Page 64 of Forbidden Secrets
Gage ran his hand down Melanie’s arm.“You want tea?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
“I’ll get it,” Delaney said.“You two have a seat.”
“Sit, Laney,” Walker growled.“You were up last night with Harper.I can bring stuff to the table.”
“Well, okay then.”She took the chair across from Melanie.
Once everyone had their beverage, they sat around the table.Melanie cut off the corner of her apple-berry turnover and bit into the flakey goodness.“This is delicious, Cam.Where’d you learn to bake?”
Cam leaned back in her seat, a mug of coffee cradled in her hand.“I worked at a bakery in college, then learned more following bakers online and experimenting with recipes.”
She looked up as Sawyer returned, a baby monitor hooked to his belt.He dropped a hand to her shoulder and brushed his lips to the top of her head before moving to the counter to pour coffee into a mug.Melanie saw so much communicated in that moment: you’re my person, I love you, our child is settled.We’re in this together.
The pang of longing startled her.She never once regretted not staying with Addy’s father, but there were times she yearned for someone to share that connection, who would be for her what Sawyer so clearly was for Cam.
Taking a fortifying sip of tea, she turned to Delaney.“I’m curious how you, Cam, and Emery found each other.”
While everyone enjoyed their pastries, Delaney told the story.“That was all Gran.After Dad died, I read his journals and learned he had two other daughters.He was a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy.When Gran found out, she made it a mission to find my sisters.She hired a private investigator who tracked down Emery and Cam.”She went on to relate how Emery’s work for a developer had brought her into direct conflict with Shane Keller of Lone Pine Ranch, which shared a boundary with Cider Mill Farm.
Delaney continued, “But before Emery came on the scene, Cam started working for us under an assumed name.I had no idea she was my sister.”
Cam took up the narrative.“I was in a bad situation in Oklahoma and ended up having to run for my life.I’d gotten a letter from Gran inviting me to Cider Mill Farm.That gave me a destination.I didn’t feel safe revealing my identity, but Delaney still hired me without official ID or a Social Security number.”She eyed her husband.“But Lieutenant McGrath was suspicious and kept poking around.”
Sawyer caught her hand and gave her a satisfied grin.“I got you, didn’t I?”His gaze shifted to Melanie.“She thought she could fool law enforcement, but I was on to her.”
“Wow, it’s amazing how it turned out,” Melanie said.“Clara must be thrilled to have her granddaughters all living in the area and marrying local boys.”
“That’s a definite yes,” Delaney agreed.“I didn’t know I needed sisters, but now I can’t imagine my life without them.Gran brought us together and we’re here for her whenever she needs us.”
“I’d like to meet Emery.”She glanced at Gage.“I recognized Shane Keller at Easy Money the other night, so I’m assuming that was Emery with him.”
“That was Emery.She’s been good for Shane.”
“He looked happy.”
“I’m looking forward to us being friends again, Mel.”Delaney looked at Walker, then spoke when he nodded.“Walker says you’re working to identify the man who assaulted you.We’d like to help with that.It has to be hard knowing he never faced justice and is out there free to live his life.”
Mel nodded.“It is.One reason I returned to Sisters was to reframe the narrative and find the man who did this to me.Mom and I moved away because I was ashamed and embarrassed about what happened.I feel coming back is reclaiming my right to be here.”
“That’s important,” Cam said.“You shouldn’t feel ashamed.Shame belongs on the person who assaulted you.”
“Exactly.I think bringing him to justice will help me find closure.”Her gaze met Walker’s.“I think for you too.”
Walker sipped his coffee.“What he did affected me, Delaney, my family.It’s time we got some answers.”
“Which brings me to contacting the people who’d been at the bootlegger,” Melanie said.“My car ran out of gas after I left the party that night, even though I had half a tank when I left home.”She gripped her mug with both hands, appreciating its warmth.“I was only a block from my house when it stalled.I decided to cut through the park, which sounds so stupid now.But I’d been to that park so many times and our house was just on the other side, and it was a long walk around.The attacker put something over my head so I couldn’t see and only spoke in whispers.That makes me think he knew I’d recognize him.”
“Sawyer told us you have a spreadsheet listing the names of the people who were there that night,” Delaney said.
Melanie felt relief talking about it, putting into words the thoughts that had been swirling in her head for so long.
Sawyer tilted his head.“You think gas was siphoned from your car and then you were followed?”
“I do.I didn’t notice anyone following me, but I don’t know that I would have.”
Sawyer nodded.“It’s been a long time.People’s memories will be hazy, especially if they were under the influence.But asking if they recall someone near the cars is a place to start.”He drummed his fingers on the table.“I’ve been combing through department records.So far, nothing new.”
