He loved that they got along. Avery accepted Melody after a rocky start, and now they were in the spotlight together. The sweet harmony of their voices had everyone watching in awe. Even after hearing them sing together a few times, Jameson couldn't get over how well their voices blended together.
When the song finished, everyone applauded. Avery turned from the piano, cheeks flushed, and Melody had a smile on her face. She was more comfortable singing in front of people now. She met his stare from across the room and held his gaze. He turned his lips up, clapping along with everyone else.
"I guess I got here just in time," A familiar voice said from across the room. Everyone turned to stare. Belinda Wainscott. Avery's birth mother stood in the doorway of the dining hall, dressed casually and beaming proudly.
"Belinda! You made it!" Avery exclaimed. Lucas helped her up from the bench and she went to hug her.
"I know I'm late. But I wasn't about to miss my first Thanksgiving with you. Avery, you sang with such passion. I can't believe this was the first time I have been able to hear you."
Jameson made his way to Melody. She still stood by the piano watching Avery and Belinda. She seemed in a bit of a state of shock. Then again, when someone as famous as Belinda walked into a room, it was hard not to. Jameson took her hands in his and she turned her attention to him.
"You give me chills every time you open up to sing," he said softly, kissing the corners of her lips. He loved the flash of dimples when she smiled. "You're becoming more confident, too, which makes your voice stronger."
"I can't believe I just sang with Avery in front of Belinda Wainscott!" she whispered excitedly.
"Want me to introduce you?" Jameson tugged on her hand. Melody stopped him, suddenly getting all wide eyed and shy. She shook her head, peeking up at him from under her long eyelashes. "Don't be shy. Oh wait, here they come right now." Avery, Lucas and Belinda were definitely coming over here.
"Jameson, it's good to see you again." Belinda nodded a hello with a smile. "I'm looking forward to your band playing on New Year's Eve."
"Thank you. I can't wait." Jameson squeezed Melody's hand. "I'd like you to meet Mary, my girlfriend." His girlfriend? That came out of nowhere. He hadn't planned on introducing her that way. Melody tore her gaze away from gaping at Belinda to shoot him a surprised look.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mary. I enjoyed hearing your singing. Avery tells me what you two were singing is something you collaborated on. It's a beautiful song and you and Avery harmonized very well on it. I'm very impressed." The woman's eyes sparkled with excitement.
From what he knew of Belinda from stories through Lucas, and what he'd seen while she was around, she didn't give compliments lightly. So to hear her say something like she'd just done about Avery and Melody, he knew Belinda truly meant it. Melody trembled, which made Jameson want to pull her closer to him.
"I- thank you," Melody stuttered. "I can't believe I'm standing here in front of you right now."
"I'd also like to introduce you to my sister, Blaine." Jameson waved her over. Blaine looked at him blankly for a second before coming toward them.
"I recognize you." Belinda stared at Blaine. "Blaine Grant. I had no idea your brother is Jameson! You're the dance choreographer assistant to-"
"Yes, that's me," Blaine interrupted. "Lovely to see you again, Ms. Wainscott." Jameson wasn't sure, but he thought Blaine's face turned a few shades paler. She'd been quick to stop Belinda from saying anything more. That struck him as odd. He'd have to ask her about that later.
"Who's ready to eat?" Mr. Callimer called, interrupting the conversation. When he noticed who'd walked in, his smile grew bigger. "Well! We're so glad you made it!" He waved at Belinda. "All right everyone, come on and get it!"
*****
She'd just met Belinda Wainscott! Melody couldn't stop shaking. What a moment! And to get a compliment from her!
She lined up with Jameson to fill her plate. Someone turned on the radio and soft music played through the speakers. The room lit up with excitement. Some of the guests had come down to have Thanksgiving dinner with them as well. It really did feel like a family. Harmony's Echo had a way of making one feel like they belonged. Standing hand in hand with Jameson, Melody belonged. She'd let her heart get in the way of everything, and now she had some decisions to make. They weren't going to be easy.
He introduced me as his girlfriend.
The thought thrilled her, but startled her at the same time.
How is it I can give my trust so easily to him? And my heart?
She didn't have an answer for that.
Everything looked so good. Melody picked up a little bit of everything and followed Jameson to one of the long banquet tables. They'd been decorated with tablecloths that fit the theme. Candles had been placed on each table. She settled in her seat and glanced around at the faces of the people she'd come to care about. Jameson met her stare and smiled. Blaine was talking to Avery about something. Lucas held conversation with Belinda and Avery's parents. Everyone was content, enjoying themselves. Laughter and chatter filled the room.
"I want to thank everyone for coming and spending this holiday with us today." Mr. Callimer stood, watching and waiting for everyone to quiet down. All eyes were on him. "This has been an interesting year. It makes me thankful for everything we have. Before the year is through, we're going to have a new addition to our family. Our youngest daughter Avery, and her fiancé Lucas are not to far off from having their first child. Lucas will also be officially joining our family as my son-in-law next year. Our oldest daughter, Paula, is home again for the holidays. It's great to be among family and friends today. There have been many changes and hardships among our loved ones here in Harmony's Echo, but we're still grateful for another day. To good health, great family, and tasty food. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!"
A round of cheers and applause followed, and Mr. Callimer sat down again next to his wife.
Belinda cleared her throat. She covered Avery's hand with hers. "I just want to thank you all for allowing me to come into your home and be a part of this family gathering. I couldn't be happier. You've accepted me with such warmth, much more than I deserve. I know I'm not always the easiest person to talk to or be around. I'm just glad to get to know Avery. I'm also very proud of you, Lucas." Belinda nodded over at him. "You've come a long way from the man you used to be. I'm glad you found love and have been able to put your past behind you. I see the love you and Avery share. It's one of the rare gifts of life, and I hope you'll both always give to the other. Happy Thanksgiving."
A hush fell over the table.
"I have something to say as well," Jameson said. "I'd like to add my thanks and appreciation. It hasn't been the greatest year of my life, but y'all have been here for me even when I don't ask for it. There have been losses, but there's also been some gains. I'm looking forward to a great holiday season, and to a better year to come. Mr. and Mrs. Callimer, I am thankful for everything you've ever done for me and my family. Avery, we've been through hell and back, but you never gave up on me. I'm so happy for you and proud of you. Lucas, you have been a great friend, it's like you've always been around. Blaine, thank you for coming home and reconnecting. I've missed my big sister."
Then Jameson took Melody's hand in his, sending her a warm smile. "I also have you to thank. You've been in my life a short period of time, but everything that's happened the last two months, you've been a big help to me. I hope you know that no matter what happens, you always have a home here."
Melody's eyes welled with tears as he lifted her hand to his lips and brushed a gentle kiss into her palm. Deep blue eyes met hers.
"Thank you for everything." His voice was husky, filled with intense emotion.
"You really do have a way with words," Melody whispered, enjoying the way his touch made her feel. "But this time you've really gone and done it."
"What did I go and do?" His lips curved up into a happy smile. He trailed his thumb over h
er knuckles, running them up her arm.
You stole my heart. And I don't want you to give it back.
*****
Dinner was lovely. Melody helped clear plates and put food away after all was said and done. Everyone had been talking, laughing and working together.
If Jameson didn't stop sending her those looks, she would melt.
She was falling in love with Jameson Grant.
And what could she do about it? This was exactly what she feared. Giving her heart to a man that deserved better. Jameson just started getting his life back on track. It would only be a matter of time before Anthony found her, and she doubted he'd given up, even though the messages had slowed down. One thing she did know about Anthony was that he didn't quit.
Which meant unless something happened to him, Melody would never be free to be herself. What kind of life would that be? Jameson's band planned on going places. They had a dream, each one of them, and Melody wasn't sure how she'd fit in if everything she claimed to be right now was a lie. And if she did carry his child, she'd be jeopardizing the baby's safety too. Not to forget that her identity as Mary wouldn't hold out any more if she had to have doctors' appointments and everything like that.
"Hey, where'd Luke and Belinda go?" Avery stood in the doorway of the kitchen.
"I'm not sure, honey," her father said, putting another set of dried dishes away.
"Are you up for our normal Thanksgiving tradition? Music in the courtyard?" Jameson asked Avery. He stood beside Melody and reached for her hand. She curled her fingers through his.
"Of course! I'm totally up for it. I'm going to see if anyone knows where the two of them went, then I'll be ready. Lucas isn't answering his phone." She disappeared through the door.
"Want to sing with us?" Jameson asked, pulling her to him.
"I'd love to, if it's not invading on whatever tradition you have." Melody tilted her head to look at his face. She ran a finger along his jaw.
"You don't invade. You're one of us," he said softly. "I meant what I said earlier. I know things are still uncertain, but please know there's a place for you. In Harmony's Echo, and right here." Jameson put a hand over his heart.
There he went again. Saying the nicest things, and though Melody knew people had a habit of saying things they don't mean, Jameson wasn't one of those types. He meant it and that made it all so much harder.
Blinking back the tears, Melody pulled away. "We'd better get this finished so that when Avery comes back, we can get ready to sing." She plastered a fake smile on her face, but inside she was breaking. She'd let her heart get in the way. How did she end up doing the same thing over and over again? Before he turned away, Melody saw the flash of hurt and confusion on Jameson's face. He didn't argue with her.
She was just about done with the set of dishes she'd been cleaning when her phone rang. Who could be calling? Everyone that had her number was here. Except for Lucas or Avery, but why would they be calling? She didn't recognize the number. Melody pushed the answer button and put the phone to her ear, moving away from the counter so she could find a quieter place to talk over the sound of clanking dishes and chatter between the Callimers. "Hello?"
First came the sound of sniffling. Someone crying? She couldn't make anything else out. "Is someone there?" She tried again.
The reception was bad. The call dropped. The hairs on the back of her neck stood. Something wasn't right. She turned to stare at the kitchen door, thinking Jameson would have followed her out. He hadn't. Slipping through the doors that led to the inn's courtyard, Melody silently begged for the caller to call back. She had a feeling this was something important. When nothing happened after a few minutes, she impulsively dialed her old cell phone number again. Maybe she'd have a new message. She hadn't heard from Chris in awhile, and that bothered her. Nothing had come up on any searches. Had Anthony decided to lay low? Which meant he could easily be planning something. She walked off further, deleting useless messages that didn't matter.
She walked further away from the inn, not even realizing how much she strayed. She had one more voice mail. Her brother's terrified voice chilled her.
"Melody, Anthony is up to something. He's not in town. I've got a connection that just informed me that he booked it a couple of days ago, but no one knows where. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. Our family should be together." Something happened in the background and then she heard a muffled "I love you." before the call ended.
Shaken like a quarter tumbling in a dryer, she leaned up against a tree. Movement a few yards ahead caught her attention. Then she heard a moan. It sounded like someone was in pain. She had no idea what to do. Follow the sound and help, or run? Something still didn't sit right.
If someone needed her help, she couldn't just run off and hide. What if it was serious?
"Hello? Is someone there?" she called, her voice shaky.
She heard footsteps behind her, but before she could turn around, something hard slammed into the back of her head.
He found me!
That was her last thought before she lost consciousness.
Chapter Twenty Two
"I'm sorry to pull you away from everyone right now, but I wanted to tell you what I found out." Belinda looked around as if she was nervous about something. Lucas held back a sigh, wondering what she had to say now. From the disturbed look on her face, it couldn't be good news.
"Just tell me, Belinda." He didn't have time for theatrics. She just needed to just get it out. Lucas wanted to get back to Avery and the family.
"I think someone from Sam's family is sending these letters and making these threats. I had my investigator look into their family history. Sam has a brother, but he hasn't been seen in years. The man has a bad rap sheet. He sounds dangerous. I'm wondering, if he saw the stories from a few months ago, if he thinks he can get money or something." Belinda pulled out a crumpled paper. "Here is a picture of him. Do you recognize him?"
"If the person was just going after money, why would they threaten me and Avery?" No, this was more than that. Someone had some kind of agenda. The letters were bad enough, but the rock throwing incident crossed the line. Lucas took the photo from Belinda and studied it. Damn, what a familiar scene. Wasn't it just a few months ago they were in a similar situation? When the hell would it end?
"I don't know, Lucas. I wish I had the answers," Belinda muttered.
"Sam also had a sister, but of course none of you would know that," a man with a low, baritone voice said from behind them. Lucas and Belinda whipped around to face the intruder. A lump formed in his throat when Lucas noticed the gun pointed at them in the man's shaky hand. "Half sister, actually. She looked up to Sam. He got to get away from his fucked up family, and left her behind."
Lucas stared into the cold eyes of a man he'd seen before. Shelly's boyfriend. The photo fell from his hand.
"Who are you?" Lucas asked, attempting to remain calm. I love you, Avery. I hope you don't come out here looking for us right now.
"Your worst nightmare." The man snarled, waving the weapon. "I think we need to move. Get away from where people can see us. Kind of stupid of you to go off alone, don't you think? A woman like you, Belinda Wainscott. Where are your bodyguards now?"
Damn it, why had he forgotten his phone this morning? Not that it mattered. Lucas had a feeling if he'd tried to reach for his phone, it would be shattered on the ground. He had no idea what this man had planned. Who would have thought walking away from everyone for just a few minutes would end up in this situation?
"Are you Sam's brother?" Belinda's voice came out in tiny squeaks.
She moved closer to Lucas. He didn't dare move his gaze away from the man. One simple blink or wrong move could end this with a bad outcome. He looked nothing like the person in the picture, but that didn't mean a thing. He could have easily gone through a lot of changes. Lucas wasn't about to drop his guard. He kept a close eye on that gun and the finger that hovered over the trigger.
"We're not talkin
g unless you move. I call the shots right now. You answer to me. And I'm sure as hell not afraid to use this. Go!" His voice dripped ice, waving the end of the gun between them.
Belinda exchange a look with Lucas. He bit his lip, but nodded at her to follow the man's instructions. He was the one with the gun, not them. Lucas wasn't taking any chances.
"You walk in front of me, and I swear if either of you make a wrong move, I'll shoot."
"Where the hell do you want us to go?" Lucas snapped.
Take it easy. Don't piss him off.
"I have a car parked that way, through the woods. We'll go there, and Lucas, you'll drive. I'll give you instructions." The man jingled a pair of keys in his free hand.
As long as he didn't try to find or hurt Avery. Lucas hadn't even said he was walking off with Belinda. All they had planned on doing was talking and then coming back. Now, with the two of them gone for so long, he knew Avery was going to start wondering and come looking. Damn it! Maybe he should have just told her he'd be right back. At least she would have known he was okay and wouldn't worry. The last thing Lucas wanted was this deranged person with the gun aiming it at her and their unborn child. He swallowed a gulp of air, his heart racing as he tried to come up with solution. He came up with nothing, so he just kept walking, hoping for a plan or a diversion, something to get this guy off the edge.
"Is it money you want?" Belinda cried. She had a harder time walking straight. Her body quaked heavily. Lucas put an arm around her shoulders to help keep her steady. He shot her a silent plea to be quiet and not rile the man up. Lucas already had a feeling money wasn't going to talk him out of this.
The gunman let out a bitter laugh. "Always money with you rich people. You do stupid shit, cover it up and then think you can make it go away with money? And you, Lucas, I'm surprised at you. How did you ever get in with a woman like Belinda?"
The Melody In My Head (Love and Music in Texas Book 2) Page 24