Melene nodded. There was no use denying it.
“Well, what woman wouldn’t? He’s an irresistible one, that’s for sure. And now he’s trying to ditch you?”
Melene tried to smile. She failed. “It’s fine, Gramma. We both have all-encompassing careers we feel are our calling, and they take precedence over a normal, settled life. He tried to tell me not to get invested, but you’re right, he was too irresistible for me to keep my distance.”
“Ah, love.” Gramma patted her cheek. “Such an exotic beauty, and a sweetheart clear through. You wouldn’t say crap if your mouth was full of it. Learn to complain and roast somebody for me, would you? The hot jerk is breaking your heart in two.”
Thankfully, Melene could laugh at that. “I will not roast Aiden, and he’s the farthest thing from a jerk. He is hot and incredible, and I owe him my life.” At least she had the wonderful memories of his thoughtfulness, all their kisses, and the rest of their time together.
Shelly and Thor caught her eye on the dance floor. Thor made his bride laugh, but then he tugged her close and kissed her thoroughly. Melene was so happy for them, and so miserable for herself. Even Greer was dancing with the beaming Emery. He looked uncomfortable with the dance steps, but his eyes were shining at his girlfriend. It looked like Greer would do anything for her.
Gramma Larue drew in a steadying breath. “Well, you sit here and mope and lie to yourself about why he’s not at your side. I’m going to do something about it.”
Melene’s eyes widened. “Gramma, no. Please. He protected me and was so caring and good to me. He does not deserve to be called out.” Even if he was breaking her heart, she’d be forever grateful for all he’d done for her.
Gramma gave her a challenging look, then she darted away faster than Melene had seen her move in years and strode determinedly to the dance floor.
Melene didn’t know if she should follow her and try to stop her, probably causing a scene, or if she should go hide somewhere or beg someone to take her home. This would not end well.
She skirted the floor to where Aiden and Maddie were still dancing. She tried to stay in the shadows so he couldn’t see she was moving in. Somehow, he sensed her. His gaze darted right to her and it held.
He stopped dancing and Maddie grabbed his arm. “What’s wrong …” She followed his gaze. “Oh.” Her own blue eyes became scheming. “Ohhhh,” she drawled out.
Gramma Larue reached Maddie and Aiden before Melene could do anything but stare at him.
“Listen up, sailor,” Gramma said much too loudly, poking a finger in Aiden’s face. It would’ve been adorable to see her stooped with age, tiny grandmother trying to tell the tough, tall SEAL what was up, if it wasn’t Melene who was going to be humiliated when he kindly explained he wasn’t interested and never would be. He’d simply been doing his assignment protecting her. What did a few delicious kisses, banter, thoughtful gestures, and fun times in the water mean to a man like Aiden who’d been pursued by women the world over? Tears pricked at her eyes as so many of their interactions flashed before her mind, particularly him taking such tender care of her when she’d been sick and making sure she had toiletries and clothes. What kind of tough guy did that for a woman? How could she mean nothing to him?
“Yes, Mama Larue?” Aiden sweetly bent down and took Gramma’s hand.
“Oh, don’t you try to be cute with me,” Gramma hurled at him.
Other people were stopping dancing and watching the interaction. Ah, shoot. At least the music hadn’t screeched to a stop … yet.
Aiden smiled. His gaze darted to Melene and her heart sped up. “I don’t know how else to treat you, Mama Larue,” he said kindly. “The entire valley loves you.”
“Well.” She pushed out her chest and pinned him with a look that Melene hadn’t seen since she’d stolen Gramma’s stash of Ghirardelli’s king-sized chocolate caramel bars and eaten three of them, making herself sick for a day and a half.
“I don’t really care if you love me,” Gramma said feistily. “I want you to love my girl.”
Aiden’s blue eyes focused in on her. His mouth opened, but nothing came out. Melene thought the entire wedding party was staring now, but she wasn’t about to break from staring at him. All she could see was Aiden.
She clutched her hands together and prayed for … she didn’t know what to pray for. She loved him, but she’d never ask him to leave his career and calling in life, and she couldn’t imagine leaving hers. If only they could be like Shelly and Thor and settle down in this gorgeous valley with all these wonderful people. Safe, happy, loved, and creating children and memories together.
Aiden patted Gramma’s hand and said without breaking concentration on Melene, “Excuse me, Mama Larue. It was great to see you.”
“Great to see you, handsome. Don’t mess this up, you hear?”
Aiden nodded, but said nothing.
He released Gramma and strode off the dance floor, across the grass, and to where Melene anxiously waited. Melene’s heart was in her throat, and she had no clue if Gramma had just saved her life or doomed her to a future without Aiden.
ChapterSixteen
Melene studied Aiden’s handsome face as he grew closer, but he felt like a stranger to her. Gone were the teasing, easy smiles and longing looks.
Stopping in front of her, he stared down at her broodily. That look on his face didn’t seem like her Aiden. His gaze swept over her, and he said huskily, “You look gorgeous, Melene. I love that dress on you.”
His words were a compliment, but they felt too formal.