Sterling New Year Read online

  “This tarp should do the trick,” Jason said as he came through the door. He set the bundled cloth down in the middle of the room. Dale stepped forward to help unroll it.

  “Thank you. It’s perfect.” She walked around the edge of the tarp and reached for a mannequin. Jason rushed to help her. “We can store things along the walls, and I can work in this area.”

  “The mannequins are all different sizes,” Dale observed as he set one carefully onto the canvas.

  “Yes, because the bridesmaids are different sizes. I can add or remove layers of cloth and foam to get the dress size as close as possible.” She spotted the crate that housed her sewing machine. “Can you help me with this one?”

  “Sure.” Jason jumped on the task, grabbing a crowbar from the table. He popped the lid free with a couple of quick yanks.

  Dale glanced inside the box and chuckled. “We have sewing machines here. You could’ve borrowed one. Plenty of women in town sew.”

  Melody laughed. “If they sew like I do, they won’t give up their machines for three weeks straight. I’m settling for nothing less than perfection for my best friend’s wedding.” Mel folded her arms over her chest and smiled proudly.

  “We want it to be great too,” Ryan said. “Do what you have to do. We’re working on repairs and a new boat in the next room, so let us know if you need anything,”

  “Do you have a radio I can borrow to drown out the noise you’ll be making? I’ll focus better.” She smiled at him.

  Jason lifted the sewing machine out of the box and set it on the table. “I’m sure we can find one for you by tomorrow. Not much for stations, but it’ll be white noise.”

  “That’s all I need.” Mel relaxed when Ryan turned the camera to the sewing machine, then to Jason.

  Ryan pointed the camera at Dale. “So, best man, what do you think?”

  Dale’s smile couldn’t quite hide a ripple of annoyance. “I think my sister-in-law will have the best wedding dress Sterling has ever seen.”

  Ryan hit a button on the camera before kissing Dale on the lips. “Good answer.”

  The affection between the attractive men triggered an unexpected arousal in Melody. Isa had told her they were in a bisexual ménage relationship. Hearing it over the phone or asking questions via text was one thing. Seeing it was different. Men together were hot. Their bisexuality opened up options Melody never imagined happened in real life. Maybe women like Isa were that lucky, but not Melody. It would take a little time for Sterling’s ménage-friendly reputation to sink in.

  “Melody?” Jason came to stand beside her.

  His body heat sparked a sudden craving for affection. “Yes?”

  “You’re staring.” Jason grinned at her.

  “Sorry. I’m still getting used to the ménage idea for Isa and that it’s normal here.” She turned to check on how her sewing machine had survived the journey. “I have a lot of gay friends back in Michigan, but they’re all couples.”

  “We’re not gay. We’re bisexual. We just haven’t found the right woman yet.” Jason grabbed the empty box from the floor. “I’ll move these out of your way. We’ve got a closet in the back. Nothing will get tossed.”

  “Great. I really appreciate the help.” Bisexual. I have to remember to use that term. These men seemed to be stressing their willingness to share a woman. Isa had mentioned women were the minority in Sterling. Maybe I can have a little fun. A girl does need some playtime.

  “Don’t worry,” Ryan said. “And you’ll get the hang of Alaska. There’s a lot to adjust to. The darkness will be weird, but I’m sure you’ll find a way to keep warm at night.” He winked at her, then headed after Jason.

  She got that flirtatious hint loud and clear. Instead of forcing Dale, the quietest of the three, into conversation, she unpacked her sewing kit. The men might be glad to have new meat around, but they stared at her like she was prime rib.

  Dale took the empty box from her. “Don’t mind them. They’re thrilled to have more women in town for the wedding. A lot of people are excited.”

  “I checked the census. Two thousand people don’t make a tiny town. There have to be women here.” She shook her head.

  “Sure. I grew up with them in school and everything. Most marry young and move away after college. If one of the few remaining hasn’t clicked with us by now, she probably isn’t the right woman. Anyway, don’t take the flirtation you’ll get here too seriously. You’re the new blood. Jason and Ryan don’t mean any harm. If you feel uncomfortable, put them in their place.” Dale lifted a full box onto the table, then opened it for her.

  For a second, she was annoyed. Did he think she didn’t get hit on and would misread flirtation because she was a size twenty? Then she realized she had been a little overwhelmed by the group approach. If she was outnumbered in the town as well, Dale’s advice might be sound. Maybe he was just being nice in his weird, quirky Alaskan way. “I can handle forward men. A coordinated trio would be a new experience.”

  “A lot of women like the attention. Mining and fishing bring people here, so naturally, there are more men than women. Men have to be more competitive to win a woman. But they certainly value their woman once they win her. Isa is lucky; you’ll see.” Dale cracked a real smile.

  She unloaded sketches she’d done of the dresses, followed by shoes that matched the bridesmaids’ gowns’ fabric. “I’m sure you’re right. Ben seems nice. Hopefully, we can agree that your brother is very lucky to have Isa.”

  “Damn right!” Dale nodded at the shoes. “You thought of everything.”

  “I hope so.” She smiled and surveyed the room. “Things cost a lot more here. I’d rather take my time and be careful with what I have. Flying back to Anchorage, or even having something brought in, would be a pain.”

  “Welcome to Alaska. We always make the most of what we have. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. We’ll find a way to get you what you need. The wedding is a big deal for the town. People will help.” Dale picked up some empty boxes and headed out as Jason and Ryan entered.

  She felt the change in the room as the two flirts returned. “Is the wedding really that big a deal?” she asked them.

  “Yeah, lots of friends and family coming in.” Ryan held up an expensive-looking video camera. “Mind if I put this in here to capture the whole thing? I can do a time-lapse effect to let everyone see the dresses and your hard work.”

  Melody hated being on camera. For the wedding, how could she say no? Isa’s grandmother was too frail to make the trip up. The Web site would stream the wedding live and also show the activities leading up to the big day. People could replay it wherever they were. It wasn’t only ingenious. It meant the world to that ninety-year-old woman on dialysis.

  “Sure, a camera is fine. We’ll need to rig something for privacy when I do fittings, though.”

  Ryan gave a dismissive wave. “Jason will figure it out. He’s a genius at throwing things together.”

  Jason hugged Ryan playfully. “I’ll have it for you before the fittings.”

  Eventually, she would forget a camera was there. “Sounds good. So the bridesmaids won’t be the only single girls in town. Isa had me worried,” Mel said, trying to make small talk.

  Chuckling, Jason shook his head. “Most of the guests will be family. Don’t worry. Even Alaska doesn’t have an official bride-hunting season.”

  She laughed but sensed he was only half-kidding. Deep down, she had a feeling that eighteen hours of darkness wasn’t the biggest challenge she would have in Alaska. The way the two men were looking at her, staying on deadline might be tricky.

  Chapter Two

  The next morning, Ryan walked to the boathouse to install the wire for the camera. Inside, he found Melody already hard at work. She was an early bird. He loved that no-nonsense side of her. She was friendly but had been more interested in her work than three men flirting with her. Well, two men. Dale had been nothing but a pain.

  Ryan admired her curv
es as she measured fabric. He, Dale, and Jason had found a common love in college for not-so-skinny girls. “Morning. Hope I’m not in the way.”

  She smiled at him. “Not at all. Don’t touch any fabric; that’s all.”

  “No problem. Can I interview you? Just a quick intro?” he asked.

  Her smile disappeared, but she nodded. “I guess.”

  Ryan pulled out the camera he kept in his pocket. She looked great in a dark green T-shirt and jeans. Her long auburn hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Once she was seated at the table with her sewing machine, she shrugged. “Ready when you are.”

  “Melody Cameron, maid of honor and dressmaker extraordinaire, welcome to Sterling! You know the bride well. Any warnings for the guys?” Ryan centered her in the shot and resisted the urge to zoom in on her cleavage.

  She rolled her eyes. “No. No warnings. She’s a sweetheart. Great friend and fun. Ben and Jimmy are lucky.”

  Ryan noticed her slip-on loafers. The faux fur looked warm, but they were too low cut. Not suitable Alaska-wear. He glanced around, searching for other boots she might have changed out of upon arriving. There were none. “You had dinner with the happy trio last night. What do you think of them?”

  A blush brightened her cheeks. “Very nice guys. Polite and friendly. They treat Isa like a princess, which is wonderful. She deserves it. I’m going to make her the prettiest bridal gown I’ve ever done.”

  “Does the ménage thing freak you out?” he asked.

  “I wouldn’t say freak out. It’s uncommon, but they all seem happy. That’s what matters.” She started to fidget and look around.

  Ryan scooted closer. “Ignore the camera. Just talk to me like it’s no big deal.”

  Taking a deep breath, she smiled tensely. “Well, the dress material is over there. I’m just measuring it out.”

  “Any embarrassing stories about the college years, or are you holding on to those for the toast?” Ryan asked, wanting her to relax.

  “Nothing embarrassing. Lots of late-night movie marathons, pizzas, and talking. Studying too. Boyfriends came and went, but that’s college. I’m really glad she found the right guy…guys.” She blushed a deeper red. “I’ll get used to that.”

  He couldn’t resist pushing her a little further. “Would you want two men?”

  She frowned. “I don’t know. I’ve never thought of that as an option. We should stop.”

  He paused the camera. “You’re doing great. The honest-friend chat is cute. People will be able to click on the interview or not. It’s not something they’re forced to watch.”

  “I get it. But there’s a difference between a fun fling in bed with two men and life. Real life. Twice the men to clean up after, feed, and take care of.” She shook her head. “I know it’s what Isa wants, and I’m so happy she found them, but practically, it’s more work.”

  He understood her fears. “Child of divorce?”

  “Not until I was eighteen. I swear, they filed the divorce papers the minute after they dropped me off at college.” She fussed with the sewing machine. “My mom got pregnant young. My parents got married and were basically stuck together. Or thought they were for my sake. That’s how they acted. I was never the cheerleader for marriage in our group of friends, so maybe be careful what you ask me.”

  “No problem. My dad ditched Mom and I before I knew him. We made it on our own until I was in high school. My stepdad is a good guy. I just never felt like I had a real family around when I needed it.” He didn’t want to dump his baggage on her, but she needed to know she wasn’t alone in the damaged-family department.

  She rolled her chair over and picked up the sketches. “Thanks. My parents were like Stepford people. Dad went to work, mowed the lawn, and all the fatherly stuff expected of a man. Mom cooked, cleaned, raised me, and worked part-time at the school. They never seemed to like each other. This is silly. You’re not here to talk about me.”

  “That’s okay. My mom’s life would’ve been a lot different if I weren’t around. I knew she loved me like crazy and gave me the best she could. I never felt resented. Around here, the men do everything. I’m a good cook. Dale likes doing laundry, although he won’t admit it. Jason can fix anything; he’s an engineer. We earn a good living. People do whatever needs to be done to help each other. I like it here.” Ryan stopped before he made her feel like they wanted more from her or that he was talking up the town and its ménage tradition.

  Melody pulled out spools of glittered thread from a box and arranged them on the table. “I understand. It is beautiful here—from what I saw yesterday, anyway. Jimmy and Ben seem nice. I didn’t expect Alaska men to be so evolved. TV always features the rugged mountain men. It must be rough living up here.”

  “It is. You can’t be too good to dig in and do anything. Did your dad leave all the parenting to your mother?” he asked.

  She tensed as she fished out more spools of thread. “It’s so hard to explain. They were there for me, but I knew they weren’t happy. Not sure if that’s better than no dad or divorced parents. I always felt their regret or resentment. Plenty of my friends had divorced parents. Not like it’s a big deal. I’m sure your parents thought they were doing the best thing.”

  Ryan looked at the waiting mannequins and glossy white fabric. “And you design wedding gowns for a living?”

  She cracked a real smile and sighed. “Yes. I love the fairy tale. The dream is wonderful, but it rarely comes true. That’s what makes it so special. People never give up hope that the next marriage will last forever.”

  “You don’t believe in marriage or love?” he asked.

  She looked him square in the eye. “With the divorce rate what it is? Marriage doesn’t mean forever, and it shouldn’t if the love isn’t real. Love is what matters. A ceremony is moving, but a piece of paper doesn’t make it work.”

  Ryan liked her answer. She wasn’t bitter—just very cautious. “Good, because Isa can only be legally married to one guy. You have no qualms or ethical issues about it.”

  “As long as she’s happy, that’s all I want. If it doesn’t work out, she’s got a degree and can move and get a job. Is your mom still with your stepdad?” she asked.

  At least she seemed interested. “She’s very happy. It was gross when I was in high school, watching my mom fall in love. But when I left for college, I realized how glad I was that she wasn’t alone. My stepdad is good to her. Are your parents both still single?”

  She pulled out a few pincushions and set them neatly on the table. “Dad remarried. Mom hasn’t. I think she likes having to take care of herself.”

  Ryan glanced at his watch. “I should let you work. We wandered off topic.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t want to be a downer for your interview.” She smiled sweetly as she rolled a spool of thread in her hands.

  Dale walked in. “Am I interrupting?”

  “Not at all. I’m just getting some footage.” Ryan winked at Melody. He hadn’t expected Dale to visit Mel so soon. Dale was usually the hesitant one.

  Dale gave the room a quick once-over. “Anything you need?”

  She arranged her things on the table. “I’m good.”

  “What do you think of Alaska?” Dale asked.

  Ryan could tell when Dale was fishing for conversation. He seemed intrigued by Melody, even if he’d been standoffish yesterday.

  “I haven’t seen much of it yet. It was dark when I came in this morning; it’ll be dark before I leave. Truthfully, I’m here to do the dresses, not be a tourist. Every bride deserves her big day to be perfect, so I have a lot of work to do.” She looked around and sighed at the fabric.

  Ryan wanted to give them some privacy. “I’ve got the camera running now. We can do some more interviews when you’re done with the gowns.”

  “Thanks for doing the video. I know what it means to Isa’s grandmother.” She leaned on the table.

  Dale cleared his throat and picked up a spool of thread.

  She immed
iately snatched it from him. “Oh, please don’t! Please, no touching thread, fabric, or any of my tools with unwashed hands. I promise not to touch any of your tools or boat parts.”

  Dale gave Ryan a frustrated look. Ryan resisted laughing at him. The guy was trying to show interest in her but kept tripping over himself. “Sorry. I just wanted to invite you to lunch with us. You need to eat, and the café gives huge portions.”

  Her eyes narrowed at Dale as she found a spare cloth and wiped off the spool.

  Ryan jumped in before Dale unintentionally told the voluptuous woman he assumed she had to eat a lot. “So you’ll have leftovers for dinner. The club sandwich is enough for two meals. Grab an extra container of soup, and you’ll be all set if you want to work late. We always have coffee and soda here.”

  “Oh. Sure. That sounds great.” She smiled at Ryan, then checked her cell phone. “Let me work until noon. I’ll be at a good stopping point for a break.”

  “Deal.” Dale nodded.

  Ryan patted Dale’s shoulder and nudged him out of the room before he shoved his foot in his mouth again. If Dale was coming in on his own, he was interested. Ryan liked what he’d learned about her so far; her depth and honesty were becoming. He didn’t want to fall too hard or too fast, but he had a very good feeling about her.

  * * * *

  Seated in a booth next to Ryan, with Dale and Jason across from her, Melody finally felt almost normal. Despite the less than ideal work space, she was settling in somewhat comfortably. It wasn’t her studio at home, but she’d make it work.

  “Make much progress today?” Jason asked.

  She glanced over the menu and chose the safest item—a grilled-cheese platter complete with soup and fries. “So far, so good. I cut the fabric and pinned it together for the dresses. Isa called me. She needs something for the bridal shower as well, so it’s a good thing I brought extra material.”

  “Busy lady.” Dale smiled.

  The waitress walked up and grinned widely at Melody. “Hi. I’m Rachel, Jimmy’s cousin. So glad you’re here. Don’t let these guys tie you down too fast. There are options.”