Chapter 20

Stryder

 

Pulling back from a kiss that left him feeling euphoric and like he was home all at the same time, Stryder scooped Melody into his arms. “Come on! We can’t wait.” There was no way he was going to put off their union one more day.

Melody clutched at his neck as he strode quickly across the bridge and then the field. “What? Wait, where are we going?” Her touch was warm and strong and Stryder never wanted her to let go.

He set her down on the gravel by the truck and grabbed her hand. “You said you’d marry me.” He wasn’t going to give her time to rethink anything. He’d waited long enough.

Opening the passenger door on his truck, Stryder closed it after she climbed in, albeit looking a little confused. Jumping into the driver’s seat, Stryder glanced at Melody as he drove them out of the driveway and toward town. “I haven’t had a chance to check on the mayor or change. Is it still Mayor Mork?”

Melody nodded her head cautiously, like she wasn’t sure about Stryder’s mental state. She’d understand soon enough.

The drive to the mayor’s house didn’t take long and they were climbing from the truck in no time. Melody moved slowly. Of course, she wouldn’t be quite certain what was happening since Stryder hadn’t told her. He wanted her to have as little time as possible to argue with him. She’d already said yes. He just needed her to say I do.

The late hour didn’t matter. Stryder would make it up to the small town official. He couldn’t wait another day. What if something happened the next day that would keep Melody from marrying him? No, he needed her bound to him immediately. His heart wouldn’t last another moment without the certainty of being tied to her.

Before she could object, Stryder stormed the house, banging on the front door with little more enthusiasm than eleven o-clock at night warranted. He tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and placed his other hand over her fingers. He leaned forward and knocked on the door with his knuckles.

First one light and then another came on inside.

The mayor opened the door, a shotgun pointed toward the carpet at his side. He sighed in relief and then set his gun to the side. Calling over his shoulder, he said. “Never mind calling Sheriff Stuart, Martha, it’s just Stryder.”

“Stryder Flint?” A kindly older lady called back from deeper inside the home. “I wasn’t calling the sheriff anyway, Bob. You know he won’t answer the phone on poker night.”

The mayor rolled his eyes and looked back at Stryder and Melody. “What can I do for you, Stryder?”

Clearing his throat, Stryder patted Melody’s fingers and glanced at her, pausing before answering with a conviction that filled his heart. “I can’t wait. I need to marry Melody, now, sir. Before someone else tries to steal her or convince her she doesn’t need me. I don’t want to make a mistake or another dumb decision.”

The mayor chuckled, an all-too-knowing expression on his face. “It’s good to have you back, Flint. This town needs your touch and I daresay, Melody needs to be appreciated.”

Stryder grinned and turned to Melody. “I’ll make everything up to you. I’ll throw you a big fancy wedding, with all the extras any time you want, whatever you want, but I can’t wait. We’ve been apart too long. Is this okay?” He ducked his head to study her expression. Was she going to leave him stranded? He was pushing too hard and too fast, but his heart wouldn’t let him stop. She’d reject him as she had the flower shop and the help with anything else. Please, don’t turn me down. Say yes. Could she feel him? Could she know how much she meant to him?

Eyes bright, Melody nodded without making him wait too long. “Yes. Yes, I do.”

The mayor chuckled again, opening his front door fully. “I haven’t asked you that yet.” He laughed more, motioning them inside. “Come in. Let’s get you married. Martha, put on some tea. We need to perform a wedding.”

“Stryder brought Melody, right?” Her chuckle reached them from the kitchen. “I always said Flint and Steel would end up together. They were created to make a fire. Didn’t I say that? I know I told you that. People need to start listening to me.”

Stryder laughed, gripping Melody’s hand tight. “Is it that obvious?” He couldn’t hide it from anyone and he didn’t want to try ever again.

“It’s long overdue, son.” The mayor patted Stryder’s back.

Stryder pulled Melody close, wrapping his arm around Melody’s shoulders. He couldn’t agree more.