Page 75 of Unforgiven

“Two sandwiches, chips, pickles, some of Mamm’s corn casserole from last night, and a half of a pumpkin pie.”

“Are you eating too?”

“Oh, nee. It’s all for you. When I told Mamm what I was doing, she insisted on helping. She said she knew how you liked your sandwich.”

“That was kind of her.”

“I know she’s feeling bad that she hasn’t been doing more for you, especially since your visit for supper had to get postponed because you had to work.”

Not wanting to bring that up, he let the comment slide. “Thanks for putting all this together. It sounds delicious.”

She grinned at him. “You’re welcome.”

He was still smiling when they arrived at Tabitha’s house. Just as he turned off the ignition, the front door opened. She walked out in a loose-fitting denim dress, tights, and boots. Tonight her shiny brown hair fell in waves down her back. Chance was by her side, looking like he’d been taking care of her for years instead of just weeks.

“Hi!” Melonie greeted her as Seth followed her onto the porch. “Seth and I decided to pay you a visit.”

Tabitha darted a glance his way before smiling at his sister. “Any special reason?”

“Because we were thinking about you,” he said. Taking in her appearance again, he wished he’d taken the time to hit the shower. “You look nice. Are you going somewhere?”

“Nope. I just didn’t feel like wearing slacks today. What’s in the cooler?”

“Seth’s supper,” Melonie said.

Two lines formed between Tabitha’s brows. “Ah, you came over here to eat?”

“Yeah. I mean, yes, if you don’t mind,” he said.

“I don’t mind. Though, um, it looks like there’s a lot there.”

“Oh, there is.” Melonie giggled. “We even have half a pie.”

“Goodness. You brought pie too?”

“I’m pretty sure we have half of my mother’s refrigerator.” He stopped beside Tabitha and ran his fingertips along her cheek. “It’s a long story.”

“Come on in and tell me all about it.” Brightening, she added, “I have chicken and rice soup. You can have some of that too.”

“My supper just keeps getting better and better,” he teased. Though it sure was the truth. He’d gone from intending to pick up a frozen meal to eating roast beef sandwiches, soup, and homemade pie.

“I’m so glad I called you.” Melonie grinned at him as she stepped inside.

“Me too.” He closed the door behind Chance.

They spent the next hour at Tabitha’s kitchen table. While Seth ate, the women had some soup and pie and generally made everything brighter.

Best of all, Tabitha seemed relaxed and content. He hoped and prayed the Lord was giving them a taste of what their future could one day be like. Now that all the walls that had been built up around them were slowly tumbling down.

27

After almost three weeks of living on edge, barely stepping outside her door, and getting herself so worked up that she barely ate or slept, Tabitha let her guard down.

She didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. Even though she was still deathly afraid of Leon returning, life continued for everyone else in Crittenden County. A string of robberies had kept Sheriff Johnson busy most every day. And when someone set fire to an abandoned trailer near Morganfield two days ago, Deputy Ernst had his hands full with that. Little by little, their concern about Leon Yoder violating a restraining order seemed to have faded. She barely saw them drive by anymore.

She didn’t blame them, especially since she hadn’t seen a hint of Leon again. She even began to breathe a little bit easier.

And then one moment she was on her front porch fishing out wooden slats from the cranberry dye and placing them on newsprint and the next she was grabbed from behind.

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