Page 114 of Love is a Harmony
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Melanie
Travel worn and weary, Melanie relaxed in the back of the limousine. Yes, a limo. It had been waiting outside for Noah, ready to take him to the luncheon. If that didn’t tell her what she was in store for, his expensive suit did.
She ran a hand along the jacket. “You’re more of a ripped jeans kind of guy.”
“Thank you!” He sighed. “No one here seems to get that. I know I couldn’t wear my usual clothes to my brother’s funeral, but this thing is a little much.” He gestured down to the tailored coat. “I haven’t worn such finery since I was a kid.”
“Finery.” She lifted a brow. “Youarea noble.”
He groaned and rubbed his red-rimmed eyes. She knew this wouldn’t be the end of his grieving, not even close, but that was okay. She’d come to realize missing those who weren’t here anymore didn’t make one weak.
Looking down at her own clothes, she realized she had nothing to wear to a fancy wake. She hadn’t changed from the clothes she wore the day before to work—a pair of tailored pants and a short-sleeved sweater, a sweater that wasnotkeeping her warm in the January London air.
Heat filled the back of the limo, and still, she shivered.
“Daft woman.” Noah wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. “This isn’t Los Angeles. You’re going to freeze.”
She snuggled into his side. “There are perks to being cold.”
He groaned before putting one finger beneath her chin and tilting it up. “I won’t believe this is real unless you kiss me again.”
“That sounds an awful lot like an ultimatum, Mr. Clarke.”
“Only a dream, love. Wake me up.”
She stretched up to kiss him, wishing she could take away his pain. The lips that refused to smile warred with hers, letting her know that no matter how hard this day had been, he wanted her.
“Can I ask you a question?” he whispered against her lips.
“Of course.”
“You aren’t going to change your mind this time, right? Because I’ve been down this road before, Mel, and I don’t know if I’d recover next time.”
She pulled away from him, hating the distrust she’d put in his eyes. “Noah, last time, I told you we weren’t a love song, that you couldn’t fall in love with me.”
“I remember. I ignored you.”
“Well, this time…” She met his gaze in challenge, not looking away. “Fall. Fall so hard you can’t stop. Fall in love with me, and I promise, I will never stop loving you.”
They stared at each other for a moment longer before Noah slid his hand behind Melanie’s head. “Melanie Snyder, that is the best thing I have ever heard.” This time, when he kissed her, he took his time, savoring everything she offered him.
Melanie let all her doubts, all her worries drift away. Justin would always be with her, he’d always be her first love.
But he didn’t have to be her only love.
Not anymore.
* * *
Melanie knew Noah’s family was a big deal. She remembered every word he’d told her.
But nothing could have prepared her for the wrought-iron gates or the sprawling grounds beyond that led to a beautiful manor house. The sun peeked out from behind gray clouds as the limo pulled up in front of cars. Well-wishers in elegant black dresses and suits streamed through the front doors.
Soft piano music drifted out the doors every time they opened.
Noah sucked in a deep breath and reached out a hand. “You ready?”
