Melanie didn’t look at the quilt, but rather at Jason’s face. She wanted to gauge his reaction to see how well it would do in the show. The quilt was a piece she’d struggled with for months on end but couldn’t seem to get just right in her mind’s eye. She knew she wanted it to be inviting, welcoming and awe inspiring, but the colors weren’t quite enough. It was a starburst background with a cross built into the blocks. When the patterns were laid out correctly, you could see it take shape in the center. The golds, oranges and rust colors of the starburst had to be accented heavily with beading in order to make it glitter like she wanted in her mind.
“That is stunning” he said reverently, looking at her in surprise. “I had no idea you could make this with fabric. Maybe we should go to the store?” Laughing, Melanie felt a blush creep up her face.
“I don’t think so. I have a lot of fabric already and I’m trying to decide on my next piece.”
“What are you going to do? What made you design this?”
“Honestly? I was sitting in church one Sunday when it hit me that I wanted to make something that welcomed people as much as I felt welcomed. I’m not sure what I am going to do next. When it hits me, I will know then what it’s going to be.”
“What church do you attend?”
“St. Mary’s. They don’t know about the quilt. I wanted to enter it in the quilt show because I was so proud of it, but when it comes down from display? I am taking it directly there I think just so it doesn’t get damaged or ruined. The beading is extremely delicate.”
“I’d like to join you when you take it. If you’d like the help carrying it?”
“I’d like that a lot,” she admitted gratefully. “It’s quite heavy.”
“What do you have left to do to it to get it ready?” Melanie was surprised by the simple questions. No one had ever asked to see a quilt piece or a photo, much less how much work went into it. No one other than the ladies at the quilt shop. She felt so much like an outsider at the school sometimes, but now? Seeing the open acceptance in his face, in his eyes, she felt invincible, and proud of what she’d created.
“Not much. I already have a sleeve and label on it. It’s booked. Now it’s just a matter of steaming it before I roll it up in order to get out any remaining wrinkles or marks,” she told him, leaning forward to pick off a piece of thread that was clinging to it. “Maybe I will run a lint roller over it one more time too.”
“It looks absolutely perfect.”
“Wait till you see some of the other ones there.”
“Can I take a picture? I’d like to show my grandpa. My grandmother used to make rag quilts but it was never anything like this. It was for warmth, not beauty.”
“You really like it don’t you?” she asked excitedly, feeling hope bubble forth. She’d worried that it wasn’t going to hold up to the others that were bound to be on display. She’d gone last year to the show as a guest, not a participant, and was stunned at the skill she’d seen there.
“It’s breathtaking,” he said, turning from the quilt to look at her. She was floored by the pride shining in his eyes. “You are breathtaking. This is just another facet of the beautiful person standing before me. You are stunning inside and out.” Jason leaned down to kiss her. His hands cupped her face tenderly, and then he moved back with a slight frown.
“I have morning breath and I wish it was under better circumstances,” he admitted, rubbing his thumb on her cheek.
“I have morning breath too,” she reminded him, leaning up and kissing him softly. Melanie held her breath as much as possible and broke the kiss before she could offend. Both let out their breath the moment they were out of range of each other possibly smelling the other’s breath. Melanie giggled at being found out that she’d held hers at the same time he had. His smile warmed her heart.
“Let’s take Sheba out,” he suggested. “Spend the day with me. Let’s enjoy some sun and keep my mind off of last night. I want to celebrate Rick’s life, not think of his last moments. They keep replaying in my head and I need to remember more than that.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea. I will get changed and cleaned up.”
“I’ll head home and be back shortly. I could use a shower and a shave.”
“I don’t know, scruffy is pretty cute on you,” she laughed, pinching his cheeks.
“You are pretty cute to me,” he countered, sticking out his tongue between pursed lips from where she’d pinched his face. Walking him to the door, he called for Sheba and groaned when she dragged Melanie’s mangled purse forward, the strap completely chewed through now. “I’m guessing that’s leather?”
“Well, it was.”
“I owe you a purse.”
“Don’t worry about it, I’ve been wanting a new one for a while. Go on,” she ordered with a smile. “I’ll be waiting when you come back.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek, causing her to smile as she covered her mouth to avoid breathing on him. Laughing, he headed out the front door and waved.
Melanie remembered that his uniform was still soaking in cold water and she was glad he’d left. She didn’t want to remind him about the night’s events. Fishing out his shirt, she put it in the washing machine and walked to the bathroom. His pants were neatly folded, as if he wasn’t sure what to do with them. She was glad to see that he’d not tossed them on the floor for her to pick up. Melanie quickly ran back to the kitchen and put the pants in the washing machine with his shirt. His uniform would be clean when he looked for it again.
Melanie hurried and got cleaned up, unsure how long it would be before Jason returned. She knew he didn’t want to be alone and needed the companionship. He was a soft, gentle soul that had been through a lot in his life. She could only imagine how crushed he’d been after his wife had passed because of his deep connection with Sheba. She was like a best friend or child to him. He had a bag he carried with things for her, just like a mother would carry a diaper bag. It was bitterly sweet and almost comical to think of it, but she was part of his family and from what he’d told her? There wasn’t much there to reach out to.
Hearing a knock at the door, she smiled. Opening it, she saw he was standing there with Sheba in tow.
“Ready?”
“Yes, do I need anything?”
“Bring your wonderful self and maybe some sunscreen?”
“How about a hat instead?”
“Sounds good.”
“Where are we off too?” She noticed that he had driven the truck again. She assumed that off duty, he left the cruiser at his home. Sheba jumped in the truck and took a good portion of the bench seat. Laughing, Melanie got in.
“Move over, Sheba, and no drooling on me, okay?” she told the dog, only to have her bark loudly in agreement. Jason grinned at the interaction between the two of them.
“Sorry about the lack of space. I don’t let her ride in the back often at all because I’m afraid she’d either jump out or fall out. I couldn’t handle that.”
“Of course not, she’s your family.”
Jason nodded quietly and fired up the truck. Melanie did glance out the back window and saw that there were some fishing poles sticking out of the truck bed.
“Fishing?”
“I thought maybe we could relax in the shade, throw a couple lines out and let her play in the water.”
“Honestly, I’ve never been fishing, but the idea of relaxing by a lake or pond sounds nice.
“I thought we’d go to Lakeside, if that’s okay with you? It’s not very crowded and there’s plenty of space for her to run around.”
“Your day, your choice. I’m just here to enjoy being with you both.”
“I’m glad,” he admitted, moving the truck into the next gear as he pulled out onto the road. It was just peaceful being around Jason and if it was the same for him, she understood why he’d reached out. It was like they had a connection almost right away…well, not quite right away. There’d been no connection at the airport, she thought with a
wry smile to herself. Arriving at the park, he stopped the truck and they walked together down to the small lake. It was lovely. She’d driven by a few times but never really stopped. Most of her life had been spent in a classroom or imagining piecing together quilts. She felt like her eyes were opening for the first time in a long time.
The lake was pristine and the shoreline dotted with cattail fronds. The dark water looked like glass reflecting a small island in the very center where a large tree stood alone majestically. A few ducks and ducklings were dotted about the lake. Surprisingly, Sheba didn’t lay chase to them. Instead, she cocked her head to the side, watching the funny creatures move across the water. Picking a spot under the tree, Melanie spread out the blanket Jason had brought for them to relax on. He dug out a rubber dog toy and flung it towards the water, sending Sheba into action. She ignored the ducks, but the moment that neon-green KONG toy emerged from the bag? She’d lost her mind. Barking, jumping, dancing on her back legs and then tearing into action to catch it.
“My word, she’s…”
“Insane? Incredible? Unstoppable?” he interrupted with a laugh. Sheba had thrown herself bodily into the lake to catch the toy and was on her way back proudly, to have it thrown again. Thankfully, she shook herself off before she got within distance of them. Melanie marveled at how intense she was when it came to her playtime. The lake water rippled wildly from her disturbance as she dived in again.
“I think I will settle on incredible, but yes, she’s all three.” Melanie grinned at Jason’s smiling face and it struck her. This would be her next quilt. Jason and Sheba. Could she accurately depict how incredible the two of them were together? As soon as she got home, she would begin selecting shades to depict the varying shades of brown that were in her furry coat. Jason on the other hand would be different. She’d never done a portrait quilt before and had no idea how to proceed. Perhaps she could pick up some tips, pointers and suggestions at the show tomorrow.
“You look deep in thought,” he said, tossing the green toy again for Sheba. “You don’t mind this, do you? I know it’s pretty warm out.”
“Honestly? This is perfect.”
“I’m glad.”
She sat there for quite a while, just watching him with Sheba. A few other families had the same idea as they did, enjoying a last outing before school started back in session. The children were brave and fascinated by the dog. Jason knelt down and taught them how to extend their hand for her to sniff them. He let them pet her, as well as gave them the chance to throw the toy several times, making them laugh in delight. He was wonderful with the kids. He was simply wonderful.
Jason was so good with everyone. He was incredible at his job, with her, with people, and genuinely a caring man. Her caring man. He looked over at her where she sat and smiled happily. She blew him a kiss and waved.
“Your husband is good with children. Mine is the blond boy petting the dog. Do you have any?”
“He’s not my husband, but he is pretty special.”
“Well, if he’s not? He should be the way he looks at you like that. That man loves you and it’s written all over his face.” Melanie blushed wildly at the candidness of the woman’s words. “My husband used to watch me like that and I loved it. Now, he wants his dinner and TV remote. But I love my guy.”
“I’m sure he cares for you. You have a beautiful son.”
“Oh, he does, but you can’t ever forget these special moments. They are what get you through the rough times. You don’t worry about what could happen. Instead, you remember that intense look he gives you and how you are able to depend on your man when you are down.”
Melanie stared up at her in surprise. The woman stood blocking the sun from her and called out for the boy. “Enjoy the day and tell that man how you really feel.” She knelt down and picked up the child and walked away.
Eager to join the group surrounding Jason, she walked over with a fishing rod. The last time she’d cast, she had been a teenager.
“I think I’m going to try my hand at this since you are occupied,” she teased, kissing him on the cheek. He smiled widely, hooking his finger in the collar of her shirt pulling her backwards.
“Try that again,” he whispered with a sly grin.
“Like this?” Melanie leaned up and tenderly kissed him on the lips. Several children around them squealed in disgust at the adults’ show of affection. He leaned down and kissed her again, his eyes filled with adoration.
“Just like that.”
“You are amazing,” she whispered, looking up at him. Her heart felt like it was ready to burst with emotion. That woman was right. She could see the affection in his eyes, in the way he looked at her. His heart and soul were in there for her to see.
“Only because you are here,” he admitted softly, stroking her hair before cupping her face. “Melanie…I lo-” he began.
“Shhh. I just realized that I know,” she admitted and kissed him quickly before he said more. He’d been in a fragile state with Rick’s death and she didn’t want him to say something he might regret later or wish he’d told her in a different fashion. She stepped out of his arms and backed away. “I already know.”
The afternoon flew by and Melanie realized it wasn’t just the fact that she really liked Jason. It was more of the surprise that she couldn’t picture life without him. The man had an aura around him that made her feel wonderful and secure. She found herself sharing more and more of herself with him. Not just as a friend, but as a soulmate. He just fit her, this wonderful, outgoing, old-fashioned man. A man who played dominos with his grandfather, who liked to fish and savored a simpler time. A man who appreciated her interests and honored her by showing that it meant a lot to him too. A sensitive man that needed her in his lowest moments and relied on her for strength.
When he’d gotten the text notification of the funeral arrangements, he instantly turned to her. It was simple. He needed, and she wanted to be there. He didn’t say a word, just holding his phone silently, as if it hurt to say it aloud.
“I’ll go with you. You won’t be alone.” He’d hugged her, and it meant the world to her knowing that she could do this for him.
Ten
Melanie got up early to prepare for the quilt show and the funeral. The show would run all day, but it wasn’t necessary that she was there. All she had to do was set up and make sure her label was present. She’d wanted to look around to get ideas, and perhaps she would as long as it kept Jason’s mind from dwelling on the loss of his friend.
His face was pale and solemn against his uniform. He dressed ready for the funeral so that way he was ready to go when it was time. The funeral was later this afternoon and she hated to think of him being miserable. He was trying though, offering to help set up her quilt on display. After it was hung, she dragged him around to view the others in the large hall.
Melanie had to coach him quickly on quilt show etiquette. Jason was shocked when a woman reached out and slapped his hand for touching her quilt. She quickly jumped in between them and apologized. Sheba was glared at repeatedly by several onlookers afraid that dog dander would touch their fabrics. Heaven help them all if there was a leather purse lying around somewhere!
“I think we’ll wait outside for you.”
“We’ll go,” she quickly countered, glancing at him sharply in surprise. How could he expect her to enjoy herself when he was miserable?
“No.”
“How can I look around when you look so miserable and alone?”
“I just got my hand slapped by Gertrude over there and I’m not alone. Sheba is with me.”
“Her name is Gertrude?” she asked, outraged. She would have some words to say to the woman for rudely slapping his hand. She could have politely asked Jason not to touch and he would have complied. He was a lawkeeper, not a rule breaker. He simply didn’t know the rules of the quilt show and that was her fault, not his. She hadn’t explained the etiquette, and honestly? She enjoyed the fact that he showed inte
rest in her hobby.
“No, but she looks like one,” he said with a sad smile. “Really, it’s okay. Go look around sweetheart and I will be here when you are done.” Melanie started at the endearment. The ire at the woman who’d chastised her man was suddenly gone and her mouth dropped open.
“That’s the first time you’ve called me sweetheart.”
“Shame on me then,” he said tenderly. “You are my sweetheart, my everything.”
“Jason, we’ll go.”
“Now, I’ll be upset if I ruin your day. You’ve been looking forward to this. Please, go. For me?” The man was firm in his conviction, even giving her a nudge back towards the throng of tables that were covered in an array of vibrant colors.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Jason leaned down and kissed her tenderly. “Go. Have fun,” he murmured against her lips. Melanie sighed happily and drifted back into the crowd on a mission to find out how to do the quilt she was developing in her mind. Darting from table to table, she took several photos with her phone and perused through booklets.
Coming around the corner, she glanced up and saw Jason standing there. He was talking with people that were coming and going into the hall, greeting them pleasantly like he had been assigned the duty. He was beautiful and made her heart skip a beat. His profile, his complexion against his dark uniform. Everything about him.
Melanie rejoined him, drawn like a moth to a flame. She wanted to touch his face and hold him in her arms. He looked alright on the outside, but the moment she saw his eyes? She knew. He was trying to be strong. The funeral was going to be awful for him. For both of them. Seeing him in pain, knowing it was there when he was trying to hide it away, made her hurt physically.
“Let’s go,” she said softly, taking hold of his hand. She needed the sense of peace just touching him brought to her. She hoped and prayed it was the same for him.
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