for the obvious reasons. It hurt Austin, because he’d taken pride in the thought that he thought he knew who Melody was, but he was starting to realize that perhaps he didn’t. Last night, their past had been his advantage, but today that could be the very thing that cost them everything.
“Melody-”
“How’s Orlando?”
The subject change made Austin frow
n. “My brother?”
“No, the city in Florida.” Melody smiled.
Austin smiled and laughed at her joke. “He’s getting married.”
Melody moved her hands under his. They were warm and moisture was starting to build in her palms, but still, he did not move and he wouldn’t until she pushed him away, which Austin thought would happen pretty soon if her face were any indication. Melody’s eyes went wide. “What?” The question wasn’t asked in shock. Melody was mad. She threw Austin’s hands off hers and she stood. She walked to the middle of the room and began to pace. “Orlando is getting married before me?” She turned to Austin, her hands on her hips. “But, he said he’d never marry.”
Austin shrugged as he came to his feet. “It’s quite a tale.” The story of how the man people called the American Cupid fell in love was an interesting one and Austin was glad he’d been there to witness the event.
Orlando had been on an assignment to help June Boone, a Michigan judge’s daughter find a husband. Orlando had asked Austin to tag along, but the journey had come to a standstill when their train had broke down in the snow covered mountains of Colorado... just days before Christmas. They, and the other passengers on the train were all stuck in the middle of nowhere, but Orlando still manage to find men for the young June to court. Two other wealthy bachelors had been on the train, which Orlando sought to use to his advantage. Too bad June had had a plan of her own. She herself had experience in matchmaking and wanted to find Orlando someone to love. Little did they know that they would soon find love in each other.
He walked over to her and didn’t resist the urge to cup his hands full of her hair. “But all in all, Orlando found the woman who was made for him, just like you were made for me.”
Melody tilted her head to look at him. “Maybe we were made for one another.”
Austin smiled.
She continued. “But, perhaps our relationship was suppose to end. Maybe you were in my life to teach me a lesson.”
Austin shook his head. “Maybe, this moment was created to make us both better for each other.”