by Becki Willis
Amanda had coached them on the proper response. Try to look genuinely shocked, she encouraged. Thrilled. Speechless with delight.
Madison promptly forgot the guidelines. Her speechless delight was genuine.
“Oh my,” she breathed. “Oh my.”
Kiki swept toward them, wearing her signature flowing dress and three-inch heels. “Is that a good ‘oh my?’” She asked it as a question, but her smile was confident.
Madison’s eyes traveled the room. To preserve the integrity of the home’s history, the extensive woodwork in the room remained the same. With its many built-in bookshelves and cabinetry, heavy crown molding, and exquisite burled-walnut paneling, the room could have felt dark and drab.
Yet the room felt anything but drab. Where possible, the walls were painted white to offset the massive amounts of wood, which now glowed with new vitality. It was amazing what a good cleaning, satin polish, and plenty of light could do to century-old wood, even when the grain had darkened with age. Subtle track lighting was integrated into the bookcases. Original brass sconces glowed against the dark panels. Lamps lit multiple surfaces, chandeliers twinkled overhead, and natural light streamed in through gauzy white curtains.
Madison’s desk was the highlight of the room. Built by master carpenters in Europe, Juliet Randolph had the fine mahogany creation custom built to her own specifications. Through the years, the patina of the wood became more beautiful than ever. A tufted executive chair, done in luxurious cream-colored leather, complemented the beauty of the desk and kept it feeling fresh and timeless.
And somehow Nick, a master craftsman in his own right, had duplicated a smaller version of the desk for Derron. It sat close to the French doors, welcoming visitors as they arrived.
Madison’s throat thickened with emotion. “That is a wonderful ‘oh my.’”
As they toured the space, Nick and Kiki took turns pointing out the room’s many features.
“Aren’t these seating vignettes scrumptious?” Kiki gushed. “Can’t you imagine sinking into these wonderful chairs, curling up with a delightful book that whisks you away to another place and time? And look, this grouping has an ottoman and these divine afghans. Feel these. They are part of the signature collection from Deep Water Weavers.”
The cream-colored chairs clustered around the fireplace and within the cozy nook of the turret.
“Or for confidential conversations,” Madison murmured, thinking of her would-be clients. No more public café booths. “I like how the rugs pull the room together. Cream and dusky blue.”
“They have a deep, decadent pile. The finest wool, also by Deep Water.”
Accessories and artwork throughout the room were light and airy, a tasteful blend of shabby chic and timeless elegance. Bethani and Blake wandered about the room, delighted to see their own faces in several of the photographs.
“You can keep your files in here,” Nick told her, indicating the built-in file cabinets with their intricate trim. “And this cabinet opens to reveal your new state-of-the-art computer center, compliments of Tramar Electronics.”
“This is… amazing.” There was no other word for it. Madison was overwhelmed.
Nick pointed out more surprises. “I know how important security is to you and your family. Balford Security has stepped forward to provide your home and grounds with the latest in security. From this panel, you will be able to monitor and control all alarms. There are additional panels in the kitchen and master bedroom.”
“You didn’t take out the secret passage, did you?” Blake fretted.
“No, Blake, we didn’t. But if we reveal it on national television, it won’t be a secret, now will it?” Nick smiled.
“Why don’t we see what your friends and other family members think about your new office and library?” Kiki suggested with a bright smile.
Someone ushered Granny Bert and Genesis into the room. Derron, Megan, and Brash were close behind. It was a special surprise to have Brash here to share this day with her. One look at her grandmother’s face, and she knew who to thank for the pleasure.
After the appropriate oohs and ahhs from the group and Derron’s very pronounced squeals of delight, Nick called for everyone’s attention.
He stood at the doorway leading into the small sitting room off the library. Steeped in all that was proper and fitting, Miss Juliet insisted on multiple rooms in her magnificent home, all with a distinct purpose. The sitting room beyond had been more casual than the others, consistent with a den or family room in modern-day homes.
“We have one more surprise for you today,” he said. “We know you all have busy lives. Sometimes you just need to unwind and spend a little quality time together, even if it’s only to watch movies. Tramar Electronics wanted to do more for you. Something special. Along with Today Furnishings, Deep Water Weavers, and the very talented hands of our own Kiki Paretta, Tramar would like to welcome you to your new family media room.”
Nick opened the door and presented them with a tasteful yet causally decorated room, fit for the cover of any home magazine. Being an interior room—snuggled behind the grand stairway and between the formal library and the newly expanded laundry—it had no windows, making it the perfect choice for a media room. With pale walls, white woodwork, and a large beige wraparound sectional, the color scheme kept the room light and airy. With a flick of the remote, the lights dimmed, a huge flat-screen television appeared on the wall, and the room vibrated with soft music from the surround-sound speakers.
“Did you know about this?” Madison asked Brash. He had materialized at her side the moment the lights dimmed.
“Not at all.”
“This is magnificent! Truly, truly magnificent.” She hugged Brash’s arm to her side as she wiped away happy tears.
“This is so super awesome!” Blake beamed as he bounced from one electronic wonder to the next. Nick showed him the control panel and all the multimedia features. “Sweet!” he kept repeating.
“Look as this sofa! Feel how soft it is!” Bethani and Megan curled up on the modular unit, delighting in the many features it offered. One button provided a heated seat, another helped them to recline. Built-in headphones, cup holders, and charging ports were only a few of their discoveries.
“And is that a popcorn machine?” Blake spotted the snack center right away, complete with refrigerator and sink. “Sweet!”
“At least there’s a bathroom right here,” Granny Bert noted, opening another door. “Might come in handy during a long movie.”
“Sweetheart?” Brash murmured, bending to speak in Madison’s ear. “Are you all right?”
Madison knew cameras were rolling. She knew the world was watching. She was too overwhelmed, and too happy, to care. She slipped her arms around Brash’s waist and squeezed.
“I am very all right,” she assured him.
“This calls for a celebration,” Genny decided. “Everyone over to New Beginnings. I’m buying.”
“I guess it is lunchtime,” Madison said, glancing at her watch. “Okay, you kids can eat before you go back to school.”
“Ah, Mom, do we have to?” Blake protested.
“School just started and you’re already missing half a day. Yes, you have to.”
Hearing the finality in his mother’s voice, he gave up arguing. “Okay. But can I drive to the restaurant?”
Maddy rolled her eyes. The twins were taking Driver’s Ed so they could apply for driver’s permits when they turned sixteen. Like an ostrich with its head stuck in the sand, Madison refused to acknowledge how quickly that day was coming up. She had trouble assimilating the fact that her babies—her precious, adorable babies—would soon be sixteen. Her method of management, so far, was to ignore the fact.
Seeing them behind the wheel of a car was a nasty reminder of how her babies would soon be adults. Already, their cries of “I call shotgun!” had morphed into “I’m driving!” Soon it would be “See you next semester” and “I’m getting married.”
>
Before she could sink into depression, Madison snapped herself out of it. Today was about celebrating. Realizing Blake still waited for an answer, she fished inside her pocket for the keys.
She turned toward Brash. “You’ll join us at the restaurant, right?”
He consulted his wristwatch before agreeing.
The small convoy converged upon New Beginnings and flowed inside. Genny called ahead and a large table awaited them. With the stars from the show joining them, they caused a stir as they hustled around the table and found their seats. Seated across from Kiki, the teenage girls were more than delighted to be in her shadow. Blake claimed a spot next to Brash so they could discuss football and fishing. Madison snuggled between him and her grandmother. Nick and Amanda claimed the end by Kiki, Derron made a point to sit by Nick, and Genny settled in one of the empty chairs across from Maddy.
“Oh, look, Cutter just came in,” Maddy noticed. “Let’s ask him to join us.” She waved to get his attention.
He looked hot and tired after a morning of work. He still wore his welding cap, its bright color at odds with the faded blue jeans and denim shirt that he wore. Tiny holes scattered up the arms of his shirt and splattered onto the front, their edges singed from hot sparks. Genny heard Megan and Bethani giggle beside her. They were obviously impressed with the blue-collar look of a working man.
Ambling their way, he greeted them with, “Howdy.”
“Have a seat,” Brash invited.
“Ah, that’s okay, I’m meeting my grandfather for lunch.”
“Oh, is he still in town?” Genny asked, somewhat surprised. Hearing the way everyone talked, she didn’t think Sticker Pierce was the kind to stay in one place for very long.
“Sure is.”
“We have plenty of room. There’s two chairs right there. Please, sit down and eat with us,” Madison insisted.
He looked uncertain. “Are you sure?”
“Of course. You’re practically family. In fact, we should have invited you to the reveal.”
“Yeah, man, it was so cool!” Blake gushed.
The teenager proceeded to tell all about the media room and its many electronic wonders. Bethani and Megan broke in with their own favorite features, and Madison squeezed in a review of the library-turned-office. Cutter was bombarded with details from every side. Even Kiki and Nick joined the discussion. Granny Bert was the only one who did not actively join in.
Madison noticed her grandmother’s uncharacteristic silence. Dipping her head toward her, she asked, “Are you okay? Is your stomach bothering you again?”
“No, no, it’s fine. Hungry, but fine.”
“You’re being awfully quiet. You sure nothing’s wrong?”
Her smile seemed forced. “I’m fine as a frog’s hair.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I am. Stop worrying over me, child. This is your day. A day to celebrate. It won’t be long now, and your house will be done.”
A thought occurred to Madison. “You know, Granny, there’s plenty of room at the Big House. A bedroom on the first floor, three more empty ones upstairs. We would be thrilled to have you live there with us.”
Her grandmother patted her hand. “Thank you, Maddy dear, but I don’t want to leave my home until I’m forced to. That old house is where I raised my boys. Where Joe and I built our life together. You don’t just walk away from roots like that.” Memories made her eyes turn dewy. “I told you, I loved that man with my whole heart. Remember that.”
It was an odd statement to make. Madison wondered about her grandmother’s strange mood, even as she nodded. “Yes, Granny, I remember.”
“Good. Now tell Cutter about that new alarm system you have, and all those monitor screens. It’s almost like we’re at the White House.”
She had been dismissed. Recognizing the signs, Madison turned back to the other diners and left her grandmother to wallow in her funk.
Minutes later, the bell jingled above the door and a newcomer stepped inside the café. Considering that two television personalities sat at the long table, the man’s arrival caused quite a stir. A surprised murmur rippled through the crowd. Most of the diners recognized the man by sight. The others recognized their recognition, and knew he must be someone important.
“Hey, that’s the rodeo guy,” Megan said.
“Who?” Bethani was clueless.
“He’s like a five-time world champion bull rider. Royalty in the rodeo world. And in the western-wear world, too.” Megan grinned, jutting out her latest pair of dress boots. Turquoise shafts with crosses and bling, brown vamps with coordinated turquoise insets. And sure enough, stamped right along the collar next to the pull strap, was a sprawling signature that said ‘Sticker Pierce.’
“Sticker,” Cutter called, waving his hand. “Over here.” He stood to greet his grandfather.
“I hope you don’t mind. My friends asked us to join them. Let me introduce you. Everyone, this is my grandfather, Sticker Pierce. You already know Genny. Beside her are Megan, Bethani, and Derron.” He proceeded around the table, past the Home Again team, Blake, Brash and Maddy. He concluded the introductions when he reached the end of the table and Granny Bert.
Sticker dipped his head with each introduction, smiling in polite greeting. But the smile slipped from his face when his eyes traveled to the end of the line. His animated face grew still. One side of his white mustache twitched.
His voice came out strangled. “Bertha Hamilton.”
Granny Bert hitched her head up a notch and corrected him. “Bertha Cessna.”
“That’s right,” he recalled. “Joe Cessna.” He looked around in a conspicuous manner.
“My Joe’s been gone for eight years,” she supplied. “Longest eight years of my life.”
“Better than sixty.” He uttered the cryptic words as he took the chair at the head of the table, capped on either side by Granny Bert and Cutter.
“So you two know one another?” Madison asked. The vibes radiating from the two of them were hard to miss. Madison guessed they had been adversaries, back in the day.
“Oh, Bertha and I go way back,” Sticker said. His eyes settled on her grandmother. “So how have you been, Belle?”
“Belle?” Madison echoed, her face skewed.
Neither paid any attention to Madison’s confusion. Their eyes were riveted on the other.
“I’ve been fine, Sticker. I’ve had a fine life. This is my granddaughter. Did you know that? One of eight. Well, five granddaughters, three grandsons. Eight in all. Joe and I were blessed with four sons.”
Madison slid a suspicious eye at her grandmother. Was she rambling? She seemed nervous, if the two bright spots of color in her hollow cheeks were any indication. Cheeks that had been unusually pale, just minutes ago.
“Well, she’s as pretty as her grandmother,” Sticker said, but his eyes lingered on the older woman. He finally slid his gaze to Maddy and smiled. The gesture took years off his wrinkled, weathered face. And she noted that it was every bit as charming and attractive as Cutter’s. Even close to eighty, the old cowboy was still quite handsome.
“That’s why I always called her Belle,” he explained, his eyes traveling back to her grandmother. “She was much too pretty to be hampered with a name like Bertha. To me, your grandmother has always been as pretty and pure as a bell.”
Madison noticed the way her grandmother gulped down a sudden surge of pleasure. She pretended not to be affected by the flattery, but her face softened. Her tense shoulders relaxed. Something flickered in her eyes. Strangely enough, it looked a lot like guilt.
Beneath the table, Madison nudged Brash, so that he could watch the interaction between the two older people.
“Some things never change,” Sticker continued quietly.
“I see you still have a silver tongue.”
“You know what they say. Silver tongue, lead heart.” The last words held the slightest of accusations.
“So, Mr. Pierce, what bri
ngs you to town?” Brash broke into the awkward silence at the end of the table.
“Call me Sticker. I’m here celebrating my daughter’s birthday. Mary Alice Montgomery, Cutter’s mom.”
Brash nodded. “I know Mary Alice well. I just didn’t realize you were her father. I guess Henry Pierce was her stepfather?”
The old cowboy nodded his head. There was absolutely no bitterness in his voice as he explained, “My first cousin stepped up and became a fine father to my little girl. And a better husband to her ma than I could have ever been.”
Brash understood. He felt much the same about his oldest and best friend, Matthew Aikman. He could not think of a better man to co-parent with. And Matt and Shannon were suited to one another, so much more than he and Shannon had ever been. He supposed it had been the same with Sticker and Henry Pierce.
“So how long will you be in town?”
Sticker slid a sidelong glance to Granny Bert. She pretended disinterest, fiddling with her utensils, but Madison felt her shoulders tense once again. She was waiting to hear his answer.
“Well, now, I reckon that all depends on the weather. Depends on whether I feel a cold front coming on, or,” he turned his head to look straight at the woman he called Belle, “a warming trend.”
“It’s a hundred and one outside, you old fool,” Granny Bert blustered. “Is that not warm enough for you?”
“I don’t know, Belle. You tell me.”
Granny Bert chose to ignore his words and the intensity of his gaze. “Genesis, what is wrong with your help today? We’ve been waiting on our meal for ages. I’m an old woman. I might expire, right here in this chair, before I get to enjoy my last meal.”
Genny giggled at the old woman’s discomposure. It wasn’t often she saw her surrogate grandmother so flustered. She hopped from her chair, but the plates were coming out as she turned. “Oh, good,” she said with an impish smile. “You won’t expire hungry. Here’s our lunch.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Madison returned to the Big House after lunch. With the cameras off and the crew gone, she had the room to herself.
