Be with Me (Return to Haven 2)

“Thank you for loving her like we do.”

Melanie settled her hand over his. “She’s so easy to love.”

And so was the man beside her. There was no denying the truth any longer. She’d started falling for him when he’d pulled her over for a speeding ticket on her first day in town. She’d been angry, but he’d been so damn attractive in that uniform and those dark aviators, with that Southern drawl and the way he’d said ma’am. Her heart had fluttered right there on the side of the road as he wrote her up a hefty fine for going nearly twenty over the limit.

And now they were starting a family.

Fear niggled deep in her belly at the veiled threat from Neville the other day. She’d yet to tell Tanner. He needed to know, it was only right to tell him. Yet she didn’t want him to get involved. Neville had tarnished so much of her life, Melanie didn’t want him anywhere near Tanner.

The minister stepped out and went to stand in front. With everyone all smiles and hopeful, Melanie pushed the concerning thoughts from her mind.

As the ceremony progressed, Melanie’s mind filled with what-ifs. What if this were her and Tanner one day? What if he wanted to

make this something permanent? What if she let her guard completely down and let him into her once battered heart?

Could she? Would Tanner want to take on someone with so much baggage? Because as much as she wanted to protect him from her past, if they were indeed looking at long-term as a couple, he’d have to know everything, and there was a good possibility Neville would cause trouble for them.

Tanner’s thumb stroked the back of her hand. Just that slight feathering touch had her pulling back to the moment and calming her fears. She was here now, with her friends, with her lover, and the most precious wedding ever.

After Jax and Livie exchanged rings, the minister presented Piper with a ring as well. Melanie instantly teared up. Had she known she was coming to a wedding, she would at least have brought tissues. Her emotions were all over the place lately, and this was just too much.

Tanner wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his side. Melanie swiped at her cheeks and spotted Jade across the aisle. Even she had let a tear escape. Melanie hadn’t known that woman could cry. Whenever she got upset, she bottled up her emotions and went into pure badass mode.

Weddings, especially with an angelic little girl, would clench anyone’s heart. Finally, the minister had Jax kiss Livie, and Piper jumped up and down, clapping her hands. Jax released Livie and reached down, picked up his daughter, and kissed her cheek. They all turned to face their friends, and Melanie loved this picture of the little family Livie had now.

Sophie stepped to the front of the patio, her smile still beaming as it had since they’d all arrived. “There is cake and some food in the main dining area. We’d love to have you all stay as long as you need. We’ve made other arrangements for our guests, so this time is all yours.”

At the mention of cake, Melanie couldn’t help but recall the amazing cupcake Tanner had brought her from Liam’s pastry shop here. She’d been watching what she ate with this baby, not just because she was health conscious, but because the baby needed proper nutrients.

They all made their way into the dining room, which looked like something straight from a Southern magazine. There was no doubt in what era this home was built. With the narrow floor-to-ceiling windows, the intricate detailing in the crown moldings and the medallion surrounding the base of the chandelier, Melanie couldn’t take in all the beauty at once. The Monroe boys had definitely put in a vast amount of money and time on this project. Melanie had heard how run-down the place was when they’d taken over.

Seeing how magnificent they’d made this home and the business they’d created, gave Melanie a new burst of hope for the airport. They definitely had a vision, and with all the determination among the six of them, there was no way they’d fail. They were all fighters, each having their own skills to aid in making the newly revamped airport a success.

A beautiful lace cloth covered the long, oblong dining table, and in the center was a simple pale pink cake with two tiers separated with flawless white roses. A gold initial M sat atop the cake, symbolizing the new Morgan family.

Along the sideboard were various finger foods, and Liam brought in another tray of some type of wraps that smelled heavenly as he passed by.

“This all looks so amazing,” Livie stated. “I can’t thank you all enough for helping throw this together last minute, and while guests are here.”

Sophie waved a hand in the air and shook her head. “We are thrilled to help. Besides, you’re giving my husband work with the renovations. It’s the least we could do.”

“If you all need anything else, let me know,” Liam stated before he headed back toward the kitchen.

Melanie didn’t know the Monroe brothers well, since she hadn’t grown up here, but she’d had some dealings with Zach since the start of the airport project. Liam was the quiet one, but Braxton was the one brother Melanie had never seen. She knew he was married to the fabulous masseuse here at Bella Vous.

Three power couples ran this place, and flawlessly so far. Melanie had heard nothing but amazing things about it. She knew firsthand the pastries and the massages were top-notch, and those were reasons enough to want to come here. Who wouldn’t want to get away and escape reality when Bella Vous offered so much?

“If I ever lose my mind and get married, I want it to be simple like this,” Jade whispered as she took a seat next to Melanie.

“You’ll marry one day,” Melanie assured her friend. “The right guy will come along and you’ll be helpless against your feelings for him.”

Jade smirked and raised one brow. “Is that what’s happening to you?”

Melanie pursed her lips, then grinned. “Maybe.”

“Good.” Jade gave a firm nod of approval. “You deserve to be helplessly in love with a man who isn’t an asshole.”

Melanie swatted at Jade’s arm. “I never said I was in love, and you shouldn’t say asshole at a wedding reception.”