“You really think so?” Carrie asked eagerly. She had made bran muffins and Dottie had helped make the salad.
“Yes, I do,” Madison said. “Looks like we have two little chefs in the making...and one big one.”
“Cool,” Dottie said with a giggle.
“Yeah, definitely cool,” Stuart said. He had prepared the baked chicken and macaroni and cheese himself.
“So you’re friends with Aunt Holly?” Carrie said as she ate her salad.
“Yes, I sure am,” Madison said.
“And you know Uncle Anderson, too?” Dottie asked.
Madison looked at Stuart, feeling more amused than uneasy by the question. “Yes, I’m friends with him, too.”
“Cool,” she said, biting into a muffin.
Stuart gave Madison an appreciative nod that she had handled the awkward question with such grace. It told him that she had put the Anderson drama behind her for good, just as he had put the drama with Fawn behind him. He considered it a good sign that they were ready to progress in their relationship without looking back.
“Where do you live?” Carrie asked.
“Not too far away from here.”
“May we come over to your house sometime?” Carrie asked.
Madison smiled. “Sure, I’d love that, if it’s all right with your father.”
Stuart felt all eyes turn on him. “Of course. Any time Madison invites you is fine with me, as long as you’ve done your homework.”
Both girls smiled brightly and Madison sensed the girls’ connection as twins.
“I understand that you girls go bike riding with your father,” she said.
“Sometimes,” Dottie said. “Do you ride, too?”
“Quite a bit, actually,” admitted Madison. “Maybe we can go riding together.”
“That would be fun,” Carrie said.
“Yeah,” Dottie agreed.
“Then we’ll do it,” Madison said. The glint in Stuart’s eyes told her they had his wholehearted approval.
Things seemed to be going as well as she could have hoped, and Madison had a feeling that this really was the start of something special.
* * *
The next week, Madison took the girls for the day. Though Stuart had expressed concern that they might be too much of a burden on her, she begged to differ. It wasn’t as though she had never been around children before. Besides, if she was to become a truly meaningful part of their lives, Madison wanted to gain their trust and prove to Stuart that she embraced this part of his life.
She took Carrie and Dottie shopping, giving them the opportunity to show her what they liked and didn’t like in clothing. The girls seemed thrilled by the experience, and they seemed to welcome her participation and the responsibility she was giving.
Afterward, they had hamburgers and fries at a fast-food restaurant.
“Your father tells me that you’re both dancers,” Madison said, biting into a fry.
“Yeah,” Carrie said. “But Dottie’s better than I am.”
“Really?” Madison looked at Dottie. “Is that true?”
She grinned. “I guess.”
“Do you want to be a dancer when you grow up?”
“No,” Dottie said, sipping a soft drink. “I want to be a teacher.”
“That’s a good profession,” Madison said. “We certainly need more teachers. What about you, Carrie?”
“I want to be an author like Daddy.”
Madison smiled. “That’s a good profession, too. Everyone likes to read, so authors have a ready-made audience.”
“Do you like working at a magazine?” Carrie asked.
“Yes, I like it very much. My job gives me the freedom to work on my own time. I also enjoy reading books and sharing my thoughts with readers.”
“Have you read any of Daddy’s books?” Dottie asked.
“How about every single one of them,” Madison responded with pride.
“That’s great,” she said, grinning.
“I think so, too,” added Carrie.
“Your father’s a terrific writer who brings so much joy to readers around the world,” Madison said. “I just happen to be one of them.”
She was enjoying this time with Stuart’s girls and could tell that they were, too. It was a good way to connect with them.
* * *
In the afternoon, Madison took the girls to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Once inside, they went to the planetarium, saw a film in IMAX and checked out the Science Store, much to the girls’ delight.
Afterward, Madison took them back to her place for milk and cookies. Carrie and Dottie sat on opposite sides of her on the couch while she read them a children’s book.
An hour later, Stuart showed up as scheduled. He gave his girls a hug and Madison a kiss. “Hope they didn’t run you ragged.”
“Not at all,” she assured him. “We had a great time.”
“Really?” He looked at the girls, who backed her up on that. “I’m happy to hear it.” Not that it was a big surprise. It was obvious that they enjoyed each other’s company, something that would be key with anyone he exposed the girls to. Being that it was Madison made it all the more satisfying.
“Do you want to sit down for a while?” Madison asked him.
“Tempting, but I’ve got some writing to do to stay on schedule, so I’ll have to take a rain check.” Stuart gazed at the girls. “We’d better get out of Madison’s hair now. I’m sure we’ve taken up enough of her time today.”
He watched as the three looked at each other conspiratorially before Dottie said, “We were hoping we could stay overnight....”
“Yeah, Madison said we could,” Carrie agreed.
Stuart locked eyes with Madison, figuring she probably was not as keen on the idea as they were.
“I did say that and meant it,” she told him evenly. “We’ve had such fun together. It would be a wonderful way to end our day. Plus, we’re not through reading yet.”
“What about school tomorrow?”
“Got that covered, too,” Madison said with a smile. “I can stop at your house later to get them a fresh set of clothes and drop them off at school myself.”
“Are you sure that it wouldn’t put you out of your way too much?” Stuart asked. He wasn’t used to anyone being so helpful with his daughters, without asking for anything in return.
“Not at all,” Madison insisted. “It’s on my way to work anyway. Don’t worry about it. We’ll be fine. Right, girls?”
“Right,” they agreed in unison.
“Looks like you’ve thought of everything,” Stuart said. “And I’m clearly outnumbered three to one. Guess it’s settled then.”
“Guess it is.” Madison gave him a toothy smile and watched the girls high-five each other. They were clearly enjoying a little independence from their father, but they were also happy to spend time with her. She saw this as a win-win for everyone. Especially her, since she saw it as a sign that she was taking another step toward becoming more a part of Stuart’s life.
Chapter 14
On Monday, Madison was summoned to Giselle’s office. When she got there, her boss was talking on the phone, but Giselle waved her in.
Madison thought about Stuart and the girls while waiting. She’d had so much fun with them yesterday. It made her realize what she had been missing by not having children all these years. Of course, she had not been fortunate enough to find someone who wanted a family and would stick around long enough to show the type of love and commitment she wanted.
Until now. She was sure Stuart was that type of man. But would he want more children? Or was he happy just having Carrie and Dottie?
Madison had to ask herself the same question. Was she
good stepmother material? And could she be happy if she never had any children of her own?
Those questions were put on hold as Giselle got off the phone.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said. “That was Beatrice Swain, the bestselling author of—”
“Literary fiction,” Madison finished. “I’ve read all her books.”
Giselle smiled. “Well, in that case, you’ll love my next assignment for you.” She sighed. “Ms. Swain is somewhat of a recluse these days. She lives on the Oregon coast in Lincoln City, which is about a two-hour drive. After much effort, she’s consented to her first interview in years. With the wonderful piece you did on Stuart Kendall, I’d like you to go there and talk to Beatrice about her new book and whatever else you can get out of her about her amazing career.”
“I’d be honored,” Madison said. It was an assignment that she was more than up for, and it would give her the opportunity to visit the coast for the first time.
“I was hoping you’d say that,” Giselle said.
“Will John Gregg be accompanying me to take pictures?” Madison asked.
“Actually, we’ve arranged for a local photographer to take pictures of Ms. Swain,” she responded. “I set up the interview for Wednesday at noon.”
Madison nodded. “I’ll be there.”
“I’m sure you’ll do a great job.”
Madison smiled, appreciating the confidence Giselle had in her interviewing ability. Now she needed to brush up on her Beatrice Swain books before taking on this task.
* * *
“Hey, good-looking,” Stuart said, grinning as Madison’s face appeared on his cell phone for a video chat early Tuesday.
“Hello, Mr. Handsome,” she said in return. “Hope you weren’t in the middle of writing a chapter or something....”
“Not at all. I was just chilling after taking the girls to school.”
“They are as cute as can be,” Madison said. “I’m so happy to get to know them.”
“I can assure you the feeling’s mutual.”
“Good,” she said, smiling. “Listen, I’ll be going to the coast on Wednesday morning to interview a writer for the magazine. I’d love it if you could come with me for a day trip.”
“Count me in,” Stuart said. “I’d be delighted to go with you to the coast. Grace should be able to watch the girls for me.”
“Perfect.” Madison smiled again. “I haven’t seen the ocean in quite a while.”
“It’s definitely a sight to see. I took Dottie and Carrie to the beach last summer and they had a ball.”
“You’re such a terrific dad,” she couldn’t help but say.
He grinned. “I have to be, since I’m all they’ve got. But they give me as much back as I give them.”
Madison took a breath. “Do you think you’d ever want any more children?” Okay, she had put it out there, for better or worse.
“Sure, why not?” Stuart responded without pause. “I think the girls would love to have a baby brother or sister, or both, to dote over.”
“And how would you feel about it?” she asked.
“Same way. I love children and always envisioned a house full of them. If I ever marry again and my wife wants to add to our family, I’m all for it.”
Madison smiled. Stuart always knew all the right words to say. “Just curious,” she told him.
“I take it you wouldn’t mind having children of your own?” Stuart asked directly.
“That would be nice—one or two—if it happened in the course of a loving relationship.”
He nodded. “Wouldn’t expect it to be any other way.”
“Well, I’d better get back to work,” she said.
“Okay. Thanks for the invite to the coast. Should be fun to get away from here for a while with you.”
Madison’s eyes crinkled as she smiled. “That goes double for me.”
When she hung up, Madison couldn’t take the smile off her face. It truly did seem like he was the man she’d waited all her life for. She only hoped she didn’t suddenly wake up and find this was just a dream.
* * *
They arrived in Lincoln City on Wednesday morning. Madison brought Stuart, thinking it would seem more like an informal conversation than an interview.
The interview with Beatrice Swain went smoothly. Madison found her to be a gracious host. Though she was clearly slowing down at seventy-three, the author was still sharp and quick-witted. Madison was able to get Beatrice to talk about her long life and writing career, along with the strengths of her latest literary
classic.
But the most entertaining part of the interview was learning that Beatrice was a big fan of Stuart’s. The two clicked over tea and chocolate chip cookies, comparing notes and anecdotes. Instead of feeling like the third wheel, Madison was in on every conversation and, in fact, helped the two famous writers feel at ease with each other. The photographer took plenty of pictures.
Afterward, Madison and Stuart went for a walk on the beach, hand in hand. The ocean was calm and the sky a beautiful shade of blue.
“You did a terrific job handling Beatrice,” Stuart said, eyeing Madison.
“I think you had a little something to do with that,” she told him. “You two had a natural connection.”
“Maybe, but not nearly as natural as the one I have with you.”
Her face glowed with pleasure as she looked up at him. “You say the sweetest things.”
“I mean them,” he insisted.
“Well, we do seem to have something special going on here,” she conceded, squeezing his hand a little more.
“I’ll be honest and say that I wasn’t sure I’d ever meet someone who could put the sparkle back in my eyes.”
Madison felt a tingle run through her. “I could say the same thing,”
“The girls could see it, too,” Stuart said. “They already consider you practically part of the family.”
“That’s great. And I mean that more than I can say,” she said. But would practically being part of the family perhaps lead to one day becoming a full-fledged member of the family? “I feel the same way about them.”
Stuart let the words ring in his head. “I’ve always wanted to protect Dottie and Carrie from being put in a bad situation like when their mother left. You’ve shown me that it’s worth it to take a chance and open your heart.”
Madison smiled. “I’ll try not to disappoint you—or them.”
“I doubt that you ever would,” he told her, sensing that she was every bit into this relationship and being supportive of his daughters as he was. It was all he ever wanted in a woman. Now he only wanted to hold on to this one.
She stopped walking, feeling light on her feet and blessed to have someone instill such faith in her, not only as a girlfriend but also as a friend to his girls. Lifting her chin, she kissed him and held the kiss as Stuart reciprocated.
Afterward, they gazed out over the ocean, enjoying the moment and each other’s company.
Chapter 15
At the Portland International Airport, Madison greeted her sister, Bianca, who had decided on the spur of the moment to come for a visit.
“Let me look at you, girl,” Bianca said after they hugged. “You’ve got some color in your cheeks, so obviously things are looking good for you.”
Madison smiled and studied her. Bianca was an inch shorter, the same size and had long, curly blondish-brown hair that looked great on her. “I could say the same about you.”
Bianca smiled. “I’m hanging in there, trying to make the most of my life in Vegas.”
“Just as I’m trying to do in Portland.”
“You can tell me all about that on the way to your place,” Bianca said.
Soon they
were driving down the interstate.
“So how are things going with you and Stuart?” Bianca asked, looking at Madison.
“Really good,” she answered happily.
“You mean good sex, good chemistry and good rapport with his children?”
“All of the above,” Madison told her.
“Sounds like a match made in heaven,” Bianca said enviously.
“More like a match made in the Rose City,” she said.
Bianca chuckled. “Whatever you say. Obviously, moving here turned out to be a good thing for you—in more ways than one.”
“I would say so.”
“Has anyone said the L word yet?”
“If you mean love, no,” Madison said. “There’s no rush.”
“But you’re feeling it?” Bianca asked.
“Honestly, I hadn’t really thought about that,” Madison said. “We’re just enjoying each other’s company right now and letting things play out.”
“Sounds like a major case of denial to me.”
“Not denying anything,” Madison said. “I prefer to let actions speak for themselves.”
“And is the action between you and Stuart telling you that he wants you to be together for the long haul?” Bianca asked bluntly.
Madison gave the question some thought as she exited the freeway. She understood that both she and Stuart were treading carefully now in that respect, having opened their hearts deeply in the past only to be burned. But clearly her feelings toward him were developing into love. Was the same true for him?
“I’ve certainly been led to believe that Stuart thinks the world of me, and his girls do, too,” Madison said. “I think he does see this as a long-term relationship. Right now that’s good enough for me.”
“So when do I get to meet this man?” Bianca asked anxiously.
“Tonight.”
“Oh, good,” she said. “I can’t wait to see the man who’s lit a fire under my little sister.”
Madison grinned. “He’s just as eager to meet you.”
Bianca turned toward her. “How’s the situation with his sister working out?”
“Great. We’re talking again, and Holly is completely supportive of me dating her brother.”
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