Page 72 of Unforgiven

“Melonie told me that you started working at Porter Construction.”

He nodded. “I’m only an apprentice now, but I aim to become a master carpenter one day. Maybe even as good as Seth.”

Wayne looked at him intently. “Seth is a master carpenter?”

“He is. He’s very talented and skilled. Everyone thinks so.”

“That’s gut to know.” He eyed the flowers again. “You know, I’m not sure if—”

“Hi, Lott!” Melonie said as she joined them. “I hope you weren’t waiting too long.”

“Not at all.” Ready to get rid of his gift at last, he thrust the bouquet at her. “These are for you.”

She inhaled sharply. “Oh.”

Now thoroughly confused, he blurted, “What’s wrong with these flowers? Are they ugly?”

“No. Not it all.” She glanced at her father, who was still hovering nearby. “I guess, um, I’m just a little sensitive where flowers are concerned right now. You see, I was over at Tabitha Yoder’s today and she received a bouquet too.”

“Who from? Wait, did Seth take her flowers?” Now he really didn’t understand the problem. Melonie adored her brother and approved of his relationship with Tabitha.

“Oh, nee. They . . . they came from her ex-husband. He’d dropped them off at her front door.”

It took him a second to remember that Tabitha’s ex’s abuse had led to their divorce. “Why would he do that?”

“To scare her, I think. The police wrapped them up to take to the crime lab. Deputy Ernst said Leon could’ve put something on them to make them poisonous.”

“Truly?”

“I’m not sure if they were tainted or not, but seeing both the sheriff and deputy there was scary.” As she glanced at the bouquet again, both her gaze and voice warmed. “I do appreciate the flowers. They’re pretty, and it was so kind of you to bring them. It’s just that seeing them was a shock.”

“I guess so.” He couldn’t believe that he’d given Melonie a bouquet on the very same day she’d been spooked by Tabitha’s. “I’m sorry. Would you like me to get rid of them?”

Her eyes widened. “No, of course not.”

Her father walked over and took them out of his hands. “Don’t worry about the flowers none, Lott. They are mighty pretty, and I’m sure Melonie is grateful for them.”

“Yes. Yes, I really am. It was so kind of you,” she said again.

“I’ll put them in water in the kitchen.” Wayne walked away, saying over his shoulder, “Why don’t you two go into the parlor?”

“That sounds perfect.” Melonie smiled at him before leading the way.

The Zimmermans’ parlor was a small room. Four comfortable-looking chairs surrounded a card table, and an oak bookcase on one of the walls held a variety of puzzles, books, and games. A blue woven rug was centered under the table, and above it was a light fueled by propane. It was already on.

“This looks like a game room,” he said.

“It is. When Seth and I were little, the four of us would work on puzzles together or play cards or Scrabble or something.”

“Do you still do that?”

“Nee. I grew up, and Seth . . . well, now that Seth isn’t here, it’s not the same.” She sat down at the table.

Lott took a chair next to her. “I’m glad your parents seem friendlier.”

“Me too.” She peeked out toward the hall. “I think Mamm’s misguided attempt to play matchmaker with my cousin made her realize that she didn’t know what was best for me.”

Remembering how irritating the guy was, he said, “Lorne was absolutely not best for you.”

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