Page 42 of Love is a Harmony
His face sobered. “Just say it, Mel.”
“Why do you do it? You’re not an idiot. I refuse to believe you just fall into the scandals. Is it for attention?”
“It’s what the fans want.”
“That’s bull. The fans will take whatever you give them.”
He released her and stepped back, pushing a hand through his hair. What was he so afraid of? “Tell me why, Noah.” She needed to know, to understand him. He wasn’t a bad guy. He was just… well, she wasn’t sure.
“I’m going to get a piece of cake.” He turned on his heel and walked toward the kitchen.
Melanie didn’t have time to dwell on his reaction because she spotted Stella sitting by herself on the couch in the corner of the room, her knees drawn up to her chest.
She crossed the room, narrowly avoiding the Martin family, who were all dancing now, and took a seat next to Stella. “Hey, Stell. Don’t feel like dancing?”
Stella shook her head, and her hair fell into her face.
“I don’t feel much like it either.”
“But it’s your party.” Stella looked to her with watery eyes. “We decorated and made food. We wanted us all to be happy for one night. But…”
“I know, kid.” She pulled Stella into her arms with an ease she hadn’t had before. Kids weren’t her thing, but something in her wanted to help Stella through this, to be one of the people she counted on. Stella collapsed against her, silent sobs shaking her. She’d cried a lot, and Melanie knew there’d be much more to come. Losing the one person you relied on more than anyone else never faded away. Some days, Stella would be able to push it from her mind, but then others, it would hit her with the force of a high-speed train.
“Can I tell you a secret, Stella?”
Stella nodded against her.
“Your dad is here. Do you know how I know that?”
Stella lifted a tear-stained face. “How?”
“Because your Uncle Noah was his brother, and that means your dad will always be with you, always looking out for you. He’s just using Noah to do it.”
“Papa told me I’d get to meet his family. I just…”
“It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I know.” This kid didn’t speak like a six year old, but Melanie guessed that was what tragedy did to the young. It forced them to grow up. Losing your father at six or your husband at twenty-four, it changed something integral to who they were. “Stell, look at me.”
Stella wiped her eyes.
“Noah and I… we will always be here for you. No matter what.”
“I know you aren’t really his wife.” She sniffed. Who was this kid, and where did she come from?
Melanie froze. “Stell… Your uncle and I are married. You were there.”
“I heard you talking. You don’t love him, so how could you love me?”
Melanie tightened her hold on Stella. “It doesn’t matter where I am or if I am always going to be your aunt. I’m here, and that won’t change. You can’t get rid of me.”
One of the Martin children—Melanie couldn’t remember all their names—stopped in front of them and said something in French to Stella. Stella nodded and disentangled herself from Melanie before trailing after the older girl.
Melanie watched her for a moment before shifting her gaze to find Noah staring at her. Had he heard everything she said to Stella? Did he know Stella knew the truth?
Noah’s gaze darkened as he stepped closer. “Can we talk?”
She nodded and pushed to her feet, following him from the room into a long hall.
Noah stopped and whirled around, yanking her to him and crushing her into a hug.
