Secret Indiscretions (Carson Cove Scandals 2)

“For good reason!” I growled under my breath.

I wasn’t happy, but it was hard for me to fault Melanie for what she did. I nearly got myself killed trying to get rid of Jackson, and she was a mother that had to protect her child—she would have gladly taken two wounds that matched the ones in my side if it meant Jackson didn’t get custody of Charley. Addison was quick to tell us the

charges wouldn’t stick, especially if he had a prescription, but Leo ensured that his buddies at the police station weren’t going to let Jackson have his phone call until the hearing was over. That was one thing about living in Carson Cove—if you knew the right people, you could make things like that happen. Leo was definitely getting a bonus once the job was over because he earned it.

“So…” Melanie looked up at me. “How would you like to meet Charley?”

“Seriously?” I blinked in surprise. “You don’t think it would be a bit much today?”

“No, we didn’t tell her everything about this trip. There was no need once we were sure that Jackson was going to miss the hearing.” Melanie smiled. “Come on; I told her she might get to meet one of my friends today.”

“What about your mom?” I raised an eyebrow.

“She knows you’re my boss, and she knows we’re more than friends. I talked with her after I got home last night.” Melanie tilted her head and shrugged. “She’s not one to judge…”

Introducing me as one of Melanie’s friends seemed like a good place to start with Charley, especially for a little girl that didn’t understand the complexities of dating. I felt like I had a real connection with Melanie—a connection that would last—but, it was best if Charley had time to get to know me before we explained that we were a couple. It seemed like more people found out about our relationship every day, and it was only a matter of time before rumors started spreading in Carson Cove. We might have been able to pull off the wedding without revealing too much, since it was only friends and family—but eventually someone from the office would find out. It was time to stop hiding the relationship, regardless of what people thought about me dating one of my employees—meeting Charley was a great place to start.

“Mommy!” Charley jumped up when we walked out of the courtroom.

“Hey, darling.” Melanie leaned over and picked her daughter up. “Do you remember when I said you might get to meet one of my friends today?”

“Yep!” Charley nodded and grinned.

“Well—this is Jon.” She turned towards me. “He’s a very good friend of mine.”

“Hello Charley.” I walked closer and waved. “It’s a pleasure to meet you—your mother talks about you all the time.”

Charley was quite bashful. She gave me a sideways glance, then buried her head in Melanie’s shoulder. I obviously didn’t make a very good impression, despite my best efforts. After a little coaxing, she finally squeaked a cute little ‘hi’, but that was all I got. Charley had no idea how lucky she was to have a mother like Melanie. She literally put her life on the line to keep her little girl away from Jackson. The fight was far from over because the trial would be a lot more difficult than an emergency hearing—the judge might give us a continuance if he didn’t show up, but eventually—he would have his day in court.

“Mom.” Melanie turned to a woman that was sitting on a bench beside us. “This is Jon Alcott...”

“It’s nice…” I tilted my head as Melanie’s mom looked up at me. “Do I know you?”

I swear she looks so familiar. I thought I recognized her at Melanie’s graduation, but I never got a good look at her.

“I don’t think so.” She shook her head back and forth as she stood. “I’m Lydia Monroe. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Her name doesn’t ring a bell—maybe she’s just got one of those faces.

We decided to eat lunch in the city before we returned to Carson Cove. Charley seemed to warm up to me a little more once I told her that she could order anything on the menu—which caused Melanie and her mother to quickly put some restrictions on my offer. I got two disapproving glares at the same time, but it was worth it to see the grin on that little girl’s face. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I knew Melanie’s mom—but I had no idea where I would have known her from. She grew up in the city, lived there until Melanie got accepted to Carson Cove University, and I didn’t go the city very often.

“You can have dessert after your meal.” Melanie flipped the menu over. “Pick something from this side.”

“Fine…” Charley pouted at her mother but smiled at me as she flipped the menu back over once Melanie wasn’t looking.

At least she doesn’t hate me—I wish I could say the same about my own kids.

I thought about calling Mary to see if I could stop by and see the girls, but I figured it was best if I didn’t. They weren’t expecting me, and a random visit was unlikely to go over very well with my ex-wife. They would be back in Carson Cove to spend some time with me after Bryant and Taylor got married—provided that I passed whatever test Mary was planning at the wedding. I was a mess after Mary told me that she wanted the divorce, and at a very low point when she moved out of the house. Deep down, I knew that was part of why she had been hesitant to let the girls come stay with me, and they were closer to her than they were to me. That might not change, but I wanted to be in their lives. With Melanie by my side, I would be able to keep it together at the wedding and make sure my interaction with Mary was very brief.

That will be for the best and ensure that I don’t say anything that could jeopardize my chances of seeing my kids again.

“What are you getting?” Charley looked up at me.

What’s the worst thing on the menu for a kid…

“I think I’m going to have grilled salmon and—broccoli.” I shrugged and managed to keep a straight face.

“Fish?” Charley wrinkled her nose. “Gross!”