Home Again

Chapter 9

Melanie stood at the large glass window glaring at the lady deputy. The older lady was ignoring her, and she felt like it was on purpose. “Excuse me?” The woman put her finger up to her motioning one moment but continued to look at the computer. Melanie figured she was probably on some sort of social media or playing solitaire.

“Now how can I help ye?” She finally asks after what felt like thirty minutes removing her cat like glasses.

“Yes, you can. I am here for Bradley Singleton.”

“Of course, you are,” She smugly said, “Have a seat” She got up and left the small room.

She sat there in the tiny room feeling claustrophobic for what seemed like hours. At least they had the good sense after all these years to put in a window, she thought. She watched the fog as it lay on the town outside. She saw a couple across the street holding hands and hugging up, would that ever be her and Brad again. It had been a while since she stood here in this room, I wonder if old… she as interrupted by Bradley who finally came out from the big wooden door followed by old Bernie the sheriff that had been there forever. She guessed that answered her unasked question.

“Should have known” he looked her over “Little Melanie is back in town. So, it seems good sense that Brad and Justin is back in lock up.”

“Hi sheriff,” She should have known the old crab would never retire or die. He had to be like two hundred he was practically a historical landmark, she thought.

As if Brad read her mind he chuckled under his breath and Melanie couldn’t help herself. The old Sheriff looked from one to the other through his ancient glasses and pursed his wrinkled beard. “Now Brad, remember this ain’t high school No more and next time you might not be so lucky.”

“Lucky?” She asks putting her arm through Brads.

“Justin and I are not going to be filing charges on each other and neither is Big Rick.”

“Thank goodness” She exalted reaching for his bruised hand.

“Next time you or Justin show up in here in hand cuffs, it ain’t gonna end purty. Instead of these two constantly fighting over you why don’t y’all” He pointed between the two of them, “get hitched.”

“Ah,” Melanie was shocked. Although she shouldn’t be Bernie was always to the point no matter how awkward.

“Um… Bernie you know When or if were ready to get married, we will let you know so.” He winked at the old man “So if there isn’t anything else old friend, we will be on our way back to our date night,” He opened the door for her.

“As long as y’alls date night leaves us out of it. You know I could draw the papers up and have the ceremony right here.” He smiled as they left.

The two walked out holding hands as they had done several times in their youth when Brad suddenly stopped, “Melanie since when are you and Justin huggers”

She was kind of insulted but knowing the history she couldn’t blame him; so, she cooled her temper, “Since after you left and I went to Nashville.” She could see the distress in his face, “We hung out a little and he and Faith were an item for a while. We became friends somewhere along the way, I guess.”

Brad was still not convinced remembering the scene at the diner, “But he’s not their father?”

“Who?” Melanie stopped.

“I know you’re a mother of twins.” He felt like the air was cold and carried a secret weight.

Melanie felt sick at the thought, no wonder Brad hit him, “No, Brad of course not, but you know who…” his phone began ringing.

Saved by the bell she thought... “Hello! Yeah… No… I didn’t know you were in town, when... but...I am busy... can’t you call a car... But okay… okay… I’ll be there give me five minutes.” He closed his phone and let out a deep breath. “Duty calls,”

“Brad, what’s wrong?” She knew him better than that He would not be that upset over work.

He looked in her eyes and leaned in pulling her forward crushing her against him, “Nothing is wrong” He brushed his thumbs across her temples and pushing her hair back from her face, “Did I tell you that you are as beautiful tonight as I can ever remember?”

She was already breathless “No! You didn’t,” She whispered anticipating, His voice was deep sending throbbing vibrations to her most intimate of areas. When he finally rested his lips upon hers, she was already putty in his hands. He worked her like a fiddle building up the kiss like a symphony until she longed to be a lone with him; under him, in his truck, in his bed, right here on the sidewalk or up against the mailbox, it really didn’t matter at this point. He had One hand in her hair and the other on her waist, she was like play dough willing and wanting. She raised one leg up on his and clung to him with both arms around his neck. He chuckled and the sound touched her soul. He moved one hand to her thigh raising her skirt ever so slightly. “Brad” His name was more of a plea.

“MMM… Maybe we could contin…”

“Beep… Beep…” A long white limousine pulled up to the sidewalk. “Oh my god!!!” Melanie breathed straightening her outfit and Bradley’s laugh set her ablaze just as his kiss had done.

“Hey, if the press gets this, it's gonna make Richard have a heart attack.” Faith stepped out, “This just in country superstar Melanie Michael caught breathless and sweaty on the street outside the sheriff’s office.”

“I have to go anyway,” He still held her wanting to keep her like this feeling her warmth for just a second longer.

She held her embrace on him for a moment and without realizing it she whispered, “I love you” She could hardly believe that was her voice, but his reaction was even more surprising.

The cowboy hat that was in his hand, that hadn’t made it back on his head yet was thrown in the air like a graduation cap. His hoot and holler, like he was at rodeo, echoed through the vacant streets. He bent and kissed her several times, small quick kisses that made her giggle and finally right on the tip of her nose. “Let’s go riding tomorrow night

through the ranch just you and me?”

“I’ll be there”

“I’ll see you then” he shut her door and stood watching as the limo pulled away happy as a lark, but she felt so guilty she had begun to cry.

“Mel, what’s wrong?” Faith touched her arm. “I know its been a while for you getting hot and bothered, but its no reason to cry. Damn girl, I’m sorry to have interrupted” she joked.

“No, Faith,” She sobbed, “I didn’t tell him and I know he’ll never forgive me.” She had her head on her lap.

Faith lost the joke instantly, “Maybe it is not as bad as you think. I mean, hell the two of you were pretty cozy.” Faith bit her lip.

“We were, but oh God Faith, what am I gonna do? You just do not know Bradley like I do. He is intense and loving but once you lose his trust it is so hard if not impossible to earn it back. To convince him that all this is not my fault, I will have to show him how evil Beth is. He worships the ground that woman walks on. Beth, his Grandmother, is a patron saint to his way of thinking. He may love me, but Faith, he will never forgive me.” She stared out the window at the passing business. “I need some paper and a copier.”

“Why?”

“I am gonna mail a letter.”

“Strange request, what kind of letter?”

“A letter that will either save us or break us…” She had decided to send him a copy of everything she had; including a heartfelt letter from her along with pictures she had of the twins since birth. Maybe even if this thing went south; he would get them and forgive, even if not right away.