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“Where’s Douby?” Madison asked.
“Huh ... Hmm.” Rick glanced at her, his forehead creased.
Ouch ... Wrong question.
Michael pouted. “Daddy said Douby has to stay in his crate today. We gave him turkey for lunch, and he went to sleep.”
“I’m sure he loved his turkey treat. Now, he must have to rest after eating that.” She hugged Michael. “I love your fire truck. Show me how to sound the alarm.”
At the bar, Rick chatted with Walter and busied himself preparing drinks while Laura and Arlene exchanged opinions about recipes. Pleased that her parents seemed to get along with Rick and his mother, Madison relaxed.
To allow his mother to enjoy the special day, Rick had the meal catered. A couple of waiters bustled around the kitchen and soon the spicy scents heralded an enticing menu. When the bell chimed, the caterer announced that dinner would be served in a few minutes.
Arlene led her guests into the dining room. Following with the boys, Madison admired the fall decorations, ideal for anelegant Thanksgiving dinner party. On the buffet, the mirror reflected three gold textured glass pumpkins, adding a festive glow tothe room. A pumpkin basket filled with fall blooms and berries made a bountiful centerpiece.
Their hostess started by saying grace. Rick poured the wine for the adults, and strawberry punch for his boys. Sitting next to Madison and well-behaved, Mark and Michael raised their glasses too and participated in the toast for a happy Thanksgiving.
The waiters served the scrumptious dinner. Madison often caught Rick’s warm gaze resting on her, and her parents’ exchanges of glances and subtle smiles. God only knew what they were imagining. She could feel her mother’s excitement and her father’s approval.
When the children finished their turkey and mashed potatoes, they asked to be excused and dashed out to check on their puppy. Dessert, consisting of pecan, pumpkin, and apple pies served with vanilla ice cream, was served on the patio, and then Rick offered Walter a tour of his new boat, docked in front of the house.
On the way home, Laura blurted, “What a wonderful day.”
“Wonderful and promising,” Walter added, with a knowing look Madison tried to ignore. “Rick Lambert didn’t take his eyes off you, sweetie.”
“I noticed.” Laura chuckled. “The man is head over heels in love with you, Maddy.”
“Come on, Mom. Don’t exaggerate.”
“Don’t try to deny it. I think we may hear good news soon.”
Exasperated, Madison huffed. “Mom, slow down. We just met three months ago.”
“Take all the time you need.” Walter nodded. “This man is worth keeping. A bright one who built an empire on his own. Strange though, his name sounds familiar. I must have readabout him in the newspaper.”
“The boys are adorable. They obviously love you.” Laura commented. “And his mother didn’t stop praising you.”
Her parents kept gushing about the Lamberts until she dropped them off at home.
“By the way, I’ve invited them to our Christmas party in the building’s lounge. Arlene declined, saying she would be in Cincinnati.”
“Yes, she mentioned that her daughter, Denise, is pregnant and should deliver around the end of December. Arlene plans to leave after the children’s nanny arrives,” Madison explained.
“Too bad. In any case, I hope you’ll make sure Rick comes with you.”
So far, Madison had kept their relationship private. For a change, she wouldn’t mind going out with her handsome lover.
***
Things don’t always happen as expected. As much as Rick had planned his schedule around his children’s needs, all his plans got messed up when Denise called, crying that she desperately needed Momnow. Early contractions had forced her into complete bed rest. Arlene didn’t hesitate and booked a flight the same evening.
“Please, Mom, wait three more days. Nanny Maria will be here. You can’t leave the children now. They need supervision after school.”
“Denise must go on complete bed rest or risk losing her baby. Can’t you understand? She needs twenty-four-hour help.” Arlene scowled at him as if he was a monster. “Hire a babysitter like other working parents do.”
“As if I know a reliable babysitter in the area,” he grumbled. “Our neighbors’ teenagers are spoiled brats I don’t trust.” Damn it, he wouldn’t leave his children and his house in the care of ayoung stranger possibly on drugs.
Frustrated and helpless, Rick decided to stay with the children after driving them home from school and continue working from there. His plan worked well the first evening.
