Page 36 of Only in Our Dream
Chapter 12
Melanie
Although she’d never considered herself an avid runner, Melanie feltamazing when she was running. It allowed her to ground herself with her body in a way no other exercise could. Each step seemed to bring her closer to clarity with whatever situation she was currently dealing with. She ran a lot over the last year. Well, last few years. And although the universe kept telling her it was time she left Rob, Melanie hadn’t been able to bite the bullet.
But with that decision now only two signatures away, Melanie knew she’d never felt more free. Her steps felt lighter as she ran along the paved path in the park with Lucy happily jogging beside her. Although Hank protested any form of physical activity outside of chasing his tail, Lucy had been Melanie’s running companion since the day she could join her on walks. Lucy’s tongue flapped in the wind as she ran beside Melanie.
The park was one of Melanie’s favorite places to run. While the paved path looped the entirety of Lake Monroe, there were also several unpaved paths throughout the area. There were also several playgrounds catering to different age groups along themain path near the parking lot. Melanie tried to avoid that area as it was always the most crowded. And today was no different.
Despite the mid-November chill in the air, the park was still relatively busy. Melanie and Lucy weaved their way through couples walking along the lake and families taking photos of the snow-covered mountains in the background. The snow from a few days ago had mostly melted, leaving only a small layer of snow under the densest part of the wooded area. She’d put on Lucy’s orange-colored booties before their run along with a matching coat to keep her warm. Lucy at least acted like she didn’t mind the added layers.
Slowing their run to a walk, Melanie ended her workout timer on her watch. Four miles in just over an hour. Not too bad, but she wasn’t qualifying for the Boston Marathon anytime soon. Melanie took out her water bottle from her waist pouch before taking out Lucy’s pop-up bowl. She filled Lucy’s bowl up first before taking a long sip from the bottle.
“Mel!” The familiar voice of her sister-in-law, Mia Sullivan, startled Melanie as she spilled her water on her shirt. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“You’re good, Mia.” Melanie quickly hugged her. “Sorry I’m sweaty.”
She waved her off. “You’re good, honey.”
“What are you doing out here in the cold?”
“I am meeting Jade and her kids for a quick playdate while it wasn’t too cold outside.”
“Aww, that sounds like fun.”
Mia Sullivan had been married to Rob’s older brother, Stewart, since before Melanie ever entered the picture. She was a sweet woman with a heart of gold and a fierce love for her family. Her dark blonde hair and blue-green eyes had been passed down to all her children. After the birth of her first grandchild, sheretired from working at the mayor’s office to keep grandkids instead. Not that Melanie could blame her one bit for that.
Melanie watched Mia’s eyes change from excited to sympathetic, just like everyone did when they were about to ask about the divorce. She braced herself for whatever Mia was about to say. Although they were family by marriage, Melanie considered Mia to be her friend as well.
“So, how are you doing, Mel?”
“I’m okay,” she smiled softly. Lucy nudged her leg with her snout and Melanie rubbed her ears. She always seemed to sense when Melanie needed a little extra support. “I’m sorry I haven’t called.”
“Mel, no,” Mia reached out, putting her hand on Melanie’s shoulder, “Ishould be the one apologizing for not calling. I didn’t know if you’d want to talk to me.”
“I’m divorcing Rob, not you.”
The two laughed, seeming to ease any tension that may have been between them.
“Oh, thank God,” Mia chuckled. “I’d hate to lose my favorite sister-in-lawandmy friend in one fell swoop.”
Melanie laughed. “I’m youronlysister-in-law.”
“And my favorite.”
“Back at you, Mia.”
“And the kids will be so happy to know they’re not losing their Aunt Mel.”
Her heart sank at the mention of Mia’s kids. Melanie had been in Jade, Hunter, and Ashlyn’s life since they were kids. She’d even helped Mia deliver Ashlyn and had helped Jade deliver her two kids. All three of the Sullivan girls were like her own kids, and Melanie felt guilty for not checking in with them after the divorce became known. They had all messaged her saying they were there if she needed them, but so far Melanie hadn’t followed up with more than a text back in response.
Way to drop the ball, Aunt Mel.
“I’m sorry,” Melanie grimaced. “I hate I made the kids feel that way. You know I love them more than anything.”
“I know. And they know, too. Trust me.”
“Everything has just been happening so fast that I feel I do well to keep my head above water most days.”
