Page 11 of Unforgotten

“Jah.” Melonie smiled. “I’m thanking the good Lord for the volunteers who were able to drive us to urgent care.”

“The doctor did a fine job with the stitches,” Lott added.

“He would know, since he held my other hand the entire time.” Looking dreamy, she added, “Lott even carried me to the volunteer’s car!”

Bethanne reckoned that had been quite the romantic sight. Lott with his muscular build and intense expression, and Melonie blond and delicate-looking in her tangerine-colored dress. “Sounds very heroic.” And, dare she say, a little bit over the top?

“She was hurting,” he explained. “After she got on her way, I got my bike and met her there.”

Looking at Lott fondly, Melonie added, “He even stayed by my side when I got a tetanus shot. It hurt something awful.”

“She’s supposed to stay off her foot for a couple of days, so I took her home on my bike.”

Lott had an electric bike. Two people sharing it wasn’t safe, though. “I hope Mamm and Daed don’t find out about that.”

“I’m more worried about Seth finding out. But I sure wasn’t going to let her walk home.”

Melonie nodded. “Even though my brother has Tabitha to worry about, Seth still tries to watch my every move.” Nibbling on her bottom lip, she added, “He’s going to have something to say when he discovers that I got hurt.”

“Sounds like a brother. I wouldn’t worry about him getting upset with you, though. It was just an accident, plus Seth is even-tempered and kind.”

“He is at that.”

Lott gestured to the third rocking chair. “You want to join us?”

“Thank you, but I’m in need of a shower and a break from the heat.” Bethanne looked down at the box still resting near the door. “Do you know if these are my manuscripts?”

“They sure are,” he said. “Paul stopped by about twenty minutes ago. He said there’s a note inside for you.”

“Danke.”

“Are those all for you to review?” Melonie asked.

“Yep. It’s become a good job. I read them, write my honest reviews, then type them out on the computer at the library and send them to the book publisher.”

“I still can’t believe you get paid for doing your favorite hobby.”

Sometimes Bethanne couldn’t believe it either. “It does seem too good to be true. But the checks still come.”

“I’m right proud of ya, Bethy.” Lott looked at Melonie. “I happened to see the note that was in with her last paycheck. Her boss said she’s a terrific reviewer.”

Melonie grinned. “Good for you!”

“He was only being nice. And Lott shouldn’t have read the note. It was personal.”

“Not that personal. I’m glad I read it, anyway. If I hadn’t, no one would ever know how good you are at your job. All you ever tell Mamm, Daed, and me is that you’re thankful for the work.”

“I am thankful. But you’re embarrassing me.”

He peered up at her. “There’s nothing wrong with being good at something, Bethy.”

“I have to agree with him,” Melonie said. “Pride might be a fault, but ignoring one’s gifts can be a fault too.”

Tired of discussing herself, Bethanne squatted down to pick up the box. “I think it’s time I got busy. I’d hate to lose my job after garnering all this praise.”

Lott stood. “That box has to be heavy. I’ll get it for you.”

Glad to have her brawny brother carry the box upstairs to her room, she happily straightened and moved to the side. “See you later, Mel.”

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