Chapter Seven
I love when the coffee kicks in and I realize what
an adorable badass I’m going to be today.
—Mel’s Motivational Blog
“Officer Lansing will be by around seven.” Tanner held his cell and let his gaze travel around the doctor’s office parking lot. “He is new to the department and not from the area. He’s perfect to put in place.”
“And then what?” Cash asked.
Tanner kept his eye on his rearview mirrors, waiting for Melanie’s car. He was early, but he didn’t want to miss this first appointment. He’d rather wait for her. At least if she saw him when she arrived, she might just take a small step toward trusting him. Anything he could do to ease her worries, he would.
“We’re just setting someone in place to listen for chatter. Lansing is a young guy who lifts heavy. He’ll fit right in. You’ll want to be there to sign him up and make sure the appearances are all legit and real. The department is paying the gym fees, by the way.”
“I don’t care about the money,” Cash growled. “I want those guys out of my gym. The thought of drugs going through my business—”
“We’ll get them,” Tanner assured his cousin. No doubt Cash’s mind went immediately to his father, who had been in and out of rehab over the years. “But you’ll have to learn patience.”
Cash snorted. “You know that’s not my strong suit. My patience ran out the second time I caught my wife cheating on me.”
Tanner couldn’t believe Cash had stuck around long enough for there to be a second time, but that had been his business. Between Cash, Jax, and Tanner, the three of them had endured their own personal hell when it came to women. They just rarely spoke of that time in their lives. Tanner knew Cash was a hell of a loyal man and no doubt he’d wanted his marriage to work. Clearly his ex had had other plans.
A flash of an older model black car caught his eye as Melanie pulled in a few spots away. “Listen, man, I have to go. I’ll touch base later.”
“You sure as hell will,” Cash retorted. “I still haven’t heard how the hell you and Melanie . . . well, how you two are suddenly going to be parents. What were you thinking?”
“At the time, I was thinking of one thing. Isn’t that how this happens to everyone?”
“Smart-ass. You know what I meant. I’ll be at Taps later if you want to meet up,” Cash added. “First round is on me.”
Tanner shut off his truck and stepped out, pocketing his keys. “Just make sure you’re at the gym at seven to get things going for Lansing. I’ll text you about a beer later.”
As he disconnected the call and pocketed his phone, Tanner rounded his truck and met up with Melanie on the sidewalk.
She jerked around, clearly startled. “Oh, you’re here.”
“Did you think I wouldn’t be?”
“Honestly, I wasn’t sure.” A smile spread across her face and hit him square in the chest. “I’m glad you made it. I mean, this is awkward, but I want this baby to know both parents, and if you plan on supporting me along the way . . .”
“I do.” Tanner clenched his fists at his sides to prevent himself from doing something absurd like reaching for her. She was still learning to trust him and he had to remember that. “I told you I’m not going anywhere and I meant it.”
“Well.” She glanced toward the entrance to the doctor’s office. “Let’s go see what they have to say.”
Tanner held the door open for her and waited while she filled out all the paperwork. The waiting room was full of pregnant women, some accompanied by toddlers and men who he assumed were potential new fathers. The pictures on the walls were of silhouettes of women in various states of pregnancy. Magazines had bare bellies on the front or women holding newborns. Every single place he looked he was assaulted with the images of what his life was about to spiral into.
He couldn’t stop the assault on his mind of how excited he’d been once before. How the baby’s name had been chosen, the crib had been purchased.
Tanner closed his eyes for a moment and attempted to get his breathing under control. He just needed to relax. There was nothing to worry about. They didn’t have anything to go on in regards to problems. Melanie felt fine and no doubt the doctor would tell them shortly how healthy the baby was.
Melanie had turned in her paperwork and just sat back down when his cell vibrated in his pocket. Even though he was off duty, he couldn’t ignore calls or texts.
Tanner pulled out his phone, angling it away to check the caller. Disregarding the call, he slid the phone back in his pocket.
“You can get that,” she told him.
“It can wait.”
Melanie smoothed a hand down her little red sundress and crossed her legs. Even here in a waiting room where he knew her nerves were on high alert, she was all class and poised.
The damn thing vibrated again in his pocket. Tanner let out a sigh and pulled the phone back out. Different number, but still work related.
He shot off two quick texts stating that he would get with them in an hour or so, but if there was an emergency to let him know. He couldn’t take off completely, but there were definitely things that could wait. From here on out, Melanie and the baby had to come first.
“I don’t expect you to drop your life for me.”
Tanner clutched his phone and turned at Melanie. “You should expect exactly that. This baby is more important than any job . . . and so are you.”
Her eyes widened a fraction and he knew she hadn’t expected him to put this appointment, this child, or her, first in his life. One day she’d come to see that he wasn’t an enemy, that he wasn’t out to control her or take charge. Tanner actually admired the hell out of her for her strength and independence. She’d truly made a life for herself after coming out of the shadows of her ex.
He had no idea what she thought about him being the father, but he sure as hell wouldn’t use this child as a way to keep her in his clutches. Whatever battle she waged with herself, he wished like hell she wouldn’t drag him along for the ride. Time would be his greatest asset, because he could tell her over and over that he’d be there and wouldn’t let her down, but she would have to see for herself.
The waiting room of the doctor’s office wasn’t the time or the place to get into the whole host of topics they needed to cover.
Melanie turned to face him. “Tanner—”
“Melanie Ramsey,” the nurse called from the doorway.
Those bright, wide eyes held his for a second. Whatever she’d been about to say would have to wait.
* * *
Melanie stared at the curser on the screen.
Blink. Blink. Blink.
The damn thing mocked her. She’d had a brilliant blog post, but each time she’d started compiling the words, they fell flat. Maybe she needed more creamer in her coffee to perk her up.
This had never happened since she’d started her blog as a way to hold herself accountable in moving on. She’d not ventured into this as a way to bash her old life or drag her ex through the mud. He was too powerful and knew too many people who could make her life hell.
No, Melanie had turned over a brand-new page once she decided to leave Neville. She’d finally put herself first. Her eating habits changed, her attitude changed, her outlook on life changed. All because of one online article she’d read about loving yourself before you could ever begin to love anyone else. The moment she’d read that piece, she knew she wanted a change. But not only did she want a change, she also wanted to inspire others. She wanted other women to know they weren’t alone in their struggles, no matter what they may be.
Something in her posts and social media accounts resonated, and within the past two years she had absolutely exploded online. She had sponsored ads, and various businesses and entrepreneurs contacted her wanting a featured spot on her blog.
The little girl who’d grown up with nothing, then married into more money than she knew what to do with, had finally settled into a life she loved.
Right now, though, all she could think of was the doctor visit and how awkward she’d felt upon seeing Tanner in the parking lot. Then something had shifted and she found that she actually wanted him there. The fact that he’d taken off work for her shouldn’t surprise her. She knew he was a loyal friend, but this was totally different. This baby had changed their lives forever.
Melanie reached for her peanut butter and banana protein shake and took a drink. She still couldn’t get over how definite Tanner had sounded when he’d told her she should expect him to put his life aside. Like it was absolutely absurd for her to think otherwise.
She wasn’t foolish enough to believe he was there strictly for her. He wanted to know what was going on with his child. Tanner might find her attractive, he might still want her, but that didn’t mean a relationship. That was the dead last thing she wanted anyway.
However, she wasn’t about to deny that when he’d been in that exam room and asked questions about the due date, the delivery, if there were classes they should take, sites they should explore, Melanie had melted. She never would’ve dreamed someone like Tanner, all big and buff and authoritative, would be so inquisitive.
He’d also asked more in-depth questions, things she never would’ve thought of, that made her wonder just how much research he’d done beforehand.
Maybe there were layers to him that she hadn’t fully uncovered because she’d found his actions, especially over the past couple days, more than attractive.
On a groan, Melanie put her shaker bottle back on her desk and tried to shift her focus back to the blog. She had a few blogs in reserve for emergencies, but daydreaming about the hunky officer who had given her the best night of her life, probably didn’t constitute as an emergency.
Melanie shoved her hand through her hair and rested her elbow on the desk as she continued to stare at the blank screen just waiting for something to magically appear. She’d prescheduled the guest blogs for Wednesday and Saturday, so she wasn’t shifting them. Today was all her—which had never been an issue before.
When her cell chimed and vibrated across the desk, Melanie jumped. She really needed to turn on some music to calm her nerves.
She glanced at the flash of text, but didn’t get a good look before the screen went black. Eager for a distraction, she reached for her phone and brought it to life. Immediately she regretted that decision.
Call Me
Her heart clenched as she dropped the phone back onto the desk. Most people would see that message and never think of it as a threat. Those people hadn’t been involved in her two-year marriage. Two years of pure hell and never knowing what the next day would bring.
Neville was always so careful with his texts. He’d never do anything she could use against him. She had enough blackmail material on him if she chose to go public. But he’d granted her the divorce in exchange for her promised silence on what had really happened behind their closed doors.
During the course of their marriage, anytime she’d receive a text or call from him, fear would instantly settle in deep. Now when she saw his number pop up—she’d deleted his name—she didn’t feel anything but rage. She’d changed her number four times since leaving. She finally gave up once she realized he would get her new number no matter what.
How dare he contact her, like she was going to respond? Did he truly believe she’d call? His assistants had often called or messaged, and Melanie chose not to talk to any of them, either. There had been one assistant Melanie had gotten somewhat close with. Of course Neville never knew or he’d have put a stop to that. He’d claimed she didn’t need anybody but him. Friendships were off-limits because Melanie might actually confide in someone about the goings-on in the Prescott house.
Turning her phone over, Melanie turned back to the screen. Nothing motivated her like that reminder of what she’d come from and who she was now.
The cell chimed and vibrated again, but she ignored it. Her fingers flew over the keys as she started in with the topic of Making Your Own Happy. It had taken a long, long time, but Melanie could finally say she was happy. Thrown off by the unplanned pregnancy, yes, but she was happier than she’d been in, well, forever.
Removing herself from the clutches of Neville and knowing she held something over him had given her the courage and the power to leave. So why was he continuing to reach out to her?
At first he’d been all apologetic, but she’d heard that before and didn’t believe a word out of his lying lips. Then he’d slacked off a bit and now he was back full force.
Melanie opened up the music on her laptop and cranked her favorite song. Anything was better than the silence and thinking of her ex’s next move. Jade had gone with Olivia to look at some restaurant booths and tables. Not that they were anywhere close to needing that stuff yet, but Sophie Monroe had given them a tip about a nice restaurant closing only a couple towns over.
Sophie had married Zach Monroe. The couple was quite dynamic, with Zach and his construction business and Sophie with her real estate office. They knew all the ins and outs in and around Haven. Anything to help save a dollar was going to add up in the long run. Melanie couldn’t wait to see the end result of this airport. The vision and dreams they’d all discussed, the hard work and determination to pull this off, it would take time but be so worth it.
As Melanie continued to type, she started singing. She searched for images to slide in various points in her post.
“What the hell, Melanie?”
Melanie nearly fell back in her seat as her singing came to a halt and she jerked around to see Tanner in the doorway.
With a hand to her heart, she attempted to restore her breathing. “What on earth are you doing here?”
Tanner swiped a hand down his face, his chest heaving as he pulled in a deep breath. “I thought something was wrong. I called, but you didn’t answer. I texted, no answer. Then I think I broke laws getting here. I rang your doorbell when I saw your car and bike outside, but . . . Damn it, can you turn that music down?”
Melanie reached back and tapped on the keyboard. Pushing her seat back, she came to her feet and rested her hip on her desk. “What are you doing here, Tanner?”
“Right now I’m getting over the slight heart attack I had thinking something was wrong with you.” He pulled in a deep breath and raked a hand over his jawline. “I took the day off work and I wanted to surprise you with something.”
Shocked, Melanie crossed her arms over her chest. The second day off in a week? Maybe he truly was reprioritizing his life.
“You took time off to surprise me?”
Tanner shrugged. “I had an idea I thought you might enjoy. I never take time to myself. Trust me when I say the captain was more than eager to sign off on this.”
Melanie heard the words, but things still weren’t processing. Being cautious at every step was the only way she could move forward.
“Okay, so you never take vacation days and now you’ve done it twice just this week. You’re sure you want to spend it with me?”
“Pretty sure we’ve already established that.”
Yeah, they had, but that didn’t mean she understood his reasoning any better. Neville had never surprised her with anything, let alone taken an entire day off. Melanie couldn’t help but compare the two men because, honestly, she hadn’t had many serious relationships.
Not that Tanner was a serious relationship, but they were certainly more than casual. Weren’t they?
Not really. They were still getting to know each other as friends, they were barely above strangers trying to make this unexpected situation not so tense.
“I see the wheels turning in your mind.” Tanner offered her one of those signature grins that had the corners of his eyes creasing in that sexy way only men could get away with. “If you’re busy working, then that’s fine. But if you’re wondering why I’m asking or what this means between us, stop thinking. Let’s just have a fun day without overanalyzing.”
Something shifted inside her. He’d taken a day off work. The man who would sometimes just not show up to friends’ events or have to leave in the middle of one because of his work demands, was here asking her out for fun. Maybe he needed this break just as much as she did.
“Can you give me five minutes?” she asked. “I’ve almost got this blog post ready to go live. I just need to tweak a few more things. Oh, then I’ll need to change.”
“You look fine.”
Melanie stared down at her jeans and off-the-shoulder tee. “I’m a slob, Tanner.”
“Throw on a pair of shoes and you’ll be fine for what I have in mind.”
Melanie eyed him, but he only quirked a brow as if daring her to argue. Not too long ago she’d never be caught outside without a properly fitted dress and stilettos, with her hair in a perfectly coiffed updo and her makeup on point.
To say coming to Haven had given her a new sense of freedom was a vast understatement. She hadn’t even packed the items that the old Melanie would be seen with. Her new wardrobe consisted of comfort, her hair products were shampoo and a few rubber bands, and her makeup was lip gloss and some concealer.
Tanner continued to stare, waiting for her to answer him. She’d have to give a little, to learn to trust at some point. Why not start with the man who had fathered her child?
When was the last time she’d fully trusted a man? She had barely trusted her father, she’d never trusted Neville. Melanie supposed she could add Jax to the short list of men she could rely on, because he’d been so loyal and faithful to Livie. Plus, he was an amazing father. The man hadn’t thought twice about giving up his career in the air force and coming home for good when his wife left him just after Piper was born.
But putting all her trust in Tanner . . . she wasn’t so sure that would ever happen. Oh, she’d trusted him briefly one night. If she hadn’t been confident he wouldn’t hurt her, she never would’ve slept with him. There were different levels of hurt, though. Melanie was pretty confident Tanner would never lay a hand on her.
Melanie turned from him and sank back into her chair. She couldn’t start reliving that night. Not while he was in the same room as her, not while they were unchaperoned and her hormones were bouncing all over the place.
The planner in her wanted to put a label on whatever was happening. She wanted to look into the future and see exactly how this was all going to play out. There was no other way to keep her heart secured and her piece of mind in place.
After some minor adjusting, Melanie published her blog and shut down her laptop. Once Livie had moved out, Melanie set up a little makeshift office in the extra bedroom. With the desk tucked into the curved wall and looking out the windows, she often found herself sitting here daydreaming.
“Grab those shoes and let’s go.”
Melanie headed out of the room and into the bedroom she’d been using. She’d taken the smallest one at the end of the hall. Now that she was in here and Tanner stood in the doorway, the room seemed even tinier than ever.
“We’re not going for a run or anything, are we?”
Tanner shook his head and pointed to her flats in the corner. “Throw those on.”
Melanie glanced from the striped shoes back to him. “Those don’t go with this at all. I need something more casual.”
“We’re not going where anyone will see you. Your shoes don’t matter.”
They mattered to her. That was one thing that hadn’t been exorcised from her old life. She still wanted to look nice, but now she wanted to look nice for herself and no one else.
She pulled out a pair of red Converse and put them on. Her super casual look would have to do.
“I’m ready,” she told him as she came to her feet and adjusted her tee. “So, can you tell me where we’re going?”
“I could, but I’m not going to.”
Melanie started for the doorway, but Tanner didn’t budge. She wasn’t backing down or shying away. She met his dark eyes.
“So you’re taking me somewhere that we’ll be alone and you won’t tell me.” Melanie tipped her head and pursed her lips. “Sounds suspicious.”
Tanner reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I assure you, you’ll be safe with me. Always, Mel.”
Chills raced over her skin at his declaration. She wanted to believe him. There was nothing more in this world she wanted than to believe that she’d find a worthy man to trust.
“I reserve the right to come home if I don’t like this surprise,” she told him.
Tanner laughed and slid his hand over hers before leading her from the room. She wasn’t so sure how she felt about that. The simple touch shouldn’t throw her off, but it did. They’d never held hands. They’d gone from awkward banter to sexual tension to sex in a foyer, but never once had they shared such a sweet moment.
Melanie decided she could let her guard down long enough to allow this. How else was she going to discover more about the father of her baby?