Page 46 of Unforgiven

Tabitha wasn’t sure whether she heard a note of sarcasm in his voice or not. “I’ve known Seth a long time.”

“Are you sure he’s the best person to turn to? I fear his stint in prison changed him. A man has to become hard in order to survive behind bars.”

“I don’t need a friend with a spotless past, Sheriff. You might not think Seth is worthy of forgiveness, but I do.”

“Tabitha, I didn’t say he wasn’t worthy. Actually, as much as I don’t like what happened to Peter, I firmly believe that his death was an accident. Seth could’ve probably gotten out of serving time if he’d fought harder for himself.”

“Do you think he wanted to punish himself?”

“I couldn’t say. But, here’s the thing, Tabitha. It’s always been my belief that a person can ask others for forgiveness but the hardest person to grant absolution to is oneself.”

“You’re saying he hasn’t forgiven himself.”

“I’m saying that’s my opinion. I could very well be wrong.” He stood up. “Now, if there’s nothing else you’d like to tell me, I should go help out Courtney and start answering all those messages. You talk to Seth and I will too. If we all work together, we’ll be able to keep you safe. I’ll be in touch.”

“Thank you, Sheriff.”

He reached out and clasped her hand with both of his. “I do think that we’ve got a little bit of time before Leon heads this way. He’s running scared, and the folks in Bowling Green are going to be keeping a close eye on him. Maybe that will give you some comfort?”

Tabitha nodded but didn’t reply. Knowing that she might have to wait even longer for Leon to show up didn’t make her feel too good. Not good at all.

But there seemed to be nothing else to say.

17

“I want you to accompany Lorne to the singing tonight,” Mamm announced as she entered Melonie’s room. “Your poor cousin is bored stiff.”

Melonie had been lying on her bed with a book in her hands. She’d also been looking out the window while wondering why she was so attracted to Lott when he was the last person in the world she should have feelings for.

Lott ran hot and cold more often than water in the kitchen sink. It was really too bad he was easy to talk to. And so handsome. No man that handsome should be so bad for her state of mind.

That’s why she thought she should be forgiven for blinking at her mother’s sudden intrusion.

Mamm folded her arms across her chest—a sure sign that she was unhappy. “Melonie, did you hear me?”

“Jah.” With reluctance, she set her book down.

Mamm tapped her toe.

Belatedly, her mother’s words registered. They didn’t make sense, though.

Lorne and his parents had arrived at the haus two hours before supper the day before. By the time their first meal together was over, she and her cousin both knew they had next to nothing in common. Melonie couldn’t imagine anything worse than spending an entire evening by his side.

But she couldn’t tell her mother that.

After sitting up, she straightened her kapp. “Sorry, Mamm, but I wasn’t planning to go to the singing.”

“It’s a good thing I came in here to fetch you, then. You can change your mind.”

“I don’t want to change my mind.”

“I think you should.” Her mother took a step back and closed the bedroom door. “Since you now have a reason to go.”

Even a year ago, Melonie would’ve caved. She was older now. Older and tired of living with the consequences of constantly being agreeable. “I don’t want to go.”

Her mother’s eyes narrowed.

Melonie looked away but held her ground. Not only did she not want to go to yet another singing, she really didn’t want to go with Lorne. Her cousin barely spoke, and when he did it was mostly judgments and gossip. She would be bored stiff. “Why are you making a big deal about this? Isn’t he leaving tomorrow?”

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