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“Ms. Madison, wake up. We’re going to be late.” The non-too-gentle hands were now shaking her shoulders, and two pairs of laughing eyes stared at her.
“Ah, what time is it?”
“Seven-thirty. We’re dressed and ate muffins. You have to drive us to school.”
“Right away.” She jumped out of bed, and stopped in her tracks. “Where’s your dad?”
“Daddy made breakfast. He didn’t want to wake you up. He said he’s very busy and had to go to the office.”
“Okay. Give me two minutes. I’ll take you to school.”
They arrived just in time. She waited next to the car and watched them line up with their classmates and then walk into the building when the bell rang.
A text blipped on her phone.
I don’t know how to thank you for saving my day and my business. The kids said they loved sleeping with you in their room. Can I count on you today, too, and maybe tomorrow? Nanny Maria is arriving the day after that.
She sighed and responded,
No problem at all. I love being with them.
She wouldn’t mind playing mommy for two more days. Too bad it couldn’t last forever.
Chapter Sixteen
Reassured that Madison was taking good care of his boys, Rick sat at his desk, checking the minutes of yesterday’s meeting and grinned.
When he’d returned home from his business dinner at ten p.m. last night, he’d found the house silent, the boys in their beds, and Madison on their couch. He gently covered them all and had gone to his room.
What a pity! Madison was spending the night at his house, but not in his bed.
On the other hand, she’d looked so cute in her prim pajamas. The fact that she’d chosen to sleep on the couch in his sons’ room, rather than in one of the many guestrooms, filled his heart with warmth.
At breakfast, the boys recounted the details of their night with Madison and begged him to let her sleep with them.
“I didn’t have a bad dream,” Michael smiled proudly.
“Ms. Madison made us pray to Mommy.”
“Ah.” Rick swallowed awkwardly.
“Seriously, Dad, we want her sleeping with us from now on.”
“Seriously, I wouldn’t wish for anything better.” He peered at his son.
“Then do something, Daddy.” Michael clasped his fists at his waist. “Tell her to stay with us.”
“Listen, boys. I promise I’ll talk to her, but we have to choose the right moment. Let me think about it. Don’t say anything to her yet. We don’t want to say or do anything that would upset her. She’ll be with you today and tomorrow, and then she’s working. But Nanny Maria will be here.”
“It’s not the same.”
“You don’t have to tell me that, son.” No one wantedMadison to stay with them more than he did.
A week ago, they’d admitted they loved each other. Commitment and marriage didn’t seem bad at all when he pictured Madison in his arms. She could start the night in the children’s room reading them a story, praying with them, and relaxing on the couch, and then move to his bed. He’d love to share the boys sleeping routine with her and snuggle on the couch watching them falling asleep.
Over the next two days, Madison joined him and the boys for breakfast, and tackled the kitchen chores while listening to his report of business meetings, the children’s babbling, and the puppy’s joyous woofs. Like a caring mom.
Sharing his thoughts, Michael blurted, “We’re a real family now, right, Daddy?”
