Page 152 of Melinda's Choice

“Why the fuck should I be helping you?”

“You are under no obligation to help me. However, if you truly love Melinda, then perhaps you would wish her to be happy.”

I look away, a lump in my throat. It has been hard seeing Mel so sad the last few weeks.

Encouraged, he continues. “I know I can bring her much happiness. Wyatt, she belongs with me. Each day that we are apart is a miserable, unhappy day for the both of us.”

I huff out a breath. “So what do you want me to do?”

“I would like you to convince Ricky Charles to accompany me in a special rendition of ‘One Day’, just for Melinda.”

“You want to serenade her? How? When?”

“On the last night of the ballet. We have tickets for the performance, and I want you to make sure Melinda is there in a prime seat. At the end of the ballet, I would like to come onstage with Ricky Charles and for him to say to the audience that he is here on a special request to sing a song for a beautiful lady named Melinda. And then we shall sing it together—although it would be preferable if I spend some time with Ricky beforehand to rehearse it so it is as perfect as possible.”

I stare at him dumbfounded. Then I start to laugh. “Can you at least sing?”

He puffs out his massive chest. “Of course I can sing.”

“So, you’ll do your song, then what?”

“Then, I shall get down on one knee and ask Melinda to marry me. That is how it is done in your culture, is it not?”

“Yeah.” I look away, not wanting him to see my eyes glaze over. I blink several times to regain control.

“Ok,” I say.

“You will do it?”

I pick up my communicator and call Ricky Charles. He answers on the third ring. “Hey Ricky, how you doing? That’s great. Listen Ricky, I have an interesting proposition for you…”

Five minutes later, the deal is done. Kirimor puts out his hand and I shake it. “I meant what I said that first day. You hurt Mel, and you’ll answer to me.”

He nods gravely. “Never again, if it is in my power. All I want is to make her happy.”

“Ok then.”

Chapter 47

Melinda

All night, I toss and turn, unable to get Merostena’s confession out of my mind. If I can forgive her, then surely I can forgive Kirimor too.

The truth is, I forgave him a long time ago. Thinking on the chain of events, I don’t know that he could have done things any differently. He acted honorably throughout. He always made sure not to promise fidelity so long as he was still sicortar. I knew the deal. In an emergency, he would have to act in accordance with the duties of his position. It sucks that as a result, Pirofena became pregnant with his child.

I bunch up my pillow for the hundredth time.

So, he’s going to be a dad again, and the baby won’t be mine. I should get over myself. It’s not the end of the world. I love all his kids. They have already charmed their way into my heart. Little Kiritela. Earnest and serious Kirishar. And all the rest. This sweet innocent baby won’t be any different. He or she will be a part of him. How can I not love that child? Of course I will.

So, Mel, what’s the hold up? Just get over your pride and go to him.

It takes a long time, but I eventually fall into a fractured sleep. I wake up in the morning heavy eyed. Wyatt slumbers peacefully next to me looking positively angelic. I poke him in the arm. “Hey, Wyatt. Wake up.”

He groans and turns to sleep on his other side. I poke him again. “Wake up, I need to talk to you.”

“What is it?” he mumbles.

“I’m going back to Kirimor.”

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