Mel froze and stared at him for a second. “I don’t know. I guess I’d be more of a romantic if I’d had a good example. It’s always been easy to avoid relationships. Not that I haven’t loved being independent.”
“Let’s all be independent and warm inside, okay?” Dale urged them toward the car as Jason lowered a tarp on the boat to protect it from weather.
Inside the car, Ryan snuggled up to Mel. “Marriage or not, everyone wants love. No one wants to be alone. We all need someone to be there when we come home or to pick us up when we hit a moose.”
Dale shot Ryan a sharp look. “And if the love is real, there’s no rush. No pressure.”
“That sounds nice. I’m sorry your dad was never around, Ryan. Did you ever meet him?” She rested her head on Ryan’s shoulder.
“Never.” Ryan shook his head as Jason got in the car. Dale got on the road quickly, as if he could outrun the conversation Ryan was having with Melody.
“That’s awful. But at least you have a good stepdad.” She hugged him.
Ryan nodded and kissed the top of her head. “I always wanted siblings. Now I need a big family with lots of kids and love. I’ll get it.”
She tensed but kept on holding him as she yawned. “I need to get inside so the artificial light keeps me awake.”
* * * *
Melody was a vision in silver. Everyone else fawned over the bride, as they should, but Dale couldn’t stop staring at the woman he danced with. The wedding had gone perfectly. No crashing relatives.
Ryan was worried he had set her off with the comment about children. Jason had always been honest without being pushy. Dale had been reserved but not in a good way.
“Are you okay?” Melody asked.
Dale realized he’d been dead silent. “Yes. Sorry. I want to say something, and I’m going to screw it up.”
She stiffened in his arms. “Please don’t. Not here. I can’t take any more. Ryan mentioned kids, and I’m trying to ignore it. I can’t freak out here and ruin my friend’s wedding.”
“No, no pressure about staying. I feel like I’ve held back, and you might think I don’t care the same as the others or want you to stay. I had a happy family and all that growing up. I found Jason in high school, and Ryan found us in college. There was no doubt we all liked women too, but I never expected to find the right one,” he said, trying not to ramble.
She moved in. “Why not? You’re three great guys. I swear Bethany wanted to run me over when she found out I was seeing the three of you.”
“When everything is too good and you don’t appreciate life, bad stuff tends to happen. At least that was my experience. I didn’t appreciate my family.” He caressed her back to soothe himself. “I had a twin.”
Her mouth fell open. “A twin?”
He nodded. “We weren’t identical, but we looked a lot alike, and people treated us like we were the same person. We were ten years old. Mom still dressed us alike and everything.”
“That’s a bit much,” she agreed.
“It was. One time we were on a camping trip—the whole family. He and I were hiking back from the lake where we were ice fishing. Dad and Ben had gone ahead to take in the catch. Dad was teaching us to live off the land and be self-sufficient. We were supposed to stick together. But I wanted some time alone. Just a little. I ran ahead—he tried to keep up.”
“Boys will be boys. Racing and acting up.” She shrugged. “What happened?”
“He slipped and cracked his head open. Sean was dead before they got him to where the medical helicopter could land to take him to Anchorage.” Dale didn’t want to ruin the wedding for her, but she needed to know.
“I’m so sorry.” She held him.
He kissed her. “I didn’t mean to depress you. I don’t want sympathy. It could’ve been me who slipped. I didn’t know what I had. I’d do anything to have my brother back. Ben is great, but being a twin is different. Ryan and Jason are great too. I’m lucky to have them. Falling for you is a bonus.”
“You didn’t want to get your hopes up.” She looked over at Ryan with his camera and Jason fidgeting in his suit.
“I will never take them for granted. I’ll live, even if you don’t stay or love us. I’ll love those two forever.” Dale stopped himself before he said more.
She kissed his cheek. “You all would live. They’re lucky to have you. I’m just not sure I can handle a big move and three men. It’s huge and different.”
“It is. Could be good different. We want you and are under no obligation. You’re not stuck with us.” Dale remembered the kids remark Ryan had made. “Even if you don’t want kids, Ryan can adopt.”
She rolled her eyes, then stared at the floor. “I don’t know if I’m up for so much commitment, marriage or not.”
“The good thing about groups is that someone always sees your side. If it’s you and another person at odds, it can be hard to reach out and defuse the tension. With three or more, someone will notice if you’re hurting or sad.”
She stepped back and glanced around. They’d danced into the next song. “I can’t do this now. I need to check on Gretchen.”
Ryan and Jason walked up to Dale and watched Melody hustle to the other end of the huge banquet room.
“I tried, but I don’t think we need to put any more pressure on her today. I told the truth and nudged.” Dale wanted to rip off the tie and get out of the tux. He had no idea if he’d helped or destroyed the relationship forever. “Maybe too much?”
Jason hugged him. “No. You put it out there. She knows all our dirt and secrets now. The choice is hers.”
Chapter Eight
Melody found Gretchen on her third drink since dinner. Worrying about someone else meant she didn’t have to worry about herself or what she’d do tomorrow. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Gretchen sighed. “Isa got me a couple interviews, but they can’t afford to pay me enough to live around here.”
“I’m sorry. At least your friends are trying. I’ll call around Grand Rapids.” Melody found herself itching to take that drink and down it herself.
Gretchen set the glass on the table. “I’m trying to take the edge off. Celebrate. I do feel better with the truth known. The secret was the worst part. I let my pride get in the way, and I should’ve been networking more with everyone. Not feeling sorry for myself and overindulging.”
“The networking will help you get a job faster. Too bad there’s nothing around Sterling, if you like it here.” Melody was amazed Gretchen would make a change so easily.
“I do. There are some good-looking men. Bethany has claimed most of them. But she can’t hold on to them all. Your three are totally into you. It’s so sweet.” Gretchen beamed.
Melody shook her head. “It was fun while it was going on, but now with the wedding almost over, I need to think about going home.”
“But you don’t want to go. I wouldn’t either, if I had three men like that in love with me.” Gretchen leaned on the wall and looked out into the crowd. “You always were a pessimist when it came to love. Maybe you have to take a chance on it. Let the pride go too.”
“Pride?” Melody whispered. She never thought of herself as snobby about marriage or prideful about not needing a man. Independent. Women could earn their own livings, pick good men, and not settle for anyone.
Gretchen shrugged. “Pride. Fear. Lots of emotions play into it. You liked being strong and not needing relationships. Just like I loved the security my career gave me. When life rocks your boat, it’s hard to admit you might need help. Just because you don’t need a man doesn’t mean you might not love and want one or three.”
It was great to see that know-it-all smirk on Gretchen’s face again. “I hate it when you’re right. The men offered to build me an addition to their building. They said I could do custom dresses and ship them out. And they want kids!”
Gretchen grinned. “You like kids. Stop rushing to the problems. Do you love them?”
Of course! She froze before she said it out loud. She and Gretchen both hated to fail. She might be proud, but if she didn’t give it a try, she’d never know for sure.
“I’ll be right back.” Melody dashed off and found the men. She dragged them back to the corner with Gretchen.
“What’s going on?” Dale asked Gretchen.
Gretchen sipped her drink innocently. “Your girlfriend is acting weird.”
Melody had the situation so clearly in her mind now that there was no chance of failure. “If I stay, I’ll need help. I’ll need someone to get the word out about my business. I’ve had some locals asking for dresses, but we need a marketing blitz for me to become established and your boating business to expand.”
“Marketing? We’re the only custom boat business in town,” Ryan replied.
“Shut up. She’s talking about staying,” Dale snapped.
“And we can use more business,” Jason added.
Melody pointed at Jason. “Exactly. People from Anchorage could come down and rent boats or have something custom-made. Gretchen can help. She’s a marketing genius. She’ll stay and grow our businesses so we can focus on creating the products.”
“You’re offering me a job? Thanks, but I don’t want a pity job.” Gretchen started to walk away.
Ryan stepped in front of Gretchen. “It’s not pity. I can build a Web site and all the tech stuff you want, but I don’t know how to set it up to be appealing for a dress business. Isa had to go over and over what she wanted for the wedding. I tried some advertising sketches for Mel’s dress shop, and they all looked like crap. We can’t pay much.”
“But we can offer room and board. Their house is huge.” Melody jumped in. “If it doesn’t work out after six months, then you move home, but I’m sure there are more places in Sterling that could use a marketing reboot. Getting more tourists in would make you the local queen.”
“More women tourists,” Jason said.
“There’s another goal.” Melody hugged Gretchen. “What do you say?”
“If you’re sure.” She looked at the men, who nodded. “Then yes! Thank you.”
Melody turned and kissed each one of her guys. “Make room. I’m staying, and you’re putting up Gretchen until we sort it all out.”
The men stood there in stunned and hopefully happy silence. Releasing that pride and fear let her embrace the joy of what she wanted. She glanced at the clock on the wall. She didn’t want to miss the New Year’s Eve countdown to a kiss.
JASON STEPPED FORWARD. Part of him was worried she’d change her mind. “We didn’t mean to pressure you, Mel. We just wanted all our cards on the table. You don’t need to decide anything now.”
She propped her hands on her hips. “Now you don’t want me to stay?”
“Of course we do.” Ryan set his camera down and embraced her. “If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. I was letting my pride and fear get in the way of my feelings. Gretchen helped me see it. I also realized I need her help for my business. If I move here, I’m going to succeed.” Melody seemed more confident and even fearless now.
Dale walked up and slid a finger under her chin. “You’re not feeling sorry for me?”
“No. I’m glad you were honest, but it just cleared my mind up. None of us are kids anymore, and we can’t let what happened back then mess us up.” She waved to someone behind the men.
Jason looked over and saw his brother Tony. “Hey, you’re late.”
“I’m on call. Just wanted to pop in on a break and see you in an actual suit. Hi, Melody. Feeling okay?” Tony asked.
“Fine. Great, in fact. I’m moving here.” She clasped Jason possessively.
Tony clapped his brother on the back. “Congrats. You’ll have to come by our house and meet the family. I know you spent Christmas with Dale’s family.”
“That’s Ben’s, and now Isa’s too,” Dale said. “Since she was stuck here over the holidays, we included her.”
Melody blushed. “Sorry, Tony. This is my friend Gretchen. She’s moving here to help me with the marketing of our businesses. Gretchen, Jason’s brother Tony. He’s a paramedic.”
“And a fireman. You’ve gotta be ready for anything around here.” He shook Gretchen’s hand longer than needed. “Would you like to dance?”
Gretchen turned red. “I thought you were on a break from work. Don’t you want to talk to your brother?”
“I can do that any day. Quick, before my radio goes off again. Busy night out there. Lots of drinking and crazy stuff.” He winked and led her to the dance floor.
“Your brother works fast.” Melody watched the couple dance. “Then again, you have to take a risk now and then.”
Dale said, “You better be sure. We don’t take teasing well.”
“I’m sure.” She kissed each of them. “I love you, all of you. I still think it’s crazy, but I’ll admit it works. But we will need to sort a few things out first.”
Jason leaned over to Ryan. “Conditions.”
The men nodded.
“Fair conditions, though. Maybe I’m dumb to let my parents jade my view of marriage. Or maybe it’s just all the divorces out there.”
“We haven’t asked,” Jason pointed out.
She grinned bigger. “And you won’t. I don’t think I could pick who to marry or the pressure of legal ties to one and not the rest. If that works for Isa, fine. It’s not me, and every day is a choice. We all choose each other. No one is more tied down than anyone else.”
The men didn’t object. Ryan turned and looked at the reception. “What about this? A party to celebrate a group commitment. No legal involvement.”
She chewed her lower lip. “Maybe someday.”
Jason folded his arms across his chest. “What else?”
“You have to let me pay my own way. I’m not going to squabble over a dinner out or a gift here and there even if it isn’t my birthday. However, once my business is established here and off the ground, I expect to help with the bills.” Her face was deadly serious.
“You have a house to clean out and sell, a business to move, and a big change. Don’t be afraid to take help from us.” Dale held her hand.
She smiled but shook her head. “I know that’s all true, but I have to feel like I can stand on my own. I could keep my business and take care of myself if I had to.”
Ryan frowned. “Why wouldn’t you be able to?”
She wiped her eyes and looked around. “What a place to talk about this. I’m sorry. My father always made the money and, therefore, all the decisions. My mother worked part-time at unskilled jobs around my school schedule. When they divorced, she had to go back to school and start a career in her forties. She didn’t have to do give up pursuing a career to have a child. Plenty of women had jobs. Then he screwed her over in the divorce. I actually had to talk him into paying for half her college as well. It was fair.”
Jason smiled with pride and admiration. Not only was she gorgeous tonight, in a dress of her own making with her hair pulled up so fancy, she was also smart. “No man or group could bully you. We’d never try, but you’d never stand for it. You’re stronger than your mother. I’m sure that’s thanks to her.”
Dale kissed her neck. “Once you’re settled in with your business, we can give it six months and look at what your income is up here. Then we’ll do a percentage thing. The three of us have one income and have our stuff pooled, but if you want to throw in, we’ll do it fairly.”
“Sounds good to me. Numbers don’t lie,” Ryan said.
Jason winked at her. “Money isn’t what matters. As long as you’re comfortable, that’s all I care about.”
Ryan leaned on Jason for support. “I thought it was the kids thing that I said that freaked you out.”
Melody rocked on her heels and toyed with the necklace. “That did freak me out. That’s part of the marriage-and-commitment, being-tied-down thing. I’ve always been torn. I want kids, but that bonds people forever.”
“We’re never giving you up, so you can get over that right now.” Jason shrugged. “Married or not. Kids or not. Doesn’t matter to me. We’ve got time to think that through.”
The DJ cut the music and started the countdown to the New Year. She kissed Jason as the fireworks exploded outside and everyone shouted, “Happy New Year!” When Ryan and Dale separated, she kissed Ryan while Dale took a turn at Jason. Then she kissed Dale. It was a great beginning to a new year, and Jason hoped next year she’d be right there celebrating her first year up north with them.
“Best New Year’s Eve of my life!” She glowed.
Ryan grabbed his camera and looked for the wedding couple. “Damn, I should’ve gotten a picture of their midnight kiss.”
Dale pulled Ryan in for a group hug. “They’ll restage it for you. Celebrate with us first.”
* * * *
As a good maid of honor and best man should, they stayed at the wedding for the entire time. They collected stray items and helped see the trio off. Bethany had a blast flirting with all the coast guard men in uniform. However, it was Gretchen who caught the bouquet.
Melody never gave a thought about trying to nab the traditional prize. She’d had the best night of her life. Nor did she dream of staying at the inn. Home was with her men. She didn’t even bother to bring her rental car. They’d retrieve that tomorrow.
“Happy New Year.” She wiggled out of the dress. She kicked off her shoes and flopped on the big bed.
“It is now.” Ryan tugged off her panty hose and panties.
Melody unhooked her bra and tossed it across the room. “I’m so tired. I don’t even want to think about cleaning out the house in Michigan and selling it. That’s all so much work.”
Jason laughed as he stripped naked. “We’ll help. We also have to build on a fancy dress shop.”
She watched Dale and Ryan undress each other, and her thoughts went to very dirty scenarios. “No rush. I can work out of the house if I have to. I appreciate you not freaking out when I hired Gretchen.”
Dale stretched out next to her. “The marketing angle is smart. Maybe we’ll find a cabin for her so she can have some privacy and a place to work out of on her own.”
Sterling New Year Page 9