Mad Summer Love

Summer's Story

Madison raised an eyebrow at him and Summer stifled a laugh. She knew that look, he was about to get asked some questions. She would rescue him, eventually, but he deserved a little squirming.

“You are? How did you meet my mom and did you really not know about me?” Her eyes were piercing, so much fire in them.

Maddox couldn't help but shift in his seat, inadvertently pressing himself closer to Summer. “We met in school. When we were only a few years older than you,” he smiled at the memory. “Your mom was, is, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She took my breath away. Still does.”

Summer's heart started racing a mile a minute as soon as he complimented her. She felt the heat rush up her cheeks. He always did know how to make her blush.

Maddox poked Madison's hand playfully. “You are just as pretty as your mom.” Leaning back, he gave Madison the most sincere look he could muster. “No, Sweetheart. I didn't know about you. I really wish I had. I'd have liked to meet you sooner...I would've liked that very much.”

Maddox’s words made Summer’s heart ache. To think that after all this time, she was wrong, thinking that he just didn't want them.

Madison was about to speak again, when Summer interrupted her. “How about you go over there and play pinball?” Summer opened her purse and pulled out a five dollar bill. “Here. Go ask the cashier for some quarters.”

“Yay! I love pinball!” Madison exclaimed before taking off toward the register.

Maddox looked at Summer and his heart panged with guilt. “I meant it. I wish I had known. I would have been here,” he paused. “I think the person who hid this from me knew that.”

Summer turned in her seat slightly to face him, placing her hand on his, her ice cream long gone. “Maddox,” she searched his eyes. “I tried to tell you so many times.” She swallowed hard. “It was the Fourth of July and I was so sick that I couldn't even look at food without throwing up. My mom knew before I did, but she didn’t let on right away.” She smiled half-heartedly at the memory of her mother. “I bought 10 boxes of tests, lined them all up on the sink and they all turned positive before I could finish laying them down.” Summer laughed lightly. “I cried in the bathroom for hours, even after my mom came in and tried to reassure me. I came by your house the next day, envelope in hand. I knew I wouldn't get to see you. So, I put a note and one of the tests in the envelope. I don't know who I handed it to. He looked like the man who came for you at the hotel…Frank…I had a feeling he wasn't your uncle. Then, I called and called for another month until the line was disconnected. After Madison was born, I came back to your house with her in my arms, but that same man said you weren't interested in us and that I should leave you alone. So, I did. It killed me, but I did it and I never tried to contact you again.” Her eyes overflowed with tears that were streaking her face.

Maddox took Summer’s hand in both of his. His thumbs caressing her softly. “I spent so long trying to ignore the fact that I still loved you, thinking it was better that way. I was wrong. I am sorry it took this to show me. So sorry I missed out on so much. Sorry you had to do this alone.”

Summer sighed. “This isn't how I wanted you to meet her, but now you know she's here. Please just let her down lightly. I couldn't stand to see her cry.”

She moved her hands as well as turned her body to face where their child was playing her game, giggling and yelling at the machine.

“She's a lot like you, you know,” she told him, smiling in Madison’s direction.

Maddox put his hand on Summer’s shoulder. “Why would I let her down, now that I know she exists? Unless…,” he paused. “You would rather I not be part of her life…your lives.”

Maddox’s mind was reeling. He never thought there could be a chance with Summer again. Things were different than they were before. She was back and his father's business wasn't what it was. Maybe they could be safe.

Summer shook her head. Her heart literally felt like it was being ripped from her chest. “I would love nothing more than for her to have a relationship with you. You have no idea what it has been like for her growing up without a father. No dad for 'Doughnuts with Dad' at school - I was the only mom there amongst the dads; no dad for the Daddy/Daughter Dance every year.” Summer put her head in her hands. “I told her you didn't know about her, that we had broken up before I found out I was pregnant, but all this time, I didn't know it was actually true...I thought you knew about her and yet you still didn't want us…” She was crying now, her voice cracking as she spoke.

Maddox couldn't stand to see her so upset, tears had begun to sneak down his cheeks. He wrapped his arms around Summer. “I made a terrible mistake all those years ago. I won't make it again,” he said, stroking her hair. “I want her in my life. I want you in my life.”

Summer leaned into his hug. It was automatic. “I don't want you to stay just because you feel you have to. We have gotten by without you and can continue to do so.”

Maddox put his hands on Summer's shoulders and shifted so he could look at her. “I know. You are the strongest person I have ever known. I know you don't need me...I am hoping you want me.”

Summer couldn't take it. Everything was so raw. “I...I’m scared to let you in again, Maddox. The last time I gave you my heart, you crushed it.” She wiped her tears and tried to gain her composure.

Maddox nodded, he was still holding her, afraid to let her go. “I know. I shouldn't expect anything. I am going to have to earn it.”

Summer moved to look up at him. “We should probably get Madison home and put some real food in her belly.”

Maddox nodded. “The car can take us. Am I invited?”

Summer smiled sweetly at him. “Yes, of course.”