by Portia Moore
“I have something I want to tell you. Can you get Dad?” My mom looks at me curiously suspicious but goes to get him.
A moment later, I hear my dad grunt, “Hey Alex. Well, don’t keep us waiting,” he says with a hint of laughter.
“I asked Madison to marry me,” I say, grinning from ear to ear. “And she said yes!”
“Oh my god! I’m so happy for you both. Madison is such a great girl. I’m so glad you’ve found someone who makes you so happy. I couldn’t be more thrilled that you’re marrying her!” my mom sings.
“I’m happy for you too,” John says. “Madison is wonderful. I’m glad that the two of you have found each other. A happy marriage makes all the difference.”
“You have to come for dinner as soon as you’re back for the wedding,” my mom says insistently. “Promise me, Alex. None of these excuses about work. Both you and Madison, over here for a celebration dinner. Next Saturday?”
I can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. “Of course, Mom,” I tell her. “I know Madison’s just dying to tell you guys about it too.”
It finally feels like, after all of the uncertainty and loneliness that followed my divorce, my life is finally coming together again. I thank my lucky stars every day that I was there when Madison walked into the bar in Miami, and that somehow we ran into each other again, that I just happened to be there on that day in New York. It feels like fate, like we are meant to be together…like all the bad things that came before just don’t matter now.
I love Madison and our life together. And I can’t wait to make it official—to make her my wife. It’s why I hate asking Madison to keep our engagement a secret during the wedding weekend. I want to shout it from the rooftops, but I also don’t want to upstage my sister’s big day. So regretfully, as I pack up my suit for the wedding, I glance over at her where she’s layering clothes into a suitcase, finally out of bed from her own flu bug.
“I think we should probably hold off on telling everyone about the engagement,” I say. “I only went ahead and told my parents since they aren’t going to be there. This is Tiffany’s weekend. I don’t want to upstage it with an announcement like that.”
Madison glances over at me with a distracted look on her face. She’s been like that a lot lately—distracted, off, not her usual self. But I’ve chalked it up to her settling into the new job and being sick on top of it. Not to mention the bullshit that Holly pulled at that party. She forces a smile onto her face, and I can tell she’s reluctant as she spins the ring around her finger.
“Should I take it off?” she asks, still toying with it.
“I don’t want you to,” I tell her sincerely as I come around the bed, reaching for her waist and pulling her against me for a kiss. The thought crosses my head that we could be a little late for the rehearsal dinner tonight. After all, the bed is right there…Madison laughs against my mouth, and the sound reassures me. She knows exactly what I’m thinking. “I never want to see that ring off your finger for the rest of our lives,” I tell her, pulling back a little and looking down into her eyes. “But we might want to leave it in the hotel safe, while we’re at the dinner and ceremony and reception. I really don’t want to detract from Tiffany’s day. And there’s no way anyone is missing that rock on your finger,” I tell her, feeling pleased with myself. I did a good job picking it out.
I kiss her again, savoring the feeling of her soft lips under mine. Lips that I get to kiss for the rest of my life. “Now hurry up and finish packing,” I tell her, giving her a quick swat on the ass as she turns away. “We’re running late.”
I love long drives—something that we don’t get often living in the city, and I’ve been looking forward to the trip out to the Hamptons for weeks now. I rented a luxurious, comfortable Range Rover—a splurge, but one that will make the trip more fun—made a road trip playlist, and I can’t help but grin at Madison as she settles into her seat and we take off onto the highway.
But after a while, it becomes clear that Madison doesn’t seem to be having as much fun as I am. I stop halfway through singing along loudly to one of my favorite songs to glance over at her, where she’s nibbling on a cracker and sipping ginger ale, watching the scenery go by. “You seem quiet.” I wonder if she’s anxious about the weekend. Or maybe still sick? It feels like we haven’t talked as much this past week as we usually do. “Are you feeling sick?”
“Just tired,” she says quickly. “It’s been a long week.”
That’s all it is. Just tired, like I am—like we all are. “It has,” I agree. “I’m looking forward to a few days off. By the way, have you heard from Alyssa?” I switch to the next song, my brow furrowing. “She hasn’t answered any of my calls or texts, and when I asked Mom why she just picked up and moved back out of nowhere, she said that’s just how she is.”
Madison coughs, choking on a bite of cracker as she looks over at me. “Sorry,” she manages. “Um, no. No, I haven’t heard anything from her.”
“It’s weird that she would just pick up and move out like that,” I say as I look out over the road. “I thought she was happy living with us.” It’s not that I’m brokenhearted that Alyssa moved out, exactly—I like my privacy, and I know Madison does too. I never wanted another roommate. But as annoying as I know Alyssa found my rules sometimes, our parents are even worse. I have no idea why she’d move back there.
“I did too,” Madison says. “But you know how she is. She’s reckless. She gets an idea in her head and runs with it.”
I laugh at that. It’s the most succinct description of Alyssa I’ve heard in a while. “I was too, at that age,” I admit. “Maybe she’s just getting it out of her system.”
“I hope so,” she agrees.
It’s almost dark by the time we get to the resort. I’ve been here before, but of course Madison hasn’t, and she’s looking around with wide eyes the entire time as we drive up and park out front. I tip the valet as the bellboy unloads our bags, and Madison surveys the lobby with her eyes the size of dinner plates as we walk in, and I check us into our room.
The room is one of the nicest I’ve stayed in here, and Madison immediately goes to check out the bathroom. I see her looking at the massive jacuzzi tub as I peek at her through the door, and a wave of desire washes over me as I remember that afternoon in a different bathtub with her.
I glance over at the bed. We are here early…
Madison comes out of the bathroom, crossing the room directly to me and tipping her chin up for a kiss as she wraps her arms around my neck. I let out a small sigh as she pulls me into her, and I bend down to kiss her, feeling that sense of peace that I always do when she’s in my arms, as if everything is right with the world when she’s there.
She lays her head against my chest, looking around the room. “This is amazing,” she says, a touch of laughter in her voice. “Sure we can’t get married here, too?”
I laugh, kissing the top of her head. I’ve definitely thought about it. But I want something different, something more uniquely “us.”
“Sure,” I tell her, kissing her again. “If my dad will pay for it. But I’d rather have a smaller wedding and pay for it ourselves. Then no one but us gets a say in how we do it.”
Honestly, I couldn’t care less where we get married or how we do it. I just want the people I love most there, watching and celebrating with us as I make Madison my wife. The thought of it fills me with happiness, and I look down at Madison as she turns in my arms, her face reflecting the same thing. “I like the sound of that,” she whispers.
I slide my hands over her waist, her hips, pulling her closer still to me as I kiss her with purpose, sliding my tongue over her lower lip to taste her as she moans softly, her breath warm against my mouth.
Fuck being at the rehearsal dinner on time, I decide, backing her slowly towards the bed as I run my hands over her body. “Come on,” I say, lifting her slightly and setting her on the edge. “Let’s see how soft this bed is.”
I
can’t get enough of her. Even afterward, as we get into the shower sweaty from lovemaking, I can’t keep my hands off of her. Madison pushes me teasingly away as I bend to kiss her neck, my hands on the curve of her waist that I love so much. “You’re going to get my hair wet,” she complains, but I can tell she doesn’t mind.
“So?” I reach up to squeeze her breast lightly.
“So I had a blow-out this morning, so it would be easy to style for tonight!” She grins at me. “You’re insatiable,” she accuses playfully, and I grin.
“For you? Always.” I squeeze her breast again, my fingers lingering on her nipple, and she lets out a small sigh as she leans into me for just a second before stepping out of the shower.
I take my time getting ready since Madison still has to do her makeup. I can’t help but think about what it will be like to get dressed for my own wedding, Madison in a different part of the hotel, getting ready to say our vows to each other. I’ve never dreamed about a wedding, even with Holly. It seemed like a lot of stress and unnecessary money spent. I was more of your typical groom with her. But with Madison, I’m genuinely excited to plan the day, anticipating the love and happiness that I know we’ll be surrounded with. It doesn’t matter that I’ve been married before; it feels like it’s entirely new and different.
When Madison steps out of the bathroom, slipping her earrings in, I can’t help but whistle teasingly at her. She’s wearing that green dress again that I love, and I grin as she walks up to me. “You look beautiful, future Mrs. Scully,” I tell her as I bend down to kiss her.
“What if I want to keep my last name?” Her eyes are sparkling when she looks up at me, and I laugh.
“Then you can,” I say, kissing her again. “But, I do like the sound of that.”
The rehearsal dinner is in full swing when we head downstairs. Madison looks nervous as we move through the room, putting food on her plate as we make our way through the buffet line, but only picking at it. She usually is comfortable and warm around my family. I wonder if she still doesn’t feel good. The only thing I can think of is the mess at Tiffany’s bachelorette party, and that it’s made her worry that everyone will be angry with her, or Tiffany won’t want her here. I want to reassure her, but I also don’t want to bring it up if that’s not it, so I don’t say anything.
Tiffany doesn’t look as if she has a care in the world, though. She practically floats over to us, and she immediately gives Madison a huge hug, which I hope will cheer Madison up. Madison thanks her for inviting her, and Tiffany clearly has forgotten and forgiven everything, because it’s evident that it was never even a question.
As Madison goes to refill her glass of water, I turn to Tiffany and hug her as well. “I’m so happy for you, Sis,” I tell her sincerely. “This is an awesome party.”
“You have Dad to thank for that,” Tiffany laughs. “And Mom for helping to plan it. I could never have pulled this off all on my own.”
“It’s great. And you look so happy.”
“I am,” Tiffany says, beaming. “Philip has been so sweet, and I can tell he’s so happy to be marrying me. None of that ball-and-chain joking crap. One of his groomsmen tried to joke about it, and he shut it right down.” She laughs. “It feels good to have someone be excited to spend the rest of their lives with me.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” I tell her, and she raises an eyebrow.
“Oh? Is there something I don’t know?” she asks, giving me a mischievous smile.
I press my lips together tightly. I want to tell her, but Tiffany is awful at secret-keeping. The whole family would know in an instant. “Maybe,” I say cagily. “But this is your weekend. Let’s focus on you.”
Tiffany rolls her eyes, but grabs my arm, dragging me towards Jackson and Cassandra. Madison catches up to us as we walk towards them, and I see Jackson talking to a business associate, looking dapper as always in a tailored suit. I clean up well, but I don’t think I’ll ever achieve my father’s level of polish.
He glances at us, and the expression on his face almost looks nervous. What is going on with everyone? Weddings make people anxious, I guess, but it feels as if everyone except for Tiffany, so far, has been on edge. Madison shivers next to me, and I glance down at her with concern. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah,” Madison says quickly. I see she’s abandoned her plate of food. “Just a little cold. I should’ve brought my wrap.”
“I can go up and grab it for you,” I offer. I want her to have a good night, and she seems more on edge than ever.
“No, that’s okay,” she says, shaking her head. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”
Cassandra looks beautiful standing next to my father, in a floor-length dark green dress. They’re a striking couple, they always have been. I think of my mom and John more when I think of Madison and I, but still, I can’t help but admire my father’s success, and the elegance of him and Cassandra together.
“Good to see you finally made it, Son,” Jackson says, grinning at me. “And you too, Madison.”
“This is a lovely party,” Madison says, but her voice is a little stilted, not her usual boisterous happy self. I take the last sip of my drink and glance down at it. “I’m going to go get a refill,” I tell Madison. “Dad, do you want anything?”
“Sure. Another scotch, if you don’t mind. Macallan 12.”
I glance down at Madison. “You’re not drinking tonight? No wine or anything?”
She shakes her head quickly. “My stomach still isn’t great. I’ll just stick to water.”
I’m halfway to the bar when I hear a voice that I’d hoped I could avoid for the entire weekend. “Alex!” Holly calls out, and I turn to see her pushing her way through the crowd.
Shit. I set the glasses down on a passing waiter’s tray and veer off course, heading towards the men’s room. She can’t follow me in there, and maybe she’ll get distracted before I come out.
No such luck. She catches up to me right before I reach the door. “Alex!” she says again. “I need to talk to you. Please.”
There’s no one around I can pretend to need to talk to instead. I turn to face her, sighing with frustration. “What is it, Holly?” I glare at her. “I know you have to be here for whatever insane reason, but I was hoping we could just each pretend the other didn’t exist for the day.”
To anyone else, she would be absolutely gorgeous, her hair pinned up in an elaborate updo and wearing a crimson red dress that clings to her slender shape. She stands out in a crowd—of course, being beautiful has never been her problem. But I couldn’t care less how she looks on the outside. I know what she’s truly like, and I’ll never be able to look at her in that way again.
“Are you really going to marry Madison?” she asks, her voice low and sharp. I have to stop myself from laughing at her audacity, that she thinks she deserves to know, how she could even ask me. Before I answer, she can already read my face. “Really, Alex?”
I narrow my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. “Yes,” I say coldly. “I’m in love with her, Holly. Real, true love. I can’t believe you even have the gall to come over and talk to me about this at all, but especially after the shit you pulled at Tiffany’s party. What kind of best friend are you?”
“Alex…” Her voice goes soft, and she looks up at me with wide, sad eyes. “I apologized to Tiffany, and I want to apologize to you,” she says quietly. “I mean it. I never got to apologize genuinely, and I was so angry about you leaving me…but I’m sorry for everything. What I did when we were together—I regret it every day. You were the best thing I ever had, and I lost you. I see Madison with you, and all I can think about is what I’ve lost. Please, Alex, there has to be a way we can fix it? I’d do anything to make things right with you…with us.”
I shake my head in disbelief. How can she think she has a chance at fixing things with me? “We were over a long time ago,” I tell her flatly. “I love Madison. I’m in love with her, and I could never be in love with you ag
ain. I could never trust you again after what you did. You need to move on, Holly.”
Her eyes turn hard in an instant, her chin lifting as she glares at me angrily. “Madison is far from the perfect woman you think she is,” she snaps. “Could you forgive her for hurting you? Since you can’t forgive me?”
I frown, looking down at her. “Madison would never lie to me or hurt me the way you did,” I tell her coldly. “I’ve moved on. I don’t think about you or miss you. I hope you find someone who will give you the kind of love Madison and I have, but that isn’t going to be me. I’m sorry.”
Holly is silent for a long moment, and when she speaks again, her voice is flat and cold. “Well. You have bad luck with women, Alex,” she snaps, and then turns on her heel, stalking off to disappear into the crowd.
Christ. I rub my hand over my face, blinking rapidly. I didn’t expect Holly to be a beacon of sunshine, but I also hadn’t expected her to corner me and beg for me back. All I can do is hope that I got through to her because I don’t want to deal with this all weekend. The last thing I want is to have to keep fending off my ex-wife.
I try to put it out of my head as Madison and I make our way around the room, and I introduce her to members of the family that she hasn’t met yet. “Next time we see any of these people, I’ll be introducing you as my fiancée,” I tell her softly, pulling her close against me as the crowd thins out for a moment.
Madison looks up at me, leaning in for a quick kiss. For a second, I think I see a glimmer of sadness in her eyes. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask her what’s wrong, but then we pass by Holly, and I feel myself go cold just looking at her.
She smiles at us both, her expression smug. I don’t know what’s caused the change in her mood—after all, I just rejected her after she begged for me back. But she looks like the cat that just ate the canary, her eyes switching back and forth between Madison and me. “So nice to see you here,” she says to Madison, then glances at me and raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure you’re going to love the wedding. Especially tomorrow.”
