by Faye Sonja
Carlos whispered to Melody. “Perhaps, you could make an exception and allow me to play at the wedding?”
Melody sighed. She had trouble telling the man no. “Alright. I’ll try to figure out a way to make it fit.”
Carlos smiled. “Wonderful. Evita will be pleased.”
Melody smiled. Evita Sanchez was Carlos’ little sister. Melody hadn’t been in Santana long, but the people had offered her friendship and had taken to her sense of style. Melody was not only one of Evita’s bridesmaids, but also helped in designing and planning the wedding. Melody wasn’t getting any money from the planning, but had found that design was something she enjoyed.
“You know,” Carlos said. “You could be planning your own wedding if you’d tell someone, ‘yes’.”
Melody rolled her eyes. “Not this again.”
Carlos laughed. “No, I’m not talking about me. We are just friends. You have made that painfully clear.” Carlos placed a hand over his heart. “I don’t know how I’ll be able to live, but I will manage.”
Melody laughed. “You’re too much, Carlos Sanchez.”
Carlos made his dark brows dance, which only made Melody laugh more. Carlos had started flirting with Melody as soon as she’d got off the train from Michigan. He’d been one of the first people she’d met, and ever since then, they’d grown close.
“Carlos,” she began. “You flirt with everyone.”
Carlos nodded his head. “But, you Melody, are the most beautiful woman I know.”
Melody rolled her eyes. “You said that to Mrs. Normandy last week at church.”
Carlos frowned. “Did I?”
Melody nodded. “The old woman nearly turned red and had trouble playing the next hymn on the piano.”
Carlos laughed. “Ah, yes. I believed I did.” He stared into Melody’s eyes. “Every woman should feel beautiful, Melody. Women are God’s greatest gift to man. I only want them to know that they are appreciated.”
Melody gave him a side hug. “I know, and we appreciate you for making us all feel beautiful.”
Carlos nodded. “But you should still think about some of the serious proposals that you’ve received. You’re much too beautiful to be alone.”
“I’m only twenty-one.”
“My mother was fourteen when she married.”
Melody smiled, but shook her head. “I wanted to marry when I was younger, but now I want to wait.”
Carlos smiled. “If you want to have more than ten children, you must start early.”
“Ten!” Melody shook her head. “No thank you. I’ll wait.”
“For how long?”
She shrugged. “Harmony is twenty-eight.” Melody brightened. “Besides, I want to see how the wedding planning will go, and-”
Carlos sighed. “You modern women. You-”
Melody lifted a brow. “What of us modern women?”
Carlos shook his head. “When I marry, I want a wife who is content to be at home with hundreds of little Carlos Sanchez’s running around.” He smiled. “She will cook, clean, and love her family, and that will be enough.”
Melody smiled. “Well, good luck.”
Carlos gave Melody a hard look. “Melody, look at me. Do you really think I need luck?”
Melody laughed, stood up, and walked to the next room. The Pitch house was an immaculate Spanish styled mansion with cool tones, curved windows and entryways. There were few doors in the home, as if the designer had wanted one room to simply flow into the other. Melody skirted around the crowd, thankful that her black dress fit loosely, allowing her to move freely. She came to a stop close to where her sister stood by the official Christmas tree, the largest in the home. Melody, as the designer, had put up a tree. One in the dining room, one in the sitting room, and the last in the grand foyer that was close to the front door.
Harmony turned with a smile on her beautifully made up face. Melody had done her make up. Her gray eyes stood out. Her lips wore a simple pink gloss. Her light brown hair was curled down and around her shoulders. Harmony said, “We have so much food left over for the dinner tomorrow.”
Melody clapped her hands. “Wonderful. I know the less fortunate families will appreciate it.”
Harmony nodded. “Your idea to have everyone in town bring their holiday leftovers here for a big dinner was a nice one.”
Melody was planning a dinner for those who were unable to have one for themselves. She’d thought about it after coming from a woman’s Bible study a few weeks back. She walked outside of the church and saw a family who was begging for money when the idea came. Instead of dumping the leftovers from the party, they would serve them to the families that would be coming by tomorrow. When Melody had shared her idea with some of her friends, they’d all been excited about the idea and had wanted to participate. Some had even volunteered to cook fresh foods.
Andrew was allowing Melody to use the front lawn. Table and chairs would be set out and Melody had managed to get some people from the church to volunteer as servers. Melody expected everything to go off without a hitch.
She said to Andrews, “Thanks again for letting me use your front lawn. It’s big enough for the crowd that I know will be showing up tomorrow.”
He nodded, his smile reached his light hazel eyes. “You’re welcome.”
Harmony sighed. “Andrew says the decorations have to come down tomorrow.”
Melody smiled. “They are pretty, aren’t they?”
Harmony smiled. “They are the only things that remind me of Michigan.”
Melody laughed. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
Andrew, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed said, “They come down tomorrow.” He was trying to be commanding, but his light hazel eyes glittered along with the grin he was trying to suppress. He’s styled his short dark brown hair back from his face and was wearing a cream suit with a red shirt underneath. “I like that you women keep it up this long, but they’ve got to go.”
Harmony put her hands on her hips. “People who celebrate Christmas always keep them up till after the 1st of the year.”
“Well, I hadn’t celebrated Christmas in a long time.” He took Harmony’s hand. “You brought the holiday cheer back into my life.” He smiled up at her.
Harmony’s own smile grew. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He said. “Now, you’re tall, so I’ll let you grab the star.” He winked.
Harmony laughed and then turned to Melody. “He’s almost tall enough to be taken seriously.”
The people around laughed at both their jokes. They were always like this.
Andrew said, “I’m having the decorations moved outside for the guest that will be coming tomorrow. The tree and everything else will make everything look more festive, don’t you think?”
Harmony and Melody’s eyes went equally wide.
Melody said, “You came up with that on your own?”
Andrew handsome face gave nothing away. “Maybe”
Harmony hugged him. “That is a wonderful idea. Now, I’m not so sad to see the decor go.” She kissed his cheek. “You’re the best.”
Andrew didn’t hug her back, and he didn’t smile either, but everyone could see his face go red.
Melody shook her head and once again and wished for someone to love her like that.
The doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Melody said. She started for the door, but their butler, Willie was already there.
Willie told the newcomer, “I’m sorry, but there is no one by that name here.”
The voice said, “But she has to be here. I was told that I could find her here.”
Melody stopped everything; she stopped walking, stopped smiling, and stopped breathing. She knew that voice. She closed her eyes and covered her face. “This can’t be happening,” she whispered to herself.
Willie said, “I’m sorry, but that person is not here.”
Melody opened her eyes. The door was only crac
ked, so Austin couldn’t see her and she couldn’t see him. Melody couldn’t see him, but that didn’t stop her heart from racing. A tingling sensation crawled through her arms.
Austin sighed. “But there are a ton of cars out in the front. Maybe she came with someone else.”
“No, she did not.” Willie began to close the door. “Goodnight, sir.”
Austin put his foot in the door. “Her name is Melody Stone. If you could at least check, I’d be grateful.”
Willie sighed. “I know who is in the home, sir, and she is not here.” He tried to close the door again, but it wouldn’t budge. Austin pushed at the door. Willie stumbled back. “Sir!”
The door opened.
Austin’s height and shoulders took up the entire doorway. His blond hair caught light from the front porch. His lips parted. His blue hazel eyes, the only pair she’d ever seen quite like it were wide as he stared at her. He was wearing a gray suit, but the light blue shirt made his unique eye color stand out even more. Nothing had changed about him. He was just as handsome as he’d been the last time she’d seen him. Austin sighed. “Melody.”
Melody shut her eyes, but that didn’t stop the reaction her heart had at hearing her name on his lips. She rubbed her hands down her arms, trying to chase away the tiny bumps that appeared. She opened her eyes to find Austin standing right in front of her. Her eyes went wide.
“Melody,” Austin whispered.
His head descended and Melody barely registered herself standing on her toes before their lips touched. Austin’s hands cupped her face. Melody placed her hand on top of the muscles in his arms. She held on to him as the kiss grew.
Willie’s voice broke in. “Miss Stone, your sister told me to not let him in.”
Melody broke the kiss and took a step back and stared up at Austin.
A grin slid into place above Austin’s square jaw. “Namaste,” he whispered. His eye were now in their normal position; almond shaped with high tilts at the end. They’d been the first thing Melody noticed when she’d met him. They were such unusual eyes and they drew her in. He ran his hand through her hair and over her neck and shoulders.
Melody smiled up at him. He’s used the greeting they’d learned while eating at an Indian shop in downtown Detroit. “Namaste.” From the outside looking in, most people would wonder why the two used the Hindu greeting, but only Austin and Melody knew the story behind most of the silly things they did, like eating at the home of complete strangers. They’d never planned to eat at the shop that held in apartment in the back, but had found shelter in the building once a random rainstorm appeared. Once inside the place, they’d walked around the shop portion of the store, looking at the silks, statues, and other goods. The lights were dim and fabrics in the brightest of colors hung from the walls. The smell of sandalwood and jasmine floated through the air, and in the back came the scent of spices that made Melody’s mouth water. She’d felt as though her and Austin had stepped into another world.
A young man named Kavi came over to greet them. After introducing himself, he’d told them about India, peaking both Austin and Melody’s interests in country. After insisting that they stay for dinner, Austin and Melody had been hooked and had started going to the little shop at least once a week when Austin was in town, but when he was gone, Melody would still stop by, fascinated with the fabrics and the scents. It’s in the shop that the idea of being a designer came to mind. Kavi and his wife, Kashi would make curried meats while discussion ranged from literature to politics and everything in between. Austin and Melody had promised one another they one day they would go to India together.
Melody looked at him and thought, how did I ever think I was over him. I’m so in love with this man.
Harmony’s voice broke the trance. “Melody.”
Melody jumped back and looked over at Harmony.
Harmony had her arms crossed over her long black dress. Her eyes were narrowed at Austin. “Austin.”
Austin’s brows drew together. “Harmony? Is that you?”
Melody looked back at her sister, just remembering that Austin had never seen Harmony dressed up like this. The look was new for Harmony. Gone were all of clothes that Harmony had worn to hide herself. Now, stood a woman to be looked at. Melody and Andrew, had taught Harmony to value her height and let her beauty shine. Melody, though shorter, shared her sister’s beauty, but it was Harmony’s inner strength that Melody had thought she’d gained while away from Austin.
She turned to Austin, looking at him again, and remembering why she’d decided to let him go. She love him, and probably always would, but she had to move on, and she couldn’t afford to let him ruin her heart again. Melody loved him, truly, but Austin was her past, and she was looking forward to her future.
Harmony said,” Yes, Austin, it’s me,” bringing Melody’s attention back to the present.
Austin smiled. “You look amazing, Harmony.”
Harmony didn’t smile. “Thanks.” She turned to Melody. “Melody, why don’t you go upstairs and I’ll meet you there in a little bit.”
Melody stared at Harmony and then turned to look up at Austin. “No, I’m fine.”
Austin smiled down at her and grabbed her hand.
Harmony started over.
Melody held up her other hand, stopping Harmony’s movement. “No, Harmony. It’s my life. I can manage it.”
Harmony glared at Melody. “But, Melody-”
Andrew came over. “What’s going on?”
Melody said, “Andrew, this is Austin. Austin, this is Andrew Pitch, Harmony’s husband.”
The two men shook hands.
Andrew narrowed his eyes at Austin and then turned to Melody. “Are you alright?”
Melody smiled and placed a hand on Andrew’s arm. “I’m fine.”
Andrew looked down at Melody and Austin, joined together hand in hand. “You sure?”
“Yes.”
Andrew looked between the two again before settling a look at Melody. “Fine, but we will be in the next room if you need anything.”
We? Melody thought. She looked behind Andrew.
A group of men were now standing behind Harmony. They were Andrew’s ranch hands, and had grown to become Melody’s family. She shook her head. She’d seen them fight at Andrew’s call before and didn’t care to see that again, though she was thankful for the support.
Melody sighed. “Thank you, Andrew. I’ll holler if I need anything.”
He nodded and then took Harmony’s arm. “Come on, woman.”
Harmony gasped. “But, we can’t leave her like this.”
“She's a grown woman, Harmony. Let her make her own decisions.”
Harmony continued to fuss, but Andrew stirred her away, and Melody let out a breath as she saw the group depart. Melody turned to Austin.
He smiled.
Melody opened her mouth and then shut it. She turned Willie. “You too, Willie. You can leave.”
Willie frowned, but said, “As you wish.”
Melody shook her head as he departed. Everyone wanted to protect her. “Let’s go outside.”
Austin’s fingers tightened around hers. “Yes, I agree.”
Melody let Austin open the door and then they closed it behind them. She took a breath before turning to him. “Austin-”
But she never got to finish.
* * *
2
Chapter TWO
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“ … but she had to move on, and she couldn’t
afford to let him ruin her heart again. ”
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Austin Bakely tried kissed Melody again outside, but she turned away. His hands went through her hair. She’d let it grow out some. He was use to her light brown waves being shorter, but now, they hung past her shoulders like they’d done the first time he’d met her when they were both still just young children. Much simpler time
s. He’d missed her. He’d missed her round face with high cheeks. Her lips, he found to be her most appealing feature. Her top and bottom lip were the same size, plush, and pouty.
He sighed. He missed everything about the woman who was only an arm’s length away.
It had been too long since he’d last seen her. With his work, he was use to being on the road, but never had he had to go this long without her in his life. He shook his head and dropped his hand, deciding to say what he was feeling. “I’ve missed you so much, Melody.”
Melody smiled.
Austin returned it as he stared into her gray eyes. His eyes travelled over her pert nose and small lips. He ran the pads of his thumbs over her cheeks. His smile fell. He shook his head. “I’m so sorry, Melody.”
Melody’s face remained neutral. “Why, Austin?” She asked lightly.
“For my lack of commitment. I never should have let you go.”
“Hmmm,” Melody said. Her eyes told him nothing.
Austin frowned. “I love you.”
She gave him a saddened look. “I know.”
Austin’s eyes went wide. “Do you not love me anymore?”
“Is that why you came? Just to see if I still loved you?”
“No, I plan on proposing?”
Melody shook her head, her hair moving with her. “Don’t.”
Austin sighed. “Yeah, I know, we’ve done this before, but this time it will be different.” He grabbed her arms. “Hey, let’s skip the proposal, and just get married.” He smiled. “It’s what we both want anyway, right?”
“No, I want you to leave.”
Austin felt her words like a punch in the gut. “What?” He frowned. “Melody, let’s be serious. We’ve been together for most of our life. We’re getting married.”
“No, you can’t just come here and force my hand. That’s not the way I wish to be treated”
Austin made a face, then took his finger pushed up the end Melody’s nose. It was his gesture for when he wanted her to know that she was being snobby or acting like royalty.
As usual, she smacked his hand away. “Stop it.”
