Be with Me (Return to Haven 2)

Melanie came to her feet and stepped back. “As much as I’d love to discuss this with you, that kale soup is making me question the lunch I had. I’m just going to get my things and head out.”

Jade spooned up another bite and slurped it. “Tell Tanner I said hi.”

Melanie shook her head and smiled. No need to deny exactly where she was going. She’d fallen into an easy pattern of being with Tanner and he was all too eager to get her to move in with him. Part of her wanted that, too. But was it too early? Was this just her clinging to some semblance of hope for a positive future? Could all of this between them really be that easy?

When they’d first met there had been so much tension, but looking back now she recognized it for exactly what it was. Total attraction.

Melanie gathered a small bag and headed out the front door to her car, parked on the street. She’d gotten used to the smaller ride; she was even used to the pillow behind her back. The horn, on the other hand, was still a tad embarrassing when she had to use it. But she still wouldn’t change a thing. She was thrilled the sale of her overpriced SUV would help out in some small way toward the airport renovation.

The grants that were set to come through would be everything, though. Melanie smiled as she drove to the other side of town toward Tanner’s house. Earlier today she, Jade, and Livie had driven to Atlanta and found some fabulous flooring that would work perfectly for the restaurant. They’d brainstormed on their mini–road trip about a vision for the menu and how to go about finding the right people to employ.

Even though this was Jax and Livie’s baby, they were all taking part in making this airport something grand. This time next year, hopefully their clientele would be from the film and movie industry, coming to make blockbusters and series.

Melanie wanted to blog about the progress, but would definitely have to run this by Livie and Jax first. That would be something that readers would certainly find interesting, especially considering the publicity Haven had gotten over the last year.

When she turned into Tanner’s drive, she smiled at the sight in the garage. Piper sat atop Tanner’s shoulders and he was spinning in a circle. Piper’s arms were out wide, her mouth open, no doubt in a squeal, as Tanner gripped her ankles.

If she ever had a doubt about the type of father he’d be, this put her worries to rest. These guys were so great with sweet Piper. Considering the little girl had been practically raised by three men, they’d all done an amazing job.

Melanie left her bag in the car and stepped out. The sun had set, but the garage lights were on, as were the porch lights. She headed up the stone drive and her footfalls caught Tanner’s attention. He came to an abrupt stop and Piper’s head kept bobbing.

“Whoa, Uncle Tanner. That made my belly feel funny.”

“Don’t puke on my head, little one.”

Melanie laughed and reached up. “Why don’t I help you down?”

Piper went eagerly to her arms. “Thanks, Aunt Mel.”

Melanie caught Tanner’s gaze. “She asked if she could call you that.”

“A promotion in my name?” Melanie asked, turning her attention to the cutie in her arms. “I’ve never been an aunt before. I think I like it already.”

“Come see what we’ve been working on,” Piper stated, clapping her hands, then pointing to the back corner.

“Oh, honey, she doesn’t need to,” Tanner said. “It’s getting late and your mom should be here any minute to pick you up.”

Piper’s brows drew in. “Why don’t you want Aunt Mel to see my work? Did I do a bad job?”

“No, of course not.” Tanner gestured toward the back. “Go ahead and show her.”

Still holding Piper secure in her arms, Melanie moved around the truck and past the motorcycle. In the corner was an old wooden rocker covered with dust from sanding.

“I got to use the sandpaper,” Piper said, beaming. “But then I got hungry because ice cream isn’t real dinner, so Uncle Tanner had to make me a cheeseburger, so we didn’t have time to paint.”

Melanie laughed. “Sounds like you’ve had quite an eventful evening.”

“You weren’t supposed to mention the ice cream for dinner thing,” Tanner murmured with a tug on her ponytail.

Melanie squeezed Piper tighter. “I won’t tell a soul.”

A car door slammed behind them and Piper scrambled down and yelled for her mom as she ran from the garage.

Melanie focused back on the sanded rocker, then glanced at Tanner. “Looks like you guys enjoyed some quality time.”

Tanner nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets. “We did. I took her earlier while you guys were still in Atlanta and Jax had some lessons to do. She’s a good kid, but, man, I’m worn out.”

“Aw, poor you,” Melanie mocked. “You can chase bad guys and work long shifts, but a little girl who eats ice cream and burgers was too much to handle.”