Page 83 of Unforgiven

“Same,” Seth said as they shook hands. “Thank you for allowing me to be by her side.”

The doctor turned his attention to her. “How are you feeling now, Tabitha? Still in a lot of pain?”

“Some, but it’s bearable.”

Donna, who’d been looking at the monitor and checking the bandages on her hand, said, “How would you rate it on a scale of one to ten?”

“Maybe a six?”

The nurse looked at the doctor.

“Tabitha, I requested the orderlies to take you for a CT scan, then they’re going to transfer you to your room. As I told you before, we need you to stay overnight.”

She looked crestfallen. “You’re sure?”

“It’s safer for you. We’d like to keep an eye on you.”

When she looked like she might protest, Seth reached for her hand. “The doctor wouldn’t recommend it if he didn’t think it was necessary. Besides, it will give us time to clean up your place.”

The little bit of color that had appeared in her cheeks faded. Her eyes were filled with fresh pain as she clung to his hand, her fingers gripping his own. “I hadn’t thought about my house.”

He bit back a curse at himself. He should’ve known better than to bring up her house. Of course she would be afraid to be by herself at home once again. “Please don’t worry. By the time you get released, everything will be set to rights. I’ll find someone to stay with you too.” Even if it was himself.

“Okay, we’re all settled, then,” the doctor said. “Tabitha, either I or the attending doctor will be in later to let you know about the test results.”

“Will Seth be able to stay with me?”

“Of course, honey,” the nurse said. “The police will no doubt be stopping by to talk to you and take your statement. It will be good to have him by your side when that happens.”

She nodded. “Danke.”

“I might be overstepping, but I suggest that you allow this guy to look out for you,” Dr. Kintz said in a kind voice. “Take it from me, there’s nothing wrong with leaning on someone who cares about you. It can only help.”

Tabitha smiled softly at Seth. “That’s good advice, Doctor. Thank you.”

Seth knew he should thank the doctor too, but he didn’t want to do anything but sit with Tabitha and think about everything that was suddenly within their grasp.

29

The driver Seth had called to pick up Melonie at the hospital was a retired lady named Paige who enjoyed driving the Amish around to help supplement her income.

Melonie reckoned she was nice enough, but the friendly chatter grated on her nerves. She was tired, and the visit to the hospital with her brother had taken a toll. Even though she hadn’t been able to see Tabitha, just hearing about some of her injuries from Seth had been difficult. Melonie had heard stories about Leon’s abuse, but now that she knew Tabitha better, this latest incident brought her to tears. Especially since Seth had looked crushed when he came out to walk her to the driver.

Melonie was coming to the conclusion that she’d never wanted to completely imagine what Tabitha had been going through.

Tabitha was so alone in the world, and Seth was the most important person to her—and he had been unforgiven as well. Everything about what was “right” and “wrong” was a mixed-up muddle in her head. She knew she’d be asking the Lord some hard questions when she said her prayers that night.

“Did you hear me, miss?” Paige said, bringing her back to the present.

Sitting in the back seat of the van, Melonie shook her head. “I’m sorry. I . . . I think my mind drifted off. What did you say?”

“Do you have a beau? A pretty young girl like you probably has scads of boys calling on her, hmm?”

Thinking of Lott, she smiled. “I do have a beau.”

“Well, tell me all about him. What’s his name? What does he do? How did you meet?” She chuckled softly. “What does he look like? I can’t wait to hear all the details. It’s been ages since I’ve been in love.”

Love? Was Melonie in love? “We . . .” No. No, she wasn’t going to do this. She wasn’t going to talk about Lott to this nosy Englisher stranger, and she wasn’t going to pretend that she didn’t mind being asked something so personal. “I’m sorry, I’d rather not talk about him.”

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