AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ll ask you one question.” Rick’s serious tone worried her. “Do you want to go back to your school?”
“No, Daddy, please, no.” Michael cried. “The kids are awful. They hit so hard.”
Rick picked him up in his arms. “Then it’s settled. You’re not going there anymore. Don’t cry, Mickey. We’ll look for another school.”
“Ms. Madison, do you know a good school around here?”
Touched by Mark’s trust in her, Madison said, “My neighbors’ grandchildren go to a parochial school close by. I’ll get some information from them.”
“Great. Thanks, Madison. Subject closed. Let’s enjoy some ice-cream and a boat ride.” He caressed Michael’s head. “Feelingbetter, Mickey?”
“Ouch, my head hurts, but I’m feeling better. Thank you, Daddy.”
Ice cream cones in hand, they walked along the boardwalk. The boys, now in a much better mood, held their grandmother’s hands. Behind them, Rick strolled next to Madison.
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough for taking care of the children today.”
“Shh ... Don’t say that. I love them. They’re good kids, but they’ve been traumatized by today’s events. We’ll talk about that later.”
“All right. Tonight?”
She nodded, a new sense of peace filling her heart. Strolling along the boardwalk with Rick, his children, and his mother, made her feel as if she belonged to this family.
Chapter Twelve
When they finished their ice creams, Rick led them to his SUV. Arlene settled in the back with the children, and Rick held the passenger door open for Madison.
“I’m glad you’re all well fed. We’re heading to the marina in Miami.”
After an hour’s drive, they walked into a huge marina and met with a well-tanned man who welcomed them.
“Hi, Rick.” He gave them a jovial grin. “I see you’ve brought the whole family.”
“I need their approval before making any decisions.”
“All right, come along. This is the forty-footer you chose.”
Rick stepped onto the deck of the shiny, white boat he’d fallen in love with. “Come on, kids.” Leaning forward, he grabbed Mark’s waist and had him jump up onto the deck, and then placed Michael next to his brother.
“Madison, your turn.” He held his hand and helped her aboard. “Mom?”
Arlene shook her head.
“Come on, Mom. I’ll hold you.”
Staring at the empty space between the boat deck and the dock, Arlene frowned and hesitated. “I’m from Kentucky and never learned to jump onto boats.”
“I’ll help you, ma’am.” The marina’s manager took her arm, and Rick bent forward to grab both her hands. Together, they managed to bring her onto the deck.
“Now, take off your shoes and let’s visitmyboat. This deck is where we embark and disembark.”
From the deck where they stood, Rick went down three steps to the galley, a kitchenette equipped with storage cabinets, stove, oven, microwave, and fridge.
“Mom, you can cook to your heart’s content in here.”
His mother chuckled. “Don’t count on me visiting your boat too often. I get seasick too easily.”
“That’s a shame. Maybe Madison can do the honors.” He paused to study her expression and smiled at the delight reflected on her face. “From here, we go into the living room.”
