Sweet Treats and Deadbeats

CHAPTER 18: That Forever Kind of Love

Madison

Tom had always been more like a shitty roommate than a partner and father, but Declan was the complete opposite; always wanting to please me and the kids. He went out of his way to make us feel comfortable and special, although he did have a tendency to spoil my babies.

“Did he throw up again?” I asked hesitantly. Declan could never say no, and that had led to the kids eating cake and ice cream for dinner while I was at night school with Jimmy.

“Yeah. I’m down one less plaid shirt, but I think the worst is over. I’m really sorry, sweetheart. I just don’t know how to say no to those puppy-dog eyes,” he admitted, coming to sit beside me on the couch.

Smiling, I moved closer. “You’ve been great with everything. I know that we’ve taken over your house and your life. Don’t feel that you have to be perfect for us. The kids need boundaries and discipline. I trust you to do that, Declan.”

He nodded and linked his fingers with mine. “The legal adoption papers are done, but I want to sit down and talk to them about these changes. You are all about to become Walshes, uh, unless you plan to hyphenate.”

Sighing, I gazed down at the beautiful sparkle on my finger. I never thought any man could deal with all of my baggage and issues. The fact that Declan wanted to marry me and take on my children meant the world to me. Being his wife was just the added cherry on top.

“There’s no need to hyphenate. When we marry, I’m yours for life. I like the idea of taking on your last name. I’m sort of old-fashioned that way,” I confessed, nuzzling his nose.

Declan backed away and cleared his throat. “Speaking of old-fashioned… I had a meeting with Pastor Howard today. He, uh, talked about a lot of things that made sense. I’ve failed in so many ways…”

I put my fingers over his lips and got on my knees so that we were eye to eye. “We’ve done pretty great for ourselves. You’ve never failed me, Declan. I didn’t even know this kind of love existed until you walked into my life.”

His eyes went glassy as he pulled me into his lap. “Madison, we had s*x before we even got to know each other. I knew that you would never be a quick fling, but I wanted you so much… I think we should explore other ways to be intimate.”

Despite my newfound confidence, I still had body and self-esteem issues. “You don’t want to have s*x with me anymore? I knew this would happen!”

Declan held me in place as I struggled to get away. “Shhh,” he murmured, cupping my cheek. “I want us to have lots of s*x, but our relationship needs to be built on more than that. Can I be candid?”

I nodded. “Go on.”

He sighed and kissed my forehead. “I married Sarah because we had a strong s****l connection…but it was nothing compared to what I have with you. I want to prove that it’s more than lust this time around. True intimacy is about two people bonding beyond the sexual.”

I huffed. “I already know we have more. Don’t take away my super cock.”

He laughed, tickling my stomach. “I’m flattered, sweetheart, but we need to do this for our relationship.”

While I fought an internal war, Declan wrapped his muscular arms around my waist and held me like I was a special treasure. A few seconds later, he began stroking my bare inner thigh and softly kissing my neck.

“I’m so wet,” I whispered, turning to capture his lips.

“Madison…”

I turned around, palming his hard-on as I straddled his hips. “This is allowed, right?” I asked innocently, taking my shirt off.

Declan’s eyes became dark and lustrous, like a tropical forest at night. “No, put your top back on.” The gruffness in his voice gave me hope.

“Why don’t you make me put my top back on?” I teased, offering up my breasts like a sacrifice.

He groaned loudly and leaned down to whisper in my ear. “Please. I have no control when it comes to you. This is important to me. Please, Madison.”

Instead of doing as he asked, I unzipped his jeans and slipped my hand inside. “Your pretty mouth says one thing, but your enormous c**k says quite another.”

“Stop!”

I removed my hand, surprised to see that he looked genuinely upset. “What’s wrong?”

He sighed and moved me aside so that he could stand. “Stay right here. I’ll be back.” With that, he disappeared into the hallway.

I felt hurt, angry, and confused. What was going on? I liked that Declan and I had a healthy s*x life. It didn’t diminish my feelings for him at all. Sure our first meeting had been unconventional; but after all that has happened since, I couldn’t find it in myself to regret that night.

A few minutes later, Declan returned carrying a large pillow top mattress. He dropped it by the fireplace and left the room again. When he came back, he had a bunch of pillows and blankets which he laid on top. Then, he started a fire.

“One more minute,” he told me, before walking in to the bathroom. He came out wearing nothing but a pair of blue boxer shorts.

“What are you doing?” I asked petulantly. “I thought you didn’t want to have sex.”

He smiled crookedly and lifted me from the bed. Before I could complain, he gently laid me on the mattress. Then he turned off all the lights, grabbed something, and laid beside me. I had to admit it was pretty peaceful and romantic with the flames and pine scent.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Madison Smith,” he murmured, licking the shell of my ear.

I shivered and grabbed a tuft of satiny hair at the nape of his neck. “You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, Declan Walsh.”

For several minutes, we just stared into each others eyes. It felt like we were looking into each other’s souls. I was dozing a little when I felt Declan put something to my lips. Instinctively, I opened my mouth to accept.

“I love cordial cherries. Thank you,” I said, chewing softly.

When I finished eating, Declan leaned down and kissed me. A little later, he fed me another one. All the while, his hands were stroking my lower back. I had to clench my thighs in an effort to stop myself from mounting him. He was so damn sexy.

“Do you like when the chocolate hits your tongue, sweetheart, or is the gushing liquid inside that pleases you?” he asked, rubbing his finger over my lower lip.

My fiancé just turned eating candy into a pornographic experience.

“I… It’s good,” I replied feebly. He had me under his spell.

Smiling, he helped me sit up so that I could drink a glass of sparkling water. It was the perfect compliment to the sweetness of the cherries. Once again, Declan was making me feel special.

I laid my head on his shoulder as he began to speak. “Madison, I should have explained myself better. The reason I want us to abstain for a few days is because…. I don’t want us to end up like Michael and Holly. They were hot for each other when they got married, but as the years progressed, they realized they didn’t have anything outside of the bedroom in common.”

“That won’t happen to us,” I protested.

He sighed and put his hand over my lower stomach. “There’s nothing more important to me than you and our babies. I’d never leave you, but what if you get tired of me? I’m not the most exciting guy around. Truth be told, I’m a bit of a nerd.”

Was he serious? “I could live for a billion years and never get tired of you, Declan. I love you for you, and I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

“The holidays make me wishful… I wish Laurie and I could have had real parents who loved us. I wish Michael and Holly would change and be good grandparents to our babies. I wish no other man had ever hurt you so you’d know your worth. I wish you had never lost a baby so you wouldn’t be so worried about having mine. I just… I just wish I could fix everything,” Declan confessed regretfully.

I kissed the tip of his nose before beginning. “Declan, all we can do is make the best of our situations. Our pasts played a part in getting us together. We’re your family now. I love you so much.”

For the rest of the night, we talked, kissed, and cuddled by the fire. My hormones may have disagreed, but it was exactly what we needed. The physical connection came easy between us, but it was the other stuff that would make us Teflon strong.

“I don’t know what to do, Madison. She won’t talk to me,” Ross sobbed, leaning across the desk.

He and Tina were having their first real fight. It started when he accused her of flirting with one of his rookie officers. She said he didn’t trust her. He said he didn’t trust her because she had a lot more lovers in her past than him. To Tina, that was the equivalent of Ross calling her a w***e. They hadn’t spoken in days, and we were all trying to help.

I patted his hand soothingly, hoping that I could offer some good advice. “Look, T is not used to giving second chances. She guarded her heart against love for so long. I’m not gonna lie—you messed up, Ross. T isn’t interested in anyone else.”

He took off his glasses to dab at his eyes. “I know she wouldn’t. What if she never speaks to me again? What if she’s pregnant and she takes our baby far away? What if…”

I snapped my fingers to bring him back. “Do you love Tina, Ross?”

“With my whole heart.”

I nodded. “Good, then let me handle the rest. I can only get you a chance, but you will have to do all the groveling yourself.”

He shook my hand and left the room. I knew for a fact that Tina was just as miserable as Ross. She’d been moping around the shop and scaring customers. People were afraid to even ask her to refill their coffee.

It was a little after eleven, so yoga baby was starving. I didn’t remember feeling this hungry with Noah or Sophie. The doctor assured us that everything was developing normally, but that didn’t stop Declan from worrying.

Right on the dot, I got my daily call. “Have you eaten yet? What are you craving?” It sounded like he was driving.

“I’m fine, sweetie. We’re just about to eat. Neal made that delicious pumpkin soup.”

My dad had been upgraded at the sober house. He was able to work part-time as long as it was a place without temptation of alcohol. Evelyn had been the one to suggest he work at Sweet Treats. So far, it was working out very well for everyone. It was nice to see Neal gain the respect of the townspeople and become active again.

“I miss you,” Declan sighed. “Almost a hundred yoga instructors applied for the new positions. I’m trying to narrow it down, but it’s tough. I promise I’ll be there by five to pick you up.”

After we said our goodbyes, I left my office to go find food. Ryan was in the kitchen rolling dough with Laurie while she quizzed him on animal species. They were so cute that I had to resist the urge to go hug them tightly.

Fortunately, Neal spotted me before I went full-on hormonal pregnant lady. “You’re glowing, Maddy. Why don’t you take a seat at the counter, and I’ll bring you some soup and hot tea.” I pouted because no one let me do anything. “Don’t give me that, young lady. I have strict orders from that fiancé of yours. You are not to overexert yourself.”

When I got to the front, an older man moved his coat so I could sit down. The shop had been super busy the last few days. News of Declan’s innocence had spread quickly and increased his celebrity status all over again, which had led to the places Declan was associated with becoming famous, including Sweet Treats and his yoga studio.

The day we returned home, there had been news vans all around town. People whom wouldn’t have said hello to Declan prior were on television bragging about how they always knew he wasn’t a murderer. I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes at all the bullshitting.

I was sending Declan a dirty text message when Neal brought out my soup. Immediately, everything else was forgotten. The spices tickled my nose as I dipped my spoon into the bowl for the first bite. Pretty soon, I was dunking bread and practically slurping. Neal brought me a second helping before I could even ask.

“Thanks, Dad,” I mumbled.

He chuckled. “You used to eat like that when you were little. I could barely get the hot cereal on the spoon before you were opening your little mouth.”

I stopped eating and smiled. “I’m glad you’re here, even if I don’t say it enough. Thanks.” Neal, never one to show too much emotion, nodded and went to get more tea.

I’d had to hire some new staff for all the demand, so Dean had used that time to convince Ashley to take a leave of absence. It hadn’t been easy, but she finally agreed after a bout of false labor. However, she wouldn’t move in with Dean, so she and Evelyn were staying in my house. Evelyn loved having someone to look after, and Ashley needed a mother figure. Dean was just glad to have her next door.

I giggled, watching her waddle through the front door. Dean was so beloved in this town that almost everyone had accepted Ashley. There were still a few old harpies who thought that she was trash, but Dean would beat anyone’s ass who hurt her.

“I feel like I could be a Christmas float or something,” Ashley complained while lowering herself into a chair.

Dean kissed her cheeks and wrapped a sweater around her shoulders. “You’re a beauty, sweetheart.”

She blushed prettily. Ashley had really blossomed with love and care. Even though she was pregnant, she still attracted a lot of male eyes. Dean had been known to accidentally bump into guys who ventured too close. He was almost as bad as Declan.

“Remember, we’re decorating the tree tonight. Don’t be late. Oh, and Ashley, you are definitely not big enough to be a float. Wait until you see me at eight months.”

After some small talk, I went to the back to find Tina. She was using the large mixer to make a batch of cookie dough. Sighing, I rolled up my sleeves and helped add the ingredients. She’d been very quiet since the fight.

“T, talk to me. You were always there for me with Tom.”

She shrugged. “There’s nothing to say. I married him too quickly. I won’t stay with a man that treats me like dirt.”

“Tina, he loves you. Other than his dumbass jealousy, can you really say Ross treats you like dirt? He thinks the world of you.”

She stopped pouring chocolate chips and looked up. “Why did he hurt me then? He made me feel low, Madison. My s****l history isn’t huge. I’m not a slut who sleeps with anything moving. I just… I just don’t know if I can forgive him.”

I had hoped for better, but I still had a plan. “You’re still coming to the tree decoration tonight, right? The kids and I will be devastated if you don’t show up. It’s been our tradition for years.”

She promised she’d come, and then went back to what I dubbed ‘sad baking’. There were bound to be tears in that batch of cookies. Neither T nor Ross were happy without each other; that was all the proof I needed to know they were still in love and fixable.

At three, I left to pick the kids up from school. Laurie usually did it now, but I still liked to go sometimes. Noah and Sophie were always happy when either Declan or I showed up. Cynthia, and sometimes Ambrose, had also joined our little carpool.

When I pulled up, I saw Taylor Howard in front of me. Winnie and Poppy waved before getting into the car, and Jess honked as she drove away. They were all coming over for the tree decoration later, so I knew that my babies would be on their best behavior. As long as they were good, they could have friends over to our house.

I got out and waited for the kids. Several mothers who used to shun me stopped to make small talk. I cringed as they salivated over my canary yellow diamond and asked about how Declan proposed. It was all so fake, but I put on a smile and beared it.

Thankfully, my babies came out a few minutes later. I hugged Sophie and checked Noah for scratches. Boys tended to play rougher and I couldn’t stand to see marks on my babies. After saying polite goodbyes to the fake brigade, I grabbed my babies and left.

“Mommy, can Aunt Laurie put snowflakes on my nails for tomorrow? I want to be pretty,” Sophie begged as she buckled her seat belt.

I smiled. “You’re always pretty, darling. Laurie will be over tonight. If she feels like it, you have my permission.”

My baby girl screeched and leaned across the seat to kiss my cheek. “You’re the best, Mommy!”

Noah yelled, “What about me?” from the back seat, drawing attention to himself.

“What do you want, baby?” I asked sweetly.

He squinted his eyes, something Tom used to do when he was thinking. “I want Dex to dress up like a reindeer and let me ride him. It would be so fun.”

As we drove, I tried to think of a compromise. Declan would do it Noah asked, but I needed my man to be in top form when we broke our s****l fast. It had already been the longest five days of my life, and I knew it was nothing compared to what Declan was going through. I woke up each morning to his erection pressing into me.

Before long, we reached the pre-school. Cynthia was out front playing with some other kids. I went up to her teacher and took her to the car. She’d just had her insulin shot so she was good to go. I giggled when she reached over and touched Noah’s cheek. He whined about cooties and put his earphones on to avoid her.

Once we got back to the diner, Laurie took the kids up to Ashley’s old apartment. She helped them with their homework and wind down, because it was good practice for becoming a teacher. Plus, she liked being around kids. I think Holly had tried to kill the loving, innocent side of Laurie, but now it was growing stronger every day.

By five, I was dead on my feet as I tried to finish another batch of blueberry scones. Being pregnant took a lot out of me and baking was hard work which required the use of every muscle. Still, I loved the kitchen and planned to fight Declan tooth and nail when he made me try to quit working so much.

“How is the sexiest woman in the world this evening?” Declan purred, as his arms encircled my waist.

“I don’t know, but you should go find her and ask.”

Growling softly, he spun me around. “You.” Kiss. “Are.” Kiss. “Beautiful.” Kiss.

On the last turn, I caught his lips and held them. He pulled me closer and began to lick the corner of my mouth. I cried out and lowered my hands to his jean-clad ass. Pretty soon, we were tongue-f*****g and gasping for air.

“Two more days,” I grunted, wondering how we’d survive.

Declan squeezed my breasts gently before stepping away. “I want to sleep in those tonight. God, you’re so beautiful, Madison.”

I groaned loudly and moved forward. “I want to feel you inside me again. Do we have to do a full seven days?” Unfortunately, I never got the answer because Neal came and took Declan away, which left me frustrated and horny.

“Damn fathers, always finding a way to c**t block,” I muttered while putting the last set of scones into the oven.

All our friends showed up for the Christmas tree decoration. Even the Mayor and his family joined the festivities. Most of the townspeople had never seen Declan’s house, so they were very curious. We’d gone all out and had professionals to do up the rooms.

I wore a knee-length red dress with a sweetheart neckline and cinched waist. My hair was up in soft curls with a few left to frame my face. I’d even donned black heels for the special occasion. Declan had begged that I wear a sweater, but I felt like being sexy tonight.

“They’re mine, dipshit,” Declan mumbled, glaring at the Mayor who happened to be looking at my abundant décolletage.

I kissed my fiancé and pulled him aside. “I’m always yours. You and I both know the Mayor is too old to do more than stare.”

We were in our own little bubble when Ross joined us. He looked like he’d walked through the shadow of death. His vibrant blond hair was limp and there was no sparkle in his eyes. The smile he greeted us with was more like a grimace.

“Is she here?” he asked timidly, searching the room for T.

I shook my head. “She will be. Stay calm, Ross. Tina misses you, too. She’s just…scared.”

Almost ten minutes later, Tina showed up. She was wearing a skimpy white dress, which left very little to the imagination, and her strawberry blonde hair cascading down her back. Every man she passed turned to look. Declan had to take Ross’ wine flute away to keep him from crushing it.

“Madison. Declan,” Tina greeted, giving us both a kiss on the cheek. She pointedly ignored Ross. “Where are the kids?”

Fortunately, Ross spoke up for himself. “Hello, Tina. You look gorgeous this evening.”

She snorted and grabbed a wine flute from a passing waiter. “Don’t you mean slutty? You think I’m a w***e so I might as well dress the part.”

“Tina,” I admonished.

“No, this is our problem, Madison. Stay and enjoy your guests,” Ross whispered, leading T away from the guests.

“Do you think they’ll make up?”

Declan rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Uh, maybe. We fought a lot before you finally stopped being stubborn.”

I elbowed him playfully. “So it was all my fault.”

Around eight, the hired helpers started handing out decorations. The kids grabbed the tinsel and candy canes, leaving the adults with the glass ornaments. Sophie and her girlfriends had already made some popcorn and cranberry strings for decoration. Noah, Cynthia, and Ambrose couldn’t stand still long enough to really help, but they were adorable.

“This is the best Christmas,” Sophie squealed as Declan lifted her in his arms so that she could put an ornament on a high branch.

I noticed that Natalie and Joey were easier around one another. She’d started to dress much better and was even considering a stylish haircut. Joey had given up his string of meaningless one-night stands and was trying his best to be a father. I had faith that they’d make it work.

“Natalie, that is the cutest dress,” I complimented, admiring her purple and dark blue long-sleeved dress. She’d paired it with boots that made the outfit pop.

“Thanks. Laurie picked it out. I’ve been hiding under Grams clothes for so many years. It’s great to see that my body isn’t as horrible as I thought,” she said giggling.

Joey slyly reached over and pinched her butt. “Nothing horrible about you that I can see. You’re a certified hottie, Ms. Boyd.”

Declan pulled me away so that they could continue flirting. With everyone helping, it didn’t take too long to decorate the massive tree. I asked everyone to slow down because I wanted Dean and Ashley to be here for the finale. They’d already called to say that they would be late.

While we waited, one of Declan’s charitable groups started the auction to raise money for the battered women’s and children shelter we were planning to build. He’d put up several things from his movie sets and signed DVD’s.

“I want to f**k you under that tree when everyone is gone,” Declan whispered, sliding his hand over my ass.

I looked around to make sure no one was watching and did the same. “Only if I can be on top or on my knees.”

“That can be arranged.”

Pastor Howard had just won an auction when my phone rang. I listened intently to the nurse on the phone. It seemed Ashley had gone into labor in the driveway. Upon seeing the water break, Dean had begun to hyperventilate until he passed out. The ambulance had had to take both of them to the hospital.

“Declan, Ashley is having the baby. We need to leave,” I whispered, tugging on his hand.

Declan

“Let’s go.”

While Madison went to round up the ladies, I made an announcement to the room. The tree decoration had been a big success and it was great that people were willing to give me a chance. Now that I had my family, I felt like nothing was impossible.

“Don’t give the new baby cooties,” Noah advised, waving goodbye.

Laughing, I took Madison’s hand and led her outside where Joey, Natalie, and Evelyn were waiting. We were just about to pull away when Ross and Tina ran outside. They hopped in Ross’ squad car and he put the sirens on so that we could get through traffic quickly.

“Well, it looks like we’re about to experience a Christmas miracle,” I shouted, stepping on the gas.

Madison put her hand on her forehead and leaned forward. “Declan, I don’t feel so good.”

In a panic, I watched as she passed out. “Holy s**t!”

Please, God, don’t take my future wife and yoga baby, I prayed while speeding towards the emergency room.