by Celya Bowers
“You’d better hope they can, ’cause all those people are going to try to get in here,” Chayla said.
The door suddenly burst open and Darnell, carrying a pistol, entered. “Well, Maddie, you put me through hell, but you’ll pay for it.” He pointed the pistol at her. “Get up.”
Madisyn did as he said. “How did you get up here? How did you sneak a gun in here?”
“That’s my secret. Now, thanks to my associates, the guards and police are busy, and we’re going to get out of this damn place.”
Madisyn racked her brain for some kind of plan, but came up empty. People were running everywhere trying to save themselves. No one would pay her or Darnell any attention. She was as good as dead.
* * *
Aidan looked around to make sure Madisyn and Chayla were safe and saw that in the chaos Darnell had made his move.
“Chase, we’ve been had,” Aidan said. “Look.” He pointed to the DJ booth.
“Shit,” Chase muttered.
Aidan wanted to kill him. He grabbed Chase by the shirt. “Man, so help me if she gets hurt, I’m going to kick your ass to kingdom come.” He scrambled to get up. “You’re fired.”
“Aidan. Don’t. Listen to me. It’s being handled.”
Aidan turned to Chase. “Look, man, you’re not handling anything. You’ve got my woman in the line of fire. He’s going to take off with her and do who knows what to her. Tell your chick she’s not getting one thin dime out of me.”
“Aidan!” Chase called after him. “Just listen to me.”
There wasn’t anything Chase could say at this point to make Aidan stop and listen to him. He couldn’t believe he’d placed Madisyn’s safety in Chase’s incompetent hands. Aidan bulldozed his way through all the people that now crowded the upstairs. When he neared the booth, he paused to take in the situation inside.
* * *
For the first time in her security career, Cadence was torn. She could save Madisyn but she was going to endanger the lives of so many innocent people. If she let this play out, she could just take out Darnell. But Aidan was impatient and angry as hell, and rightly so.
Darnell had had one ace up his sleeve no one knew about. No one had figured he would be able to bring a gun inside the club, but he had with the help of a waitress. Cadence had received the information too late to do anything about it.
“Aidan, stand down,” she screamed just as Darnell opened the door to the booth.
Aidan turned in the direction of her voice, and Darnell raised his pistol and fired. Aidan dropped to the floor, writhing in pain. Cadence reacted instantly. She reached under her dress, pulled out her Sig Sauer compact nine millimeter, and shot Darnell as he stood in the doorway. He fell backwards right on top of Madisyn.
* * *
Madisyn opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. This place didn’t look like the club, and it was daylight. What happened? She heard the constant beep of a machine and turned toward the noise, gasping in pain. She was in the hospital.
“Oh, Maddie, you’re awake,” her mother said, rising from her chair and standing by the bed.
Madisyn tried to lift her hands, but they were tethered to the bed. “Mom?” She couldn’t keep the fear out of her voice.
Margaret stroked her daughter’s face. “Don’t worry, baby. They got that awful Darnell. He’s alive, but when he fell, he took you with him. Your right wrist is broken, and the left one is sprained badly. That’s why you can’t move them. You also broke two ribs in your fall and you got a little bruising on your face.” She wiped tears away from Madisyn’s eyes. “I’m just glad this mess is over. That nice Miss Callahan filled me in on all the details. I’m sorry, baby.”
Madisyn didn’t like the look on her mother’s face. What was she leaving out? “What happened to Aidan?”
Margaret took a deep breath. “Well, the details are a little sketchy, but he was shot in the arm. He should be out in a few days.” Her mother took another deep breath. “There’s more.”
“What?”
“The bullet pierced a nerve in his arm and he’s lost some feeling in his hand. He may not get to play this season.”
“Oh, my God. It’s my fault.” Madisyn cried uncontrollably. “I’ve been nothing but trouble to this man since the day we met. I’ve cost him a mint in security, and now I’ve cost him his job. He loves football.”
Her mother wiped her eyes. “Now, Maddie, come on. You know that’s not true. He did all that because he loves you.”
She shook her head. “No, I’ve been nothing but trouble. I’m no better than those little groupies. Look what I’ve done to his life. I can’t let him lose everything because of me.”
“You’re not making sense,” her mother said.
“It’s my fault we were at the club. He was against bringing Darnell out in the open, but I insisted. This is all my fault because I was tired of being chauffeured around. Now the grand opening is in two weeks and he won’t be able to shake anyone’s hand. That’s my fault. The whole city is going to hate me ’cause I ended his career.”
“Now you just stop all that silly talk right now. He’s a grown man and makes his own decisions.”
Madisyn didn’t know which pain was worst, the one in her head and side or the one in her heart. She’d finally found a man she truly loved and now she’d have to send him away. “I can’t, Mom. I have to save Aidan from me.”
“Shouldn’t that be my decision?” Aidan stood in the doorway. His right arm was in a white cast held up by a blue sling. He was also in blue and white striped pajamas covered by a blue silk robe.
Her mother rushed over to him. “Aidan, you shouldn’t be up. Come sit down and talk some sense into her. I’m going to get something to drink.” She left the room.
Aidan sat down in the chair gently. “What’s all this about last night being your fault?”
“I made you go to the club,” Madisyn said softly. “I’m sorry, Aidan. I just wanted this mess to be over and I’ve just made it worse.”
He scooted closer to her bed. “Baby, you didn’t make me do anything that I didn’t want to do. I did everything because I love you and for no other reason. This was going to be my last season anyway, so nothing was lost.”
“Aidan, I cost you a ton of money. How could you possibly want to continue seeing me?”
“Because you’re worth it. Madisyn, there’s nothing you can say that will make me walk out of here. Besides, this story has been on the news all morning, so you’ve been outted, baby. Everyone in Dallas knows we’re a couple. Actually something good did come from all this.”
Madisyn couldn’t imagine what could have been good about the gunfight at Club Sizzle. “What?”
“Kameron closed the club after just one night. He said last night was too much for him. He got a flesh wound and that was his wake-up call. He’s dropping all his extra women and is going to concentrate on his marriage. He’s even retiring from football.”
Madisyn knew what a major event that must have been. “Oh, my gosh. You’re not upset with all the trouble I caused?”
“Honey, I keep telling you, you’re my other half. Nothing you can say or do is going to make me walk away from you. I love you, Madisyn.”
“I love you, too, Aidan.”
“But?”
“I want you to be sure. This is a big step. Why don’t you think about it while I’m in the hospital? I don’t want you looking at me with hate later.”
“What are you saying?”
Madisyn tried her best to look at him. “I want you to really think about this, Aidan. I want all our cards on the table. No secrets, nothing that can hurt us later.”
He bowed his head. When he raised it again, he looked at her. “I don’t need time, I know right now. When I was shot all I thought about was getting to you. So if you have doubts, then let me know.”
She didn’t have one single doubt. She loved him with all her heart and then some. “I don’t have any doubts, not now, not ever.”
* * *
Keisha had waited patiently for three days. Madisyn was being released today, and this would probably be her last chance. There was no way she’d have the courage to face Madisyn at her house, knowing that her family and Aidan would be there. She needed to talk to Madisyn alone to say her piece so she could get on with what was left of her life.
It was early, so no one had arrived yet. She’d seen the nurse deliver Maddie’s breakfast, so Keisha knew she was awake. She muttered a silent prayer that Maddie wouldn’t call security when she entered the room.
She was sitting up, but not eating. Keisha knew one of Maddie’s wrists was broken, but she noticed both wrists were bandaged up.
“What are you doing in here?” Madisyn glanced at the red call button. “Aren’t you supposed to be in jail?” Madisyn’s tone was hard.
“I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to get things straight before you went home. No, I didn’t get charged, because I helped them get Darnell. He’s in jail. I have to do community service and I quit working at BAM. Fired, really, since everything has come to light. They gave me the option of being fired or resigning, which really wasn’t an option. I want to start over somewhere else. Where no one knows me or anything about the stupid choices I’ve made.”
“Good for you.”
Keisha took a seat. “Maddie, we’ve known each other since elementary school. I know I took you for granted and I’m sorry. I’m really sorry about sleeping with Darnell, but I know that’s probably too little, too late. I hope you find happiness with Aidan.”
Madisyn didn’t say a word.
Keisha rushed on. “I know we will never be friends again and that’s my fault. But I just wanted you to know, I never thought it was going to escalate out of control like it did. Before I knew it, Darnell was talking about kidnapping you. It’s not an excuse, it’s just what happened. When the first shots were fired, Miss Callahan had me escorted out of the club. I spent Saturday night giving my statements to the police and the FBI.”
“Okay, you’ve said your piece. Have a nice life.”
Keisha stood, knowing she’d just been dismissed. She wiped the tears from her eyes. It felt like she’d just been dumped, but only twenty times worse, ’cause it was Maddie. “Thanks for listening.”
Madisyn sighed. “I can’t let you go like that. As much as I should be rude to you, I can’t let you leave without saying this. No, we can’t ever be friends again, but I do wish you well wherever you go. You could have been a better person all along if you had tried. I’m sure there’s a good, mature person in there somewhere, you just have to find her.”
Keisha took a deep breath. “Bye, Maddie.”
* * *
Two weeks later, Madisyn, with the help of her entire family, made it to the grand opening of Mature Alliance. Although her sprained wrist had healed, her broken wrist was still in a cast. The healing ribs were the problem. As the bones knitted back together, walking and laughing were definitely off the list. But she wasn’t missing tonight for anything. And as long as she had painkillers, she’d be fine.
She was proud of all the O’Riley boys. They were all dressed in their Sunday suits and they were all fussing over her.
“Baby, I think you should be sitting down,” Ben O’Riley said. They’d just entered the building and hadn’t walked ten steps.
“Daddy, I promise I’m okay. The minute I don’t feel well, I’ll sit down.”
Madisyn glanced around the room. Everything looked wonderful. The rest of the guys had pitched in with the decorating, since both Aidan and Madisyn were recuperating. “I can’t believe all the guys did this. It looks great.”
“Hey, we helped, too,” Ben said. “The boys and I came out here a couple of nights to decorate. But it does look nice.”
“Yes, Dad, too bad Aidan hasn’t seen it.”
“Oh, yes, I have,” Aidan said, walking up behind them. He kissed Madisyn lightly on the lips. He was dressed in a dark suit, with a color-coordinated sling. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too,” Madisyn whispered. “The boys are driving me nuts.”
Aidan laughed. “So are my parents, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything but you.”
“Another ten points for saying the absolute right thing.”
“I’d settle for some alone time.”
Madisyn looked at the small crowd surrounding them. She knew the press would never get through the O’Rileys. “Maybe later.”
Aidan smiled. “See, you thought all of Dallas was going to hate you. I announced my retirement and nobody sent the lynch mob for you.”
Aidan had held a press conference just days before announcing that he had only partial feeling in his right hand, due to the injuries he’d received at the club, which softened the blow of his sudden retirement.
“I was actually more afraid of what your mama was going to say,” Madisyn confessed. “But thank goodness she welcomed me with open arms.” She’d met Aidan’s parents right after she got out of the hospital and they’d instantly liked each other.
“Same here with your folks. I’m glad they were so forgiving.” He kissed her with all the pent-up frustration of the last few weeks.
She reached up and wiped her lipstick off his handsome face. “It’s time for your speech,” she reminded him.
“I was supposed to write a speech? It totally slipped my mind.” He winked at her.
“You did not forget, Aidan Sidney Coles,” his mother said. “He dictated, I wrote.” She kissed her son on the cheek. “Now go up there and wow these people. I know Madisyn isn’t going to sit down until you do. No matter how much pain she’s in.”
Madisyn glanced at Aidan’s mother. She’d only met Madisyn two weeks ago and already knew her like a book. “She’s right, Aidan.”
* * *
Aidan walked to the podium and began his speech. “Thank you for coming to the Mature Alliance grand opening. I’m Aidan Coles, one of the founders for the organization. I’m not here as a former Dallas Cowboy, but as a concerned citizen of Dallas. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn to read and write. This is what Mature Alliance is all about.” He continued listing all the qualities of the center and how they wanted to help people. But he had one surprise left. “I’d like to present our hardest working volunteer with a token of my love.” He smiled as he heard the oohs and aahs from the crowd. “As you know, I was injured at Club Sizzle a few weeks ago. So was Madisyn O’Riley. I would like to present her with this.” He held up a small black velvet box. The crowd applauded.
Because he knew she was a die-hard romantic, he walked to where she stood with her family. He got down on one knee and presented her with the box. “Madisyn O’Riley, would you do me the honor of being my wife?” He gazed up at her.
She held the box and nodded quickly. “Yes, Aidan.” She motioned for him to stand. “Yes, Aidan, I’ll marry you.” She hugged and kissed him before either remembered her tender ribs. “Oh, oh,” she winced and broke the embrace.
“Oh baby, I forgot. I got caught up.”
She hugged him again, this time more gently. “That’s okay. You saved me from Darnell. I can take some pain for you.”
EPILOGUE
One year later
Madisyn whistled as she made French toast for breakfast. It was a celebratory meal for them all. Chase and Cadence were eloping to Vegas, and Madisyn and Aidan were going along as witnesses.
Madisyn’s stomach rumbled as she inhaled the aroma of the rest of breakfast cooking. At eight weeks pregnant, Madisyn had been eating food like crazy. Instead of the smells playing havoc with her stomach, they fueled her appetite. Today was no exception. Along with French toast, she’d prepared bacon, eggs, hash browns, grits, sausage and toast.
Aidan walked into the kitchen, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. His wedding band glistened on his hand as he walked to her. Giving her his usual morning salute, he hugged her, then rubbed her belly. He ended with a kiss to her forehead. “Are you sure a
bout flying to Vegas today? You know the doctor said you need to take it easy.” He took the spatula out of her hand and directed her to a chair. “I can finish this for you.”
Since announcing her pregnancy, it was useless trying to tell him she was okay. Aidan had been insisting on hiring a maid, but luckily she’d won that argument. “All right, honey. I feel fine. The trip will be fine. Remember, we’re going to see your parents from Vegas.”
“I know. I just don’t want you over-exerting. I still can’t believe Chase is actually getting married.”
“I think it’s wonderful. Especially since it took him a year to decide that he couldn’t live without Cadence. Talk about being stubborn,” Madisyn said. “That man was fighting love from the beginning.”
Aidan finished making breakfast and sat across from her. “I know. He’s been a good friend and I hope he has nothing but happiness. With all that’s been going on the last year, he deserves a rest. I got a little surprise for him.”
“What?”
“I’m sending them to Greece for a month. I hear it’s romantic. What do you think?”
“I think it’s great,” Madisyn said. “I almost wish we could have gone there for our honeymoon, but Hawaii was just as good for as much of the island I saw.” She winked at her husband, remembering they’d seldom left their hotel room.
“How about we join them in a few weeks? Providing that you’re doing all right. Maybe for a week or so.”
Madisyn sat back in her seat and stared at her husband. He’d continued to surprise her every day since they’d said their vows. He had wanted to live closer to her parents, so they both sold their houses and had one built a few miles from her parents. “I think it sounds great.”
“How about we ask Chayla and Jared?”
Madisyn’s heart swelled. With all the craziness with Keisha in the past, Madisyn’s friendship with Chayla was stronger than ever. “That would be nice. There are so many sites to see in Greece. Chayla will love the history of the country, and Jared will probably just love being around you,” she teased her husband.
