Page 52 of Unforgiven

“Listen, if I introduce you to Ruby, you’re going to need to not look too interested. She’s used to men fawning over her.”

“You’ve done that?”

“Nee. She’s not my type.” His type had wavy blond hair, big blue eyes, and the prettiest smile he’d ever seen.

Ruby stood talking with Jenn and Mary L. All three of them looked at him with curious expressions when he and Lorne approached. Lott didn’t blame them. He hadn’t spent any time with them after they graduated eighth grade.

“Hiya, Lott,” Jenn said.

“Hi.” He smiled at all of them. “This is Lorne Holst. He’s in town from Ohio. Lorne, this is Jenn, Mary L., and Ruby.”

Mary giggled. “No one calls me Mary L. anymore, Lott.”

“Sorry, I guess not. We had three Marys in our Amish school,” he explained to Lorne.

“The first time I introduced myself to someone new, I called myself Mary L.,” she said with a grin.

“I’ll be pleased to just call you Mary,” Lorne said. “It’s nice to meet all of you.”

“You as well. Tell us about where you’re from.”

Lott figured that was a good signal to step away. “I need to go check on Melonie,” he said.

Ruby frowned. “You’re seeing her again?”

“I never stopped. Lorne, let me know when you’re ready to leave.”

“Will do. Thanks.”

When the guy turned away like Lott was an annoying pest, Lott chuckled to himself and walked back to Melonie’s side. He was glad that she wasn’t alone. Rachel Byler, the host of the gathering, was talking to her.

After exchanging greetings with him, Rachel went on her way, and once again, he and Melonie were alone. Just the way he liked it.

Melonie watched the four in awe. “I can’t believe it, but those girls seem to be enjoying Lorne’s company.”

“I was surprised too, though he was a lot more personable with them.”

“That makes sense. Even though I told him I wasn’t interested in him, he acted as if I should’ve been.” She groaned. “I canna believe my mother thinks we would make a good pair.”

Lott couldn’t either, but that was a discussion for another day. “Well, he’s out of your hair for now.”

“I’m grateful for that.”

Her eyes were shining, making him feel all warm inside. “He asked what our relationship was. I told him that I was courting you.”

“I’m sure that made him pretty confused,” she said lightly.

“I don’t care. All I care about is making sure you’re not confused about us.” He pressed his hand to her lower back. “You aren’t, are you?”

She leaned against his hand for a second before looking melancholy. “I’m not confused. It’s everyone around us who is.”

Thinking of all the people in their lives who seemed to feel entitled to have a say in his and Melonie’s future, Lott reached for her hand. “What do you think about coming over to my haus one day soon?”

“I don’t know. What will your parents think?”

“My mamm and daed like you.” That was the truth. “Plus, it would be good for you and Bethanne to talk some more.” His sister stayed to herself too much. Spending time with Melonie would do her good.

Melonie’s eyes brightened. “I’d like to see Bethanne again. Maybe one day she’ll even come to a gathering like this.”

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