She tilted her chin until their lips met. For so many years, she’d avoided any closeness or thought of a relationship. But Gabe made her forget her resolve. He made her think of possibilities she only dreamed. Gabe lived the love in his eyes.
Melanie would cherish that revelation to her grave. It would be a long time before she’d allow herself to trust anyone as she did Gabe. If ever. All she wanted was a taste of what she’d be walking away from.
Thank you, Lord, for this last time.
She broke away first, the sweet pressure of his lips lingering. She read the wonder in his eyes and smiled. “Thanks, Mr. Davidson.”
His dimple deepened. “The name’s Gabe.”
“Thanks, Gabe.”
His gaze darted over her face. “I was kinda hoping you might stick around after the party.”
Her heart pounded as she warmed from the inside out. I’d love nothing more. “I have to go visit my parents.”
“Maybe afterwards?” He ran his finger down her cheek.
The splash of mud outside the barn door ruined the moment. Hank walked in with his mug of coffee and a half-eaten cinnamon roll in his hand. “Looks like the skies are clearing up. We can start setting up the pens.” He stopped in midchew. “Did I miss something?”
Melanie tried to cover her grin with her hand. She headed toward the door, stopping a few feet past Hank. “Hank? Thanks for everything.”
Hank looked from her to Gabe. He swallowed and rewarded her with a sheepish grin. “Glad to be of service.”
Jason caught the Frisbee. Fletcher wanted it back. Melanie rushed in for the tackle.
“Mom, you can’t do that.” Jason wrapped his arms around her leg as she held the plastic disk in the air, ready to throw. “When Fletcher gets it, he doesn’t give it back. Noooo.”
She flicked her wrist, releasing the Frisbee. Fletcher took off at a dead run. “Jason, it’s his toy.”
“He doesn’t play fair.” Jason released her and took off after the dog.
Doubling over, Melanie laughed until her side hurt. Jason had never had a problem sharing his toys; obviously, Fletcher did. Too bad they couldn’t have a dog in their complex back home.
“Melanie,” Grace called from the kitchen door. “Telephone for you.”
“For me?” She stretched out her side cramp and cocked her head. “Mr. Leon?”
Grace shook her head. “A Ms. Johnson?”
Her heart raced triple time. Melanie hopped onto the porch and found the phone receiver on the kitchen counter. Her palms sweaty, she cradled the phone to her ear. “Hello? This is Melanie Hunter.”
“Ms. Hunter? This is Glynna Johnson from the Dean Group in Montrose. We have reopened interviews for the analyst research position. I understand you were not able to attend the initial interview. Are you interested?”
The no-nonsense voice on the other uttered the invitation Melanie thought she’d never hear again. Her stomach knotted. Another chance.
“Yes, very much so.” She tried not to sound too eager.
Pages rustled in the background. “Dr. Hillman will be out of the office next week. Would the following Monday fit into your schedule?”
“Yes. Yes, that will be fine.”
“I have you down for ten o’clock Monday morning. We look forward to seeing you.”
Melanie replaced the phone receiver. Would miracles never cease? God had given her another chance, a new start to build a home.
Thank you, Lord.
She stepped out onto the porch where Grace watered a ceramic pot filled with geraniums. “Grace, you’ll never guess what happened.”
“What, honey?”
“The position in Montrose hasn’t been filled. They called to see if I was still interested. Can you believe it?”
“Are you?” Grace looked up from her watering. “Still interested?”
“Are you kidding me? This job is everything I’ve ever wanted for Jason. Small town, small schools, simple life.” Melanie turned her face to the sky and let the sun kiss her. “The answer to my prayer.”
Chapter Eighteen
“I couldn’t eat another bite.” Melanie pushed from the kitchen table and took her plate to the sink. The morning sun brightened her attitude, considering the barbecue was set to start in a couple of hours. “I think I’ve gained five pounds in the last few weeks.”
“An extra five pounds never looked as good on me.” Grace gave her the once over. “If you’ve got ’em, we can’t see ’em.”
“Gracie.” Martin patted her hand. “In the lean times and in the good, I love every inch of you.”
“Oh, go on.” She swatted at him.
Gabe cleared his throat. “Didn’t sound much like love a couple days ago when Mom put that salad in front of you.”
Melanie laughed with them, marveling at how easy it had been to slip into the warmth of the family. She’d never experienced total acceptance, complete inclusion, as she had from the moment they’d rolled onto the Davidson Ranch. God bless this special place. A healing place. A place filled with love.
She caught Gabe looking at her, and heat rose to her cheeks. Since the day before last, she’d been walking on air. She’d kissed the most handsome, kind, considerate man she’d ever known. She’d accepted his invitation to return to the ranch after visiting with her folks.
He’d even reassured her of his feelings last night by praying with her at the door of the cabin after he’d walked her home from the evening of movies at his parents’.
Her smile started to fade. Today was the last day she’d be with the family, with Gabe. Tomorrow she’d get her truck back and drive off to introduce Jason to his grandparents. Then she faced the possibility of relocating to a new town, a new life. She drew a deep breath and pulled her smile tighter.
When had her life become so complicated?
“Melanie, how about we spread those tablecloths now?” Grace stacked the breakfast dishes in the sink. “Crowd will be here before you know it.”
“Let me run back to the cabin.” Melanie stepped away from the counter and started for the door. “I forgot a clip and my hair is going to drive me nuts.”
“It looks great.” Gabe met her at the door with a grin. He opened the door for her and did a double take. “Someone’s here already. They’re not supposed to show up until eleven o’clock.”
Melanie peeked past his shoulder and saw a midsized sedan with dealer plates at the yard fence. The sun reflected off the windshield. She couldn’t see inside no matter how hard she squinted.
Grace came up behind her. “Might as well welcome them. We’ve still got plenty of waffles and sausage.”
Gabe pushed the door open and stepped out. “Mornin’, folks. Come for the auction?”
The driver’s side door opened and a man with a khaki-colored camper hat got out. A woman with gray, perfectly coiffed hair stepped out of the passenger side. They both looked around at the buildings then back to Gabe. “We’re looking for Melanie Hunter.”
The blood drained from her face. No. Not here. The pit of her stomach roiled and knotted, and Melanie thought her double stack pancakes would make a return appearance. She grabbed the doorknob as her knees went weak.
“What’s wrong?” Grace grabbed her arm. “Come here and sit.”
“I’m okay, just…just surprised.”
Voices filtered up the walk. Gabe opened the door and let the guests in. “Melanie? Someone here to see you.”
She wasn’t ready for them yet. Why today? Why now? “Mom. Dad. What are you doing here?”
Jason ran in from where he’d been setting up the dominoes to play with Martin. “Mom? Is someone here for you?”
Ester Hunter sized up the boy as if she were appraising one of her antiques. She looked from Melanie to him, then back at her. Apparently satisfied with what she saw, she offered a strained smile. “We’ve come to meet our grandson.”
Jason stepped closer. “Mom, is this your mom and dad?”
Finally find
ing her voice, she nodded. “Ester and Jim Hunter, this is Grace and Martin Davidson. And behind you, Gabe Davidson.” She cleared her throat as everyone exchanged greetings. All she wanted was for the earth to open up and swallow her. She hadn’t anticipated this at all.
Gripping Jason’s shoulder, she eased him in front of her. “And this is Jason. Your grandson.”
“Hello, young man.” Jim Hunter kneeled until he was Jason’s height. “You been taking care of your mother all these years?”
“Yes, sir.” Jason hesitated. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
Her dad smiled the same crooked smile Melanie remembered him giving her. “You’ve done a fine job.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Melanie had never heard so many sirs out of her son in his life. As her dad straightened, she looked from Ester to Jim and frowned. “What are you doing here? How did you find me?”
Ester nodded at Grace. “Grace called us the other evening and invited us to a barbecue you’re hosting. You didn’t mention it in your phone call.”
Melanie stood speechless. Grace had sold her out.
“What better way to reunite than surrounded by friends,” Grace chimed in with her usual good humor. “Littleton isn’t that far from here. I thought your parents might enjoy a drive in the mountains on a beautiful summer day.”
“And pork flies south for the winter,” Martin mumbled behind Melanie, shuffling around until he stood next to his wife. “Jim and Ester, nice to meet you. Why don’t we go sit outside while Grace fixes tea? Gabe? Is everything ready for the crowd?”
Gabe nodded. “Nice meeting you, folks.” He opened the door and disappeared.
Coward. What was she supposed to do? So many last-minute details needed attention. She didn’t have time to catch up on eight years of baby history. That was what tomorrow was supposed to accomplish. Today, she’d had other plans.
Plastering on a smile, she indicated the door. “The table is right around the house.”
Gabe walked out the door then shot around the side of the house and came back in the office door. He stood in the living room until Melanie, Jason and her folks were out of hearing. Stalking into the kitchen, he cornered his mother. “What have you done?”
“Nothing that any concerned friend wouldn’t have done. I arranged a meeting for Melanie and her parents on neutral territory. Her relationship with her parents is strained. She needed to mend fences someplace where she felt comfortable. With all the party planning on her mind, and now a chance at that job she wants, she hasn’t had much time to think through her options. Considering she’s leaving for Denver tomorrow, I had to act fast.”
“Maybe she wanted to handle this herself?” Anger simmered just beneath boiling. Gabe had stood by and watched his mother orchestrate the lives of his brothers. The result? Both were gone and had few plans on returning. Something deep down told him she had plans for him, too.
“Gabriel Thomas, watch your tone.” Her eyes darkened, the only sign of her agitation. “I just had the best interests of that girl in mind. She needs support right now and I hate to say it, but we’re it. The last thing I want to see is her running away again and her parents never getting to know that precious boy. They need to talk. Children need to honor their parents.”
“And parents respect their children.” Gabe fought to keep his voice low.
“Exactly.” Martin came up behind Gabe, putting his hand on his shoulder. “On both counts. Grace, go give those people a drink of tea.”
Tension strummed between mother and son. The look on her face announced she knew she’d won the battle. She always did. She gathered up tea, glasses and spoons and backed out of the screen door, tray in hand.
“God is stronger and wiser than Grace Davidson and if He wants fences mended, He’ll supply the materials Himself.” Martin rubbed his chin. “I don’t approve of her meddling, son, but she has a point. Melanie is a strong woman when it comes to protecting and providing for Jason. Something tells me she’s not quite sure what to do about taking care of herself. Maybe it’s good we’re here for her.”
Of course Dad was right. Too bad his advice didn’t remove more of the sting of his mother’s methods. Protecting Melanie and Jason beat fiercely within his chest. Gabe stopped and frowned.
Because she’d confided in him?
Because she’d shared her secrets?
Because she made him feel like a hero?
Gabe blinked a couple of times to clear his head. His father stood beside him, watching him with that look on his face. That look told Gabe every cog, every piece, was falling into place and his dad was close to solving the mystery.
Gabe turned on his heel and headed out the back door. He stalked across the open lot and into the barn where his entrance startled the two fat barn cats. He paced down the corridor then retraced his steps. The cats tangled around his feet and he pushed them away.
He liked Melanie. He liked Jason.
He hadn’t been paying attention. The truth washed over him and stopped him flat.
He loved them.
Her battle with the taffy popped into his mind. The pure joy on her face as she’d swung high in the air before letting go of the swing. The wracking sobs as he’d held her in his arms and stood by as she poured out the anguish she’d held in her heart for so many years. Had he only known her a couple of weeks? Seemed like forever.
Lord, how can I fall in love with a woman I barely know? One who has her life all figured out and none of her plans include me?
Gabe hung his head and leaned against the stall door. Now he understood a fraction of the pain Nick had undergone when his wife died. If it hurt this much to lose, how would it feel to win?
Hasty footfalls pounded toward the barn. Jason ran past the open doors like a pack of wolves nipped at his heels. Gabe ran out in time to see Jason round the corner and disappear.
Jogging down the side of the barn, Gabe found Jason leaning against the rails of the fence, his head buried in the crook of his arm. “Hey, Bud. The party’s this way.”
Jason didn’t answer. Gabe stepped up and saw the uneven breaths, heard the sniff. Gabe hung his elbows over the fencing and jammed his boot on the bottom rail. “Looks like the day has surprises for everyone.”
“I don’t like them.” Jason kept his arm over his eyes. “They’re not like grandparents are supposed to be. They’re so stiff. Make them go away.”
Hurt emanated from the little body. Betrayal. Gabe understood wanting something to be one way and finding out it’s nothing like you’d imagined. Lord, give me the right words. “Yep, it’s pretty hard meeting someone important for the first time. You don’t know how to act. I know if it’s someone real important to me, I get all tongue-tied. I’m scared I’m going to say the wrong thing and they won’t like me.”
Gabe stepped closer and knelt beside Jason, staring eye level at the tear-streaked face. “Always remember, Jason. A good, loving family is the best you can have here on earth. Family will stand by you when things get tough and no matter how foolish you act, they’ll always be there to love you.”
“Isn’t Mom enough?”
“God knows what He’s doing.” His dad’s words of only moments ago rang through his head. “He has a plan for you that can’t be derailed. He brings people into your life because maybe there’s something you can teach them.”
Jason swiped his sleeve across his eyes. “Really?”
Gabe nodded. “Give your grandparents a chance. They’re going to love you.”
Jason flung himself into Gabe’s chest. Gabe caught his balance just before the both of them toppled over. Jason buried his face and rubbed his forehead in Gabe’s shirt. “Are you sure?”
Feeling the words thicken in his throat, he hugged Jason tight. “They’ll love you more than you’ll ever know.” And so do I.
In the distance, Gabe heard Melanie calling. With a final hug, he pulled just far enough away to look into the uncertain face. “Always remember, Bud. God knows what
He’s doing.”
Melanie rushed around the corner of the barn. “Jason. What happened?” She pulled him into a hug and then set him back, a serious scowl on her face. “Why did you run?”
Jason kicked at the ground. “I dunno.”
The standoff between the two twisted his gut. Gabe rested his arm over Melanie’s shoulders and drew Jason close. “Is there not anything we’ve learned over the past weeks? I don’t know about you, but I sure have.” He resisted the urge to bury his face in her soft, shining hair. Jason wrapped his arm around his leg and Melanie nestled closer to his side. They stood together as he always prayed someday he would with a family of his own.
“Life is full of surprises. Just when you think you have all the answers, you realize the questions weren’t the ones you wanted answered in the first place.”
She shifted and looked up at him, her brow raised in question.
“When you guys first showed up, all I thought of was having one more responsibility added to my workload.” Melanie tried to squirm away but he held her tight. When her frown deepened, he winked at her.
“When my load began to lighten because you were here, I breathed a sigh of relief. When I started looking forward to seeing you every day, I gave thanks to God for bringing you into my life.”
Jason hugged harder. “Gabe, I like seeing you every day, too.”
Gabe tightened his embrace around them and thought he felt Melanie rub her cheek on his shoulder. “We’ve all been through some hefty changes. Bud, your grandparents just want to get to know you. Let them see the real Jason, and I’m pretty sure they’ll love you all the more for it.”
“He’s right, Jason.” Melanie cleared her throat. “Mom and Dad haven’t met you. But they want to get to know you. They want a chance to love you.”
Gabe swallowed against the tightening in his throat. “They want to get to know you, too, Melanie. Family is a wonderful thing.” He squeezed them tight.
Wisps of her soft hair brushed his skin as she turned and kissed him on the cheek. She gave him a watery smile that made Gabe want to hug her and never let her go. Ever.
Rocky Mountain Hero Page 17