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I had never thought of my body as special. It was a normal size six, sometimes an eight. Boobs that were not too small but also not big, a lean build, not very many curves. My eyes were a nice green, but that green eliminated a lot of colors from my wardrobe, including the purple I wanted to wear. My hair was thick and light honey blond. It had some delicate waves and fell right below my shoulders.
My parents hadn’t thought I was special enough to pay attention to, and as a child, I’d spent most of my life with my nose in a book.
I stared at my body, and I tried to see myself through Jonah’s eyes.
Jonah Steel, the most magnificent man I had ever laid eyes on, loved me.
This reflection in the mirror was beautiful to him, beautiful to a man with more strength, more intelligence, and more love to give than anyone I’d ever known. This man was devoted to his brother, to his whole family. And now he appeared to be devoted to me.
I smiled at my reflection. My body wasn’t perfect by a long shot, but it was mine. And that’s why Jonah loved it. Because he loved me.
I had never thought myself worthy of such love since my parents hadn’t given it to me. But Jonah thought I was worthy. Jonah knew what I was going through. I hadn’t told him the whole story, but he knew enough.
From now on, Melanie, you will stop thinking of yourself as average. You are smart, determined, hard-working, and you are a damned good therapist. Your body and your mind are beautiful.
I smiled when I heard the thud of cowboy boots outside in the hallway. I left Jonah’s robe lying on the floor and turned on the shower.
* * *
Talon met us at the door of his house, the little mutt panting at his feet. I reached down to pet Roger.
“Felicia isn’t here yet. I figured we’d talk to her in the kitchen.” Talon turned to me. “Brooke is out on the deck. There’s a carafe of coffee out there, and some fruit and croissants.”
“Okay,” I said. “I’m really not sure what I’m supposed to talk to her about.”
“Look, Doc, no one thinks you have anything in common with an aging supermodel. But she’s just a lonely woman, and she would like someone to talk to. Jade and Marj left early this morning for their hike. The two of them really do need a break from her.”
Jonah looked at me. “If this is uncomfortable for you, you don’t have to do it. You can stay in here with us.”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t think that would be appropriate since I’ve never met Felicia. I’ll make do. I’m sure Brooke and I will be fine.”
“Well,” Talon said, “she’s nice enough. She and Jade have a rather fragile relationship at the moment, but they’re working on it.”
“You’re not asking me to give her free therapy, are you?” I smiled.
Talon laughed. “No, God. I wouldn’t wish that on you, Doc.”
I walked slowly toward the door that led from the kitchen out onto the deck. Jonah hadn’t told Talon what I’d been through, at my request. He had enough on his mind without having to worry about me.
I walked toward the table where Brooke was sitting and helped myself to a plate. I placed a croissant on it, a pat of butter, and then a few slices of pineapple, kiwi, and some strawberries. “I guess Palisade peach season is over,” I said.
Brooke looked up at me. “Oh, hello. You’re Talon’s therapist, aren’t you?”
She had just met me the previous evening, but I wasn’t about to bring that up. “I am. And you’re Jade’s mother.”
“Guilty,” she said. “What are you doing over here this morning?”
“Jonah had some business with Talon, so I tagged along.”
“You’re just fresh as a daisy,” Brooke said, “with gorgeous bone structure. I’d love to do a makeover for you. You’d be stunning.”
I groaned inwardly. “How nice of you to offer. I’ll give it some thought.”
Her smile seemed forced. “My goodness, that’s a lovely bauble around your neck.”
I nervously fingered the diamond necklace and said a simple, “Thank you.”
“A gift?”
