“Come on, pretty girl,” Melody said softly. “Just a few more bites?”
Macy gurgled happily and slapped her hands on the high chair, but she absolutely refused the spoon. There was just too much commotion, what with the strange men lugging in boxes and Claire barking orders like a drill sergeant.
Taking Brody’s advice, Melody had made a list and put Claire on the job. Within a day, the efficient assistant rescheduled what she could on Melody’s calendar and cancelled the rest. Then, she hired movers and flew in from Manhattan to help Melody get settled. She’d even scoped out some local car dealerships to see what was available and scheduled test drives for the following afternoon. Melody was grateful, but she couldn’t help but feel guilty that she’d taken Claire away from her own family. But Claire had insisted, and Melody was thankful for the help.
“It’s such a beautiful house,” Claire said as she walked into the kitchen. “And this is such a beautiful baby!”
Melody smiled as her friend kissed the baby’s forehead. Macy laughed, loving the attention.
Claire sat down at the table. “Okay, everything’s off the truck. Do you want them to unpack the boxes?”
“Will they do that?”
“They’ll do anything for a price.”
Melody laughed. “Nah, I’ll do it. You didn’t pack the whole apartment, right? I mean, I do plan to go back someday.”
“Nope, just what you had on the list.”
“Including my keyboard? Because if not, I’m gonna have to go piano shopping.”
Claire laughed. “Relax. The keyboard’s here.”
“Great. Now, what about work?”
“Your conference call with Roz is at two.”
Melody sighed. The conference call to inform her boss that she was taking an extended vacation. She hoped Roz would be understanding.
“And you have two album releases this month, but you’re the co-producer on both so you can skip the events,” Claire said. “Otherwise, everything else has been rescheduled for later in the summer or cancelled completely. Most of your current projects are in post-production so you’re all good. It’s actually the perfect time for a vacation.”
“Three months is a long vacation, though.”
“You’ve never had one. It’s way overdue.”
Melody hoped her boss agreed.
“Am I making the right decision, Claire?”
“Since there’s a moving van in your driveway, I’m gonna say yes.”
“I’m serious.”
“Seriously,” Claire said, smiling at her friend and her boss. “You’re doing what you think is best for your baby. That’s always the right decision.”
“Thanks, Claire. What would I do without you?”
“You’d make it. You just wouldn’t be nearly as happy.”
Melody laughed.
“So, what do you need?” Claire asked.
“A nap. But my folks are coming over.”
“And Brody.”
Melody couldn’t help but notice the dreamy tone of Claire’s voice.
“Yes, and Brody,” she chuckled. “Tell the truth. That’s really why you’re here.”
Claire gasped. “How could you say that? I’m here to help you get settled and to see this gorgeous baby that’s taking you away from me. If I just happen to meet the love of your life while I’m here . . . well, that’s just a happy accident.”
Melody grinned.
* * *
Melody and Claire spent the rest of the morning unpacking and playing with the baby until it was time for her conference call with Roz. Thankfully, her boss was understanding, especially when Melody reminded her that she’d never taken a vacation and, quite honestly, could write from anywhere. Once she confirmed that her clients and projects were covered, she was granted a leave of absence.
“Well, that’s done,” Melody said when she returned to the living room. “I’m officially on vacation.”
“Shh.” Claire pointed to the sleeping baby in the playpen. “That’s great! Something else to check off your list.”
“Definitely a productive day,” Melody said as she sat down on the sofa. “My folks should be here soon. Did you already call the pizza place?”
Melody was grateful her friend had suggested take-out. She just didn’t have the energy to cook, and she knew her parents and Brody didn’t care. They weren’t coming for the food. They were coming to see the baby.
“I did, but there’s been a slight change in dinner plans,” Claire said.
“Oh?”
“Your mom called while you were talking to Roz. Your dad’s not feeling well. She thinks it’s just a cold, but they didn’t want to take the chance of getting the baby sick. They said they’d see you tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I’ll have to call him later.”
Claire nodded.
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
“There’s the pizza,” Claire said, leaping to her feet.
With her friend taking care of dinner, Melody walked over to the playpen to check on the baby. Macy’s favorite blanket was snuggled against her cheek as she slept peacefully.
“Oh. You’re not the pizza,” she heard Claire say.
“No, I’m . . . not the pizza.”
Melody smiled.
“Definitely not the pizza.” Claire’s voice was dreamy as her eyes swept over the handsome doctor. “Please tell me you’re Brody.”
“I am. You must be Claire?”
She giggled like a little girl.
Laughing softly, Melody decided to put him out of his misery and save him from her boy-crazy assistant.
“You’d never know she was a married woman,” Melody said, grabbing her assistant by the arm and dragging her away from the door. “Come on in.”
“Thanks.” Brody grinned, stepping inside. “I wish you would’ve let me bring something. I was happy to.”
“No need. Claire ordered pizza.”
“Sounds great.” Brody followed the ladies into the living room. He smiled when he saw Macy in the playpen. “How’s she doing?”
“She’s . . . perfect. The best baby, honestly. Sleeps all night. Never fusses.”
“I’m so jealous. My baby still hasn’t slept through the night,” Claire said, her voice soft. “Speaking of which, I should give them a call. Excuse me.”
Claire stepped out to the porch to wait for the pizza and call her husband.
“She seems nice,” Brody said.
“She’s amazing. I couldn’t make it without her,” Melody said, waving him over to the sofa. “She’s missing her family, though.”
“Understandable.”
“Speaking of family, my folks can’t make it. Dad has a cold.”
“That’s too bad,” Brody said. “Then I won’t stay long. I’m sure you want to spend time with Claire before she goes back to New York.”
On cue, Claire walked back into the living room, holding two large pizzas. Melody could tell by the look on her friend’s face that something was wrong. Brody noticed it, too, and immediately jumped to his feet, offering to take the pizzas to the kitchen so the girls could talk.
“What’s wrong?” Melody asked.
Claire wiped her eyes. “Nothing. I just . . . haven’t been away from the baby for this long. I know it’s just been a day, but—”
“Claire, I totally get it. Macy’s only been mine for a few days, and I can’t imagine leaving her. It’s absolutely okay if you want to fly back to Manhattan tonight.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Really? But you need me.”
Melody smiled. “I always need you, but I’m good. It would relieve my guilt, too. I hate that you left your family just to help me get settled.”
“But that’s my job. Whatever you need.”
“No, this is above and beyond, and I’m forever grateful. And I know I’ll need you again. But for now, I’m good, so get online and see if you can change your flight.”
Melody hugged her frien
d. “Thank you.”
“Thank you. Now, let’s get you fed and get you home.”
* * *
“Have you had a good day?” Brody asked.
Melody nodded. It’d been a great day, despite the fact the evening hadn’t worked out like she’d planned at all. She thought she’d have a house full of happy people tonight, but instead, it was just her and Brody, sitting side by side and playing with Macy on the living room floor.
Not that she minded. Watching him with the baby was both a blessing and a curse, because it just reminded her of what could’ve been. But she couldn’t be sad. Because they were here, and it was weird and wonderful.
“I’m glad Claire decided to fly back tonight. I felt bad that she was away from her family.”
Brody looked down at his watch. “Do you think she’ll make it?”
Claire had been able to switch her flight, but she’d had to leave right away to make it to the airport on time.
Melody laughed. “She drives like a maniac. I think she’ll get there and have time to crochet a sweater if she wants.”
Brody chuckled and watched as Macy crawled around the living room.
“She’ll be walking soon,” he said.
“You think?”
He nodded. “Typically, between nine months and a year old.”
“She’s into everything now. I can’t imagine when she can actually walk.”
Brody laughed. “She’ll keep you on your toes, that’s for sure.”
“So, what you’re saying is I’m in the honeymoon period of motherhood?”
“Not at all,” he said, pulling Macy into his lap. “I’m just saying she’s a healthy and happy little girl who’s going to be on her feet soon. Better buy some gates.”
They smiled at each other before turning their attention back to Macy. Once again, Melody was struck with how natural this all seemed. How effortless. As if they hadn’t spent ten years apart. As if she hadn’t broken his heart. As if this—the two of them playing with a baby on the living room floor—was how life should be.
“I know that look,” Brody said.
She turned to find him gazing at her.
“What look?”
“That look that tells me that something’s on your mind.”
Melody shook her head and fixed her gaze on the baby. “I was just thinking about her.”
“And us. And how right this feels.”
“How did you know?”
“Because that’s what I was thinking, too.”
Melody sighed softly. “Does it make you sad?”
Macy wiggled out of his arms and continued crawling on the carpet. With a quiet sigh, Brody reached for Melody’s hand and laced his fingers through hers.
“I’ve spent the last ten years being sad, Melody.”
“And that’s my fault.”
He didn’t deny it. He simply lifted her hand. Melody trembled when his lips gently brushed her skin.
“I don’t blame you, Mel. Not anymore. You’re here now. We’re here now. And you have this beautiful little girl. Does it make me sad—the three of us together? Not at all. It makes me hopeful. It makes me happy, for the first time in a very long time.”
Brody leaned in, and she sighed softly when his lips found hers.
“Will you go out with me?” he whispered against her lips.
She smiled. “Like on a date?”
“Like on a date.”
Melody kissed him sweetly before smiling into his big blue eyes.
“I’d love to.”
Chapter 11
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Brody said.
“You said I could pick the place.”
“I didn’t think you’d pick the biggest redneck bar in town. Aren’t you supposed to be a sophisticated city girl now?”
Brody laughed as Melody practically skipped through the doors of the bar. He hadn’t stepped foot in Luke’s BBQ since high school. Luke’s wasn’t exactly the most wholesome place for teenagers to hang out, but that hadn’t stopped them.
“I guess it’s true what they say,” Brody yelled as they found a table. The music blaring from the jukebox was twangy and deafening. “You can’t take the honky tonk out of the girl.”
“A musical reference! You know how much I love those.”
“I do.”
“Brooks and Dunn recorded that song in 2002.”
He laughed. “I know. I mean, I know they recorded it. I didn’t know when.”
“And Bob DiPiero wrote it.”
“You’re a freak, you realize.”
“It’s my job.”
Brody grinned just as the waitress stopped by to take their order.
“Hey, Dr. Brody.”
“Hi, Susie. How’s Jake’s arm?”
The waitress sighed. “He hates the cast. Just two more weeks.”
“That’s great. Tell him I said hi.”
“Will do.” Susie offered a tired smile to Melody. “What can I get for you?”
They didn’t bother looking at the menu. They just ordered two barbeque sandwiches and fries.
“I’ll be right back with your drinks,” she said.
“Thanks, Susie,” Brody said as he turned his attention back to his date.
My date. It’s like I’m sixteen again.
“I want to check out the jukebox,” Melody said with a grin.
Brody laughed and followed her to the relic in the corner of the bar. Luke’s jukebox was to blame for Melody’s love of traditional country music. He’d always kept it filled with the classics—Cash, Waylon, Merle, and Hank—but with enough Garth and Shania mixed in to keep the teenagers happy.
Melody gazed at the track listing.
“Some things never change,” she said as she gazed at the list. “I don’t see a song recorded after 1995.”
“Not true,” a gruff voice resonated behind them. They turned to find Luke standing there, smiling at them. “Here’s a quarter. Play E8.”
Melody’s eyes lit up as she slipped the coin in the slot and pushed the buttons. Carrie Underwood’s voice instantly streamed through the speakers.
“I wrote that!” Melody shouted excitedly.
Luke laughed. “That’s the only reason it’s on my jukebox. Not that Carrie’s not a fine singer. But you know my policy.”
She nodded. “Nothing after 1995. I’m honored!”
Brody laughed as Luke and Melody hugged each other.
“It’s good to see you, girl,” Luke said. “What are you doing in town?”
“It’s a long story.”
“I wanna hear it sometime,” he said. “But right now, I have to get back to the grill. Good to see you, too, Brody.”
“You too, Luke.”
Brody took her hand and led her back to the table. It was impossible for him to ignore the beautiful smile on her face.
“Happy?” he asked, squeezing her hand.
Melody grinned. “I’ve just never heard my song on a jukebox before. It’s almost as cool as hearing it on the radio for the first time.”
After Susie arrived with their drinks, the two of them slid their chairs close together so that they wouldn’t have to scream at each other all night.
“I want to hear more about your job,” he said. “I know you’re a songwriter, but you’re a producer, too?”
She nodded. “I basically live in the studio. It’s not glamorous at all.”
“I bet those Grammys are nice, though.”
Melody smiled sheepishly. “Okay, so that night’s kind of glamorous. But that’s just one night of my life. Otherwise, I’m in the studio with my guitar or the piano, or I’m in the sound booth mixing an arrangement.”
“Do you write mostly country music?”
She took a sip of her drink before answering. “My clients are primarily country artists, but some of my songs have been recorded by rock stars, too. My lyrics are pretty universal. With slight changes in arrangement or vocal style, my songs can be
recorded by pretty much anybody.”
“I guess that’s why you’ve been so successful.”
She smiled. “Thanks.”
Their food arrived, and while they ate, they continued talking about anything and everything. Brody was fascinated by her stories about New York City. It was obvious how much she loved her life in Manhattan, and as she talked, he felt a knot form in his stomach.
She’s going back. You have to remember that.
“Dessert?” Susie asked as she gathered their plates.
“I’m stuffed,” Melody said.
“Me, too.”
“No problem. Here’s your ticket. Pay whenever you’re ready.”
“Thanks,” Brody said.
He was just reaching for his wallet when a sweet female voice started streaming through the jukebox.
“I love Trisha Yearwood!”
Brody chuckled. “I remember.”
“Dance with me?”
She didn’t have to ask him twice.
They couldn’t look more out of place—the two of them gently swaying to the country ballad in the middle of that redneck bar—but that didn’t matter to Brody.
For the first time in more than ten years, Melody Mitchell was dancing in his arms.
Right where she was meant to be.
* * *
When Brody and Melody arrived back at her house, they were surprised to see her mom pacing the living room, with Macy squalling in her arms.
“What’s wrong?” Melody asked.
“She just started fussing about fifteen minutes ago,” Sharon said tiredly. “Woke up screaming. I’ve changed her diaper. She doesn’t feel warm.”
“Another tooth?” Brody asked.
Melody took the baby and cradled her close. Macy buried her face against Melody’s chest, gasping for air as she whimpered.
“It’s okay, pretty girl. You’re okay.”
Brody wrapped his arm around Sharon’s shoulder as they watched Melody sit down on the sofa. It was mesmerizing, watching Melody whisper to her daughter, consoling her as if she’d been a mother for years. After what seemed like forever, but was truly only a few minutes, Macy’s tears subsided, and she closed her eyes.
“I shouldn’t have left her,” Melody whispered, rocking the sleeping baby in her arms.
No Time for Lullabies: No Brides Club, Book 2 Page 10
