Sweet Treats and Deadbeats

CHAPTER 11: The Impact of Caring

Madison

It was my nightmare come to life. Rhonda and Tom, here in Port Townsend, once again messing up the life I was working on building. I felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. My ex-husband looked just as imposing as I remembered.

“Why are you here?” My voice sounded squeaky and fearful even to my ears.

Rhonda rolled her big, hazel eyes. “You were always a dumb child. I prayed for a smart daughter, but I got a high school dropout who does nothing...”

“Shut up!” I screamed, backing away from her.

Declan, who had been about to pounce on Tom turned to look at me. His frightened moss green eyes were the only thing keeping me from bolting. I gave him a slight nod, letting him know I was okay for the moment.

“You,” he said, pointing at Tom, “have one minute to get your ass out of the shop, and if you're smart, the city. Madison has a restraining order against you, asshole.”

Tom stood up to his full six-foot-four height. Jimmy took a step forward. He was maybe an inch taller than my ex, whereas Declan was about two inches shorter. All the men eyed each other like hungry lions getting ready to stake a claim. I was the claim.

I hated myself for cowering back, but the f*****g bastard still scared me. My main concern was for my babies, though. I needed to call the school and make sure they were safe. I would be damned if the bastard would get to them.

“Don't you hear well, asswipe. Get out! You're not wanted here. Now you can go on your own or I can make you,” Jimmy said while curling his fist.

Tom chuckled and threw the flowers on the ground. “Damn, Smith. I guess you've gotten better in the sack if you have two guys willing to fight for you. I'll leave, but trust I'll be back. I want to see my kids.”

I finally found the courage to step forward. Tom smirked, his blue eyes were the exact Deane color as Sophie's but much colder. He brushed his hands through his sandy brown hair. It wasn't at all sexy, like the way Declan did it.

“Go to hell, you bastard! You are not coming near my babies! I'm calling your parole officer to report you.”

“You can call all you want, Madison. You don't have a restraining order in Washington. Therefore, I am not breaking the law.”

“She'll have one within the hour,” Declan barked, pulling out a cell phone.

Rhonda put her hand on her hip, c*****g her head thoughtfully. “Oh my god! You're the Declan Walsh. How in the hell did my daughter snag a catch like you?”

Thankfully, Tina came from behind me. She told Ashley to give all the customers a cup of coffee on the house. We were giving them quite a show, and I was supremely embarrassed. No matter what I did the past kept coming back to haunt me.

Soon, T got in Rhonda's face and pointed to the door. “You and the Bastardhole can go climb back into whatever place you climbed out of. I've watched both of you use and abuse Madison since I've known her. You're not a mother. You're a nightmare, bitch.”

Rhonda turned on the fake tears. “Can you believe this? My own daughter isn't happy to see me.”

“Come on Rhon. I can see we're not welcomed. We'll be back. I'm going to see my kids whether you want me to or not,” Tom threatened before leading my mom outside.

“Her name is Madison or Ms. Smith to you. This isn't over, motherfucker! I will make you pay for hurting my family,” Declan snarled, stepping forward. The last thing I needed was for him to go back to jail.

Tom stopped for a minute, as if to say something, but thought better of it and continued out the door. A few of the older patrons crossed themselves as if the devil had just left. The younger customers were texting or on their computers probably also gossiping.

“I'll go outside to make sure they actually leave the premisis,” Jimmy volunteered, giving me an encouraging look.

I just nodded and let T engulf me in a hug. Ashley began getting the coffee while Ryan put on soothing music.

“They're gone, Madison. The guys and I can keep an eye out for the car if you'd like.”

I smiled at Jimmy. “Thanks. I really just need to make sure my kids are okay.”

Declan finished speaking on the phone before turning to me. In three large steps, he was by my side. For a minute, we just stared into each other's eyes. Then I tugged on the front of his shirt. Immediately, he wrapped his arms around me.

T leaned forward and whispered, “Take her to the office, Declan. I'll straighten things out here.”

We nodded and walked to the back. Once we were in my personal office, Declan picked me up and sat down on the couch. I buried my face in his neck and let all the anguish, pain, anxiety, and fear pour out of my body. I cried hard, making my whole body shake. Declan never once let me go. He seemed to sense that I needed this.

After awhile, he set me aside and went into the restroom. When he came back he was holding a wet cloth. He washed my face sweetly as I tried to smile. Because of all the crying, my head was pounding.

“Madison, I called the school. I have some men there. I relayed the information to the principal. He said he'd talk to Noah and Soph's teachers. Daniels will have a restraining order waiting for us at the Sheriff's station.”

“I'm sorry. I hate to be this f*****g weak! I thought I was better but when I saw them...” I trailed off, sniffling.

Declan growled, placing me back onto his lap. “Those damn vultures will not hurt you, Madison. I'm here to protect you and our kids. I promise to keep you all safe.”

“He even called me 'Dizzy' just like old times. He always used to say I was a stupid, worthless i***t. He called me 'Dumbass Dizzy', not Madison. I'm not stupid. I... I just really hate that he and Rhonda said that in front of everyone,” I wailed, gesturing wildly.

I laid my head on Declan's chest, lulled by the gentle beating of his heart. He rubbed my the side of my thigh and rocked me slowly. I was like a flower about to lose all its petals and Declan was the only thing holding me to the Earth. I hadn't felt so low and meaningless since I left Tom.

Suddenly, Declan stopped rocking. He closed his eyes and I saw one tear fall down his cheek, which made me cry harder.

“Madison, the first time... I loved you...”

“Declan?”

He put his fingers over my lips and kept softly singing until he got me under control. His voice was clear and smooth. I felt very safe in the moment.

I laid my right hand over his heart and looked deep into his watery eyes. “I can't live without you. I want you, Declan, just you. I'll say it in front of anyone. I need you. I'm tired of being alone. I love you, Declan. You have my heart.”

He rained kisses all over my face, smiling like a goofy lovesick fool. His radiant face stopped my tears. I'd just laid it all on the line, and I'd never felt more sure about anything. Declan was it for me; that one great love that all the stories and songs talked about.

“I love you, Madison. I love you. I love you,” he repeated, squeezing me until I squeaked.

We stayed in the office for half an hour just talking and basking in our enlightenment. Declan played with my fingers, and if I didn't know better, I would have said he was trying to size my ring finger. I swatted him away, wrapping my arm loosely around his neck.

He leaned down and planted the mother of all kisses on my lips. It was a seal of the future, nothing like we'd shared in the past. When he pulled away, I felt dazed beyond comprehension.

“Wow,” I said, rubbing my lips, “That was a kiss, Declan. I feel like I'm floating.”

He chuckled, helping me stand up. “I'm glad you liked it. Madison, I promise you that I will never leave you. You're mine and so are Noah and Soph. We can make this work. I'm willing to go slow.”

I closed my eyes, replaying the seranade in my head. “What was that song you sang?”

“It's sometbing I used to listen to in high school. I have a lot of music. This weekend when I get you alone in my house, I'll play an album for you. Sorry to subject you to my awful singing.”

I kicked him in the shin. “Shut up, Walsh! Your voice is beautiful. You should be singing for a living or something.”

He actually blushed. “I used to sing in the choir when I was younger. When I got older and fell out with church, I stopped. You're the first person I've let hear me sing in years. I thought that part of me had died. Thanks for bringing it back, Madison.”

I nodded and rubbed my cheek against his chest. “You're very much alive, Declan, and you're an innocent man. I'm so glad you came in to my life.”

“Me too. Listen, sweetheart, I need to go to Seattle to handle some things. I'll send Vlad, my top bodyguard, by to introduce himself. I don't want you going anywhere by yourself, okay? I'll be back by the time the shop closes.”

I smiled. “Don't rush. I'll be fine. Call or text me if you want. I'll see you later.”

He used my dress tie to pull me closer until my heat was flush against his hardened d**k. I shivered, slipping my hands into his jeans so I could feel his ass. He rocked back on his heels, laughing softly.

“Why, Ms. Smith, I think you have a fascination with my backside. Am I right?”

Digging my fingers into his flesh, I leaned forward and tangled his tongue with mine. I tried to devour him as he had done in our earlier kiss. I knew I'd won when he made a strangled sound and gently pushed me away.

“s**t! If we keep that up, neither of us is getting anything done today. I swear I'll make love to you later, sweetheart. Right now, I need to get some important things done.”

Pouting, I removed my hands from his jeans. I really did have a thing for his ass. It was just so toned and perfect. I loved digging my heels into the muscular flesh as Declan pounded into my wetness.

Wow, Madison. That will help you get through the day!

Declan kissed me one more time, and then slipped on his jacket. When he got to the doorway, he turned around. His green eyes were merciful and boundless as they met mine.

“You're not stupid, Madison. I've never thought you were. Don't let that asshole, and the woman who had you, make you feel inferior.

“Remember what I told you, no one can make you feel worthless without your permission. Never give them that power over you again. You're better than them. I'm always here for you, and I'm on your side. I never want to see that defeated look in your eyes again. You are priceless, my angel, my precious gift. I take you everywhere with me. I love you. Each time you feel small, think of that, sweetheart.”

I held the tears in until he was gone. Then I fell apart. It was like he'd seen straight through to my aching soul and knew exactly what I needed to hear. I hugged myself, feeling more at ease than I'd been in a long while.

I'm priceless to Declan Walsh, I thought happily.

Luckily, by the time I emerged from my office, the shop was back to normal. I told Tina about all that happened and she congratulated me. Ashley waddled from the register to the kitchen to check on me.

“I'm so glad you're okay,” she said, kissing my cheek.

I nodded. “I'll be fine. It was just a shock seeing them. I do know that asshole isn't going to set a foot near my babies.”

“Damn right! I've been wanting to kick Tom's ass for years, Madison,” T said, demonstrating her right hook.

The girls and I shared stories and giggled until Ryan came over. He gave me a quick hug. Then he rolled his eyes and told us to end the hen party and get back to work. Laurie, who I'd just noticed was still here, stared at him as she passed. He didn't spare her a glance.

“I can't believe that woman is your mother, Madison. My mom isn't any better but she dresses the part in public.”

“Believe me, Laurie, I can't believe it either. I've always felt like her mother.”

Around lunchtime, business picked up. Natalie called to make sure I was okay and to tell me she would keep an eye out for Soph and Noah. It felt good to have real friends whom cared about me and my kids.

We discussed Joey and his progress as a father. She was angry that he planned to miss Ambrose's next doctor's appointment due to a work commitment. She thought he was lying to her so he could go out with some w***e. I told her I would tell Declan to talk to Joey.

I had just wiped down the counters for the umteenth time when a tall, blond man came into the shop. He must have been damn near seven-feet-tall. Thankfully Sheriff Ross was right behind him.

“I'm Vlad, Declan's personal guard,” the giant said, holding out his hand.

“Oh, I'm Madison Smith. Nice to meet you.”

Ross nodded. “Declan and Vlad briefed me on the situation. We have a standing Washington State restraining order against Tom down at the station. It covers you and the kids. If he comes anywhere near you, I'll be glad to haul his ass to jail.”

“Thanks, Ross. I'm pretty sure my mom and ex are here to extort money. They'll leave soon.”

“I hope so.”

I invited both men to stay and eat on my dime. Then I watched Ashley take Vlad's order. She looked wary until he asked her a question about the baby. He ended up telling us about his wife and children back in California. After that Ashley didn't seem scared at all.

A few minutes later, Dean came in for his daily soup and sandwich. His smile turned into a scowl when he saw Ashey talking to Vlad. I quickly introduced them to avoid problems. Ashley bantered with Dean like always, and he took it. They were becoming friends whether they wanted to or not.

Poor Sheriff Ross was a nightmare. It was a miracle the man hadn't accidentally killed himself with his gun. First, he almost destroyed the napkin holders. Then, he lost his footing and fell on his way to the counter. And to top it all off, he spilled iced tea all over his uniform.

Tina came from the back, took one look at him, and sighed. “What in the hell do I see in you?”

“I'm sorry. I get really nervous in general, and when I know I'm about to see you, it magnifies,” he said sheepishly.

T took his hand and led him to the back so he could clean up. Several minutes later, they returned. Ross looked like he'd just gotten the mother of all blowjobs. His eyes were unfocused and glassy. I looked at T, silently asking her if he was okay. She licked her lips and began humming. The Sheriff turned beet red. After a few general pleasantries and a chaste kiss for Tina, he grabbed his food and left.

“You're going to kill that poor man,” I giggled, hip checking her.

She huffed. “Shut up, b***h. You know he enjoys it. I'm going to be his first.”

“No!”

She nodded. “Yes! He's a bonafide virgin. His mother rammed all that religion, 'wait until marriage' crap into his head. Lucky for me, he doesn't feel that way about oral or handjobs. I'm going to enjoy making a man out of him.”

We were running out of flour so I went to the back to get a new bag. I was surprised to see the light on in the storeroom. Cautiously, I stepped forward. I could hear two distinct voices. It took me a minute before I realized who they belonged to.

“I can't believe I feel this way, and for you of all people,” Laurie said.

“What? I'm so beneath you that you don't want to touch me,” Ryan replied.

“You're just not my type. I mean, you're blue collar, and I'm used to Ivy league.”

Heavy footsteps signalled Ryan was coming near me. I quickly ducked into the shadows.

“I don't want to do this again. Cynthia's mother was a spoiled princess just like you. She broke me and my daughter's heart. I can't go through that s**t anymore. It's better if we avoid each other until you return to New York and your trust fund boys.”

Fortunately, Ryan didn't see me as he left the storage room. When I walked in, I was met with the sounds of Laurie's broken sobbing. Now that Declan and I were truly together, she was a part of my family. I hated to see her suffer.

“Laurie,” I asked, hesitantly, “Are you okay?”

She walked into my arms, hugging me. “I like him a lot and Cynthia, too. Mom is going to be so angry. He's not at all what she wanted for me. I don't know how to be a good person, Madison. My bitterness poisons everything. I don't want to be like this. You helped Declan. Please help me.”

I grabbed a fresh box of tissues from the shelf and passed a handful to her. “You have to make the change. If you really care for Ryan and Cynthia, don't let your parent's prejudices ruin your happiness. You're a good person, Laurie.”

She sniffled, pulling out a compact so that she could fix her makeup. “You're right. I hate the life I've been living. All my New York friends care about is my clothes, family, and money. None of them are there for me when my dad calls me a mistake.”

We talked while I made more baked treats. There was a senior event planned for later, so a lot of the baked goods were selling out. I worked hard right alongside my crew even occassionally taking over the register so I could talk to the townspeople. I was pleased to find that many of them had kind things to say. They even treated Ashley better now that they knew she was friends with Dean. He really was the hometown hero.

Around three, I left to pick my babies up from school. Vlad followed me, just in case. I chatted with Natalie for a few minutes before loading them into the car. Soph took out her newest library book and began reading. Noah, however, rested his head against the seat. He was usually hyper and hungery after school, so I was worried.

“What's wrong, little man?” I asked, looking back at him.

He stuck out his bottom lip. “My head hurt, mommy. Can I go home?”

I was frantic. “Sure, but first let's stop off at Dr. Connor.”

Dr. Connor was the town pediatrician and one of the best in the state. Declan had suggested him a few weeks ago when I had to get the kids shots. He was a nice older man with an impeccible bedside manner.

Thankfully, his practice was small enough that we could walk in for an appointment. Thirty minutes later, we were in the exam room. The nurses watched Soph while i went in with Noah. She was just as worried as me about her brother.

Dr. Connor ran some tests. I called Declan to tell him what was going on. He didn't answer or reply to my text, so I assumed he was busy.

“Ms. Smith. Noah is running a pretty high fever. He also has some abdominal pain. Have you had him vaccinated for chicken pox?”

I shook my head. “No! You just hear all the horror stories about too much vaccination, and I thought it would be better if we didn't do it. Soph had them when she was four and she's been healthy every since.”

“You're right. Many parents do opt to skip the vaccine. Some experts fear not letting kids’ bodies build an immunity to things like chicken pox makes them more susceptible to other diseases.”

I looked at my little soldier who was sucking his thumb. Tenderly, I scooped him into my arms and helped him settle his tiny head on my chest. I hated to see my babies in pain. The doctor wrote me a prescription for antibiotics, and I already knew the creams and remedies to use.

We left after Noah and Soph got their pick of lollipop. I called Tina to let her know I needed her to close up shot. She didn't have a problem with that. All of her concern was for Noah.

After a stop at the drugstore, I took my babies home. Soph carried Noah's bookbag for him while Vlad carried in the rest of the bags. My babies were their usual nosy, yet kind, selves. Once they found out Vlad was a friend of Declan's, they were okay.

I carried Noah upstairs and gave him some medicine. Then I stripped off his clothes and used a cool cloth to wash his body. He quickly fell into a restless sleep. There were a few bumps already forming on his side. I was not looking forward to the exteme itching part.

After Noah went to sleep and I fed Soph, I called Declan. His phone went straight to voicemail again. An hour later, I got a call from Laurie.

“Madison! Declan is in the hospital. He was doing some work in his yoga studio when he passed out. The doctor called me because I'm his next of kin. I tried calling my parents but they won't pick up.”

I gasped, sitting down on my bed. “Oh my god! What happened. He was fine when he left..”

“The doctor says he may have adult chicken pox. Declan never caught them when he was a kid. It's more serious now that he's grown. One of Declan's guards is going to drive us home. Declan will be discharged in a few hours. I'll take care of him at his...”

“No,” I interrupted, “Noah has chicken pox, too. Have the guard bring Declan here. I'll feel better if he's with us.”

After she promised me they would come right after his release, I hung up. Two sick men were going to be hell on my nerves, but I could do it because I loved them.

Declan

After reluctantly leaving my sweetheart, I drove to Seattle. The whole way there, I replayed our conversation. She said she loved and couldn't live without me. I felt lightheaded after her declarations and promises.

Once in Seattle., I settled in at my yoga studio. It was closed for the day, so I had the place to myself. I poured over the police reports Daniels had faxed over. Then I called him and we conferenced for an hour. He had a Sophity program where his legal team helped acquit innocent men who had been convicted but later found innocent. Everyone in the office was putting in overtime on my case. Luckily, I could afford to be generous with my money so they could continue working.

I was so engrossed I missed Madison's call. My head had begun to feel awful, and I couldn't even eat the salad and pita I'd picked up from one of my favorite Greek places. Around two, I threw up what little I'd eaten for breakfast. I thought about calling my sweetheart but decided not to worry her.

As I was leaving to return home, my lower stomach began throbbing. I sat on the floor, going into the fetal position. It did nothing to help the pain. Thankfully I had my phone on me. I quickly dialed one of the guards, requesting help. I passed out just as I heard voices step in to the room.

When I woke up, my sister was hovering over me with a worried look on her face. I tried to sit up, but the motion just made me feel worse. Looking around I realized I was in a damn hospital. I hated the places.

Laurie buzzed the nurse. “I'm so happy you're awake. You gave me a scare, Declan.”

After the nurse took my vital signs and casually flirted with me, a doctor came to check me out. I was diagnosed with chicken pox. I always knew they would come back to haunt me one day.

I vaguely heard Laurie speak to Madison on the phone and promise her something. I tried to talk, but my words came out slurred. Laurie called our parents, but go figure, they didn't answer. I assumed that they were out somewhere on a bender, as usual.

I fell asleep while the doctor was talking to Laurie. The next time I awoke, I was in a familiar bedroom. Madison's new pink robe was hanging on a corner chair. There was a humidifier going and the room smelled like medicine.

”Why am I here?” I felt groggy.

“Because you're sick, D,” Soph proclaimed, hopping up on the bed. She was dressed in a white doctor's coat, complete with stethoscope and bag. I would have laughed had I the ability to move.

“I know that, but you guys don't have to take care of me. I need to go home.”

Sophie shook her tiny head and crossed her arms over her chest. She was every bit her mother's daughter. I groaned, knowing I wouldn't ever win an argument with either of them.

“Nope. Noah is sick, too. You got chicken pox from him. Mommy says we're fine because we had it, so our body has immunity to it. After you get better you will be safe too. I thought only little kids got chicken pox but on the internet it said grownups do, too, and it's worse.”

“You're right about that, princess. I feel like I got hit by a freight train. What does a patient have to do to get some water around this place?”

She smiled, showing me all her pearly whites. Then she reached into a nearby ice bucket and handed me a bottle of cold water. I drank greedily, because I was still hot from the fever.

“Are you taking care of our patient, darling?” Madison asked, stepping into the room. Noah was in his Spiderman pajamas, his small head resting on her shoulder.

“Madison, how is he?” I asked, trying to sit up.

“He'll be fine. He's just restless and cranky. How are you? The fever seems to be gone.”

I nodded, helping her lower Noah onto the bed. I felt bad that I was invading her room. When I expressed my concerns, she told me to shut up and stop whining. Soph laughed and made a comment about me being in time-out forever.

I leaned over to feel Noah's head. He opened his eyes a little and attempted a smile. “I sorry, D. I made you sick.”

“You did me a favor, Noah. Once we're over this we'll both be stronger. Don't feel bad.”

Madison smiled and kissed us both on the forehead. “You don't mind if he stays in bed with you, do you, Declan? I'm going to make you two some soup.”

I shook my head. “Of course not. I can hire a nurse, Madison. You don't have to do this all alone. You must be...”

She silenced me with a quick kiss. Sophie made a hooting noise and Noah gagged. Madison just laughed and ushered her daugher our of the room. I grabbed the remote from the nightstand and flipped on the tv.

Noah turned on his side facing me. “I itchy, D.”

I rubbed his back. “I know, Noah. That's just part of having the chicken pox. We're going to be itchy for a while.”

Later, Madison forced us to choke down a bowl of chicken soup. Noah sat in her lap gladly letting his mom feed him. I ate as much as I could and gloated when it came back up. Madison was not pleased.

“If you drank your ginger ale, you may have been able to keep that down, Declan,” she accused.

I scowled, turning over to go back to sleep. I was cranky, tired, and mad. It wasn't anyone's fault. I just hated being sick and helpless. Drinking ginger ale obviously didn't help; because my sweetheart forced it down Noah's throat, and he had the Deane outcome as me.

Throughout the evening Madison cooked, cleaned, nursed, and soothed. She was amazing. With the help of Vlad, she was able to move us down to the den. Noah and I finally managed to eat and drink without puking. I hated to be so disgusting in front of my sweetheart, but I felt like s**t. Several of our friends, minus pregnant Ashley, came over to wish us well and offer support.

Ashley brought Noah's homework for the week. He and Ambrose ended up watching cartoons while the women talked. Natalie wanted Ambrose to catch the chickenpox early so he wouldn't end up like me. I spent the whole time under a thick blanket half passed out on Madison's shoulder

At nine, Joey arrived from Seattle. By then, I was wide awake because my skin was on fire. Madison kept rubbing some s**t on me and making sure I wasn't scratching. I barely resisted throwing the cream in the garbage.

“I can't believe you have chicken pox, bro. You're going to look like a monster,” Joy teased.

Natalie rolled her eyes. “Wow. Now that I see how you treat your sick friend, I don't know if I want you around Ambrose or me when we're ill.”

He pretended to be offended. “I'm just giving him a hard time. It's what Dec and me do.”

When Natalie found out Joey had a chick waiiting for him in the car, she went off. Thankfully, they did it in another room. I heard it secondhand from my sweetheart, who had managed to get everything under control. I promised I would speak to Joey about his f**k up when I felt better. I must have dozed off because when I next opened my eyes, I was back in Madison's bed.

She was reading Dr. Suess and rocking Noah. He smelled like calamine lotion and oatmeal. Eventually, his eyes started to droop and he fell asleep. I watched as my sweetheart tenderly felt his head and carried him to his room. I didn't ever remember my mom doing that for Laurie or me.

“Are you ready for your bath, Declan?” She asked, returning to the bedroom.

My torso was incredibly itchy so I scratched. Madison screeched, grabbing my hand and frowning at me.

“I'm going to run the water. The oatmeal will help soothe your skin. You can't scratch because you'll get scars.”

I ignored her and continued digging in to my flesh. It was hard for me to see the ugly red blisters. I was a man that liked to take care of my body, including my skin.

“Stop it, Walsh. If you ever want me to have s*x with you again, you will listen to me.”

The water looked disgusting, but the oatmeal did help my burning flesh. Madison also tenderly washed my hair. After that she dried me off and rubbed me down with calamine lotion, laughing when I complained about the smell.

“It looks like it's mostly on your back, chest, and stomach. That's a good sign. I don't see any bumps near your c**k,” Madison observed, examining me.

“That's the only part you really care about, am I right?”

She rolled her eyes and handed me a long sleeved blue cotton pajama set and a pair of black boxer briefs. Althought I was still irritated, I did feel somewhat better.

I was headed to a guest bedroom when my sweetheart stopped me. “You're sleeping in here with me. I dusted the sheets on your side with cornstarch, just in case you get sweaty.”

“I should sleep in another room. You don't want to be around me like this, Madison.”

She got in face. “I have two children. There is nothing you can do that will disgust or scare me. Believe me, I've seen it all. Now get your ass in the bed before I really go off. I'm exhausted and I don't feel like arguing.”

I walked over to the bed. “Jeez, lighten up before your head starts spinning.”

My shortcake pounced on my back, like a little monkey. I landed on my back with her on top. She threatened to kill me before helping me under the sheets. I didn't move because I feared for my life.

When she came back, she was in pink cotton pajamas. Her ass looked really good, but I was too sick and itchy to even seriously think about f*****g her. She took one look at me, noticed I had been scratching again, and insisted I wear gloves while I slept.

“Put them on now! I'm not playing with you, Declan,” she screeched.

“Tomorrow I'm hiring a real nurse. You're mean,” I huffed, turning over.

Her brown eyes went dark. Then, she stuffed a Benadryl tablet in my mouth and made me drink some juice. After that we were both pissed. She fell asleep a few minutes before I did.

The next few days were brutal. Madison was the anti-scratch police and kept Noah and I in a constant state of fear. We ended up bribing Soph, when she was home, to scratch for us. Unfortunately Madison caught her and we all had to sit through a long ass lecture.

My mom called on the third day. “Declan! My poor baby. I would be there taking care of you, but I'm in Vegas.” I could hear another man, definitely not my dad, in the room.

“How much do you need?” I asked warily.

She scoffed. “Why do you always suspect the worst of me? I'm just checking up on you. But if you could take care of the hotel bill that would be great, sweetie.”

I groaned, promising to pay for everything. Holly informed me Michael was in New York with his newest mistress who was around Laurie's age. I hung up in the middle of her rant because I was tired of their s**t.

Later, Vlad came to give us an update on the Tom and Rhonda situation. Madison, who had been baking oatmeal raisin cookies, came out of the kitchen to listen. She was still making me wear the gloves so I tried to get her to scratch my back. She refused.

“They're staying at a hotel outside of town. The local bars seem to be their favorite hangout. Tom owes some loan shark in Phoenix over twenty-five grand. Your mom also owes money. She's been selling herself to pay some of it off. The guy has given them one month to come up with the cash.”

My sweetheart lowered her head. “I knew it! Tom never claimed the kids, and my mom certainly didn't care either. What can I do? If I pay them maybe they will leave.”

I shook my head. “They'll just want more. It will never stop, Madison. We need to get something concrete so Tom goes back to prison.”

After the meeting, Madison was agitated. I ate three of her amazing oatmeal cookies to make her feel better. Noah was clingy, so I tried to distract him.

“Hey, Noah. Want to play video games with me?” I asked hopefully.

He pumped his fist. “Let's race car, D.”

We played while Madison went to pick Sophie up for school. I made sure to keep the curtains closed because sun wasn't good for chicken pox sufferers, not that we got much sun in Port Townsend.

I let Noah win every game. After that, he wanted to color. The easy tasks helped me bond with him, which was good because he was going to become my son.

It may have been the illness, but I had never seen things more clearly. Madison was the love of my life. She would stick by me through thick and thin. I had never felt more loved and cherished, even though we fought a lot.

The next day Steve and Reverend Nelson came to visit. Joshua said a healing prayer and chatted with Madison while Steve talked to Noah and me. Madison promised the Pastor we would all attend church as soon as everyone was feeling better.

After four days of the chicken pox, I wanted to die. “Just shoot me, sweetheart. My whole body is in pain.”

Madison looked down at me. “You big baby. I pushed three small children through a tiny hole and got through hours of hard labor. The chicken pox is nothing compared to that. Stop complaining and drink the tea I brought you. If I see you scractch your sores again, I will glue the gloves to your hands. Do I make myself clear?”

Despite my discomfort, I chuckled. “God, I love you, Madison. I'll be good, but when I'm better, I'm going to make you pay for this torture.”

She licked her lips. “That's a promise I plan to make you keep.”

The next morning I woke up to an empty bed. I washed up, put on more ointment, and changed into another pair of pajamas before heading downstairs. I was surprised to hear yelling when I got to the bottom.

“I finally dragged it out of Laurie. My poor Declan, here with you. You're nothing but a gold digger. I will not let you drain his accounts. He can do so much better than a w***e with a bunch of welfare babies!.”

Madison was in a combative stance in the foyer as my mother ranted and screamed at her. I saw red.

“Shut the hell up, Mom! Madison is the woman I love. I want to build a family with her. If anyone is a gold digger, it's you! You can't just come here and disrespect her. I've been sick this whole week and she's been taking care of me. Where the hell have you been?”

Holly turned her angry glare on me. “I just came here to tell you that Daniels contacted me. I think... I think I may have evidence to help prove your innocence. Declan, Laurie isn't your only half-sibling. You have a brother.”