Chapter 25

After hearing at work about Seth needing to take the day off because something had been happening with Tabitha Yoder, Lott knew it was time to finally do something about his relationship with Melonie. It needed to come out in the open, which meant that he needed to stop being so worried that Anna and Wayne Zimmerman would turn him away. If he didn't stand up to them, Melonie was going to be the one to tell him they needed to end their relationship.

Lott went home and showered, then picked up the flowers he'd bought on the way home and headed over to Melonie's house.

Anna Zimmerman opened the door when he knocked. "Hello, Lott." Her smile faded when she noticed the flowers.

"Gut evening, Anna." He lifted his chin. "I came over to see Melonie. May I?"

"Yes, of course. Come in. I imagine she'll be pleased to see you." She frowned again at the bouquet in his hands. "I'll, ah, go let her know you're here."

"Danke." As he watched her walk away, Lott's mind spun. Anna had kept looking at the flowers like they were a hornet's nest—but why? Didn't all women like flowers? And didn't most girls' mothers appreciate such a gesture?

He held up the bouquet and stared at it for a few moments. Was it an ugly floral arrangement? Was that what was wrong?

"Hiya, Lott," Wayne Zimmerman said as he strode toward him from another room. "Anna told me you were here."

Lott took a deep breath. "Jah. I have come calling on Melonie."

"It would seem so." Wayne's expression barely changed.

Lott had no idea if Wayne was about to kick him out or welcome his suit. "I know you have concerns about me, but I want you to know that I've changed my ways."

"Melonie told me that you started working at Porter Construction."

He nodded. "I'm only an apprentice now, but I aim to become a master carpenter one day. Maybe even as good as Seth."

Wayne looked at him intently. "Seth is a master carpenter?"

"He is. He's very talented and skilled. Everyone thinks so."

"That's gut to know." He eyed the flowers again. "You know, I'm not sure if—"

"Hi, Lott!" Melonie said as she joined them. "I hope you weren't waiting too long."

"Not at all." Ready to get rid of his gift at last, he thrust the bouquet at her. "These are for you."

She inhaled sharply. "Oh."

Now thoroughly confused, he blurted, "What's wrong with these flowers? Are they ugly?"

"No. Not it all." She glanced at her father, who was still hovering nearby. "I guess, um, I'm just a little sensitive where flowers are concerned right now. You see, I was over at Tabitha Yoder's today and she received a bouquet too."

"Who from? Wait, did Seth take her flowers?" Now he really didn't understand the problem. Melonie adored her brother and approved of his relationship with Tabitha.

"Oh, nee. They ... they came from her ex-husband. He'd dropped them off at her front door."

It took him a second to remember that Tabitha's ex's abuse had led to their divorce. "Why would he do that?"

"To scare her, I think. The police wrapped them up to take to the crime lab. Deputy Ernst said Leon could've put something on them to make them poisonous."

"Truly?"

"I'm not sure if they were tainted or not, but seeing both the sheriff and deputy there was scary." As she glanced at the bouquet again, both her gaze and voice warmed. "I do appreciate the flowers. They're pretty, and it was so kind of you to bring them. It's just that seeing them was a shock."

"I guess so." He couldn't believe that he'd given Melonie a bouquet on the very same day she'd been spooked by Tabitha's. "I'm sorry. Would you like me to get rid of them?"

Her eyes widened. "No, of course not."

Her father walked over and took them out of his hands. "Don't worry about the flowers none, Lott. They are mighty pretty, and I'm sure Melonie is grateful for them."

"Yes. Yes, I really am. It was so kind of you," she said again.

"I'll put them in water in the kitchen." Wayne walked away, saying over his shoulder, "Why don't you two go into the parlor?"

"That sounds perfect." Melonie smiled at him before leading the way.

The Zimmermans' parlor was a small room. Four comfortable-looking chairs surrounded a card table, and an oak bookcase on one of the walls held a variety of puzzles, books, and games. A blue woven rug was centered under the table, and above it was a light fueled by propane. It was already on.

"This looks like a game room," he said.

"It is. When Seth and I were little, the four of us would work on puzzles together or play cards or Scrabble or something."

"Do you still do that?"

"Nee. I grew up, and Seth ... well, now that Seth isn't here, it's not the same." She sat down at the table.

Lott took a chair next to her. "I'm glad your parents seem friendlier."

"Me too." She peeked out toward the hall. "I think Mamm's misguided attempt to play matchmaker with my cousin made her realize that she didn't know what was best for me."

Remembering how irritating the guy was, he said, "Lorne was absolutely not best for you."

She chuckled. "That's the understatement of the century."

Lott studied her face, glad that Melonie seemed more at ease. "Want to tell me about what happened at Tabitha's?"

"I will, eventually, but would you mind if we didn't talk about it right now?" Looking cute and shy, she said, "I'd rather talk about us."

"All right." Sure, he could talk, but he was feeling so relieved that all he really wanted to do was pull Melonie into his arms and hold her tight. That was definitely not a good idea.

It was a blessing that her mother appeared at the door. "Lott, Melonie's flowers are beautiful. I put them in a vase. Would you like some hot cider and a slice of applesauce cake? Melonie helped me make it yesterday."

"Jah, Anna. I would like that very much."

"Should we go in the kitchen, Mamm?" Melonie asked.

"Nee, dear. I'll put everything on a tray and bring it out. I think the two of you deserve a few moments to relax."

"Danke, Mamm." When her mother disappeared down the hall, she reached for Lott's hand and quickly squeezed. "I'm glad you came over, Lott. Really glad."

"Me too." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it quickly before placing his hands back in his lap. As much as he tried to think of something interesting to say, he drew a blank. All that kept running through his head was that he was going to be able to court Melonie out in the open. The way she deserved to be treated.

At last.