Page 14 of Only in Our Dream (Moonflower Cove #15)

Melanie

A lthough she’d never considered herself an avid runner, Melanie felt amazing when she was running.

It allowed her to ground herself with her body in a way no other exercise could.

Each step seemed to bring her closer to clarity with whatever situation she was currently dealing with.

She ran a lot over the last year. Well, last few years.

And although the universe kept telling her it was time she left Rob, Melanie hadn’t been able to bite the bullet.

But with that decision now only two signatures away, Melanie knew she’d never felt more free.

Her steps felt lighter as she ran along the paved path in the park with Lucy happily jogging beside her.

Although Hank protested any form of physical activity outside of chasing his tail, Lucy had been Melanie’s running companion since the day she could join her on walks.

Lucy’s tongue flapped in the wind as she ran beside Melanie.

The park was one of Melanie’s favorite places to run.

While the paved path looped the entirety of Lake Monroe, there were also several unpaved paths throughout the area.

There were also several playgrounds catering to different age groups along the main path near the parking lot.

Melanie tried to avoid that area as it was always the most crowded. And today was no different.

Despite the mid-November chill in the air, the park was still relatively busy.

Melanie and Lucy weaved their way through couples walking along the lake and families taking photos of the snow-covered mountains in the background.

The snow from a few days ago had mostly melted, leaving only a small layer of snow under the densest part of the wooded area.

She’d put on Lucy’s orange-colored booties before their run along with a matching coat to keep her warm.

Lucy at least acted like she didn’t mind the added layers.

Slowing their run to a walk, Melanie ended her workout timer on her watch.

Four miles in just over an hour. Not too bad, but she wasn’t qualifying for the Boston Marathon anytime soon.

Melanie took out her water bottle from her waist pouch before taking out Lucy’s pop-up bowl.

She filled Lucy’s bowl up first before taking a long sip from the bottle.

“Mel!” The familiar voice of her sister-in-law, Mia Sullivan, startled Melanie as she spilled her water on her shirt. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“You’re good, Mia.” Melanie quickly hugged her. “Sorry I’m sweaty.”

She waved her off. “You’re good, honey.”

“What are you doing out here in the cold?”

“I am meeting Jade and her kids for a quick playdate while it wasn’t too cold outside.”

“Aww, that sounds like fun.”

Mia Sullivan had been married to Rob’s older brother, Stewart, since before Melanie ever entered the picture.

She was a sweet woman with a heart of gold and a fierce love for her family.

Her dark blonde hair and blue-green eyes had been passed down to all her children.

After the birth of her first grandchild, she retired from working at the mayor’s office to keep grandkids instead.

Not that Melanie could blame her one bit for that.

Melanie watched Mia’s eyes change from excited to sympathetic, just like everyone did when they were about to ask about the divorce. She braced herself for whatever Mia was about to say. Although they were family by marriage, Melanie considered Mia to be her friend as well.

“So, how are you doing, Mel?”

“I’m okay,” she smiled softly. Lucy nudged her leg with her snout and Melanie rubbed her ears. She always seemed to sense when Melanie needed a little extra support. “I’m sorry I haven’t called.”

“Mel, no,” Mia reached out, putting her hand on Melanie’s shoulder, “ I should be the one apologizing for not calling. I didn’t know if you’d want to talk to me.”

“I’m divorcing Rob, not you.”

The two laughed, seeming to ease any tension that may have been between them.

“Oh, thank God,” Mia chuckled. “I’d hate to lose my favorite sister-in-law and my friend in one fell swoop.”

Melanie laughed. “I’m your only sister-in-law.”

“And my favorite.”

“Back at you, Mia.”

“And the kids will be so happy to know they’re not losing their Aunt Mel.”

Her heart sank at the mention of Mia’s kids.

Melanie had been in Jade, Hunter, and Ashlyn’s life since they were kids.

She’d even helped Mia deliver Ashlyn and had helped Jade deliver her two kids.

All three of the Sullivan girls were like her own kids, and Melanie felt guilty for not checking in with them after the divorce became known.

They had all messaged her saying they were there if she needed them, but so far Melanie hadn’t followed up with more than a text back in response.

Way to drop the ball, Aunt Mel.

“I’m sorry,” Melanie grimaced. “I hate I made the kids feel that way. You know I love them more than anything.”

“I know. And they know, too. Trust me.”

“Everything has just been happening so fast that I feel I do well to keep my head above water most days.”

Mia offered a sympathetic smile. “I know all of this has been a lot for you. Especially with Rob,” she hesitated slightly, looking unsure if she should say anything more, “well. You know.”

And Melanie did know. She knew in a town as small as Moonflower Cove that word would get out about her husband’s new girlfriend. Especially to his sister-in-law. There was little doubt in Melanie’s mind that Rob had told his brother about Janet.

Janet.

Melanie tried not to scoff at the name.

The only thing keeping her from being bitter was the fact she now was free to pursue things with Cameron. Because, unlike Rob, Melanie wasn’t a cheater.

“You know, I selfishly hate losing you as part of the family, but it’s also so great to see you so happy again. It reminds me of when I first met you.”

Melanie cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

“You know,” Mia suddenly looked nervous, “you just look happy. Not that you weren’t happy before. With Rob. I’m sure you were. I mean, why else would you have stayed married for so long?”

Mia’s nervous laugh matched how Melanie felt.

“I’m just glad you’re happy. That’s all.”

“Thanks, Mia.”

“And I’m sorry if I overstepped. You know me,” she sighed, “always talking before thinking.”

“It’s okay.” Melanie waved her off. “It’s my fault for not reaching out before now.”

“Let’s not let that happen again, okay?”

“For sure.”

“Maybe we can grab dinner sometime soon? Maybe after the holidays?”

“That would be nice.”

“Great. It’s a date.”

Melanie tried not to overthink about the implication that she was no longer invited to the Sullivan family Thanksgiving.

The thought settled hard in the pit of her stomach.

It was something she hadn’t thought about until now.

All her holidays had been spent with Rob’s family since Melanie didn’t have close family.

Although she knew she could spend Thanksgiving with any of her friends, she also knew they all had their own traditions she didn’t want to butt into.

There were clearly still some things that Melanie hadn’t thought about when it came to divorce.

Ugh. Divorce life is weird.

“Jade and the kids are on the playground, if you want to say hi.”

“Yeah, for sure.” Melanie rubbed Lucy’s ears. “I’m just going to take Lucy to the dog park really quick and let her run some more energy out, but I’ll be back.”

“How about I send Jade down your way?”

Mia seemed to know that Melanie was unsure about seeing Jade or her kids. Not that Melanie didn’t want to see them. She did. Melanie just wished she had a better excuse to duck out before seeing her eldest niece for the first time post-divorce announcement.

After saying goodbye and promising again to meet up, Melanie walked to the dog park with Lucy by her side.

There were a few other dogs in the fenced in area, so Lucy quickly scampered off to see her friends.

Melanie recognized a few of the dogs, more so than their owners, from previous visits to the park.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Melanie made her way over to the corner to the large fenced-in area that was bathed in sunlight.

She took a seat on the wooden bench as she watched Lucy run around with a Golden Retriever.

Her eyes shifted to the woman walking in through the gate.

Melanie smiled sweetly at her niece. Jade Strickland was the spitting image of her mother with her blue-green eyes and dark blonde hair.

The dark green jacket was zipped halfway up, revealing an Eagles sweatshirt.

She waved shyly at Melanie as Melanie stood to hug her.

“Hey,” Jade’s sweet voice made Melanie smile as she pulled her niece into a hug.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Melanie kissed her cheek. “It’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you, too, Aunt Mel.” They sat back down on the bench, turning slightly to face each other with their knees touching. “I’m sorry I haven’t called. I didn’t know what to say.”

“Honey, it’s okay. I’m the adult. I should have called.”

“Well, I’m not exactly a child.” Jade laughed as she put her hand on her small baby bump. “But I am super pumped about you helping me deliver this one, too.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Melanie gently put her hand on top of Jade’s. Gently, Jade moved her hand to be on top of Melanie’s. “How’s everything going?”

“So far, so good. Twenty-one weeks this week.”

“That’s awesome, honey.”

“The girls are so excited. So is Ryan. He’s ready for a boy.”

Melanie put her free hand to her heart as she felt her eyes softened. “It’s a boy?”

“It’s a boy,” Jade giggled as Melanie hugged her. “I wanted to tell you sooner, but with everything going on, I didn’t want to bother you.”

“Jade, honey, you are never a bother to me. I’m sorry I ever made you feel that way.”

There was a twinkle in Jade’s eyes that Melanie knew all too well. All three Sullivan girls had it from the time they were born. Melanie knew it was a key sign they were up to something.

“I know how you can make it up to me.”

“Oh, really now?” Melanie chuckled, leaning back against the bench. “And how is that?”

“By telling me that now you’re finally going to pursue things with Cameron.”

“Oh, geez,” Melanie laughed as she covered her face with her hands. She could feel herself blushing as Jade giggled and playfully bumped her shoulder against Melanie’s.

“Come on, Aunt Mel. You can’t keep secrets from your favorite niece.”

“Oh,” Melanie jokingly grimaced, “I’ve been meaning to tell you. You’ve been replaced.”

Jade chuckled, waving Melanie off. “Bitch, please. We both know I’m your favorite. Hunter moved away and left us alone with your in-laws and Ashlyn is, well, Ashlyn.”

“Be nice to your sister.”

“Which one?”

“Both,” Melanie laughed.

“So,” Jade bumped her shoulder into Melanie’s again, “tell me. You and Cameron are going to happen, right?”

Melanie couldn’t keep from grinning widely.

“ Yes! ” Jade squealed, pumped her fists in the air. “I knew it. I mean, come on, you and Cameron have had tension for years. Hunter kept telling me I was crazy, but I knew it. I knew something was going on between you two.”

“Well, for starters, nothing has gone on between us yet aside from kissing. Unlike your uncle, I’m not a cheater.”

She regretted saying the words as soon as they left her mouth. Melanie had wanted to remain the bigger person in the divorce, but she’d let that slip in front of Jade. Just as she was about to apologize, Jade held up her hands.

“Don’t you dare apologize. Uncle Rob was crazy for cheating on you. Mom and Dad both think so. So do Hunter and Ashlyn. He’s an idiot for fumbling you, but at least Cameron gets to rebound you.”

“Look at you and your sports metaphors. And I personally hope Cameron is more than a rebound. Because between me and you, I really want things to work out for us.”

“I want things to work out for you two, too.”

The two chatted a while longer about Jade’s daughters and the new baby. And, of course, Cameron. Melanie recounted their first kiss and Jade asked if she had plans to spend Christmas with Cameron. When Melanie told her she didn’t know, Jade encouraged her to ask Cameron.

“It’s so stupid that we get stuck with Rob in the divorce.”

“Be nice to your uncle.”

“I’m an adult. I don’t have to be nice to him or his girlfriend.”

“Fair enough. And I’ll ask Cameron next time I see her. Although that goes against every bit of good manners I know to invite myself over to someone’s Christmas dinner.”

“Yeah, but the rules go out the door once your tongue’s been in their mouth.” Jade winked, making Melanie laugh again.

“Now you sound like Hunter.”

“She’d agree with me.”

After the two finally said goodbye, Melanie called Lucy over as the two headed home. She made dinner for herself and fed the pets before plopping down on the couch to watch TV. Her phone buzzed on the armrest, and she half expected it to be Cameron. But instead, it was Jade.

Have you made Christmas plans yet???

Melanie smiled, typing back a message.

Not yet, but when I do, you’ll be the first to know.

See, I knew I was your favorite niece.