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“But” I begin to argue.
“But nothing. Love doesn’t ever make sense. And there are no timetables. Look, I know I was griping about Drew earlier, but I have no room to talk. It was love at first sight for me and Jenna and I couldn’t wait to make her my wife.”
With my elbows on my knees, I lean forward and place my head in my hands. “She’s pregnant already. Some dude she met on the road.”
“And she loves, YOU.” Rob, playboy with a beer in his hand, is leaning on the doorframe of the cabin, looking annoyed. “Some guy will snatch her up if you don’t. she’s a catch.”
“Do you love her?” Landon asks the only question that matters, and I know what I need to do.
Chapter Nine
Mady
Powering down my laptop, I close it, and tuck it inside my bag along with the power cord, tripod, tripod remote, and other random items from my desk. It feels like the end of an era, and now, more than ever, I feel the need to move on. I’ve never run from anything, or anywhere, before. Call it a mother’s intuitive need to protect her heart and her unborn child. I need to leave. I need to put the memory of the golfer boys and Mountain Ridge Resort behind me.
My cell phone rings, and the second I see my mom’s name on the caller ID, I choke back my tears “Mama?”
“Madelyn, are you alright? I just read your post, honey. What’s going on?”
“I’m just tired and ready to come home. Can I come home and have the baby with you and Daddy?”
“Well of course honey, MARCUS, Madelyn’s coming home!” My mom screams into the phone, and instead of my normal urge to cringe and roll my eyes, the urge to cry is more intense. I don’t even try to hold back the tears.
The greatest parents in the world are the ones who fill their kids with experiences, strength, and a firm foundation, set them free to live life on their own terms, and then hold their arms open wide when the kids return. My brothers may have never returned, so to speak, but I am ready for some serious bonding with my mom and my friends whom I haven’t seen in far too long.
“Honey, Mady, are you still there? Is everything ok? Did this ‘J’ person hurt you?”
“Oh mom, I’m fine, honestly. I just miss you and dad.”
BANG! BANG! “MADY!”
“What’s that? Madelyn?”
“Mom, someone’s at the door. I’ll call you later.”
“Madelyn!” Joe is flushed and out of breath, as if he just ran the entire way here.
“Madelyn!” my mom screams into the phone.
“Mom, I’m fine. I’ll call you later. Give my love to dad.”
I disconnect the call with my mom, toss my phone aside, and cross my arms. “Joe, why are you here?”
“Mady.” Joe rushes across the room and grabs my shoulders in his hands. “Why didn’t you say anything? Why did you rush off and leave me at the bar?”
“You made your feeling perfectly clear. Finding love so soon, especially with a pregnant chick, is ridiculous.”
“No, Madelyn, I’m ridiculous for not recognizing and acknowledging what’s in my heart. I DO love you so much, and we can’t end this. Not now.” Joe’s hands slide down my arms to cup my belly, and he drops to his knees in front of me to kiss my belly.
My baby kicks in response. A sign from the universe, perhaps. She always kicks when he’s around.
“Mady, I love you. All of you. Please don’t give up on us now.”
“Oh Joe.” Tears drop from the corners of my eyes.
Joe jumps up and kisses the tears in the corner of my eyes, leans forward, resting his forehead on mine. Our eyes lock, and with shallow breaths we kiss by the light of the moon filtering through the window. Joe’s frame is a mere shadow, but I know him. The spicy hint of shampoo and body wash, the soft waves of his thick hair in my hands, the feel of his beefy calloused hands on my back as he finds the zipper to my dress and lowers it down to my waist, before brushes the dress straps off my shoulders to fall in a puddle by my feet. Standing before him in granny maternity panties and no bra, I feel sexier than I ever have. My body is hot, on fire, and revved up anticipating what is to come.
“So beautiful Madelyn.”
