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How had he ever thought his ex was beautiful? Compared to Madison, she was just plain.
“Hi,” Laurie said, her voice strained.
“Hello,” Madison said, “nice to see you again.”
“You too,” she said.
“Do you know Chuck?” he asked.
“No,” Madison said. “I’m Madison Benton, attorney at law.”
Laurie’s eyes widened.
“Chuck Jones,” he said.
The music stopped and the director of the rodeo stepped to the microphone. For the next five minutes, he gave the statistics on this year’s events, how many people had attended, the standings of the cowboys riding in the rodeo, and whatever else.
Beneath the table, Madison laid her hand on his leg and gave it a squeeze. He turned toward her and she smiled.
“You should be riding in the rodeo,” she said. “I remember when you used to compete.”
“Darling, that was a long time ago. I’m too old now,” he said. “That sport is for younger men.”
Laurie made a face. “He never was any good at it.”
“I disagree,” Madison said. “When we were in high school, he went to the state championship.”
Chuck reached over and patted the back of Laurie’s hand. “Now, darling, be nice. I remember Adrian being very good. Better than I ever was.”
The man was trying to keep the peace while his wife was a total bitch, but Adrian was not going to let her get to him. Not when he had Madison by his side.
Their food was delivered and another couple joined them at the table which helped keep the conversation light. As soon as the dancing commenced, Adrian was going to ask the band to play a special song, and at the end, he would ask Madison to marry him.
Then after that, they were leaving. It was unfortunate that Laurie and Chuck had been seated at their table. But he was determined the two were not going to ruin this evening.
As the waitstaff were picking up the dishes, he spoke to the band leader. “I want to propose to my girlfriend. Do you know Marry Me by Bruno Mars?”
The man grinned. “We’ll play it next.”
“Thank you, and at the end of the song, I’ll make an announcement,” he said grinning.
Why did this feel so real? So perfect even though it was all fiction?
When he returned to the table, Madison was laughing with the woman sitting next to her. Laurie and Chuck were in a heated discussion.
The music began to play and he gazed at Madison. “Dance with me?”
“Of course,” she said and he helped her from her chair.
When they reached the floor, he took her into his arms. It felt so good to hold her close. To feel her body moving in time with his. Damn, but this was getting so close to feeling real and he liked the way they were together. He liked holding her and wanted her in his bed.
Just the thought made him tense but it was time for them to once again put on a show. As the music came to an end, he pulled away from her.
“And now for something really special,” the band leader said.
Dropping to one knee, Adrian took her hand in his. She lifted her other hand to her face and smiled.
“Madison, you make me feel like a whole man again. You’ve healed my hurts and given me joy. I never thought I would say these words ever again. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
