Page 103 of Love is a Harmony
She studied each face in turn. When she’d first brought them together years ago, she’d hoped they’d stop being rivals and occasionally seek advice from the group.
She’d never expected them to become a family.
But what she had to say next was a gigantic ask. “I think…” No, she knew because whether she wanted to believe it or not, she knew Noah Clarke better than most. “I know this is one of those times this group matters, one of those times it becomes more than its intended purpose.”
None of them spoke for a long moment before Ben let out a loud exhale. “What do you need from us?”
Drew rubbed the back of his neck. “She wants us to go to London, to the one place Noah has always kept from us, a family we know nothing about. Mel, we don’t know where he is or what would await us when we got there. What if there’s a reason Noah didn’t want us to know?”
“I know where he is.” She couldn’t believe she was going to betray Noah’s trust, but it was for him, always for him. “There’s an estate outside London. I have the address. I can’t explain it. Everything in me is screaming Noah needs you guys.”
Only Jo broke the following silence. “And you, Mel? He needs you the most.”
“No.” Melanie blinked away tears. “I would only make the pain worse. Noah and I… No, he doesn’t need me.” He’d realize that eventually.
“Who knew you were such a good liar?” Jo’s screen went black as she hung up on them.
Drew didn’t speak as he set the tablet aside and studied her. Ben tended to mind his own business, and Dax never spoke about much of anything.
If anyone tried to insert themselves where they weren’t wanted, it would be Drew. “I’ll go.”
Ben nodded. “And me. Piper won’t be happy I’m leaving when she’s on break, but she’ll do anything for Noah.”
Dax rubbed his chin, studying them. “I’d do anything for Noah, but… shouldn’t one of us be here in case Jo needs us?”
“Why would she need you?” Melanie’s brow scrunched. “She’s not having the baby any time soon, and I’m here if she needs anything.”
“But I…” Dax’s face reddened. “I can’t leave her behind. Noah is important, but so is Jo, and he wouldn’t want her overlooked.”
Melanie stared at Dax in a new light. The shy one had a heart beating in his chest. Who knew? “I’m proud of you guys. You’re good men.”
“Want us to report how he’s doing?” Ben stood.
Melanie shook her head. “This isn’t about me. Just look after him. And Stella.”
Drew saluted. “We’ve got this, Mel. We’ll get him through the funeral and whatever heartbreak you’ve caused.” He paused. “Our boy doesn’t break easily. I won’t ask what happened, but…” He didn’t finish.
Ben looked down at her. “I think he means to ask if you’re okay.”
She nodded, a tight smile on her lips. She couldn’t tell them no, that her own words stabbed through her.
She couldn’t tell them of the guilt forever holding her back.
Or the fact she worried it would never go away.
29
Noah
Tomorrow, Noah would say goodbye to his brother for the final time. He’d stand with his family, one piece of them missing.
And he’d do it for her.
Stella slept on the couch in the grand sitting room on the main floor of the house. She’d barely left his side even though he had little to give her, not here.
Nan and Ava hovered over them, always near. And his mother silently watched them, a coldness in her eyes.
His father? Well, he’d only been home once in the days since Noah and Stella arrived. He’d given her a long look, offering nothing of himself, before taking a seat at the dining table and proceeding to act as if Noah and Stella weren’t there.
