Sweet Treats and Deadbeats

CHAPTER 13: Father's Arms (Part 1)

Madison

Declan stepped forward and shoved Jimmy back. “She’s not getting on that deathtrap! I will drive her.”

“I think she can make up her own mind. Control is not a healthy characteristic in a relationship, Walsh,” Jimmy snarled.

The whole thing had started fifteen minutes ago when Jimmy came to pick me for our study session. Declan, who had been with me all f*****g day, was not happy that Jimmy brought his motorcycle. They insisted on making a scene in the shop. Since I was too tired to deal with it, I’d asked them to take it outside.

“Just give me the damn helmet, Jimmy,” I said, dragging him away.

Declan shook his head, stepping forward. “Madison, you can’t get on this…thing. It’s not safe. You’re in no condition…”

“Are you sick, Madison?” Jimmy asked worriedly.

I sighed. “No…just… I’ll ride with Declan. Go ahead. We’ll meet you at your house. Um, we’ll go on your bike another time, okay?”

Jimmy nodded. “That’s fine. It will give me time to start the grill. I hope you’re ready to do some serious Microeconomics. I currently have a D in that class and need all the help I can get.”

“You got it.”

After Jimmy drove off, I stomped to Declan’s car and got inside. He tried to help me, but I batted his hands away. The kicked puppy look entered his eyes which made me feel a little bad.

“Madison, I couldn’t let you get on that bike. You’re pregnant with my baby. I cannot risk your health,” he said, climbing into the driver’s seat.

Like a petulant child, I crossed my arms over my chest. “I am not pregnant! Do you know what you almost did? If you had of told Jimmy it would have been all over town.”

“You don’t know that you’re not pregnant, Madison, because you refuse to take the damn test. I am trying to be patient, but you’re making it very hard for me,” he said, rubbing my knee.

I pushed him away. “Just drive, and then go home. If I am pregnant, it’s none of your concern. It’s my body. No one says I have to keep a child I don’t want.”

“Is that what you think? You think I’ll let you abort my child or give it up for adoption? What the hell is wrong with you, Madison?! This is good news. I may be a father. You said you loved me, but you’ve been acting like a b***h. I don’t deserve to be treated this way,” he thundered, pounding on the steering wheel.

“Stop yelling at me,” I sobbed, burrowing further into my seat.

I kept my eyes averted as he started the car. At least the familiarity and greenery put me at ease. On the way, we saw Neal outside of the sober house playing cards with a group of guys. Declan honked and Neal waved back. I didn’t move.

About ten minutes later, we arrived at Jimmy’s house. It was a nice older brick structure with a pretty yard and fence. The garage was open. I could see two cars that he must have been working on inside. The place looked homier than what I’d expected from a bachelor.

“I still don’t like this,” Declan mumbled as he opened my car door.

“Go home, Declan. This stalking thing you’ve been doing is giving me a headache. I can take care of myself.”

He pulled me into his arms. “But you’re not alone anymore. Let me inside, Madison. We were doing so well before you found out about the pregnancy. I want you, Sophie, and Noah along with our new baby. Please, stop pushing me away. I’ve been alone for so long. I love you.”

Determined not to give in to his kind words, I shoved him away. “There is no baby. I’m not pregnant. You had no problem leaving me the other day when I wanted to talk to you. What guarantee will I have that you won’t do the same thing again?

“I’m already a single mother. This is the first time in my life that I have a chance to get my life on track. I can’t afford to have a baby right now. I’m sorry, Declan.”

“Damn it! You wouldn’t be alone. I already told you. I can take care of all our kids. You can do whatever you want. I’m not Tom! Stop treating me like him. Yeah, I walked away the other day, but I came back. I always come back, Madison.”

We were having an intense stare down when Jimmy opened the door. His smile faltered a bit when he noticed Declan.

“Will I be making dinner for three?”

“No. Declan was just leaving,” I huffed, entering the doorway.

Thankfully, Declan didn’t make a scene. When I looked back, he was walking to the car. Soon after I heard his car start. He was gone, and I was finally free.

“Here,” Jimmy said, handing me a glass of wine.

You’re pregnant, dumbass.

I am not pregnant!

As usual, my own mind was not a helpful place. I declined the alcohol and asked Jimmy for a bottle of juice instead. Luckily, he didn’t think there was anything strange in my request. After I got my drink, he led us into a comfortable den. There were books and pens scattered on top of the coffee table.

“This is a nice place, Jimmy. It’s very homey. Uh, I wouldn’t expect a bachelor’s house to be so clean.”

He laughed. “I have five sisters, so I grew up being tidier than most men. I can’t stand a messy house. I work hard, so I like coming home to a chaos-free zone.”

“That makes sense. Where are you sisters now?”

“Well, my mom died when I was ten. Then my sisters all became mothers to me. Eventually, they found husbands and had their own families. Only one still lives in Washington, up in Tacoma. We usually get together during the holidays, but this year I think everyone is doing their own thing. My dad was the glue that held us together. After he passed…”

I reached over and squeezed his hand. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Jimmy. You’re welcome to spend Thanksgiving with us. I’m having a big dinner at the house. I insist that you come. You don’t have to bring anything.”

“I’d like that, Madison. Thank you. I knew you were special from the moment I saw you,” he whispered.

Before it could get awkward, I pulled out my laptop. For the next two hours, Jimmy and I immersed ourselves in Economics and Calculus. We worked well together, because my weaknesses were his strengths and vice versa. While we studied, he took breaks to grill steak.

After it was done, I made a salad and warmed some baked potatoes. Then I called to make sure Noah and Sophie were okay with Tina. Ross was over, and I could almost hear his blush over the phone when T called him ‘stallion’. Both of my babies sounded happy enough, though Sophie was still moody.

I put the stress out of my mind and vowed to have a good time with Jimmy. The food was delicious and so was the company. I was ravenous and surprised Jimmy by having not only seconds, but also thirds. He was a gracious host and worked hard to make sure I was happy.

“So, you and Walsh, huh? I couldn’t help but notice you two seem to be fighting. Trouble in paradise?” He asked, passing me more rolls.

I sighed. “I don’t know. He’s just so… and… I think he really loves me, but my life is complicated and he wants things I can’t give him. He’s really a good man, Jimmy.”

He nodded. “I guess… I don’t know. When he moved here, all I knew was what I read in the papers. He was everything I hated. I grew on the local Indian reservation. There were always palefaces doing crimes on our lands and getting away with it. My father was one of the leaders on the council, so I saw it firsthand. Rich, white men buying their way out of jail, it has always disgusted me.”

I reached for more butter, contemplating his words. “Declan isn’t like that. He served his time even though he may be innocent. Try to give him a chance.”

“To be honest, that’s not the only reason I hate Declan. I hate all the whole Walsh family. When I was nineteen, I spent a summer working for Holly cleaning the houses she sold. We, um, yeah... We had s*x, a lot of sex.”

I choked on my bread. “What?”

He patted me on the back. “Yeah, it’s not something I’m proud of, Madison. I knew she was married, but there was a strong attraction. We couldn’t look at each other without… Well, I loved her. Maybe I still do in a way.”

“Awww, Jimmy. I’m sorry. From what I can tell, she’s a stone cold b***h. She used you.”

He rubbed his eyes. “She didn’t, though. There was never any sugarcoating; Holly was always honest with me. She told me things… about herself and her family--things she didn’t share with others. I thought we had a special connection.

“Then one day I went over to work and she was talking to another agent about some hot young ass she was getting. It took me a minute to figure out she was talking about me. The words she used were so crass. Turns out, I was nothing but a plaything for her. I’d been so stupid even planning to confront Michael and tell him the truth. When all the while… She was my first love, Madison.”

My heart went out to Jimmy. “I’m so sorry, Jimmy. Have you talked to her?”

“Yeah, but she acts like it never happened. It’s been eleven years, but it seems like yesterday. Each time I see her… I can’t help but remember the way she smelled, tasted, the feel of her,” he sighed.

I tried to hide the disgust I was feeling. “Uh, how old is Holly? Declan’s thirty-four so she must be..”

He laughed. “She’s fifty-five years young. I’ve always been attracted to older women, Madison. I’ve never slept with a woman under thirty-five.”

I bit down on my lip. “Oh, well, um, why did you want to go out with me? I’m twenty-eight, and you better not say I look older, Jimmy Pearson.”

He slammed his fist on the table before throwing his head back and laughing. It was a beautiful sight to see. Jimmy had a natural sunshine and warmth that was rare in most men. If Holly wasn’t such an utter b***h and married, I would have tried to help him get her back.

“I don’t think I was ever interested in you in that way. You just seemed more mature and put together than most women my age. I just thought that maybe I could try, but I’m still hung up on Holly Walsh. Are you going to tell Declan?

I shrugged. “I don’t want to keep secrets from him. He is my boyfriend.”

“Don’t you mean ‘baby daddy’,” he chuckled.

My face flushed in shame. “You heard us! Jimmy, that is… I’m not… I’m not pregnant.”

“Sure, you’re not,” he teased, rolling his eyes. “You’ve eaten more than me, you’ve been to the bathroom at least six times since you got here, and you’ve got an attitude. I’ve seen it all with my sisters, Madison. You’re pregnant.”

I stood up. “For the last time, I am not pregnant. I’m just… just… Oh, Jimmy, what if I am?” He held me while I sobbed.

Suddenly, we heard a loud crash from outside. Jimmy went to his room, grabbed a hunting rifle, and told me to stay put. I pulled out my phone, just in case 911 was needed. A few minutes later he returned supporting Declan’s limping body.

“What the hell?” I asked, brushing leaves out of my boyfriend’s unruly hair.

“I was, um, outside in the tree. I saw you crying so…”

I threw my hands up in the air dramatically. “You i***t! What is wrong with men?”

When I calmed down, I faced Declan. “I saw you leave. Why did you come back? Where is your car?”

He blushed. “I, uh, rode my bike. I had one of the bodyguards stationed across the street until I got back. I’m really sorry, Madison.”

Jimmy went to the bathroom to get the first aid kit. After that, I cleaned Declan up and dressed his cuts. Fortunately, he wasn’t hurt too badly. Although his ankle was a little tender, we were all confident it wasn’t sprained or broken.

“You could have been seriously injured, Declan,” I chastised, kissing his lips.

“Would you have cared?”

I winced. “Of course, I’d care! I love you, Declan. I may be pregnant with your baby for Christ’s sake!”

Shit! Word vomit, dumbass.

For a few minutes, it was completely silent, and then Declan pulled me into his lap. “You admitted it! Now we just need the test. I’m so happy, Madison. I wrote about it in my private journal last night. You won’t have to worry. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Yeah right, Declan. There’s no way you can carry the baby. Are you going to take care of the morning sickness, tender breasts, swollen ankles, sore back, exhaustion, and all the other damn things that come along with pregnancy? You have a romanticized view of it all in your head, but you have no idea about the real thing. I can’t be excited about possibly being pregnant. Though, it’s my fault. I’m a grown ass woman. I should have protected myself better,” I mused.

Jimmy handed Declan a bottle of water so that he could take his aspirin. “If you ask me…”

“No one did, Jimmy,” I snarled.

He laughed. “Why is having a baby so bad, Madison? You already have two kids. From what I’ve seen, you’ve built a good foundation here. It’s not the worst thing in the world. Besides, you just said you love Walsh. A child is an extension of that love.”

Declan choked on his drink. “Wow! I never thought I’d see the day when Jimmy Pearson would stick up for me. I must have hit my head really damn hard and woken up in the Twilight Zone.”

I left them to their male bonding thing so that I could go pee. While in the bathroom, my nosiness got the better of me. Unfortunately there was nothing embarrassing in Jimmy’s medicine cabinet, just typical guy stuff. I was about to leave when I noticed a wicker box on the top shelf.

“What’s this?” I wondered aloud. Inside was a huge bottle of lotion, a blue monogrammed hand towel, and… Holy s**t—a naked picture of Declan’s mom.

“Ewww.” I quickly put it back in place. That box had definitely quelled my curious nature from here on out.

When I got back to the den, Jimmy was working on our project while Declan ate a slice of pie. I was thankful that they were friends now, but I was also weary that they would gang up on me. Both men looked up as I entered.

“Let me feel your head, sweetheart. Are you sick? Did you puke? Are you gassy?” Declan asked excitedly.

I batted his trembling hand away. “You sound like a worried mother, Declan.”

Jimmy chuckled, handing me a saucer of pie a la mode. I ignored both of them, taking a huge bite and sighing in pure pleasure. Had food ever been this good? The cinnamon mixed with the apples so well, and the ice cream…

“Mmmm. Delicious,” I moaned, licking the spoon.

When I looked up, Declan was watching me curiously. I stared, daring him to say something. He sat still as a log just observing me. The whole thing made me angry. I was about to lash out at him when Jimmy passed me his Econ notes.

“Madison, I’m afraid I need more help. This stock market chapter is kicking my ass.”

For the next hour and a half, with Declan’s help, we finished and typed up our project. It wasn’t due until the next week, so we were ahead. Jimmy was confident our work would go over well and his GPA would improve. Declan knew all the s**t by heart but was able to explain it in a way we could better understand. All in all, it was a good night.

Later Declan helped me put on my coat. Like a good host, Jimmy walked us to the door. He’d packed some leftover steak for Declan’s dog. It was astonishing to see how well they got along. I felt a little like I was in an alternate dimension.

Suddenly Jimmy stopped, laying his beefy hand on my boyfriend’s shoulder. “Um, Declan, before you go, I need to tell you something. Um, I slept with Holly. It was years ago, man. I’m sorry.”

We were both surprised when Declan started laughing. “It figures. My mom has probably been with over half of the Port. She’s always been vain, and her way to cope with getting older was to prove she’s still desirable. Don’t sweat it, Jimmy.

“Did you love her?”

Jimmy nodded. “With all my heart. A part of me still does.”

“You have to let her go, Jimmy. She’s toxic. I’ve been trying to form a relationship with my mom for years, but she won’t ever change. Take my advice and move on.”

After inviting Jimmy to my house for dinner next time, we left. Declan was acting strange. First, he insisted on carrying me the few steps to the car. Next, he insisted that I ride in the backseat and elevate my feet. Then, he said I looked cold and wrapped a huge green blanket around my body. By the time we finally drove away, I was seething.

“Are you okay back there, sweetheart? I can turn the heater up if you want. I don’t think a woman in your condition should sit up here. If there’s an accident, the airbags will come out. I can’t risk you and our daughter’s safety. I hope she has your eyes and hair, but it’s okay if she doesn’t.”

He’s gone mad! Our daughter?

Good job, dumbass. You’re having a baby with a psycho.

Unfortunately Declan kept up his incessant chattering all the way home. It was almost midnight, so we were the only car on the road. I tuned him out, too tired to deal with his nonsense. Eventually, my eyes closed and I fell asleep.

“Sweetheart, wake up. Do you need to potty?”

I groaned and opened my eyes. “Declan? What happened?”

He nuzzled my nose. “You fell asleep. I carried you up here and took your clothes off. I’m sorry to wake you up, but I thought maybe you need to relieve your bladder again.”

“How long have I been asleep?”

“A couple of hours. You were crossing your legs and moaning, so I thought maybe you needed to use the bathroom.”

When I remembered what I’d been dreaming, I blushed. “Oh. I was dreaming about the day you took me to that meadow and we f****d on the ground.”

He kissed my forehead. “We made love on the ground, Madison. I can take you back there. In fact, I planted some new flowers…”

We were interrupted by a knock on the door. I made sure that both Declan and I were decent before telling the person to come inside. It was Soph. She looked like she’d been sleeping poorly and her nightclothes were a crumbled mess.

“Come here, baby girl,” I cooed, holding my arms out for her.

She did as told, taking a wide berth to avoid Declan. “Mommy, I had a nightmare. Can I sleep with you?”

I pulled back the covers, made room, and cuddled her against my bosom. My protective maternal instincts were in overdrive. Sophie rarely asked to sleep with me anymore. I knew the dream had to be bad to spook her.

“What did you dream, princess?” Declan asked from the other side.

Soph ignored him so I asked the same question. She had a few teardrops in the corner of her eyes. I quickly kissed them away, whispering soothing words as I rubbed her back. My little girl hadn’t been this vulnerable in so long.

“I dreamt that Tom came back. He hurt you like last time, but I couldn’t help and you died, mommy! Please don’t leave us. We need you!”

“Oh, Sophie, baby… I’m not going anywhere. We’re going to see Dr. Anne tomorrow. She’s going to help us all with our feelings.”

Not long after Soph fell asleep, Noah stumbled into the room. He was holding his old baby blanket and sucking his thumb. Wordlessly, I helped him up on the bed. My babies seemed to need comfort tonight, and I was more than willing to give it.

“Declan, you should go home now. We’ll be fine. Goodnight.”

He shook his head. “I’m staying with my family. Let me go put on my pajamas. I’ll just sleep on the couch in the corner.”

“But… it’s not comfortable. At least take a guest room.”

“No. I’m staying here. You’re not alone anymore, sweetheart.”

After we’d been asleep for a few hours, Soph began sobbing. Groggily, I shifted Noah so I could pull her closer.

She surprised me by standing up and walking across the room. When she got to Declan’s prone form, she stopped. He opened his eyes and reached for her. In an instant she curled up by his side, placing her little head on his chest. Declan and I shared a look from across the dark room.

“I’m sorry, Dex,” Soph whispered, pulling the blanket close.

He kissed her forehead. “Nothing to be sorry for, princess. I’m just glad you like me again.”

For the first time, I believed Declan when he said he would make a good father. He didn’t leave when my babies were so sad. In fact, he helped heal us in some ways. I’d started to believe that having a baby with Declan Walsh might not be so bad after all.

The next day was a whirlwind of activity. We were late getting out of the house. Declan and I took a joint shower to save water. I was looking forward to a morning quickie after all the stress, but he refused to have s*x until I got a proper checkup. To appease me, he did some light fingering that left me more frustrated than anything.

After we dropped the kids off at school, Declan accompanied me to the shop. He spent most of his time fretting over my work, and pretty soon I was f*****g angry. In a fit of rage I banned him from the premises. Tina thought it was all very funny and made jokes the whole time.

At lunch, Taylor and Pastor Newton came to have lunch. We discussed the upcoming Halloween town social. It was going to be held at City Hall. The plan was to wear casual clothes and donate the money we would have used for costumes to the needy families of Port Townsend. Sweet Treats would be selling Halloween pastries half off during the night and that money would also go to charity. I felt good that I was finally in a position to help others.

“Madison, you’re practically glowing! What are you using?” Taylor asked, marveling at my complexion.

I looked over at Ashley who was busy sharing a laugh with Dean. She was glowing, too. Since Taylor was a mother, I knew what she was getting at. Thankfully, Pastor Will was oblivious as he sat eating his lemon cake.

“Um, can I speak to you alone, Taylor?” I asked, pulling her away.

“How far along are you? I’m assuming it’s Declan’s, right? We love having baptisms at the Church. You must let me…”

I put my hand over her mouth. “Shhh, I don’t want people to know. Of course it’s Declan’s. It’s not a sure thing, though.”

Tina, spying us in the corner, came to join the conversation. “Did you take the test? You were awfully mean to Declan this morning. He’s been a pretty good sport.”

“I haven’t taken the test. I just don’t want it to be real. I know I’m not being fair to Declan. It’s just…seeing his face makes me angry. It’s not even his fault. I mean, I could have used protection.”

Taylor kissed me on both cheeks, grinning like a deranged person. “Babies are gifts from God. If you are with child, it’s a miracle. Declan is a good man. He will do right by you. I’m not going to say anything to Will, but if you need to talk he’s a good listener and so am I. We have to go open the store now. Keep me updated.”

After she left, Ashley joined the fray. “I was just talking to Dean. He’s so sorry, Madison. He wants to come over and talk to Sophie. Could he?”

“Yes. I’m making a big special Friday dinner. You’re all welcome to come.”

Ashley giggled. “I’ll be there. Laurie helped me pick out this pretty maternity dress I’m hoping to wear to the dance. Mr. Stone has asked to escort me. I told him that he will sully his reputation, but he said he didn’t care. It’s so wrong, but I think I like him. He’s kind and interested in me and the baby’s life.”

Tina and I pulled her close for a hug. “You deserve it, honey.”

That’s where Ryan found us. He wrapped his long arms around the group and squeezed. “Okay, that’s enough of this sisterhood crap. We’ve got work to do.”

Laughing, we broke apart and went back to the tasks at hand. I was refilling someone’s coffee mug when I spied Declan coming into the diner. He was with two tall men. One was young and resembled Holly somewhat and the other was older and well-dressed.

They took a seat at a table in the back. Since Ashley was busy, I decided to take the order myself. Tina had disappeared with James for a few minutes, and I was not about to go look for them. They were indecent even with all their clothes on, but I was glad for my friends.

“May I take your order?” I asked, taking out my booklet.

Declan’s eyes melted. “Jason Daniels,” he said, turning to the older man, “This is my girlfriend, Madison Smith. She owns the shop.”

The man held out his hand for me to shake. “It’s nice to meet you. Declan speaks fondly of you.”

I blushed. “It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m so glad that you’re working hard to clear his good name.”

Daniels laughed. “It’s my pleasure. Declan has always been one of my favorite clients. He’s innocent and deserves to have a free conscious.”

The other stranger cleared his throat, startling Declan. “Oh, I’m sorry. Madison, this is Gordon Hartley. He’s my half brother.”

I held out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

The man kissed my knuckles. I pulled away as Declan growled and reached across the table. For some reason, Mr. Daniels found all of this quite funny. A few minutes later they gave me their orders, making me promise to sit with them for a minute.

I was looking for more strawberry preserves when I heard moaning from the storeroom. At first I thought it was Tina and James, but then I heard flesh upon flesh. I knew Ross hadn’t let T deflower him yet so it had to be someone else. Carefully I peeked around the corner.

“Right there. Ungh. Please. Yes…,” Laurie grunted as Ryan pounded her against the pantry door.

“Laurie, you feel so good,” he whimpered.

Ryan’s jeans were down and Laurie’s plaid skirt was hiked up to her waist. Both of them looked like they’d been at it for quite some time. I’d probably never look at that pantry the same way again, but I was happy that at least some adults were getting laid.

Grimacing I backed away, making a mental note to keep more disinfectant around. If the Sheriff wasn’t in love with my best friend and getting blowjobs in my shop, I would have been afraid he was going to bust me for running a whorehouse.

Smiling, I helped Ashley prepare the plates and took them to the table. Mr. Daniels was a hearty man and ate like Dean. Gordon ate very slow because he kept staring at me. Declan didn’t touch his food until I prodded him.

“So, what’s the news?” I asked hopefully.

Declan

She was beautiful, magnificent, kind, and oh so pig headed! Sitting across from her and not touching was killing me. Madison’s big, brown eyes twinkled eager for information as she sipped her coffee.

Coffee!

“You can’t drink that,” I yelled, reaching across the table to retrieve her cup.

Gordon snorted. “Why? Is it poison or something?”

Mr. Daniels continued cutting into his Stromboli. “If it is, it’s the best way to die.”

Madison chortled. “Declan’s just being silly. Besides, it’s not coffee, it’s tea.”

After that, we told Madison all about our afternoon. Gordon had flown in from Canada to meet with me and Laurie. Mr. Daniels arrived a little after him to facilitate everything and see me in person. Immediately Daniels had cleared Gordon as a suspect in my setup. At the time, he’d been in China working as an English instructor.

“I don’t understand why anyone would go through so much trouble. It makes no sense,” Madison offered, chewing on a biscuit.

I adjusted my package. I’d been erect all day thinking of her naked in that shower. It had been a fool move on my part not to ravage her as she so eagerly offered. The only thing that helped keep my reserve was my eagerness to make her get a doctor’s exam and confirm the pregnancy.

Daniels nodded. “We can’t trace anyone in Declan’s past that had the means or motivation. Sarah, on the other hand, had several affairs with men in law enforcement. I think Walsh was set up to cover up her murder. The California State’s Attorney is livid. The state doesn’t have the money to pay and they’re afraid Declan is going to launch a multimillion-dollar lawsuit.”

Madison gasped. “Can he do that?”

She was ignoring me again. “I could if I wanted to. Right now, all I want is to clear my name and find out who murdered Sarah.”

I’d offered to let Gordon stay with me while he was here. He and Laurie seemed to get along well and Daniels had done a thorough background check. The stay would give me time to get to know my brother. So far, I liked him except…

“So, Madison, what’s a beautiful woman like you doing with Declan?” Gordon asked, pointing at me.

My sweetheart giggled. “He serves a purpose.”

They were both laughing at my expense when Laurie returned. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was a mess. When we got here she’d said that she needed to use the restroom, but it had taken a long time. I hoped she wasn’t ill.

“Laurie, you look sick. Do you want me to take you home?”

Madison choked on her tea. She and Laurie shared a very pointed look. I knew something was up, and I was glad I didn’t know. I had enough s**t to worry about.

Laurie composed herself and sipped her own coffee. “I’m fine. I just had to lay down for a minute. Isn’t that right, Madison?”

My sweetheart looked away. “Uh, yeah. Just women’s troubles, Declan. Nothing to worry about.”

The rest of the week was pretty tame. I slept at Madison’s house. Gordon stayed at my house with Joey and Laurie. All three of us managed to bond a little over our hate for Holly. She and Dad called nonstop, but I refused to speak to either of them.

Sophie and Noah started seeing a children’s counselor. It was suggested that we all attend together in the future. I was just happy to be included with the family. Madison was glad that her babies were getting the help they needed.

Unfortunately my sweetheart continued to push my buttons. She drove her car, lifted heavy bags, and skipped meals. We did nothing but bicker and yell. By Friday, I was angry and ready to punch something. After a few hours in my gym, I felt a little better.

Later, I drove to Port Angeles and made some gift purchases. Soph and I were starting to bond again and I thought my gift would make us closer. Noah forgave me the minute his sister did and chatted away like nothing had happened.

There had been no sign of Tom and Rhonda, but I knew they were planning something. Tom had a lawyer contact Madison about visitation. She was adamant that she would die before letting that monster near the kids. After speaking to her, Tom’s pro bono attorney dropped the case.

“Motherfucker,” Madison screamed, holding up a bloody finger. She had been working herself into the ground for the upcoming social and the dinner tonight.

“I’ll get the first aid kit,” Natalie said, running to the bathroom.

I put Madison’s finger under a little cold water. She hissed, but relaxed once the burn went away. Natalie returned with everything we needed to dress the cut. I saw that it wasn’t too deep, so there was no need for stitches.

“Natalie, can you go watch the kids out back? I need to talk to Declan for a minute,” Madison asked, glaring at me.

The little schoolteacher giggled and winked at my sweetheart before leaving. Joey was still outside teaching the boys how to hit the T-ball. It was a rare sunny day in the Port and everyone had come over early to help Madison prepare dinner.

I was about to sit down at the table, but Madison led me to the den. There she made us a nice spot on the couch. My stomach felt like it was full of led. We hadn’t talked much in the last few days, and most of what we said turned into an argument.

“Declan, I know I’ve been a b***h. I’m sorry.”

That wasn’t what I expected. “Go on, sweetheart.”

She took a Kleenex out of her bra. My erection swelled remembering the feel of her breasts against my chest earlier this morning. I had been in the mood to f**k rationale and make love to her, but she was sick.

“I’m seriously starting to believe that I may be pregnant. With Sophie, I got really bad backaches and couldn’t stand the smell of onions. Then, with Noah I had swollen fingers and ankles and couldn’t look at carrots without puking. The baby I lost…”

I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “I’m here, Madison. Lean on me.”

“I just felt bad that whole pregnancy. I thought it was because I was working so hard. I’m scared, Declan. What if I am pregnant and the baby dies? I’m not strong enough to survive that again. You would be so disappointed in me.”

This time I gently sat her in my lap. “I could never be disappointed in you, Madison. There is a risk, but I’ll be right by your side. You’re not alone anymore. I love you, sweetheart. I want us to have our own little yoga baby.”

She giggled, scooting closer to me. “Yoga baby? That’s cute. Um, earlier you said it was a girl. Is that what you want?”

I smiled. “I’ll be happy with whatever we have, but I think it’s a little girl. When I picture us with a baby, it’s always a little dimpled, brown eyed angel.”

“That’s funny because I picture a green-eyed baby boy,” she said, tickling me.

“Maybe we will be blessed and have twins or even triplets.”

“Triplets!” Madison screamed, pulling away. “Declan, you are the craziest man I’ve met in my life. Only you would wish for three babies at once.”

Carefully, I laid her down on the couch. “I’ve waited a long time for my happiness, Madison. I was so lonely before you came into my life. Now, I go places and people speak to me like a human being. I have you and our kids. I’m truly a blessed and happy man.”

She unbuckled her jeans and placed my hand over her heat. “Make love to me, Declan,” she whispered.

I kissed her navel and both sides of her pelvic bone before sitting up. “I will, but you know what you have to do first. There’s no use putting it off, Madison.”

After realizing I was dead serious, she fixed her clothes and went to find the ladies. I saw them all nod and follow her into the house. I’d set up a projector outside so we could watch football; therefore, the men didn’t even notice the ladies leave. Poor Neal was stuck letting Sophie and the little girls teach him how to hula-hoop. He seemed to be enjoying himself, though.

Dean was cordial. Sophie and he had had a talk and all was forgiven. I was proud of her for the way she handled everything. Even though she was nine, she had the spirit and wisdom of someone far older. She just wanted to protect her mother.

Upon spying me, she dumped Dean and ran to my side. I picked her up, swinging her around twice before putting her back on her feet. Neal gave me the thumbs up sign.

“Hey, Dex! I’m so happy you’re here. I can show you my Halloween costume after dinner. I’m going to be an astronaut.”

I kissed her head. “I look forward to seeing that. I’m sure you will be the most beautiful astronaut ever. I have a surprise for you later.”

Taking my hand, she led me over and introduced me to her little girl friends. They giggled and shook my hand. I heard one of them say I was cuter than Justin Bieber.

A few minutes later, Joey walked over and handed me a Coke. We’d all agreed to go non alcoholic for Neal’s sake. Plus there were likely two pregnant women among us, so it wasn’t like there would be tons of drinking anyway.

“What’s up with you and Madison? You guys are acting strange. Natalie refuses to tell me anything.”

I sat down in one of the law chairs and gulped my drink. “Madison might be pregnant. She’s upstairs taking the test now.”

“Holy s**t,” Joey whisper-yelled. “Congrats? I mean, was it planned?”

I shrugged. “Well, in a way. I slept with Madison without using protection. I want this baby, Jimmu. I want her and the kids. It’s the right time. I’m going to be proven innocent any day now, and then I’ll be somewhat respectable again.”

Joey nodded. “You deserve it, man. You’re going to be a great father. Maybe you can help me. I keep f*****g up with Natalie. Last night, she said I let Seth stay up too late and he fell asleep in class. I don’t know how to make him go to sleep.”

Laughing, I promised Joey we could read some new father books together. He really was trying, but Natalie was making him suffer for the past. I was proud of my friend for not backing down and running away.

Half an hour later, Taylor Newton came to the back to get me. She must have been a serious gambler because her poker face revealed nothing. I saw her go to Will and sit on his lap before I went upstairs. Joey wished me luck.

When I got to Madison’s bedroom, the women were leaving. None of them had any expression that would help me find out what was going on. I closed the door and sat on the bed beside Madison. She was staring at three sticks on the nightstand, but I didn’t know what any of the markings meant.

“Madison, what does it say?”

She took my hand. “Declan, I’m…”

Before she could finish, there was a commotion downstairs. I took out my phone and ran downstairs. Ross was in the foyer wringing his hands. Tina was behind him looking like she was facing impending execution.

“What’s the matter?” Madison asked, hugging her friend.

Tina looked at Ross, who in turn looked at the floor. “We eloped. Can you make your special chocolate raspberry cake?”

Madison and the women squealed, leading Tina to the back. I scowled at Ross. “You have the worst goddamn timing in the world, man.”

He chuckled, taking off his hat. “That’s exactly what Tina said. Say, Declan, did you know a man is supposed to last more than two minutes?”