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There would be another huge bonus if she married him. Something that she hadn’t experienced yet. Late evenings and nighttime … alone with Nolan. Warmth filled her.
Voices and footsteps approached the solarium. Madeline wasn’t one to hide, but she was certain her face was splotchy and her eyes red. She needed a moment to compose herself. Sliding to the side, she was quickly hidden by thick trees, bushes, and flowers.
The voices came closer, and she could tell instantly—Macey and Kiera. What was Kiera doing out of school early? Since the Rindlesbachers had died or gone into hiding, Kiera had returned to the public school. Of course two guards shadowed her, but Nolan had explained how they attempted to let her have a normal school experience as his boys had done. Kiera loved school and had a myriad of friends she talked about.
Today, her voice was choked with tears. Madeline could hear the tremor and the sniffles. Her heart lurched. Kiera. The fun-loving teenager was her favorite.
Madeline almost hurried out of her hiding spot to comfort Kiera. She could admit she’d been crying as well and commiserate. Kiera would love that. They related to each other so well, and Kiera was the daughter she’d always dreamed of having.
“It’s not that I don’t love Chad’s mum. I do,” Kiera said, sniffling again. “I love Chad’s mum with my whole heart.”
Madeline froze. Kiera and Macey were talking about her?
“And I know those girls are only jealous because I’m a princess,” she said fiercely. “But I’m tired of always being the one they have to talk about and make fun of. Why must I always be the kind one and not tell them off?”
“Where much is given, much is required,” Macey’s voice responded. “You’ve got a loving family and you are the princess. I bet those girls are lacking something that makes them lash out.” She paused and then said more quietly, “I didn’t have a loving family, but I withdrew instead of lashing out. My brother Gage picked fights. I’m sure other boys thought he was a jerk when truly he was hurting. He needed someone to understand and give him a chance.”
There was a pause.
“I know,” Kiera said. “You’re right. It’s just hard.”
“I understand, love. It is hard, and they shouldn’t pick on you, no matter their reasons. I am very proud of you for not lashing out and for choosing to be kind.”
“Thank you.”
Madeline’s heart ached as she silently listened. Macey was counseling Kiera, helping her to see another view and commending her on her kindness. Madeline wanted to hug her and be there for her as well.
“I don’t know how they even found out that I’m getting a new mum. Do you know how they knew, Macey?”
A new mum? Nolan had only proposed last night. She hadn’t said yes, and they hadn’t made it official. There hadn’t been any publicity about their ‘dating’ arrangement, either.
“Well, sweetie, it must’ve leaked to the media today. It’s all over the internet. Those girls probably checked their phones at lunchtime and then they had something to taunt you about.” Macey was as logical and sweet as always. “Why would that matter, though? Does the idea of Madeline being your mum bother you? You said you love her.”
“I do love her.” Kiera’s voice sounded so depressed Madeline didn’t feel very loved. “I love being with Madeline but I don’t want a new mum. I don’t want to just replace my mum as if she never existed. I don’t want to forget her. What kind of brat could do that?” Kiera’s voice escalated, and then she was sobbing.
Madeline felt her words and her cries deep, a hot poker into her chest. Of course Kiera didn’t want to replace her mum. It wasn’t right and nobody would expect it of her. The poor girl had lost her mum at a young and impressionable age. She acted so well adjusted and happy it was easy to forget she was young, in pain, and dealing with deep heartache.
“You think my dad will marry Chad’s mum and forget my mum? I can’t believe he’d do that. I thought he loved Mum.” The teenager began crying in earnest. Macey must’ve been hugging her and murmuring soothing words.
Madeline had gradually taken over the role of nurturing Kiera and all the family this past month. It stung to realize she wasn’t needed in that role and Kiera didn’t want her there. All of Nolan’s children besides Kiera were adults and more than capable of helping and loving Kiera, just as they’d done before Madeline came here.
The hot poker in her chest twisted. It hurt worse than the scrapes on her hands, elbows, and knees.
Their footsteps retreated and their conversation was lost to her.
Madeline didn’t move. She was numb. In pain. Out of place.
She needed to leave.
Slowly, she made her way back to her suite and shut herself inside. It was early afternoon. She could not sit here alone waiting until dinner. Too much ache and too many questions swirled in her head. She picked up her phone off the side table where she’d left it earlier today. She’d missed a lot of calls. If the media story had broken, that would make sense.
She scanned the names—Chad, Hope, half a dozen friends from parliament, Chief Jensen, the prime minister, and several numbers she didn’t recognize. Most likely media wanting a statement.
Who should she respond to first?
Madeline hit the call back on Chief Jensen. She wanted to know what he’d learned about that man and his boss. She needed to hear that Nolan was safe.
“Ms. Prescott.” The chief’s voice was warm.
