Sweet Treats and Deadbeats

CHAPTER 12: Family Harmony

Madison

“Wake up, Declan,” I whispered, shaking his shoulder. “You need to eat.”

He sat up, rubbing his eyes. The dark, purplish circles underneath worried me because I knew they meant he wasn’t getting enough sleep. The weight of everything had hit him hard. I just hoped he wouldn’t shut me out.

A week ago, Holly had told Declan about his estranged brother. I thought Rhonda was bad, but Holly was a real b***h. She looked at me like I was gum stuck on the bottom of her expensive stiletto heels.

“I’m not hungry, Madison.”

I sighed. “Declan, um, you can talk to me. You’ve been spaced out all week. The kids have asked about it. I told them you were still under the weather from your chicken pox, but even they aren’t buying that.”

“I think I’ll just go home. I have a lot of things to do and calls to make,” he said, standing up.

I panicked. “Don’t go. We like having you here. You can work in my office. I’m not trying to pry. I just…”

With a pained look on his face, he walked to my side of the bed and sat down. He was only wearing a shirt. Earlier in the day I’d given him a b*****b before tucking him in, and he’d never bothered to put on pants afterwards. I took his hand and placed it in my lap. He continued to stare off into space until I huffed in annoyance.

“It’s not easy… to talk about this. My parents lied to me more than I originally thought. I don’t know how I feel about this “brother”. He could be the psycho that set me up. Daniels doesn’t believe it’s him, because he has no record or law enforcement ties, but he does hate our family.”

I rubbed circles around the back of his hand, digesting those words. “You can talk to me about anything, Declan. We’ve shared our pasts. You said you love me. Have you changed your mind?”

All of a sudden, I was underneath his big body while he assaulted my mouth. I keened and moaned as his hands moved under my large sleep shirt. Ever so gently, he palmed my breast, pinching my n*****s and thrusting into me.

The shock of it sent me into immediate o****m.

While I trembled, he cupped my ass cheeks. I wrapped my legs high on his waist, encouraging him to pound into me harder and faster. He didn’t say anything as he took me savagely.

“Declan! Declan! Ungh,” I panted, trying to catch my breath.

Suddenly, he pulled out completely and rolled to the edge of the bed. I had been very close to another round of pleasure and was not pleased. We didn’t move or speak for several minutes. What did I do wrong?

He’s tired of you, dumbass. Told you, my mind taunted.

“I have to go, Madison. I do love you. I just need to be alone right now. I promise we’ll talk soon.”

Naked and emotional, I sat in bed and watched him get dressed. When he was ready, he kissed me on the head and went out the balcony door.

I listened until I heard his motorcycle drive away. My first instinct was to chase him, but Declan was a grown man. If he didn’t want to spend the night with me, I wouldn’t make him.

Since I was determined not to cry over asshole men anymore, I spent the night studying for my classes, and looking up Halloween costumes for my babies.

After a few hours, I still wasn’t sleepy so I decided to catch up on Declan’s Blood Pact books. The series was good and his writing flowed well. Before long, it was after three in the morning.

Eventually the warmth and the sound of rain outside lulled me to sleep. All night, I tossed and turned. Pretty colors and children’s giggles filled my errant dreams. By the time my alarm went off, I was still exhausted.

“Are you wake, mommy?” Noah asked, climbing into bed.

I tucked him next to my side and kissed his baby fat cheeks. “Mmm. I am now, sweetie.”

He laid his little head onto my chest. It sent a pang through my heart, reminding of when I used to breastfeed him. He’d grown up so fast. At times, I missed the days when my babies were completely dependent on me.

“Is it almost time for school? I’m ready to see Ambrose, and we’re reading a fun book today.”

I smiled at his enthusiasm. “You’ll be there soon. Let’s get you washed up and dressed so I can make breakfast.”

Maybe he sensed my sadness; because for the first time in a long while he let me carry him to the bathroom. I washed his face and helped him brush his hair. Watching my little man do those tasks cheered me up.

Half an hour later, I sent him to play so I could wake Soph. As usual, she was still in bed with the pillow over her head. I tossed it aside and leaned down to kiss her cheeks. She opened her pretty, blue eyes and groaned.

“Five more minutes, mommy. Pleeeeaaassseee!”

Shaking my head, I picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. It was no easy feat. She was almost as tall as me now. When we got there, I turned on the water and put some orange scented body wash under her nose.

Now that she was awake, it was time for me to make breakfast. I chose to make blueberry waffles with fresh blueberry sauce and turkey bacon. It was one of my babies’ favorite meals, and seeing them happy would cheer me up.

I had just placed everything on the table when the bell rang. Standing on the porch was my neighbor Dean. I quickly opened the door and invited him.

“What brings you here so early this morning?” I asked, giving him a one arm hug.

He shrugged, taking a seat at the breakfast counter. “I was hoping for some breakfast. I’m going to a ranch to check on some horses. They’re deathly sick and the owner doesn’t know what’s wrong with them. I’ll be gone most of the day. I just wanted to see you and catch up.”

“It’s so great that you help animals, Em. That must be a very rewarding job.”

“It is,” he said, nodding.

“Something is bothering you. Tell me.”

He fidgeted and played with the glass of orange juice I set in front of him. “Uh, did something happen last night? I saw Declan leave on his motorcycle, but he came back on his mountain bike an hour later. It was damn strange. He would get all the way to your door and then hop on the bike and leave again, only to come back and do the same. I was worried, but I didn’t want to pry.”

I groaned, turned off the stove, and took the seat next to Dean. “I’m sorry if he kept you up. He’s having a hard time dealing with some personal issues. He might be innocent. His lawyers are busy trying to clear his name.”

“I don’t believe it! There’s no way. If there was evidence of his innocence, it would have come out a long time ago.”

I balled my fists up and took a deep breath. “Don’t you watch the news?! Innocent men are exonerated of crimes all the time. Declan had addictions that impaired his judgment, but I don’t believe he killed anyone. You and most of this town owe him an apology.”

Dean stood up, angrily pushing his stool back. “Damn it, Madison. He’s swindling you! I heard about your ex husband confronting you in the diner.

“Why do you have such bad taste in men? You’re going from one loser to another. I hate to see it happen because you’re a good woman, a good mother. You can really make something of yourself here, but you’re ruining your reputation with Walsh!”

“Get out! I’m sick of all you damn men! If you see Declan outside, send him on his way. I don’t need all this stress.”

We were glaring at each other when Soph walked timidly into the kitchen. She stood next to me and wrapped her tiny arm around my waist. I kissed the top of her head, letting her know I was okay now.

“Leave mommy alone, Dean! I won’t let you hurt her,” she screamed, putting her body in front of mine.

“Baby girl—“

“No! They all hurt you. I don’t care anymore. We don’t need a daddy. We just need you, mommy. I’m sorry for wishing for one when all they do is make you sad.”

Dean got down on one knee and reached for her. “Hey, hey, cutie pie, I’m sorry. I had no right to speak to your mother that way.”

Soph shook her head. “Go away! I don’t like you anymore. I don’t like Dex or Tom or the bad man who hurt Ashley. They should all die!”

My baby girl had never had an outburst like that. It chilled me to the bone. Dean mouthed an apology and then left. Sophie clung to me and sobbed her little heart out. I tried to talk to her, but she shut me out.

By the time Noah wandered in, her face was dry and she was helping me set up. I made a mental note to call the child psychologist I’d found in the phone book. Soph was even quiet all through breakfast, not even laughing at Noah’s jokes. Clearly, we needed help.

After breakfast, the kids brushed their teeth while I took a shower and got dressed. Later, I packed their favorite Lunchables and made sure they had all their school books.

Then, I went to load our stuff in the car. Sitting on the hood was Declan. His stubble was thick and he had on jeans and flannel.

I ignored him, opening the door and putting things in their proper places. My lack of sleep had given me a headache and I felt slightly nauseous. I was also very worried about my baby girl. With all that going on, Declan had taken a back seat in my thoughts.

“Good morning,” he said, standing up.

“Morning.”

“Madison…”

I closed the door and turned to him. “Look, I’m having a very stressful morning. I tried talking to you last night and you left. You’re giving me whiplash. Get your s**t together, and then come talk to me. Right now, I’m dealing with my own mini crisis, and I feel sick.”

“What’s wrong? Did something happen with Tom and Rhonda? Are you coming down with the flu?” he asked, frowning.

I shook my head. “No. I just feel tired and my stomach is achy. I’m probably getting my period. Sophie had a bad morning. I don’t know what to do, so I’m making an appointment with a therapist for next week.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

I bit my lower lip, contemplating how much to divulge. “Um, Dean came over. We got into an argument. Sophie heard and she got angry. She said she hates him and you, pretty much all men. It scared me. She’s never had an outburst like that.”

He began walking toward Em’s house. “That bastard! What the hell did he say to you, to her? I’m going to make him pay! He has no right upsetting my family.”

I grabbed his arm. “Your family? Last night, you walked out on me when I was trying to talk to you. The least you could have done is given me an explanation! You just left me there on the brink of o****m. You didn’t call… I thought we were beyond that, but I guess we’re not.”

Thankfully, Noah and Sophie interrupted before it got any worse. We’d given my nosy neighbors enough of a show. I could just imagine what they were saying about me. It was all so overwhelming and unfair.

“Dex, I missed you,” Noah said, flying into Declan’s arms. I watched them embrace and do the silly handshake with tears in my eyes. They already had a strong bond.

Sophie rolled her eyes at Declan and got into the car. He looked at me quizzically. I shrugged and helped Noah put on his seatbelt. Declan leaned his head into the door and smiled at my daughter.

“What’s wrong, princess? Are you mad at me?”

She put her Ipod earphones in her ear and kept her eyes to the front. “Can we go now, mommy?”

“Don’t you want to say hi to Declan?” I prompted.

Huffing, she turned to stare out the window.

Noah looked from his sister to Declan, a frown forming on his face. Then, he grabbed Char’s hand and stuck his tongue out at Declan. My little man had taken sides, and he always chose Sophie and me. He was young but already showed signs of protectiveness.

“I’m sorry, guys. Sophie, please talk to me, sweetheart. I can’t stand knowing you’re mad at me. How about I take you all out to dinner tonight? We can go to the taco place with the game machines. That will be fun.”

“I hate games! I hate tacos! I hate you,” Sophie screamed, pointing at Declan.

His face fell and I saw wetness in his eyes. “Well, I love you, princess. When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be there. Have a great day at school. I’ll see you later.”

Noah put his thumb in his mouth and looked away. I closed their door, hopped in the car, and adjusted my seat. Declan stood on the other side, staring worriedly at us. I just waved and pulled away.

Fortunately, I was able to drop the kids off before the rain started. I gave Soph an extra big hug but she barely returned it. Winnie and Poppy were waiting for her by the door. I watched them enter the school together.

Taylor came up and gave me a hug. “Good morning, Madison. You look a little tired. Are the kids wearing you out? I love my girls but they are nightmares in the morning. Will does his best, but he knows nothing about braiding little girl’s hair.” There was something very comforting about Jess that made me want to tell her all my troubles.

“I don’t know what’s wrong. Soph had an outburst this morning. She has issues with men because of my ex husband. I don’t feel well, and I had an argument with Declan…”

She rubbed my back as I began to sob. “It’s okay, Madison. Breathe and calm down.”

After I got myself under control, I invited her to follow me to the shop. When we got there, Ashley poured her a fresh cup of coffee while Tina made a breakfast quiche. Every table was filled so Taylor sat at the counter.

I poured my heart out to her and she listened without interrupting. Tina joined us and became concerned when I told her that I wasn’t feeling well. She and Taylor made me promise to make a doctor’s appointment.

An hour later, Pastor Howard and Neal joined us. I had more quiche, scones, and hot coffee brought out and told them that it was on the house. Will made me promise to come to church and bring the kids. After that, the Howards left to open their store.

Neal insisted on staying and helping out, so I put him to work baking. He was funny and managed to make me laugh. It was weird working next to the man who was my biological father, but a virtual stranger to me. Sometimes we moved alike or said the same word.

Lunch was busier than ever. Ashley made a fortune in tips. Now that she was being taken care of, her stomach was growing. Despite her half-hearted protests, we began planning a baby shower. Surprisingly, Ryan knew more about that stuff than Tina or me. He came up with some very good ideas.

“Have you seen Laurie lately?” He asked, carrying a sheet of cookies to the stove.

“No. Since Holly told them about their estranged brother, both she and Declan have been upset. We should give them time to sort out their problems with their parents.”

He nodded. “Well if you see her, tell her I’m here if she wants to talk.” I promised him that I would.

Around two, it slowed down enough that I could go to my office and do some paperwork. The shop was doing well, and I had ideas about building a website and selling our most popular items online. Declan had been for it when I’d told him the idea.

I was filing when a knock sounded at the door. “Come in.”

“I didn’t mean to bother you,” Jimmy said, dusting off his work pants.

I closed the cabinet and motioned for him to take a seat. “I’m actually done. Did you come for your midday brownie?”

“Actually, I came to ask you if you want to get together and study tomorrow night at my house. I grill a pretty decent steak.”

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea,” I hedged.

He smirked. “It’s just two school friends having dinner and doing Econ, Madison. I’m not going to jump you or anything. Come on, it’ll be fun.” We really did need to study and there was nothing wrong with two friends having dinner.

“I’ll come. How does six sound?”

“:Perfect. I can pick you up here and drive you there. Do you have someone who can take the kids home?”

“Tina can take them. I’ll just have to clear it with her. Yeah, well... I look forward to it. Help yourself to a brownie and whatever else,” I said, walking him to the door.

Declan was on the other side clearly upset. From the look on his face, I knew he had been eavesdropping. He and Jimmy glared at each other in passing. It was like watching two wolves get ready to fight over dinner.

“What the hell, Madison?” Declan asked, slamming the door.

“Just get out! I’m in no mood for this male pissing contest bullshit. Jimmy is my friend and schoolmate. We’re going to study and eat. It’s not romantic, and there will be no physical activity.”

Declan pulled his fingers through his untamable hair and took a seat. I went back to my desk and began entering the next round of figures. The air was thick with tension and anger. My stomach churned painfully.

“Declan…” I trailed off, running to the bathroom. Luckily, I made it to the toilet before the contents of my lunch reappeared.

“Madison! Open the door,” He commanded, pounding hard enough to break it.

I retched some more, trying to figure out what I’d eaten to make me sick. Everything we made at here was fresh, and we took great pains to keep our kitchen and work areas clean. As I emptied my stomach, the headache I’d had all day started to get worse.

After I finally managed to crawl to the sink, I hoisted myself up and rinsed out my mouth several times with Listerine and water. Declan had begun kicking the door, so I opened it. He took one look at me and pulled me into his arms.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart? Do you need me to take you to the emergency room?”

I pushed him away and sat down in my desk chair. Then, I took out my leather planner. I flipped the pages back a few months. Red X’s marked the days of my period and it had been more than a month and a half…

“Oh s**t! No! No! I…can’t.”

Declan ran to my side, kneeling in front of me. “What? What happened, Madison?”

I quickly closed the book. “Oh, uh, I just saw that I have a meeting planned in Seattle for next week. I’m not going to be able to make it.”

He looked at me like I was insane. “I’m sure they’ll understand. Your health is more important at the moment. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. I think I’m coming down with a cold, and I ate way too much. I feel much better now.”

He kissed my cheeks. “That’s good. Maybe you should take the rest of the day off.”

“No, I need to work. What’s up, Declan. Did you come to talk?”

We ended up discussing everything from his long lost brother, Gordon, to my Soph’s new attitude towards him. It broke his heart that my baby girl was so mad and hateful. He said he would talk to her and find out what happened. I was grateful because I had other major problems if what I suspected was true.

“So, are you planning on confronting Gordon? Holly said he’s wanted to meet you and Laurie for years. I can’t believe she’s been using money to keep him away. How could she give up her child so easily? I don’t understand.”

Declan snorted. “That’s because you’re a wonderful mother. You love your kids. My mom isn’t like that. She only sees people for what she can get out of them. She knew Michael would divorce her if she brought in another kid when I was only four years old. The only reason she kept Laurie is because my Dad knew about that affair, and by then I was a teenager.”

I put my hand over my stomach stupidly trying to determine if I was bigger, not that I would be showing this early. It was probably nothing but stress. Declan and I hadn’t been very careful, but he pulled out almost every time.

Almost isn’t good enough. Say hello to baby number three, dumbass. This should drive him away.

Putting those bad thoughts out of my head, I went to the bathroom and got some Pepto out of the medicine cabinet. After taking the recommended dose, I returned to the office. Declan was pacing the floor and talking on the phone. When he saw me, he hung up.

“That was Vlad. Tom and Rhonda checked out of the motel. They’re headed for Seattle. I hope this will be the last of them, but I’m not taking any chances. I’m going to see my parents. Laurie has called a family meeting. I’ll be back later to take you and the kids out for dinner, if that’s okay.”

After he kissed me goodbye, I walked him to the door and went to find T. She was busy making googly eyes at Sheriff Ross, whose face was as red as an apple. That man had a blush to rival my own. When he saw me, he took off his hat.

“I have to get back to the station. I’ll see you ladies later,” he said, kissing Tina and excusing himself.

Thankful to have her alone, I dragged her to my office and shut the door. For several minutes, I paced the floor and pulled my hair. Tina watched me until she’d had enough.

“Watching your ass sway is fun for a while, but I’m bored now. What’s up, Madison?”

My eyes widened. “T… I messed up… I think… Can you go to the drugstore and buy all the pregnancy tests you can find?”

She clamped her hand over her mouth. “s**t! Really?! Declan’s? Oh my god! We’ve only been here like three and a half months. Oh my god!”

I sat down. “I know. I’m so damn stupid. I should have been more careful. I’m not 100% sure, so I need the tests. If I go, everyone in town is going to gossip.”

“It will be just as bad if I do it. I’m dating Sherriff Ross, the last male virgin.”

Damn it, she was right.

“Go get Ashley.”

A minute later… “Tina told me. Congratulations! I’ll be glad to do it. My baby is going to have someone to play with! You and Declan make a beautiful couple so I know…”

I tuned out Ashley’s gushing. If I was pregnant, it sure wasn’t good news.

Another fine mess you’ve gotten yourself into, dumbass.

Exasperated, I grabbed my purse and handed some cash over to a still beaming Ashley. Tina gave me two thumbs up and began telling Ashley about how huge I got when I was pregnant with Noah. Both ladies laughed at my expense, but I couldn’t even muster a smile.

Declan

“Can you both just shut up for one f*****g minute?!” I screamed, as my parent’s began another heated argument.

Holly stuck her nose up in the air and called for the maid. “Don’t speak to me like that again, Declan. I am still your mother.” A tiny Hispanic woman poured more wine and quickly scurried back to the kitchen. I didn’t blame her. Our family was a nightmare.

“b***h. All you’ve ever done is screw me over. Should I have a DNA test done on Declan? You always were a damn w***e. I should have divorced you years ago,” Michael slurred.

Laurie began to cry. “Stop fighting. I can’t take it anymore!”

Dad rolled his eyes. “Go watch TV somewhere, you little bastard. Or better yet, go find your real dad and bug him. Oh, wait. I forgot, he doesn’t want you.”

I stalked over and knocked the glass out of his hand. “You asshole! Don’t talk to my sister that way. Apologize now!”

He giggled. “It’s the truth, isn’t it?”

Holly sighed and turned to Laurie. “Go read a magazine or something. We need to talk to Declan.”

My sister jumped up and pushed her chair aside. “Fine! It’s not like I was ever really a part of this family. I’m just some mistake you brought home! I hate you both, and I wish everyday that I had good parents. I see the way Madison treats her kids and it’s so different from what we have. They’re a real family. We just pretend for your rich, snobby friends! Well, I’m done. The only good part of this…this family is Declan.”

Holly waved her goblet. “Don’t be so dramatic, dear, and please don’t mention that welfare case Declan is f*****g. As if he hasn’t embarrassed us enough…”

I’d had all I could take. “You’re one to talk, mother dearest. You shipped your own flesh and blood away to Canada and paid his Dad for years to keep quiet. You’re not a damn mother, you’re a monster. Don’t ever insult Madison again. I love her, and I plan to marry her someday. I’m sick of this s**t. You’ve treated me like a leper until you needed money from me.

“I’m probably innocent, and it will be proven soon. The check stops here. There will be no more withdrawals from The Bank of Declan. You want money? Get you .lazy ass out and work for it!”

“He told you,” Michael said, clutching the wine bottle.

“Everything I said to Holly applies to you, too, Michael. Whatever debts you owe are your own. I’m tired of carrying the both of you sponges. Don’t call me and don’t come visit. I’ve given you chance after chance, but you’ll never change.”

Drunkenly, he stood up. “Wait just one damn minute, Declan! I’m your father…”

“You stopped being that a long time ago. Laurie and I are orphans. It’s time we cling to the people that really love us, faults and all. I’m having Daniels change all my accounts. If you try to withdraw or transfer any money in my name you will be arrested for identity theft.”

A few minutes later, Laurie and I put on our coats leaving our dazed parents behind. I felt euphoric, like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. Laurie hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. I took her to the park where we ate hotdogs and fed the ducks.

Port Townsend and good meals had done wonders for Laurie. She looked more beautiful than I’d ever seen her. There was a sparkle in her blue eyes. The cute dimples she’d had a child were starting to return.

“Thank you, Declan. I meant what I said. You’ve always been the only one…” she sobbed.

I wrapped my arms around her shoulder. “I feel the same about you, little sis. We’re going to be fine. We’ll make our own family.”

She took some Kleenex out of her purse and wiped her eyes. “You’ll have one soon. Madison and the kids love you so much.”

“We’re all family, blood related or not. As long as we love each other, we’re a family. I do have one problem, though. Sophie hates me.”

Laurie listened while I told her what happened this morning. It almost made me cry. Just last week, my princess had risked punishment to scratch my chickenpox, and now she didn’t want anything to do with me. The worst part was I didn’t even know what I’d done to make her so upset.

I took Laurie home so that we could relax before picking up Madison and the kids. She made calls to cancel her classes at NYU. Then, I called University of Washington at Seattle and spoke to the Vice President of the school about getting her transferred. Once he knew who I was and how much money and artistic talent I could draw to the school, he guaranteed me she would have a place in their early education program.

When I got off the phone, Laurie jumped into my lap, kissing me all over my face. “Thank you! I’m so happy. I’m going to be a teacher. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”

I tucked her head under my chin, smoothing out her silky, blond hair. “I just regret all the years we lost. I should have taken you away from them a long time ago, but I was an addict, and selfish to boot. I’m sorry, Laurie.”

“All that matters is that you’re here now. I’m so excited. Maybe Ms. Dorsey will let me be her assistant while I wait for classes to start next year. I don’t need pay. It would be so cool to see how a real elementary classroom works,” she babbled excitedly, texting someone.

“Honey, I’m home,” Joey shouted, opening the door to the den. I was shocked to see Ambrose with him.

“Hi, Dex,” the little redhead boy squealed, giving me a fist bump.

Joey smiled. “That’s my boy. I taught him that the other day.”

As I watched Joey help Ambrose climb into his lap, a feeling of extreme jealousy overwhelmed me. He’d never even wanted kids, yet here he was with a handsome son who clearly adored him. Meanwhile, I was getting old and facing the prospect of never having a biological child of my own.

Angry at myself and my selfish thought, I went to meditate. All I could think about was Madison and how sick she’d been earlier. It was all my fault. I was wrong for leaving her last night. I hadn’t proven that I was good father material. Women had to know that a man would be there during the hard times.

With a renewed mind and determination, I returned to the den. Laurie, Ambrose, and Joey were eating popcorn and watching cartoons. My sister smiled at me as I looked for my wallet.

“Who’s ready for tacos?” I asked, grabbing my keys.

“Me! I want lots and lots,” Ambrose yelled, jumping on to Joey’s back.

Laurie pulled out her compact and began applying lipstick. “Tacos have so many carbs, but they’re delicious.”

Joey mussed her hair. “It’s okay, Lauriey-poo. We’ll still love you when you have cankles.”

I watched her chase him to the car as Ambrose cheered them on. Sometimes family didn’t come into neat packages; and just because we were born in one, didn’t mean it was the right one. I’d found more love with a few strangers and my sweetheart than I’d ever known existed.

After strapping everyone into their seat belts, we took off. Joey informed me that Natalie had a budget meeting, so she wasn’t going to join us. He planned to drop Ambrose off after she done with meetings. Laurie was upset that she would have to wait to tell Ms. Dorsey her student teaching idea.

When we pulled up to Sweet Treats, Neal was out front sweeping the walk. He waved and wiped sweat from his brow. Like Laurie, good meals and family had done wonders for him. Now, he resembled my sweetheart more.

I parked the SUV. Joey led the way into the shop. I stayed outside to invite Neal to dinner. He told me Madison had already extended the invitation and he’d gladly accepted.

“You’re in love with my daughter, aren’t you?” he asked, rubbing his chin.

I nodded. “Very much so, Sir. I’m in love with them all. I plan to marry Madison and adopt Noah and Sophie.”

He patted me on the back. “That’s what I wanted to hear! That other bastard hurt her, but I know you’re a good man. I’m working on myself so I can be here when they need me. You hurt them and I’ll kill you. I want to do the same to that other asshole.”

I put my hand over my heart. “I’ll never hurt her, and I’m working on a plan that will f**k Tom’s whole life up forever. He won’t come near them again.”

Since the shop was officially closed, we all pitched in to help clean up and close. Madison was very quiet and seemed to be forcing a smile, Tina kept looking at me funny, and Ashley broke out into tears every few minutes. Something was up.

Apparently everyone had been invited to taco night, except Tina who headed to the station to eat with the Sheriff. I smiled watching my sister help Ashley put on her coat. Noah and Ambrose ran around like two bunnies high on sugar.

Soph continued to ignore me. I passed her a box and waited for her to open it. To my dismay, she gave it back.

Joey looked at me with raised eyebrows. I shook my head and stuffed the box back into my pocket. Ryan’s daughter, Cynthia, had diabetes. I watched him give her an insulin shot and hug her close. It was hard having a sick child. But at least he had one to love, which made him a far richer man than me.

Since we had so many people, we took both cars. I wanted Madison to ride with me, but she insisted on driving. It only took us a half hour to get to the Mexican restaurant.

When we got inside, the kids went straight for the game machines. I helped Madison get quarters and hand them out. Sophie decided not to play and instead read her book while we waited for our food to come.

“Still mad at me, princess? At least tell me what’s bothering you?” I begged.

She just shrugged and went back to reading.

I looked over at Madison. She had her head down and appeared to be deep in thought. I squeezed her hand, encouraging her to look at me. Her big, chocolate eyes were full of sadness as she regarded me.

What the hell? The food arrived before I could ask any questions.

Noah and Ambrose joined us at the table. Madison passed around antibacterial wipes for their hands. The food was delicious, but since my sweetheart and future daughter were barely talking to me I couldn’t enjoy it.

Fortunately Joey was his usual joking self. He kept us laughing throughout the meal. None of us ordered any alcoholic beverages so that Neal wouldn’t be tempted. He drank his Coke happily and bonded with his grandkids. Soph was still speaking to him.

Two hours later and stuffed full of Mexican food, we made our way back to the cars. Ambrose decided he wanted to spend the night with Joey at my house. Natalie agreed to it as long as he promised to have him at school on time.

Cynthia fell asleep in Laurie’s arms. Smiling, Ryan took out his camera phone and snapped a picture. My sister complained about him not giving her notice so she could fix her hair.

After dropping off everyone, I drove to Madison’s house. On the way I passed the shop. Ashley was out front talking to Tina and Ross. I honked and they waved.

I was just happy Ashley had a nice safe place to live. Her apartment was extremely secure and furnished comfortably now. The women were planning to help her finish the nursery this weekend.

When I pulled up to the house, I saw my sweetheart on the lit porch. She was sitting in one of the old, white rocking chairs braiding Soph’s hair. I stepped out of the car, jogged up the steps, and greeted them. Sadly, neither one looked happy to see me.

“Baby girl, can you go inside for a minute. I need to talk to Declan.” Soph nodded and began walking to the door. I grabbed her arm as she passed.

“I still love you, Sophie. You can be mad at me for as long as you want, but that won’t change how I feel about you, princess.

“Here, open this when you’re ready,” I said, handing her the box again.

She accepted it. “Thank you, Mr. Walsh.”

Then she turned to Madison. “I’m sleepy, mommy. Will you come read us a bedtime story?”

I frowned at the Mr. Walsh. Had I completely lost my sweet girl? I missed the nickname and her giggling. This whole situation was making me more of an emo bastard than usual.

“I’ll be there in about thirty minutes,” Madison promised.

Warily, I sat down on the rocking chair next to my sweetheart. She played with her fingers and leaned back. The way she was acting scared the living hell out of me. I needed some kind of information or I was going to go mad!

“Declan,” she began, “something really terrible has happened. I mean, I’m not sure because I still have to take the tests…”

My heart lurched painfully. “Jesus Christ! Is it a health problem, Madison? I’ll get you the best doctor…”

She grabbed my hand and placed it over her stomach. It took me a few minutes to figure out what she was trying to tell me. When I did, I wanted to jump for joy.

“I’m going to be a daddy? What do you mean it’s terrible? This is the best news ever,” I grinned, falling to my knees.

Suddenly she pushed me away. “It’s not! I didn’t want this, and I don’t know if I can do it again. I have so much going on. I’m so stupid. Just… don’t worry about it. I haven’t taken the test yet. I’m probably just late. Birth control can throw a body out of whack. I’m sure we’re fine. Forget I mentioned it,” she finished.

“The hell I will! We’ll get you tested tonight. I’ll go wake up a doctor if I have to.”

Her eyes flashed. “Don’t you get it? If I am pregnant, it’s going to ruin us. I don’t want a baby right now! I should have been more careful and made you use a condom. I’m always so stupid when it comes to men.”

I ignored her rant and raised her shirt so that I could place a kiss over her flat stomach. Pretty soon, it would be swollen. I wanted to be there for the morning sickness, swollen ankles, cravings, and all the other changes that happened to pregnant women.

“I love you, little one. I’m Declan Walsh. I’m going to be your Dad, despite what your mother says,” I vowed.