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“Dad, not only will it give me time to get used to the idea, but it will show me that your relationship is meant to last.” He groans. “My wife isn’t going to be happy when I admit what we’ve talked about.” He winces. “She loves Madison and she’ll be so mad that I’ve interfered.”
“Should have kept your mouth shut then, huh? Lumpy sofa for you tonight,” I joke, but my heart still feels heavy.
I turn to leave but Tanner places a hand on my arm. “I love you, Dad, and just want you to be happy, even if that ends up being with Madison.”
Sighing, I pull him into my arms for a hug. “I love you too, son.”
Backing away, I wave and head toward the house where I find Madison waiting on the deck. Her complexion is pale, and she fidgets with her hands. The first words out of her mouth are, “Tanner isn’t happy.” She inhales and meets my gaze. “Charlotte told me, she’s also asked me to go and visit Paige with her. My cousin is one of my weaknesses right now, and I really would like to visit her. See with my own eyes how she’s doing.”
She takes a step to meet me and wraps her arms around my neck. “Paige has a habit of lying through her teeth, so the family won’t worry.” Her eyes fill with tears. “I want to go and visit her, but I’m afraid that if I do, you won’t want me when I get back.”
Angry with myself for listening to Tanner, I wrap her tightly in my arms. I breathe in her scent and know that she’ll come home to me. “This is where your home is Madison. It’s here with me, and I’ll be waiting, and please don’t let Tanner persuade you otherwise.”
She pulls back and frowns. “What has Tanner said?”
“What did Charlotte say?” I counter.
“You have me worried,” Madison says. “Charlotte only told me that Tanner wasn’t fully on board with us, but she had confidence that he will be eventually.” She searches my gaze anxiously.
“He really doesn’t want you with me, huh?” her voice breaks gently as her eyes become glassy with tears.
I cup her face when the tears fall. “Madison, listen to me. I love you, honey, and my son will come around eventually. He likes you, he just wasn’t expecting you to get together with his father.” I offer a wry smile.
She smiles through her tears. “He must have been the only one who didn’t figure it out. Everyone else knew or suspected something.”
“That’s true.” I grin. “When we had the siesta earlier, I didn’t think it would have to hold us both until you return.” I kiss her forehead and then her sweet lips. “I want you to have a really good time with your family, and I’ll be right here waiting when you’re ready to come home.”
“Oh boy!” She blows out a shaky breath. “I wish Paige was well enough to travel so she could come here instead.” Her hold behind my neck tightens. “I’m being soft, wanting to stay here with you.” She moves back and wipes at her tears. “I’m sorry for the sad tears, there’ll be plenty of happy ones when I get back.”
Taking my hand, she urges me to follow. “Help me pack.” She winks. “You can inspect me for illegal substances.”
45
Madison
Although I’m really missing Derek, I’m also very happy to be here with Paige. Olivia is also here, along with Charlotte, and our host, Seth, who has been nothing but amazing. It’s nice to watch Paige with him and she’s almost embarrassed by his constant attention.
Seth is a little bit taller than Paige, with jet black hair and a nice athletic build. He’s certainly easy on the eyes, and the fact that he’s put everything on hold to be here with her, makes him all the more attractive.
He’s currently moving away from us after delivering water and sandwiches, and so to wind Paige up, Charlotte, Olivia and I drop our sunglasses to the tip of our noses and watch him.
“I can’t believe you three,” Paige grouches. “Leave him alone.”
“It’s too much fun,” Olivia offers with a shrug. “And I’m still single.” She grins, causing Paige to narrow her gaze.
“That really wasn’t funny.” Paige smiles as she sips her water through a straw.
“Talking about you being single,” I direct at Olivia, “I’ve found you a really nice cowboy, goes by the name Geary.”
Charlotte spits her drink out, choking. “Really?”
Olivia looks down her nose at Charlotte, which makes us chuckle. “How nice?”
I think for a moment to tease her, and reply, “Major hot. If I wasn’t in love with Derek, then I would never have mentioned you to him.” I smirk. “He’s waiting for you to visit so he can sweep you off your feet.”
Olivia narrows her eyes and turns to Charlotte. “I take it you know this Geary? Is he as hot as Madison says?”
“If you promise not to repeat this to Tanner, then I’ll tell you, he is hotter than hot.”
