Book Series: Trevor Family Saga (Book 4)
Publishing Date: 1998
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Contemporaray Romance
Point of View: Third Person Limited: Melody and Matthew
Chapter Count: 14
Page Count: 219
Chapter 1- Twenty-year-old Melody Morgan hates Christmas. Thanks to her completely messed up, dysfunctional family, her cynicism is justified. Her father, a raging, abusive alcoholic, died years ago while all her brothers and sisters (she's second youngest) are either pregnant, in jail, doing drugs, passed out drunk or mooching off her weak, passive mother who lets them all, except Melody, take advantage of her. Melody does what she can for her siblings but as the chilly November wind blows through her long, dark hair she wonders if maybe she's become an easy target and doormat too like her poor mother. She's lived in Provo, Utah her whole life and is the only one who graduated from high school and has managed to stay employed at a respectful job while living independently.
As Melody enters the courthouse where she's been summoned, she wants to cry. She had to walk all the way downtown today because her brother totaled her car. Her older sister was living with her in her apartment until she threw another wild party, stole all Melody's money and ran off with her boyfriend to Mexico leaving Melody to take the blame for all the damage. Her family inactive, Melody offers a fervent, silent prayer for strength to make it through this, the worst day of her life.
Chapter 2- The male judge shows no mercy and throws the book at Melody who reluctantly agrees pay the fine caused by her irresponsible sister. Vision blurred by tears, Melody exits the room, runs smack into a tall, handsome man with sandy hair and the entire contents of her purse go flying. The young man starts talking to her as he helps Melody gather her things. Melody notes his deep blue eyes and fights a surge of attraction. He introduces himself as Matthew Trevor. Melody tells him hers and the reason she had to appear in court today. Matthew is a pre-law student and was there observing her case as his studies require. Because he's a nice guy, and it's obvious Melody is still upset, he offers to take her to dinner. Melody is hesitant but after Matthew reassures her she can trust him, she agrees.
Over their meal, Matthew tells her more about himself. He's the oldest of five children. One of his sisters, Mallory, is currently thirteen (and will star in her own upcoming book). Matthew is living at home while attending BYU law school, served a mission to Russia, works at a sporting goods store and is very single in his LDS family ward where he has a calling. Melody also serves in her family ward as a primary teacher.
Matthew insists on driving her back to her apartment. Melody fights apprehension. She's from the wrong side of the tracks from a socio-economic circle way below his and once Matthew and his perfect family realizes these facts, he'll reject her.
Chapter 3- Unable to get this girl out of his mind, Matthew tracks her down at the Blockbuster video store where she works. It isn't easy as Provo has many, (not so today as the franchise went bankrupt in 2010 and closed all its stores) but with the help of the Yellow Pages, he makes a few phone calls, finds the right store and startles Melody with a cute pick-up line. Flattered he would make the effort to find her so he can ask her out again, Melody hides behind a front of defensiveness. Matthew wants her help to do his Christmas shopping, but Melody HATES Christmas. She refuses but Matthew is charmingly persistent with the inclusion of dinner and a movie with the unpleasant chore. Melody laughs and agrees.
He picks her up as soon as she gets off work. The shopping is done quickly and the movie is good. They are enjoying themselves at the restaurant until the subject of Christmas comes up again. Upset, Melody leaves the table in a huff. Realizing his date just ditched him, Matthew discovers the wallet she accidentally left behind. He does some snooping and smiles as he learns Melody Noel Morgan has a birthday coming up next month. He slips in a twenty, pays the bill and leaves the restaurant to hunt Melody down, insisting she get in the car so he can at least do the chivalrous thing and take her home. Later, Matthew arranges for flowers to be delivered to Melody's apartment because he's a sweetheart.
Chapter 4- It is Melody's turn to track down Matthew at his job a few days later, to thank him for the flowers and make a peace offering. She took his suggestion, talked to her bishop about her financial troubles and was able to reconsolidate her finances and look into purchasing a used car which is parked outside on which she'd like Matthew's opinion. They go for hamburgers and Matthew tells her to buy it.
Matthew won't hear any excuses, Melody will spend Thanksgiving at his house so she can meet his wonderful family and for once in her life experience the holidays the way they were intended; with family. However, before they enter the house, Matthew confesses the judge who passed such a harsh penalty on her case was his father. Melody panics but Colin Trevor is warm, friendly and accepting ("It's not personal, just business, young lady,") as Matthew introduces them. His angel mother, Janna, is equally welcoming. It is all like a dream for Melody who permits a chaste kiss on the forehead from this young man standing on her doorstep who would love to be more than a friend.
Back at his home, Matthew tells his mother about his growing feelings for this poor, young, single woman forced to estrange herself from her family; all alone in the world with no man to care for her. She's working her way through school with plans to major in elementary education (NO! Don't do it, Melody!) which makes her the perfect candidate for wife and mother in a temple marriage. Janna tells her son to go for it.
Determined to convert Melody to the joy and wonder of Christmas, he continues seeing her and Melody slowly finds herself accepting his attention. During one date, they browse a Hallmark store where Matthew, seeing one of those cute "Our First Christmas" ornaments for newlyweds jokes about buying it which Melody doesn't find funny at all.
Outside, Matthew stops Melody as they walk, takes her in his arms, declares his eternal love to her and kisses her. Melody responds and is amazed at how right and good it feels. She weeps, explaining to Matthew no one has ever committed to her like this before.
Chapter 5- Back in the warm car, Matthew listens while Melody pours her heart out about her rough start in life, growing up in the Morgan household, where it was every child for themselves ducking the flying beer bottles. Birthdays were never acknowledged; holidays never celebrated. Melody never got anything new. Matthew notes the old, tattered coat she wears. Melody tells him she once saved all her babysitting money to buy herself something respectable but one of her siblings stole the money to buy cigarettes and she was never compensated so she gave up believing she would ever be worthy of having nice things like all her classmates; who teased her about her poverty and family reputation.
Matthew invites her over for the annual Trevor pre-Christmas party where, for the first time in her life, Melody experiences baking cookies and decorating a Christmas tree. Melody cries at so much love and harmony, mourning for what she never had. Matthew just holds her.
Chapter 6- A few days later, Melody is brought over for the first night of the annual Trevor Christmas movie marathon starting with everybody's favorite classic It's a Wonderful Life which, naturally, makes Melody cry. The movie's message about angels touches something deep inside her which, as she whispers to Matthew, she'll explain later.
Melody stays for dinner. Later, she and Matthew go into a room to talk. Matthew shares his family's story and Melody learns they are not so different as he grew up with an abusive stepfather and a mother who suffered from depression but was able to overcome her trials and emerge a strong woman and the best mother any kid could want.
Melody shares her story. She would never have stayed active in the church if it hadn't been for Sister Thompson, a kind, grandmotherly widow in her primary presidency who lived down the street and made sure Melody came to church and offered a safe refuge when home became too much. She was like an angel. Matthew really wants to meet this remarkable woman and Melody's family too but Melody refuses fearing once Matthew sees the state of her childhood home he'll run away screaming.
Chapter 7- Melody relents and takes Matthew to meet Sister Thompson first. They enjoy a pleasant visit while the reception and atmosphere at the Morgan residence is not so pleasant. The house reeks of cigarette smoke and stale beer. The front room is a mess. Melody's two older brothers, currently living at home, do nothing but drink, smoke and play video games all day while her mother uses all her social security to support them. One brother yells at them to keep it down and is very rude while Thelma Morgan greets Matthew shyly. She has little to say while Matthew tells her about his ambitions in school and the respect he has for her daughter. Melody is anxious to leave. Outside, Matthew pulls her into his arms, completely understanding and accepting of Melody's toxic, dysfunctional background.
After dropping Melody off, Matthew returns home where he has his own emotional breakdown. Janna finds him sitting on the floor, rocking back and forth reverting to his childhood coping method. With tears streaming down his face, Matthew confesses to his mother his post-traumatic issues have not completely healed as being in the Morgan home brought it all back. Yet, he still loves Melody, more than ever; now convinced they were meant to be together.
Later that night, Matthew knocks on Melody's door to talk. He tells her about what happened and the conversation he had with his mother. Melody finds herself falling in love with this man who really does understand the hard-knock life.
Chapter 8- Melody sobs in Matthew's arms as their heart-to-heart continues until after two in the morning. Melody returns Matthew's "I love you's," and lets him out with new hope this relationship just might work.
Several days later, Matthew arrives to pick Melody up from work for another shopping date when a rough looking, very pregnant, seventeen-year-old young woman with multiple piercings and wild hair approaches them in the parking lot. She is Melody's little sister, Lydia, who only comes home once in a awhile and has a police record for shoplifting. Melody introduces Matthew as her very good friend while Lydia begs her sister for money; playing the single mother victim card. Knowing she'll just use the money for drugs and she'll never see a dime of it back, Melody refuses, advising her sister to go back to church, back to school, or get a job and take responsibility for her actions. Lydia storms away, leaving a trail of swear words behind.
Matthew has to pull over so Melody can sob in his arms. She really does love her sister but how can you help someone who won't help themselves? Melody remembers something Sister Thompson once told her, about warrior angels like the stories from the Book of Mormon. The idea that she had her very own patriarchal, male, angel warrior standing guard at her bed at night, defending her from all the evil that surrounded her daily brought great comfort to young Melody over the years; an idea she continues to cling to today. She's beginning to realize Matthew has become that kind of angel for her. But is she ready to accept it?
Chapter 9- Melody helps Matthew put up Christmas lights around the Trevor home. He guides her up to the roof, holds her tight, promising he won't let her fall so she can enjoy the view in the fading light. Melody cries, again, at this incredible turn her life has taken now that she has a man, her very own angel, to share a passionate kiss.
With Melody's birthday approaching, Matthew enlists the help of his two younger sisters, Caitlin and Mallory to help him pick out the right surprises. They put together a tasteful gift basket with inexpensive, feminine, items Melody will like. Later they help him smuggle a Christmas tree with all the trimmings into her apartment and set it up.
Melody can't believe it when Matthew shows up at her work to wish her a happy birthday with balloons and the gift basket. She bawls when Matthew escorts her home where a lighted tree awaits her with a gift underneath, just for her. It's a beautiful, tasteful, black coat. Melody is overcome with emotion and love for this man who really is too good to be true.
Chapter 10- One date later, Matthew assures Melody that she's not responsible for the choices her family members made. They enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant and go for a walk where Matthew pulls out a ring and asks for Melody's hand. Overwhelmed by emotion, Melody has to plead for time to process this, decide if she's ready to start a family and not mess it up. She resolves to fast and pray the next day.
Feeling inspired, she calls Janna who is happy to meet so they can talk. She's aware of Matthew's intentions and they have her blessing. She shares with Melody her own tragic story of being an unwed mother who impulsively married a man who turned out to be a controlling, abusive psychopath. He's dead now, committed suicide in prison, so she and Colin, Matthew's biological father, can live happily ever after. She tells Melody not to make the same mistakes she did. When God sends you a worthy priesthood holder on a white horse, jump in the saddle and ride away with him! If a mantexts you back, is committed to you, MARRY HIM! Melody realizes just how blessed she is to have been chosen by Matthew. (Oh, how low the dating bar has fallen for men in the 21st century).
Chapter 11- Because smart phones haven't been invented yet, Matthew calls Melody on her apartment landline, looking for his mother. Melody laughs. Janna's here and they've been having a long talk. About him.
Melody is invited back to the house for another Christmas movie, Scrooge (the 1970 musical version, good choice!) which makes her cry. Matthew drives her back to her place and comes in so they can have another long talk. Melody confesses some of her worst childhood memories. Her jerk of a father was so negative about Christmas, he once slapped Melody just for saying the word, "Christmas." That's why it was never celebrated. Her mother should never have married him and borne his children but she did. Melody cries herself to sleep in Matthew's arms and he carries her to bed and leaves but Melody can't fall back asleep; she stays up reading Dickens until four and is so moved by the story she cries herself to sleep.
Good thing Melody has the day off work so she can sleep late. When Matthew arrives to pick her up for their date, Melody is a changed woman. She tells Matthew she's ready to accept his proposal. Filled with the spirit of Christmas, Melody tells him she'd also like to do something special for her mother this year.
They go shopping and conceive the brilliant idea of inviting Melody's mother to the house for Christmas dinner and the Trevor Family Christmas tradition of attending The Nutcracker ballet. (As performed by the exquisite Ballet West company. If you've never seen one of their productions, GO!) Such a special outing deserves a new outfit. They find the perfect dress and shoes to give Mrs. Morgan and Melody finds a dress for herself as well.
Matthew takes Melody to meet some special friends of the Trevor family, Jack and Hilary Hayden. Melody is impressed by their example of overcoming challenges and trials. She agrees with Matthew that if people like his parents and this amazing couple who have managed to conceive a second child, (yes, Hilary's pregnant) despite Jack being in a wheelchair all the while maintaining a perfect marriage and orderly household can overcome adversity, they can too!
The next day is Christmas Eve. Melody is packing her overnight bag in preparation for her invite to spend the holiday at the Trevor house when she realizes she never got Matthew anything. She runs to the Hallmark store and buys that ornament he once teased her about. Very appropriate.
Chapter 12- Christmas is like an incredible fairy tale for Melody. She and Matthew visit Sister Thompson to wish her a merry Christmas. Next stop is Thelma's to present Melody's gift to her mother whose eyes fill with tears as she humbly accepts the gracious invitation to both events.
Back at the Trevor home, everyone laughs, eats, hangs stockings, reads the Bible story together and exchanges wonderful gifts the next morning. Matthew loves his. Melody has to keep pinching herself to make sure she's still awake, engaged to the world's most perfect man who adores her
Chapter 13- At one o'clock, Matthew and Melody arrive to pick up Mrs. Morgan for her dinner date. She is wearing her new dress and has fixed herself up, nicer than Melody can ever recall and for once she doesn't reek of cigarette smoke.
Janna takes Thelma Morgan under her wing, chatting comfortably with her about her own life, her challenging first and second marriages and the ups and downs of child-rearing all through dinner. Thelma just sits and listens, hardly able to get a word in edgewise, Janna is being such a chatterbox, even Matthew is confused.
Janna's prattling did the trick. Thelma takes her daughter aside and gives her a small gift. It's a white, handmade, temple handkerchief a church leader from her youth gave her instructing Thelma to carry it on her wedding day. Since Thelma married a man who was never temple worthy with no interest in becoming active, she wants to break the cycle by passing this item on to her only child who stayed strong, unlike her other children who fell away. She is very proud of the decisions Melody made and happy to see her daughter moving on to a better place in life.
They drop Thelma off at her house with hugs at the door and return to the Trevor home, ready to spend a pleasant evening with Matthew's family. Until the phone rings.
Thanks to her boyfriend's beating her in the front room, before one of her brothers threw him out, Lydia is in premature labor. Matthew and Melody rush to the hospital. Melody is especially upset. Once again, her psycho family has managed to ruin her life. Now Matthew will never want to marry her.
Chapter 14- On top of that, it breaks her heart to see her teenage sister give birth to a tiny, drug addicted, fetal-alcohol syndrome suffering, baby girl with every intention of keeping it because it is now socially acceptable, even expected, for teen moms to do so. Lydia seriously believed by getting herself pregnant, her boyfriend would propose marriage and she'd have her own fairy-tale ending like Meldoy managed to snag for herself. Melody tells her it was because she made good choices and kept high standards that she was able to meet someone who shared those standards.
With all the health issues, this little one isn't going to survive long. Matthew asks Lydia for permission to give her baby a name and a blessing. Tears stream down Lydia's face as she listens to the beautiful words spoken by this good man over her new daughter. The baby dies later that evening. Arrangements are made for Lydia to be transferred to a drug rehabilitation unit so she can turn her life around.
A few days later, Matthew and Melody pick up Thelma for their Nutcracker outing in Salt Lake, stopping to visit Lydia in the hospital where Matthew gives her a priesthood blessing of comfort and guidance.
As Melody experiences the ballet for the first time in her life, she knows it's time to set a date with Matthew on when they should get married. April would be a good month. They kiss outside the (Capitol) theater and Melody compares it to the kiss of an angel.
Epilogue
One year later, Matthew arrives home from the courthouse where he's still preparing himself for the bar, to surprise his wife with flowers. They leave their newlywed apartment to visit Thelma who has made some major changes to her home and life: kicking out her ungrateful sons who fled to Mexico to find refuge with the oldest sister, throwing away her cigarettes and alcohol declaring such things will never be allowed under her roof again, getting a part-time job and using the money to redecorate the shabby old home, creating a welcoming environment for visitors (and future grandchildren). She is happier than Melody has ever seen her. Lydia moved back in with her mother and turned her life around too, enrolling in classes, getting a job and setting goals.
Matthew's parents arrive to pick them all up for dinner out. Cuddling with Melody in the backseat of the suburban, Melody whispers to Matthew she's expecting his baby. It is the perfect Christmas present. Merry Christmas! And God bless us every one. (especially if we're married!)
THE END
Point of View: Third Person Limited: Melody and Matthew
Chapter Count: 14
Page Count: 219
This book is dedicated
to anyone who has ever hated Christmas
And written with
heartfelt gratitude to my father…for giving his children the spirit of
Christmas.
I’m glad you finally got your little red wagon.
Chapter 1- Twenty-year-old Melody Morgan hates Christmas. Thanks to her completely messed up, dysfunctional family, her cynicism is justified. Her father, a raging, abusive alcoholic, died years ago while all her brothers and sisters (she's second youngest) are either pregnant, in jail, doing drugs, passed out drunk or mooching off her weak, passive mother who lets them all, except Melody, take advantage of her. Melody does what she can for her siblings but as the chilly November wind blows through her long, dark hair she wonders if maybe she's become an easy target and doormat too like her poor mother. She's lived in Provo, Utah her whole life and is the only one who graduated from high school and has managed to stay employed at a respectful job while living independently.
As Melody enters the courthouse where she's been summoned, she wants to cry. She had to walk all the way downtown today because her brother totaled her car. Her older sister was living with her in her apartment until she threw another wild party, stole all Melody's money and ran off with her boyfriend to Mexico leaving Melody to take the blame for all the damage. Her family inactive, Melody offers a fervent, silent prayer for strength to make it through this, the worst day of her life.
Chapter 2- The male judge shows no mercy and throws the book at Melody who reluctantly agrees pay the fine caused by her irresponsible sister. Vision blurred by tears, Melody exits the room, runs smack into a tall, handsome man with sandy hair and the entire contents of her purse go flying. The young man starts talking to her as he helps Melody gather her things. Melody notes his deep blue eyes and fights a surge of attraction. He introduces himself as Matthew Trevor. Melody tells him hers and the reason she had to appear in court today. Matthew is a pre-law student and was there observing her case as his studies require. Because he's a nice guy, and it's obvious Melody is still upset, he offers to take her to dinner. Melody is hesitant but after Matthew reassures her she can trust him, she agrees.
Over their meal, Matthew tells her more about himself. He's the oldest of five children. One of his sisters, Mallory, is currently thirteen (and will star in her own upcoming book). Matthew is living at home while attending BYU law school, served a mission to Russia, works at a sporting goods store and is very single in his LDS family ward where he has a calling. Melody also serves in her family ward as a primary teacher.
Matthew insists on driving her back to her apartment. Melody fights apprehension. She's from the wrong side of the tracks from a socio-economic circle way below his and once Matthew and his perfect family realizes these facts, he'll reject her.
Chapter 3- Unable to get this girl out of his mind, Matthew tracks her down at the Blockbuster video store where she works. It isn't easy as Provo has many, (not so today as the franchise went bankrupt in 2010 and closed all its stores) but with the help of the Yellow Pages, he makes a few phone calls, finds the right store and startles Melody with a cute pick-up line. Flattered he would make the effort to find her so he can ask her out again, Melody hides behind a front of defensiveness. Matthew wants her help to do his Christmas shopping, but Melody HATES Christmas. She refuses but Matthew is charmingly persistent with the inclusion of dinner and a movie with the unpleasant chore. Melody laughs and agrees.
He picks her up as soon as she gets off work. The shopping is done quickly and the movie is good. They are enjoying themselves at the restaurant until the subject of Christmas comes up again. Upset, Melody leaves the table in a huff. Realizing his date just ditched him, Matthew discovers the wallet she accidentally left behind. He does some snooping and smiles as he learns Melody Noel Morgan has a birthday coming up next month. He slips in a twenty, pays the bill and leaves the restaurant to hunt Melody down, insisting she get in the car so he can at least do the chivalrous thing and take her home. Later, Matthew arranges for flowers to be delivered to Melody's apartment because he's a sweetheart.
Chapter 4- It is Melody's turn to track down Matthew at his job a few days later, to thank him for the flowers and make a peace offering. She took his suggestion, talked to her bishop about her financial troubles and was able to reconsolidate her finances and look into purchasing a used car which is parked outside on which she'd like Matthew's opinion. They go for hamburgers and Matthew tells her to buy it.
Matthew won't hear any excuses, Melody will spend Thanksgiving at his house so she can meet his wonderful family and for once in her life experience the holidays the way they were intended; with family. However, before they enter the house, Matthew confesses the judge who passed such a harsh penalty on her case was his father. Melody panics but Colin Trevor is warm, friendly and accepting ("It's not personal, just business, young lady,") as Matthew introduces them. His angel mother, Janna, is equally welcoming. It is all like a dream for Melody who permits a chaste kiss on the forehead from this young man standing on her doorstep who would love to be more than a friend.
Back at his home, Matthew tells his mother about his growing feelings for this poor, young, single woman forced to estrange herself from her family; all alone in the world with no man to care for her. She's working her way through school with plans to major in elementary education (NO! Don't do it, Melody!) which makes her the perfect candidate for wife and mother in a temple marriage. Janna tells her son to go for it.
Determined to convert Melody to the joy and wonder of Christmas, he continues seeing her and Melody slowly finds herself accepting his attention. During one date, they browse a Hallmark store where Matthew, seeing one of those cute "Our First Christmas" ornaments for newlyweds jokes about buying it which Melody doesn't find funny at all.
Outside, Matthew stops Melody as they walk, takes her in his arms, declares his eternal love to her and kisses her. Melody responds and is amazed at how right and good it feels. She weeps, explaining to Matthew no one has ever committed to her like this before.
Chapter 5- Back in the warm car, Matthew listens while Melody pours her heart out about her rough start in life, growing up in the Morgan household, where it was every child for themselves ducking the flying beer bottles. Birthdays were never acknowledged; holidays never celebrated. Melody never got anything new. Matthew notes the old, tattered coat she wears. Melody tells him she once saved all her babysitting money to buy herself something respectable but one of her siblings stole the money to buy cigarettes and she was never compensated so she gave up believing she would ever be worthy of having nice things like all her classmates; who teased her about her poverty and family reputation.
Matthew invites her over for the annual Trevor pre-Christmas party where, for the first time in her life, Melody experiences baking cookies and decorating a Christmas tree. Melody cries at so much love and harmony, mourning for what she never had. Matthew just holds her.
Chapter 6- A few days later, Melody is brought over for the first night of the annual Trevor Christmas movie marathon starting with everybody's favorite classic It's a Wonderful Life which, naturally, makes Melody cry. The movie's message about angels touches something deep inside her which, as she whispers to Matthew, she'll explain later.
Melody stays for dinner. Later, she and Matthew go into a room to talk. Matthew shares his family's story and Melody learns they are not so different as he grew up with an abusive stepfather and a mother who suffered from depression but was able to overcome her trials and emerge a strong woman and the best mother any kid could want.
Melody shares her story. She would never have stayed active in the church if it hadn't been for Sister Thompson, a kind, grandmotherly widow in her primary presidency who lived down the street and made sure Melody came to church and offered a safe refuge when home became too much. She was like an angel. Matthew really wants to meet this remarkable woman and Melody's family too but Melody refuses fearing once Matthew sees the state of her childhood home he'll run away screaming.
Chapter 7- Melody relents and takes Matthew to meet Sister Thompson first. They enjoy a pleasant visit while the reception and atmosphere at the Morgan residence is not so pleasant. The house reeks of cigarette smoke and stale beer. The front room is a mess. Melody's two older brothers, currently living at home, do nothing but drink, smoke and play video games all day while her mother uses all her social security to support them. One brother yells at them to keep it down and is very rude while Thelma Morgan greets Matthew shyly. She has little to say while Matthew tells her about his ambitions in school and the respect he has for her daughter. Melody is anxious to leave. Outside, Matthew pulls her into his arms, completely understanding and accepting of Melody's toxic, dysfunctional background.
After dropping Melody off, Matthew returns home where he has his own emotional breakdown. Janna finds him sitting on the floor, rocking back and forth reverting to his childhood coping method. With tears streaming down his face, Matthew confesses to his mother his post-traumatic issues have not completely healed as being in the Morgan home brought it all back. Yet, he still loves Melody, more than ever; now convinced they were meant to be together.
Later that night, Matthew knocks on Melody's door to talk. He tells her about what happened and the conversation he had with his mother. Melody finds herself falling in love with this man who really does understand the hard-knock life.
Chapter 8- Melody sobs in Matthew's arms as their heart-to-heart continues until after two in the morning. Melody returns Matthew's "I love you's," and lets him out with new hope this relationship just might work.
Several days later, Matthew arrives to pick Melody up from work for another shopping date when a rough looking, very pregnant, seventeen-year-old young woman with multiple piercings and wild hair approaches them in the parking lot. She is Melody's little sister, Lydia, who only comes home once in a awhile and has a police record for shoplifting. Melody introduces Matthew as her very good friend while Lydia begs her sister for money; playing the single mother victim card. Knowing she'll just use the money for drugs and she'll never see a dime of it back, Melody refuses, advising her sister to go back to church, back to school, or get a job and take responsibility for her actions. Lydia storms away, leaving a trail of swear words behind.
Matthew has to pull over so Melody can sob in his arms. She really does love her sister but how can you help someone who won't help themselves? Melody remembers something Sister Thompson once told her, about warrior angels like the stories from the Book of Mormon. The idea that she had her very own patriarchal, male, angel warrior standing guard at her bed at night, defending her from all the evil that surrounded her daily brought great comfort to young Melody over the years; an idea she continues to cling to today. She's beginning to realize Matthew has become that kind of angel for her. But is she ready to accept it?
Chapter 9- Melody helps Matthew put up Christmas lights around the Trevor home. He guides her up to the roof, holds her tight, promising he won't let her fall so she can enjoy the view in the fading light. Melody cries, again, at this incredible turn her life has taken now that she has a man, her very own angel, to share a passionate kiss.
With Melody's birthday approaching, Matthew enlists the help of his two younger sisters, Caitlin and Mallory to help him pick out the right surprises. They put together a tasteful gift basket with inexpensive, feminine, items Melody will like. Later they help him smuggle a Christmas tree with all the trimmings into her apartment and set it up.
Melody can't believe it when Matthew shows up at her work to wish her a happy birthday with balloons and the gift basket. She bawls when Matthew escorts her home where a lighted tree awaits her with a gift underneath, just for her. It's a beautiful, tasteful, black coat. Melody is overcome with emotion and love for this man who really is too good to be true.
Chapter 10- One date later, Matthew assures Melody that she's not responsible for the choices her family members made. They enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant and go for a walk where Matthew pulls out a ring and asks for Melody's hand. Overwhelmed by emotion, Melody has to plead for time to process this, decide if she's ready to start a family and not mess it up. She resolves to fast and pray the next day.
Feeling inspired, she calls Janna who is happy to meet so they can talk. She's aware of Matthew's intentions and they have her blessing. She shares with Melody her own tragic story of being an unwed mother who impulsively married a man who turned out to be a controlling, abusive psychopath. He's dead now, committed suicide in prison, so she and Colin, Matthew's biological father, can live happily ever after. She tells Melody not to make the same mistakes she did. When God sends you a worthy priesthood holder on a white horse, jump in the saddle and ride away with him! If a man
Chapter 11- Because smart phones haven't been invented yet, Matthew calls Melody on her apartment landline, looking for his mother. Melody laughs. Janna's here and they've been having a long talk. About him.
Melody is invited back to the house for another Christmas movie, Scrooge (the 1970 musical version, good choice!) which makes her cry. Matthew drives her back to her place and comes in so they can have another long talk. Melody confesses some of her worst childhood memories. Her jerk of a father was so negative about Christmas, he once slapped Melody just for saying the word, "Christmas." That's why it was never celebrated. Her mother should never have married him and borne his children but she did. Melody cries herself to sleep in Matthew's arms and he carries her to bed and leaves but Melody can't fall back asleep; she stays up reading Dickens until four and is so moved by the story she cries herself to sleep.
Good thing Melody has the day off work so she can sleep late. When Matthew arrives to pick her up for their date, Melody is a changed woman. She tells Matthew she's ready to accept his proposal. Filled with the spirit of Christmas, Melody tells him she'd also like to do something special for her mother this year.
They go shopping and conceive the brilliant idea of inviting Melody's mother to the house for Christmas dinner and the Trevor Family Christmas tradition of attending The Nutcracker ballet. (As performed by the exquisite Ballet West company. If you've never seen one of their productions, GO!) Such a special outing deserves a new outfit. They find the perfect dress and shoes to give Mrs. Morgan and Melody finds a dress for herself as well.
Matthew takes Melody to meet some special friends of the Trevor family, Jack and Hilary Hayden. Melody is impressed by their example of overcoming challenges and trials. She agrees with Matthew that if people like his parents and this amazing couple who have managed to conceive a second child, (yes, Hilary's pregnant) despite Jack being in a wheelchair all the while maintaining a perfect marriage and orderly household can overcome adversity, they can too!
The next day is Christmas Eve. Melody is packing her overnight bag in preparation for her invite to spend the holiday at the Trevor house when she realizes she never got Matthew anything. She runs to the Hallmark store and buys that ornament he once teased her about. Very appropriate.
Chapter 12- Christmas is like an incredible fairy tale for Melody. She and Matthew visit Sister Thompson to wish her a merry Christmas. Next stop is Thelma's to present Melody's gift to her mother whose eyes fill with tears as she humbly accepts the gracious invitation to both events.
Back at the Trevor home, everyone laughs, eats, hangs stockings, reads the Bible story together and exchanges wonderful gifts the next morning. Matthew loves his. Melody has to keep pinching herself to make sure she's still awake, engaged to the world's most perfect man who adores her
Chapter 13- At one o'clock, Matthew and Melody arrive to pick up Mrs. Morgan for her dinner date. She is wearing her new dress and has fixed herself up, nicer than Melody can ever recall and for once she doesn't reek of cigarette smoke.
Janna takes Thelma Morgan under her wing, chatting comfortably with her about her own life, her challenging first and second marriages and the ups and downs of child-rearing all through dinner. Thelma just sits and listens, hardly able to get a word in edgewise, Janna is being such a chatterbox, even Matthew is confused.
Janna's prattling did the trick. Thelma takes her daughter aside and gives her a small gift. It's a white, handmade, temple handkerchief a church leader from her youth gave her instructing Thelma to carry it on her wedding day. Since Thelma married a man who was never temple worthy with no interest in becoming active, she wants to break the cycle by passing this item on to her only child who stayed strong, unlike her other children who fell away. She is very proud of the decisions Melody made and happy to see her daughter moving on to a better place in life.
They drop Thelma off at her house with hugs at the door and return to the Trevor home, ready to spend a pleasant evening with Matthew's family. Until the phone rings.
Thanks to her boyfriend's beating her in the front room, before one of her brothers threw him out, Lydia is in premature labor. Matthew and Melody rush to the hospital. Melody is especially upset. Once again, her psycho family has managed to ruin her life. Now Matthew will never want to marry her.
Chapter 14- On top of that, it breaks her heart to see her teenage sister give birth to a tiny, drug addicted, fetal-alcohol syndrome suffering, baby girl with every intention of keeping it because it is now socially acceptable, even expected, for teen moms to do so. Lydia seriously believed by getting herself pregnant, her boyfriend would propose marriage and she'd have her own fairy-tale ending like Meldoy managed to snag for herself. Melody tells her it was because she made good choices and kept high standards that she was able to meet someone who shared those standards.
With all the health issues, this little one isn't going to survive long. Matthew asks Lydia for permission to give her baby a name and a blessing. Tears stream down Lydia's face as she listens to the beautiful words spoken by this good man over her new daughter. The baby dies later that evening. Arrangements are made for Lydia to be transferred to a drug rehabilitation unit so she can turn her life around.
A few days later, Matthew and Melody pick up Thelma for their Nutcracker outing in Salt Lake, stopping to visit Lydia in the hospital where Matthew gives her a priesthood blessing of comfort and guidance.
As Melody experiences the ballet for the first time in her life, she knows it's time to set a date with Matthew on when they should get married. April would be a good month. They kiss outside the (Capitol) theater and Melody compares it to the kiss of an angel.
Epilogue
One year later, Matthew arrives home from the courthouse where he's still preparing himself for the bar, to surprise his wife with flowers. They leave their newlywed apartment to visit Thelma who has made some major changes to her home and life: kicking out her ungrateful sons who fled to Mexico to find refuge with the oldest sister, throwing away her cigarettes and alcohol declaring such things will never be allowed under her roof again, getting a part-time job and using the money to redecorate the shabby old home, creating a welcoming environment for visitors (and future grandchildren). She is happier than Melody has ever seen her. Lydia moved back in with her mother and turned her life around too, enrolling in classes, getting a job and setting goals.
Matthew's parents arrive to pick them all up for dinner out. Cuddling with Melody in the backseat of the suburban, Melody whispers to Matthew she's expecting his baby. It is the perfect Christmas present. Merry Christmas! And God bless us every one. (especially if we're married!)
THE END
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