Say It with Roses

by Devon Vaughn Archer

  “As she should be, considering that she’s now married to your ex,” Bianca said.

  “Let’s not even go there,” Madison said as she pulled up into her driveway. “Anderson and I were through a long time ago. I’ve accepted it and moved on. Just be happy for me.”

  “I am,” Bianca promised. “I’ve always wanted you to be happy. If that comes from Stuart, more power to him—and you.”

  Madison smiled. “Let’s go inside and I’ll give you the grand tour.”

  * * *

  Stuart was a little nervous about meeting Madison’s sister for the first time. He suspected she would be eyeing him closely to see if he was good enough to be with Madison. Not that he could blame her. He had felt the same way about Anderson being with Holly. It had taken him a while to get used to the idea. But he had, and now he believed she had made the right choice by picking Anderson to spend the rest of her life with.

  Just as he believed that Madison might be that woman he could make a life with. She really was everything he ever wanted. The fact that she had won Carrie and Dottie’s approval meant everything to him. There was a genuine affection between Madison and the girls that he believed would only grow stronger over time.

  But at the moment, he was on the hot seat, and he needed to win over Madison’s sister.

  Stuart got out of his car and headed up the walkway. The door opened before he could ring the bell.

  The woman who greeted him bore a strong resemblance to Madison, save for looking slightly older and having a different hair color and style. “You must be Bianca,” he said.

  “I am.” She smiled. “And you must be Stuart.”

  “That’s me.” He stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  She ignored his hand and gave him a quick hug. “You, too.”

  Madison smiled, watching her sister and boyfriend play nice from the start. She saw this as a good sign that they would get along just fine.

  “Hey,” she said to Stuart.

  “Hey.” He tilted his face and planted a kiss on her mouth. “I didn’t realize you and your sister were practically twins.”

  Madison gave a little laugh. “Not quite Dottie and Carrie, but the likeness has always been there.”

  “Can’t say it’s quite the same with me and my sister,” Stuart said, “but some people swear the resemblance is strong.”

  “I can see it,” Madison said. “I’m sure Holly can, too.”

  “Maybe,” he said.

  “Does anyone want anything to drink?” she asked, looking from Stuart to Bianca and back.

  “Wine would be nice,” Stuart said.

  “Same here,” Bianca said.

  Madison went to get the wine and some snacks, leaving them alone to size up one another. Knowing her sister, she was sure Bianca would give Stuart the third degree. She had no doubt he could handle himself with whatever she threw at him.

  The bottom line was that Stuart was the real deal, and Madison wanted her sister to understand this and support her choice in a man.

  * * *

  Stuart sat down with Bianca, who had checked him out more than once, as if to later give her assessment to Madison. He understood her reaction, given the bond between the two siblings.

  “So you’re a big-time author, huh?” Bianca asked.

  “Not that big,” Stuart said, “but, yes, an author.”

  “I can’t say I read all that much, but I’ll look you up in the iBookstore and see what’s there.”

  “You should find all of my books there,” he was proud to say.

  Bianca gazed at him. “Must be challenging to be a single dad with two kids.”

  “Actually, it’s been more rewarding than anything,” he said. “They make me whole and make me appreciate what it takes to raise two children who will one day hopefully become productive adults with lives of their own.”

  “It would be easier if you had some help in that department,” she said, eying him.

  “I have a nanny who does a terrific job with them,” he said. “But, of course, my girls and I would welcome Madison’s presence in our lives in whatever capacity she wishes.”

  “Then you see this as more than just a casual thing?” Bianca asked bluntly.

  “Yes, I definitely see my relationship with Madison as much more than that.” Stuart met her eyes. “I know your sister has had relationship troubles in the past, but that has nothing to do with the future. Whatever happens with us, we’ll make the decisions together.”

  She smiled. “Okay.”

  Guess I passed the test thus far, Stuart thought, as Madison returned with a tray of crackers, cheese and nuts, along with three goblets of wine.

  “Hope you two have been getting to know each other,” Madison said. Judging by the looks on their faces, she suspected that was in fact the case.

  “We sure have,” Bianca said, taking her wineglass. “Looks like Stuart is a keeper.”

  “Glad you feel that way,” Madison said as she sat next to him. “I certainly think he’s special.”

  “So are you,” Stuart told her. “And, I can see that it runs in the family.”

  Bianca blushed. “Why, thank you for that.” She tasted the wine. “You don’t happen to have a cousin or someone who’s available and able to relocate to Las Vegas, do you?”

  He laughed. “Afraid not, sorry.”

  “Oh, well, it was worth a try,” she said with a shrug.

  “I think some lucky gent in Vegas will find you on his own and be damned glad he did,” Stuart told her.

  “He really is a gem, Madison,” Bianca said. “I’ll definitely keep my eyes open for such a lucky gent.”

  “Good idea,” Madison told her cheerfully. “That way you won’t miss him.”

  She smiled at Stuart and sipped her wine. Apparently he had won over Bianca. This gave Madison yet another reason to believe that things were starting to finally come together in her life.

  Chapter 16

  On Memorial Day, Stuart took Madison and the girls over to Lyle Creighton’s house for his annual barbecue picnic. It was a good opportunity for Stuart to show off Madison to those in his inner circle. The fact that Lyle and his wife, Sandy, had children around the ages of Dottie and Carrie was another good reason to accept his agent and friend’s invitation.

  “I’m glad you could make it,” Lyle said to Stuart. He was standing over the grill in their big backyard.

  “Saved me the trouble of firing up my own grill,” Stuart half joked, holding a can of beer.

  “Hey, you and your brood are welcome anytime. That includes your new significant other.”

  “I appreciate that,” Stuart said, glancing over at Madison. She was giving the girls her full attention, and they were eating it up.

  “So just how significant is she in your life?” Lyle asked as turned over some baby back ribs.

  “Pretty damned significant.”

  “Significant enough that you might be thinking about marrying her?”

  Stuart sipped his beer thoughtfully. He and Madison hadn’t broached that subject, but he certainly wasn’t averse to the idea. He would love to marry someone who adored his girls and him. From every indication, Madison fit the bill. But was that what she wanted? Or was she happy just dating without the major commitment?

  “That’s a possibility,” he told Lyle. “Right now, we’re just taking it day by day and seeing where things go.”

  “Nothing wrong with that,” Lyle said. “No hurry. But clearly you’re on to something here, buddy. Madison is certainly a gorgeous woman and your kids can’t seem to get away from her, so she must be doing something right, aside from making you look great in her magazine.”

  Stuart chuckled. “Yeah, she’s done a lot for my book.”
<
br />   “Well, if you ever do pop the question, Sandy and I would be happy to have your reception here.”

  “That would be wonderful. I really appreciate the offer,” Stuart said.

  “Hey, I’ve got a vested interest in keeping my best client happy,” Lyle said, grinning.

  “I’m more than happy with you as my agent,” Stuart assured him.

  “I feel the same way having you as my client,” Lyle said. “The offer still stands.”

  “If it comes to that, we’ll talk.” He didn’t want to look too far ahead at this point.

  * * *

  Madison finally got Dottie and Carrie to go play with the other children, though they seemed more than content to hang around her. While certainly flattered, she didn’t want to take up all their time. Even though she enjoyed being with Stuart’s well-behaved kids.

  “They’re so cute.”

  Madison turned and saw Sandy Creighton approaching with two tall glasses of lemonade.

  “Yes, they are,” Madison said, watching her look at the girls at play.

  “Thought you might like something cold to drink,” Sandy said, handing her a glass.

  “Thank you.” Madison smiled at the short, pretty red-haired woman in her early forties.

  Sandy glanced toward the grill. “Looks like Lyle and Stuart are doing their usual shoptalk. Guess they just can’t get away from it in their business.”

  “From what I understand, they have a pretty successful collaboration going,” Madison said.

  “They do. But there’s a time for everything.”

  “Very true.” Madison tasted the lemonade.

  “I’m so happy that Stuart found someone to be with,” Sandy said, brushing strands of hair from her face. “In spite of all his success, something has been missing since he’s been on his own.”

  “I’m happy that he’s come into my life,” Madison said. “Stuart’s such a gentleman, and he makes his kids his top priority. You don’t find that in many men these days.”

  “I know,” Sandy said. “Lyle’s like that, too.”

  “I’m starting to feel strongly about Stuart,” Madison admitted. “I understand, though, that the children come first and his career is very important to him, too, as it should be.”

  “Hey, there’s plenty of room in his life for you as well,” Sandy said. “And my guess is that he understands that and will see to it that you get the respect and appreciation deserved.”

  Madison blushed. “I’m sure you’re right.” She had seen nothing to suggest otherwise. Stuart, along with his girls, was rapidly becoming an integral part of her life, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

  “Right about what?” She heard Stuart’s voice.

  Madison turned and saw him over her shoulder.

  “Just girl talk,” Sandy said, winking at her. “See you later.”

  Madison smiled as she walked away and turned to Stuart. “Having fun?”

  “Yes, with you here.” He glanced toward Sandy who had joined her husband. “Looks like you’ve got a new friend.”

  “I believe I do,” Madison said. She gazed into his eyes and, on the spur of the moment, decided to kiss him.

  Stuart tasted her lips. “Mmm... What did I do to deserve that?”

  She batted her lashes. “Do I need to count the reasons?”

  A grin lifted his cheeks. “No, but I think I need to count the ways I’m lucky after finding you to make my life complete.”

  “That definitely works both ways,” she said.

  Stuart took the initiative this time to kiss her, not caring if anyone was watching.

  * * *

  That night, after the girls were asleep, Stuart and Madison made love in his bed. They both tried to keep the noise of intimacy down to a minimum while still expressing their desire for one another.

  Stuart was wedged deeply inside Madison, and she quietly inhaled as her orgasm came just moments before Stuart climaxed. Their spent bodies clung to each other, trembling as the mutual gratification brought them to the mountain’s peak and down to the waning moments of sexual ecstasy.

  As she lay on top of him, Madison heard the soft words in her ear she had been waiting for: “I’m in love with you, darling.”

  She lifted up and looked at his face. “I love you, too.”

  “Really?” Stuart’s hands rested on her buttocks as his heart skipped a beat.

  “Yes, really,” she told him. “You make it very easy to love you—and your incredible daughters.”

  “The same is equally true about loving you,” he said. “I’m pretty sure Carrie and Dottie feel the same way.”

  Madison’s pulse raced at the thought and her heart filled with joy. She put her face down to Stuart’s and began to kiss him passionately, as fresh desire surged through her.

  Chapter 17

  On Saturday, Madison stood along the crowded parade route with Stuart and the girls watching the Grand Floral Parade, the crown jewel of Portland’s annual Rose Festival. It was exciting for Madison to experience her first parade in the city, especially when she saw the joy it brought to Dottie and Carrie as they celebrated their eighth birthday. They watched as giant floats and local dignitaries passed by, groups sang a cappella and showed off their dance moves, and equestrian performers and marching bands delighted the throngs of onlookers.

  “This is wonderful,” Madison told Stuart while they held hands.

  “It’s a nice way to promote the city and the many things we have to offer,” he said proudly. “The girls are certainly transfixed by the parade every year.”

  “I’ll bet.” She gazed at them happily as they giggled and pointed at things. Looking back at their father, Madison asked, “Have you ever participated, since you’re somewhat of a local celebrity?”

  He smiled. “As a matter of fact, last year I was part of the parade. I actually sat in a convertible with the mayor.”

  “Look at you,” she said, laughing. “Is the mayor a personal friend of yours?”

  “Not really,” he said. “We both just happened to cross paths at one point and one thing led to another. The truth is I’m much more at home watching the festivities with my girls, and my new girl.”

  Madison colored. “Well, your new girl wouldn’t want to be anywhere else or with anyone else.”

  Stuart grinned and gave her a kiss. He wanted her to know just how important she had become in his life. And his kids had practically already adopted Madison as their mother, which she seemed to embrace just as heartily. In his mind, it was only a matter of time before they made this official and he asked Madison to marry him. He had seriously wondered for a long time if he would ever tie the knot again, and she had turned those thoughts upside down.

  He hoped she also found him more than worthy of being her husband.

  “Oh, look.” Madison got his attention as a colorful float made its way past them.

  Stuart grinned in awe and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead.

  * * *

  After picking up some ice cream and a cake for Carrie and Dottie’s birthday, Stuart drove home. He was happy that Madison was here to celebrate his daughters’ very special day. If he had his way, she would be by his side on many more such occasions.

  They gathered around the dining room table. There were sixteen lit candles on the caramel cake, eight for each girl. After making a silent wish, Carrie blew out her candles and Dottie followed.

  Stuart and Madison gave the girls a big hug and kiss, and then served the cake and ice cream.

  Madison felt more at home than ever as she sat at the table with the closest thing she had to a real family of her own.

  When the doorbell rang, Madison volunteered to answer it. “Keep eating,” she told everyone. “I suspect some
of your friends are stopping by to wish you a happy birthday.”

  She opened the door and saw a well-dressed, tall, attractive woman with high cheekbones and long, layered brown hair that matched her eyes. A linen handbag was strapped across one shoulder.

  “May I help you?” Madison asked.

  The woman batted curly lashes at her. “Is Stuart here?”

  “Yes.” Madison was about to ask her to wait while she went to get him, but the woman briskly sidestepped her and came inside.

  Madison turned around to see that Stuart and the girls had stopped eating and laughing when they caught sight of the woman. Stuart quickly rose from his seat.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” he asked.

  “Mommy...?” The word rang from Dottie’s mouth.

  “Yes, it’s me, honey,” she responded, smiling. “I’ve come home—”

  * * *

  Stuart’s jaw dropped as he watched Fawn hug Carrie and Dottie as if no time had passed.

  He favored Madison with a bleak look, not even wanting to imagine what she was thinking about this sudden appearance from his ex-wife.

  “You didn’t answer my question,” Stuart snapped at her.

  She met his eyes unblinkingly. “Why do you think? I wanted to be here for my girls’ birthday.” Fawn removed two small wrapped gifts from her bag, handing one to Dottie and one to Carrie. They looked at them as though they were foreign objects. “Don’t be shy,” she said. “Open them.”

  “I don’t want it,” Dottie said, sticking out her arm to hand it back.

  “Me either,” Carrie seconded.

  Fawn looked stunned. She glared at Madison and then Stuart before taking the gifts. “I’ll put them on the table in case you change your mind later.”

  “They won’t,” Stuart said, “and neither will I. You can’t just show up out of nowhere and expect us to greet you with open arms.”

  Fawn shot him a hard look. “Why not? Whether you like it or not, they are still my babies.”

  “They are hardly babies anymore,” he said, frowning. The frown left his face when Stuart looked at his daughters. “Why don’t you go up to your rooms, girls?”