The similarities between her ex and him had been too close, her memories too raw. Even then, though, she hadn’t been able to deny the instant attraction. Something about a man who put himself out there to protect others was so attractive, but she and Tanner weren’t in a spot that led to happily ever after. They were friends at best.
Melanie drove through the main part of downtown Haven, past all the little specialty shops with colorful flowerpots outside their doors. Tourists milled about on the sidewalks, couples walked hand in hand, a family headed into the park with a picnic basket.
This is why she stayed. Even if Livie hadn’t decided to settle down and enlist Melanie and Jade’s help in renovating the airport, Melanie would’ve still planted roots. Haven was absolutely perfect. It was impossible to live here and not be happy, and she deserved happy, damn it.
Besides, where else did she have to go? Going back to Neville was a big hell no. They’d been divorced for two years, but now that he was gearing up to run for the senate, he was determined to get her back, to use her as his big publicity angle.
In his warped world, he’d have the paparazzi in his pocket to spin this as the happy couple coming back together as a united front—and he’d no doubt get her stylist back. Melanie’s hair would have that perfectly coiffed look, her suits would be tailor-made in red, white, or blue, and she’d have to fake the smiles everywhere because you never knew where the media were hiding.
Melanie had changed every aspect of her life. While she had her law degree, she’d quickly discovered that wasn’t her passion. Over the past two years, she had become an extremely popular social media motivation speaker and blogger. Neville thought she was perfect to play the role of wife once again. He figured their united front and faux romantic reunion was something from a fairy tale.
That deranged man clearly had a different view of their marriage than she did if he thought for one second she’d ever go back to him. And being a politician’s wife sounded like another level of hell she didn’t want to get into. Being married to the mayor had been enough. A senator? No, thanks.
Even if Neville left her alone, being part of the big-city life, the fake smiles and the air kisses, all of that had been so depressing. She didn’t want to be back in Atlanta. She’d choose her ratty childhood trailer park over the hoity-toity lifestyle she’d lived for years.
Haven had been exactly what she’d needed at precisely the right time. The name of the quaint town itself seemed to welcome her with open arms. Granted she hadn’t liked the circumstances that brought them all to town.
Livie had lost her father and had come to try to sell his dilapidated airport. But she had ended up falling in love and getting engaged to Jax Morgan, who owned the other half of the airport.
Jade had come along because her personal and professional life sucked and she’d desperately needed the getaway. The three of them had formed a strong bond a few years ago and hadn’t looked back. They were closer than sisters could ever be.
When Melanie first filed for divorce, she’d started training for a marathon. She’d wanted to prove to herself that she was strong, that she was able to do something so great with her body that had been beaten down for too long. But less than a mile from the finish line, she’d tripped and twisted her ankle. Livie and Jade had come along and flanked each side of her, carrying her to the end so she could finish.
Friendships and a bond deeper than sisters was instantly born.
So, yeah, there was nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. When Livie was dealing with the loss of her father and the up-in-the-air decisions about the unwanted airport, they’d come right along with her.
Melanie thought she’d been strong by leaving Neville and pushing forward with her new life, but even since moving to Haven, she’d evolved so much more. Each day she became more and more determined to cling to the woman she’d become.
Thanks to her booming social media accounts and her popular blog, Melanie had reached so many women who were striving to become a better version of thems
elves. She’d taken time off from working as an attorney, focusing on herself and the airport renovations. At least with her law degree, she could guide Livie and Jax in the right direction and still do the work she loved with her online sites.
Now, though, she had a more pressing matter. Melanie came to a stop at a red light and settled a hand on her flat belly. She had so much rolling through her mind, so much she needed to sort through before she went to Tanner’s house tonight.
How did one make this announcement? There was no good way to drop such a life-changing declaration. Tanner wasn’t the type of man, in her opinion, that wanted a family. Not that she knew him really well, but she’d never heard mention of it. He seemed too content with where he was with his career and social life to entertain the idea of something familial.
To her knowledge, he hadn’t dated since she’d been in town. Or at least he hadn’t mentioned another woman.
Livie had discussed how Jax and Cash were divorced, but their cousin Tanner had vowed against marriage after seeing what those two had gone through. So Tanner obviously wasn’t looking for long-term and was just fine living with his bachelor status.
What was Melanie even doing thinking about marriage? She certainly didn’t want to venture into that territory again either, not until she was absolutely positive the man was worthy of her and her awesomeness. There was nothing wrong with loving yourself enough to wait on the best. That was something she’d had to work on since her divorce, but she was happy to admit she deserved love and devotion.
Yes, she was pregnant, but that didn’t mean she had to marry Tanner. She’d prided herself on becoming independent since leaving Neville, and so far she’d excelled at it. There was no turning back for her.
Melanie headed out of town, toward the old home she shared with Jade now. Livie moved out, which was strange since they’d all been staying in her childhood home, but she now lived with Jax and his adorable little girl, Piper. They weren’t only working on renovations for the airport, they were figuring out when to get married and living as one happy little family.
Melanie knew she needed to tell Tanner the truth tonight, then she could call a girls’ meeting and break the news to her friends. The cheap wine should cushion the shocking blow. Now more than ever, she was going to need her friends to help guide her through this scary time. Not that they had any experience with pregnancies, but at the same time, they could at least hold her hand and give her that shoulder she would no doubt cry on at some point over the next several months.
Gripping the wheel tighter, Melanie formulated a plan in her head. At least if she was trying to prepare a speech she felt like she was doing something and moving forward instead of just settling in with her thoughts of fear and unknowns.
Worrying wasn’t going to get her too far, but it was an inevitable by-product.
As she turned into the drive of the charming white two-story with wraparound porch, Melanie eyed the glowing clock on the dash. She had five hours to relax, stay calm, prepare a plan . . . and stare at the clock worrying about Tanner’s reaction.
Chapter Two
When life shuts a door . . . open it. It’s a door.