Page 85 of Unforgiven

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Nee. I know my brother paid you.”

“What about my tip?”

“You almost hit a horse and buggy. You would’ve done so if I hadn’t called out to you. As far as I’m concerned, you should be giving me a refund.”

Paige scowled at her but didn’t argue.

As the van backed out onto the road, Mamm said, “What was that all about?”

“The driver wasn’t good. She almost hit a horse and buggy.”

Daed shook his head. “People drive too fast on these roads, and that’s the truth.” Smiling softly, he gave her a hug. “I’m glad you’re home. How is Seth?”

“Worried about Tabitha. I canna believe Leon hurt her so badly yet again. Seth told me that she’ll likely be in the hospital overnight.”

Her parents exchanged a look. “I wish Seth hadn’t involved you, Melonie,” Mamm said.

“What are you talking about? I’m not involved.”

“I’d prefer it if you weren’t even aware of what happened. You shouldn’t have to worry about things like that.”

“About real life?”

Her parents glanced at each other again. “You know what has happened to Tabitha Yoder is not what married life is usually like,” Daed said. “I don’t want you to worry about that.”

“But I am worrying about her, Daed. And Seth, because he loves her.”

“How can that be? They hardly know each other.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. They know each other very well. I know Seth has fallen in love with her and believes their love is real. Besides, who are we to judge?”

Her parents exchanged looks again. “Let’s go inside, dear,” Mamm said. “You can help with supper.”

That was the last thing she wanted to do, but Melonie knew better than to refuse to help. “All right.”

Just as she was lamenting how everything was terrible, her father said, “Just because Lott Hostetler is joining us is no reason to get into a tizzy.”

“Lott is coming over?”

Mamm smiled. “He certainly is. When I saw him at the market, I asked him over. He accepted immediately.”

Her father chuckled. “He thinks the world of you, Melonie. I’m sure of it.”

“I . . . I hope so.”

“Come now,” her mother said. “Settle down. I thought having him over would make you happy.”

“It does.”

“Then I’m glad, child. We want you to be happy.”

She smiled at her mother as they walked inside. After agreeing that she’d be in the kitchen to help in ten minutes, she went to her bedroom. Praised God and gave thanks for the many blessings she’d been given.

And then hurried to freshen up so she’d look her best.

She might have some new attitudes about how she wanted to treat people and how people should be treated . . . but some things were still the same.

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