Page 71 of Unforgiven

“Would you like one or two of them? That can be arranged. Sometimes I wish they’d give me a rest.”

Melonie giggled. “I think they’re supposed to be inquisitive.”

“If that’s the case, then they’re doing a gut job,” Mary said.

Tabitha faced them. “I’m sorry the sheriff called you over here. It seems like a waste of your time.”

“I’m not sorry. You canna be alone right now.”

As much as she appreciated the company, she didn’t want to cause any more strain for Mary. “But Roy—”

Mary smoothly interrupted. “Needed to see you.”

“Why?”

“Tabitha, I know Roy hasn’t been there for you. He knows it too.” She lowered her voice. “I love my husband, but I haven’t agreed with the way he’s been keeping his distance from ya. I’ve told him that too. He’s been so intent on doing the ‘right’ thing, he had forgotten what that ‘right’ thing was.” Looking at Melonie, she added, “Furthermore, he needed to see Seth Zimmerman for himself and maybe realize that he has been too stubborn and critical with just about everyone of late.” Mary raised her chin. “I’ve told Roy more than once that Jesus was far more accepting than he is.”

Tabitha gasped. “How did he take that?”

Mary smiled slightly. “Well, he came here today, didn’t he? I think that means that my reminders might have finally made a difference.”

“You didn’t have to stand up for me like that, Mary. I don’t want to be the reason for strife between the two of you.”

“You aren’t, Sister. My husband is a good man, but he needed to open his eyes and face the truth. And that truth is that he was throwing stones at things instead of forgiving. I loved him enough to push him to do better.”

Tabitha checked on the cookies so she wouldn’t have to say anything, but really she wasn’t sure what to say. All the events of the last twenty-four hours had come as a shock. “Six months ago, I would sometimes go three or four days without speaking to another person,” she mused.

Mary’s gaze softened. “I bet you’re wishing you could kick all of us out and return to your peace and quiet.”

“I was, but now I’ve been thinking the opposite. That even with everything that’s been going on, I’ve still found a reason to be grateful. I’m not alone with just my thoughts for company.” She smiled at Melonie. “Peace and quiet can be overrated, I think.”

When Jack and Anson started tussling on the lawn in front of the living room window, Mary groaned. “No offense, Sister, but only someone who doesn’t have four boys would ever say that.”

They shared a smile. Tabitha didn’t have any idea what the Lord had planned for her future, but this moment was a good reminder that He hadn’t forgotten her. Not for a minute.

25

After hearing at work about Seth needing to take the day off because something had been happening with Tabitha Yoder, Lott knew it was time to finally do something about his relationship with Melonie. It needed to come out in the open, which meant that he needed to stop being so worried that Anna and Wayne Zimmerman would turn him away. If he didn’t stand up to them, Melonie was going to be the one to tell him they needed to end their relationship.

Lott went home and showered, then picked up the flowers he’d bought on the way home and headed over to Melonie’s house.

Anna Zimmerman opened the door when he knocked. “Hello, Lott.” Her smile faded when she noticed the flowers.

“Gut evening, Anna.” He lifted his chin. “I came over to see Melonie. May I?”

“Yes, of course. Come in. I imagine she’ll be pleased to see you.” She frowned again at the bouquet in his hands. “I’ll, ah, go let her know you’re here.”

“Danke.” As he watched her walk away, Lott’s mind spun. Anna had kept looking at the flowers like they were a hornet’s nest—but why? Didn’t all women like flowers? And didn’t most girls’ mothers appreciate such a gesture?

He held up the bouquet and stared at it for a few moments. Was it an ugly floral arrangement? Was that what was wrong?

“Hiya, Lott,” Wayne Zimmerman said as he strode toward him from another room. “Anna told me you were here.”

Lott took a deep breath. “Jah. I have come calling on Melonie.”

“It would seem so.” Wayne’s expression barely changed.

Lott had no idea if Wayne was about to kick him out or welcome his suit. “I know you have concerns about me, but I want you to know that I’ve changed my ways.”

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