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Something glittering on the floor caught her attention. She bent and fetched the golden piece from under a seat. Mrs. Lambert’s locket. Madison had noticed it when the woman had sat in the galley. The engraved A L confirmed that the pendant belonged to Arlene Lambert.
Rushing outside, she strode along the jet bridge and scanned the gate and walkway to the terminal doors. The Lamberts must have left the airport already.
She shoved the pendant and chain into her pocket and fingered the card he’d given her. It might come in handy after all. Stopping by the coffee shop, she ordered a soft drink and settled at a table, studying his card.
GLOBAL SOFTWARE
Rick Lambert, CEO
Without hesitation, she called the number.
“Global Software, Mr. Lambert’s office. How can I help you?”
“My name is Madison Howell, from American Airlines.”
“Mr. Lambert is not here today.”
“Can you tell him that we found his mother’s pendant on the plane? I’ll return it tomorrow when I come back from my flight assignment.”
“I will. Thank you, Ms. Howell. Have a good day.”
“You, too.”
Fate had decreed that she would see Mr. Heartthrob again. Her friend Laurie almost flipped when Madison related the pendant episode.
“If you don’t have time, I’ll be happy to deliver the package,”Laurie volunteered.
“Thanks, but no thanks. I take my responsibilities and duties very seriously,” Madison quipped. A duty that would surely be rewarded with one of those sinful smiles forever etched in her memory.
***
“Oh my God, this house is way too big. I’ll get lost in it,” Arlene lamented, the joyful glint in her eyes belying her complaint.
“Nothing is too big or too beautiful for you, Mom.” Rick bent and hugged her. Although his mother had forgiven him the moment she’d seen him, Rick needed to make up for years of silence and neglect. “I’m sure you’ll get used to it soon enough. Besides, once the children arrive, you’ll probably complain the house isn’t big enough.”
“Ah, the children …” Arlene’s narrow gaze stabbed him with remorse, and her sigh could probably be heard on the other side of the Intracoastal Waterway. “All these years, you didn’t tell me—”
“Let’s not open this sensitive subject again.”
“My grandchildren are not a subject.” Her mouth twisted into a threat. “They’re little human beings.”
“You could addbeautiful, little human beings. You’ll love them the minute you’ll meet them. Until then, you can help me prepare the house for them. We’ll hire help to maintain the place of course.”
“Just the minimum. Don’t transform the house into aLord Lambert’s Castlefrom the British showUpstairs Downstairs.”
He burst out laughing. “All right. How about a cleaning company that comes once a month to dust and vacuum the whole place, and once a week to clean the bathrooms, kitchen and the rooms we’ll use.”
“Much better.”
“And their nanny will arrive shortly after they do.”
“Aren’t they too old for a nanny?”
“Maria asked me if she could come and stay with us. She has no one. She raised their mother and took care of the boys when Rosie got sick and passed. She’s a good woman. You’ll like her, Mom.”
“All right.” From her resigned tone, he could tell his mother wasn’t pleased with the arrangement.
“Now, how about I give you a tour?”
