Chapter Fifteen
Your comeback needs to be stronger than your
setback.
setback.
—Mel’s Motivational Blog
The crisp fall afternoon was perfect. Tanner had taken Melanie back to her house and she’d thrown on a simple sleeveless, knee-length dress in green, her favorite color, and she’d paired that with a cream cardigan and little peep-toe booties. She’d thrown on a gold strand with random clear beads, and hoop earrings. Her makeup remained simple, too. She had no idea what was going on, but the resort was a stunning Civil War–era home and the grounds were absolutely breathtaking.
When Melanie was changing, Jade had been getting ready as well and was equally confused. They’d both tried texting Olivia, but she’d been so vague, she just kept telling them there was a surprise.
Tanner headed up the long, curved drive toward Bella Vous. The old magnolia trees dotted all around the property demanded attention. Once he reached the top of the drive, the view of the pond and cypress trees was instantly relaxing. Melanie could easily see herself sitting in the shade beneath the trees at the water’s edge and getting more than enough inspiration for her blog.
Tanner pulled his truck in next to Cash’s and right behind them came Jade in her sporty car. Cash grabbed the door handle and opened for Melanie. When he reached his hand in, she placed hers in his and let him help her down.
“Go get your own damn girl,” Tanner growled as he killed the engine and got out.
Cash wrapped Melanie’s hand around the bend of his arm. “He really is territorial. Like a grouchy bear.”
“Any clue what’s going on?” Jade asked as she came around the back of Tanner’s truck.
Cash stilled against Melanie and she was positive the man stopped breathing as he stared at Jade, who was adjusting her body-hugging dress and smoothing it down her thighs so she totally missed the transfixed Cash.
Melanie shot a glance to Tanner, who was trying in vain not to smile. He silently replied with a wink. Poor Cash. He had it bad, but apparently Jade was either oblivious or she didn’t care. Melanie figured the latter.
It would take one very special man with patience and strength to fight through the defensive walls Jade had erected around herself.
Not that Cash wasn’t special, but could he do the job? Melanie wished someone would step into Jade’s life and help her get over the bitterness she let fester day after day. But Melanie wasn’t about to call her out on that. At least, not quite yet.
“We’re all in the dark here,” Tanner stated. “You ladies look nice, whatever is going on.”
Melanie elbowed Cash to get him out of his trance before drool started down his chin. He blinked and shook his head as he turned his attention toward the house.
“No clue what’s going on,” he stated. “Ready?” Melanie smiled and he simply raised his brows. Yeah, he’d totally been caught checking out her best friend, but Jade was a stunning woman, with all of that auburn hair waving down her back and that deep sapphire blue dress she wore. The woman would always turn heads, no matter if she was dressed up or in her running gear. Melanie wanted to hate her, but it was impossible not to love someone who was so loyal and kind.
They headed up the sidewalk that curved out around the lush landscaping and led them toward the wide porch with thick white columns. The oak door swung wide and Sophie Monroe stood there with a wide smile. She’d cut her dark hair since Melanie had last seen her. Now it lay in a classy cut just below her chin. She wore a pale pink dress with silver flats and as always was the epitome of charming.
“Hey, guys. So glad you could come.” She opened the door wider and gestured them inside. “Go on out back through the study. Everything is set up on the patio today.”
Sophie Monroe was just as cryptic as Jax and Livie. What in the world was going on?
Leading the way toward the back of the house, Sophie ushered them into the den. Any other time Melanie would take a moment and appreciate the beauty of the way they’d managed to bring the old and the new together with the décor and the built-in bookcases that ran from floor to ceiling.
But right now Melanie was more intrigued with all the secrecy.
Cash released her arm and moved forward to hold open the French doors. Tanner stepped up next to her side and palmed the small of her back.
The moment they stepped onto the patio, Melanie couldn’t suppress her smile. There were three outdoor benches on each side with a small aisle in the middle. The white petals on the stone running from the doorway, down the aisle, and to the beaming couple at the end told the entire story.
“Surprise,” Piper shouted, wearing the blue dress Livie had purchased for the wedding. She stood between Jax and Livie, holding their hands. “We’re getting married.”
“We didn’t know when we’d have time to plan everything, so we decided to just do it,” Olivia stated. “Also, Melanie, you don’t have to worry about a dress fitting.”
Melanie laughed. “Well, then, congratulations to both of us.”
“We’ve closed this section off to the guests for the afternoon, so it’s all ours.” Sophie went to stand next to Zach and wrapped her arm through his. “We’re so excited everyone could make it.”
“We had no idea what was going on,” Cash stated, stepping forward and slapping Jax on the back. “Good for you guys. I’m happy for you.”
Jade moved in on the other side of Melanie. “I can’t believe you kept this a secret. How did you manage that? And by the way, you look stunning.”
Livie glanced down at her simple floor-length lace dress and then to Piper, who stared up at her with that little girl sparkle in her eyes.
“Piper and I may have been doing some behind-the-scenes work to make this happen,” Livie explained. “That’s another reason Tanner had Piper the other day. I was picking up my dress and Jax’s suit.”
“This is the only occasion she’d ever get me in a suit,” Jax chimed in.
The always masculine Jax could typically be found in jeans and a tee or a flannel shirt. Work boots were always the shoe of choice. But today he had on a charcoal gray suit with matching shirt and black patent shoes. Melanie had to admit he looked handsome, even with the scruff along his jawline and the unruly hair he attempted to fix.
“Eyes over here, darlin’,” Tanner whispered in her ear.
Melanie squeezed Tanner’s hand and threw him a glance. “Just taking in all the scenery.”
He leaned over against her ear, his lips brushing the sensitive skin. “All the scenery you need is right beside you.”
Her body trembled and she couldn’t figure out how the man could turn her on so simply and with all these people around.
“If you guys are ready to get started, just take a seat.” Sophie gestured toward the benches. “The minister is inside talking with Liam. I’ll go get him.”
Piper headed down the aisle toward Melanie. “Do you like my dress, Aunt Mel? I’ve never had a dress so fancy, but Mom said it was perfect for the wedding.”
Melanie’s heart melted. “It is perfect. But you know, you’re just as beautiful in your overalls helping your daddy in the hangar. You know what makes a girl beautiful?”
“Her heart?” Piper asked with a slight wrinkle of her nose.
Melanie nodded. “That’s right. Did Livie tell you that?”
“She tells me all the time that being nice is more beautiful than what I wear or how my hair is.”
Melanie looked to Livie, who stood with tears swimming in her eyes. “Your mom is one smart lady. You’re a lucky little girl.”
“I changed my mind about the boy. I want you to have a little girl,” Piper added. “We’ll be best friends and I’ll teach her about planes.”
Melanie tapped her finger on the end of Piper’s button nose. “No matter what I have, you are going to have to teach this baby all about planes, because you know way more than I do. Is that a deal, Pip?”
Piper nodded, her curled hair bouncing around her shoulders. “It’s a deal.”
She ran back down the aisle toward Livie and began chatting, no doubt telling her about the new deal.
Melanie took a seat on one of the garden benches that had been moved to the patio for the ceremony. When she sat next to Tanner, he placed his hand on her knee and leaned in.
“Thank you for loving her like we do.”
Melanie settled her hand over his. “She’s so easy to love.”
And so was the man beside her. There was no denying the truth any longer. She’d started falling for him when he’d pulled her over for a speeding ticket on her first day in town. She’d been angry, but he’d been so damn attractive in that uniform and those dark aviators, with that Southern drawl and the way he’d said ma’am
. Her heart had fluttered right there on the side of the road as he wrote her up a hefty fine for going nearly twenty over the limit.
And now they were starting a family.
Fear niggled deep in her belly at the veiled threat from Neville the other day. She’d yet to tell Tanner. He needed to know, it was only right to tell him. Yet she didn’t want him to get involved. Neville had tarnished so much of her life, Melanie didn’t want him anywhere near Tanner.
The minister stepped out and went to stand in front. With everyone all smiles and hopeful, Melanie pushed the concerning thoughts from her mind.
As the ceremony progressed, Melanie’s mind filled with what-ifs. What if this were her and Tanner one day? What if he wanted to make this something permanent? What if she let her guard completely down and let him into her once battered heart?
Could she? Would Tanner want to take on someone with so much baggage? Because as much as she wanted to protect him from her past, if they were indeed looking at long-term as a couple, he’d have to know everything, and there was a good possibility Neville would cause trouble for them.
Tanner’s thumb stroked the back of her hand. Just that slight feathering touch had her pulling back to the moment and calming her fears. She was here now, with her friends, with her lover, and the most precious wedding ever.
After Jax and Livie exchanged rings, the minister presented Piper with a ring as well. Melanie instantly teared up. Had she known she was coming to a wedding, she would at least have brought tissues. Her emotions were all over the place lately, and this was just too much.
Tanner wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his side. Melanie swiped at her cheeks and spotted Jade across the aisle. Even she had let a tear escape. Melanie hadn’t known that woman could cry. Whenever she got upset, she bottled up her emotions and went into pure badass mode.
Weddings, especially with an angelic little girl, would clench anyone’s heart. Finally, the minister had Jax kiss Livie, and Piper jumped up and down, clapping her hands. Jax released Livie and reached down, picked up his daughter, and kissed her cheek. They all turned to face their friends, and Melanie loved this picture of the little family Livie had now.
Sophie stepped to the front of the patio, her smile still beaming as it had since they’d all arrived. “There is cake and some food in the main dining area. We’d love to have you all stay as long as you need. We’ve made other arrangements for our guests, so this time is all yours.”
At the mention of cake, Melanie couldn’t help but recall the amazing cupcake Tanner had brought her from Liam’s pastry shop here. She’d been watching what she ate with this baby, not just because she was health conscious, but because the baby needed proper nutrients.
They all made their way into the dining room, which looked like something straight from a Southern magazine. There was no doubt in what era this home was built. With the narrow floor-to-ceiling windows, the intricate detailing in the crown moldings and the medallion surrounding the base of the chandelier, Melanie couldn’t take in all the beauty at once. The Monroe boys had definitely put in a vast amount of money and time on this project. Melanie had heard how run-down the place was when they’d taken over.
Seeing how magnificent they’d made this home and the business they’d created, gave Melanie a new burst of hope for the airport. They definitely had a vision, and with all the determination among the six of them, there was no way they’d fail. They were all fighters, each having their own skills to aid in making the newly revamped airport a success.
A beautiful lace cloth covered the long, oblong dining table, and in the center was a simple pale pink cake with two tiers separated with flawless white roses. A gold initial M sat atop the cake, symbolizing the new Morgan family.
Along the sideboard were various finger foods, and Liam brought in another tray of some type of wraps that smelled heavenly as he passed by.
“This all looks so amazing,” Livie stated. “I can’t thank you all enough for helping throw this together last minute, and while guests are here.”
Sophie waved a hand in the air and shook her head. “We are thrilled to help. Besides, you’re giving my husband work with the renovations. It’s the least we could do.”
“If you all need anything else, let me know,” Liam stated before he headed back toward the kitchen.
Melanie didn’t know the Monroe brothers well, since she hadn’t grown up here, but she’d had some dealings with Zach since the start of the airport project. Liam was the quiet one, but Braxton was the one brother Melanie had never seen. She knew he was married to the fabulous masseuse here at Bella Vous.
Three power couples ran this place, and flawlessly so far. Melanie had heard nothing but amazing things about it. She knew firsthand the pastries and the massages were top-notch, and those were reasons enough to want to come here. Who wouldn’t want to get away and escape reality when Bella Vous offered so much?
“If I ever lose my mind and get married, I want it to be simple like this,” Jade whispered as she took a seat next to Melanie.
“You’ll marry one day,” Melanie assured her friend. “The right guy will come along and you’ll be helpless against your feelings for him.”
Jade smirked and raised one brow. “Is that what’s happening to you?”
Melanie pursed her lips, then grinned. “Maybe.”
“Good.” Jade gave a firm nod of approval. “You deserve to be helplessly in love with a man who isn’t an asshole.”
Melanie swatted at Jade’s arm. “I never said I was in love, and you shouldn’t say asshole
at a wedding reception.”
“Why not? These guys have said worse, trust me.”
Tanner’s hand slid over Melanie’s thigh beneath the table, drawing her attention to the fact that he sat so close, the entire side of his body brushed against hers.
She tipped her head and found his gaze locked onto hers.
“Feeling alright?” he asked.
“I feel fine. Stop worrying.”
This morning she’d been mortified that he’d been there to witness her first bout of morning sickness, but he’d been so attentive and caring, she was sort of glad she hadn’t been alone.
They all ate and raved over the finger foods and the fabulous raspberry and vanilla torte. And Melanie had thought that cupcake was divine. This slice of cake was positively heavenly. No doubt her little one would be enjoying this.
Hey, it was fruit, so that totally counted as a day’s serving.
What seemed like hours later, Melanie stretched and came to her feet. Jade was across the room talking with Sophie, and Tanner had congregated in the corner with Jax and Cash. After all she’d eaten, she seriously needed a nap. Who knew growing a child took so much energy? She’d read in several places that the second trimester brought on less sickness and more energy. She couldn’t wait to hit that twelve-week mark.
“Can I feel your tummy?”
Melanie turned around to see Piper with her wide eyes glued to Melanie’s midsection. She couldn’t help but laugh.
“You can, but there’s not much to feel right now. My belly hasn’t gotten any bigger yet. The baby is just the size of a raspberry.”
She gasped. “Like the kind we had in the cake?”
Melanie laughed. “That’s just the comparison. My baby will grow, and as she does, my belly will grow. It won’t be long and you’ll be able to feel her moving around.”
“You think it’s a girl?”
Melanie shrugged. “I really have no idea. That just came out.”
“I’m going to guess a boy.” Piper laid her little hands over Melanie’s flat belly. “Just don’t name him Austin. There’s a kid in my class and he always pulls my ponytails. His name is Austin and I hate him.”
Melanie bit the inside of her lips to keep from smiling. Piper was passionate about everything she ever discussed. That’s what made her so special and perfect. Melanie hoped she never changed.
“You about ready to go?” Tanner asked, coming up to her side. He wrapped his arm around her and smiled down at Piper. “You feeling for the baby?”
“I think it’s a boy, but Aunt Mel said a girl.”
“I think it’s a girl, too,” Tanner said, surprising Melanie.
“You do?” she asked.
“I’ve just had a feeling.” He gave a slight shrug. “I guess when I think of the baby, I instantly think of her having your blond hair and bright green eyes.”
The fact that he’d given so much thought to the way their baby would look had her heart lurching even more toward him. There was no way at all to keep her heart from becoming involved. Tanner had made it impossible.
Which made her wonder just exactly how he felt about her. He’d asked her to move in, but that could have more to do with the baby. He’d said at first that’s why he was so protective, but now, did he truly care for her on a more permanent level, or did he just want to keep a closer eye on her?
“We should say goodbye to everyone,” Melanie stated before turning her attention back to Piper. “Maybe when the time comes, you could help me decorate the nursery. You’re the only kid I know.”
Piper’s eyes lit up. “Could I really? No matter if you have a boy or a girl?”
“No matter what,” Melanie promised.
Piper threw her arms around Melanie’s waist, her little head resting on Melanie’s belly. “You’re the best, Aunt Mel.”
Melanie squeezed her back and met Tanner’s eyes. “I think you’re pretty special, too. You’ve had a pretty exciting day. I’m glad my best friend is your mom now officially.”
Piper eased back and held up her hand with the sparkly gold band. “We’re married forever. The minister said so.”
“That’s right, Pip.” Tanner gave one of her curls a tug. “You’re a perfect family now.”
“Are you going to be a family like Mom and Dad?”
Piper glanced back and forth between Melanie and Tanner. The silence grew beyond uncomfortable and there was no way Melanie was going to answer that.
“We are already a family,” Tanner explained. “Melanie and I are having a baby.”
“But are you going to put a ring on her finger like my daddy did?”
Tanner raked a hand over the back of his neck, and his eyes darted to Melanie as if silently asking for help. Melanie held her hands up and shook her head. Hell no, she wasn’t about to answer.
“I’d like to know the answer to that, too.” Jade stepped up next to Melanie and gave her a wink. “Melanie has always been partial to emeralds, but she’d never tell you that. Green is her favorite color, though.”
Melanie recalled one night when they’d had girls’ night in and she’d had too much to drink after her divorce was final. Okay, fine, it was a divorce party, but only her, Jade, and Livie were in attendance. Anyway, she remembered stating if she ever married again she never wanted to see another diamond. Neville had bought her the most obnoxious stone, all for the show and the drama. The last thing she wanted in a relationship was flare. She wanted honor, loyalty, love. Was that too much to ask?
“Emeralds are pretty,” Tanner agreed slowly. “Anyway, I need to say bye to the bride and groom and get Melanie home. She’s tired.”
“That dodge wasn’t so slick,” Jade muttered toward Tanner.
“I thought it was.”
He stepped away and went over to hug Livie. Piper was right on his heels and held up her arms to her father.
“You think this little wedding has prompted the two of you to make a major decision?” Jade whispered.
Melanie crossed her arms and watched Tanner from across the wide dining room. “I’m not sure that I’m ready for that.”
“You’re having the man’s baby. You mean to tell me a ring scares you?”
Melanie glanced at Jade. “All of this scares me. I’ve already been thrust into one life-altering factor, I’m not sure I can handle another right now.”
“You better prepare yourself, because that man has more feelings for you than just as his baby mama.”
Melanie couldn’t describe the emotions that rolled through her at Jade’s bold statement. Jade must’ve seen things that Melanie hadn’t. Tanner was a blunt man and he was honest. But he’d never hinted at marriage.
And she needed to get those thoughts out of her head anyway. Yes, one day she wanted to marry and live the dream of happily ever after. She firmly believed love existed. She’d seen it—case in point the happy couple across the room.
Just because she had made a wrong choice and her first marriage was a living hell, didn’t mean she didn’t hold out hope for a man who would love and cherish her.
Was that man Tanner? Only time would tell.