Mad Summer Love

The Carnival Part 2

Maddox felt delighted, looking out over the water, holding Summer and watching their daughter fiddle with her tiger. This is what he wanted from life. Nothing else mattered.

Summer leaned up to look at Maddox. “What do you think our life would have been like, if we would’ve stayed together?”

She was curious to know what he thought. She had imagined it so many times.

Maddox looked out over the harbor, deep in thought.

Holding Summer's hand, he smiled and looked at her. “Every day would have been like this one, at least the feeling of this one.” He looked toward Madison. “She'd probably have a brother or sister. Maybe two.”

Madison perked up and looked at her parents. “A brother or sister?!" A smile spread across her face. “Are you having a baby?”

Summer busted out laughing. “Well, if it's anything like last time…,” she giggled and elbowed Maddox playfully.

Maddox grinned at Summer and pulled Madison into his lap. “Would you like a brother or sister?” He looked at Summer. “Me and your mom do make pretty cute kids.”

Madison beamed. “I have always wanted a sister!”

Summer shook her head. “How about you two slow down a minute. We just got back together. It's been one night and we aren't married yet. I'm not having another baby until that happens,” she laughed.

Maddox gave her a sly look. “I guess I should get on that then.” He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Especially considering how last night went.”

Summer smirked. “You're bad,” she told him. “How about we start with a house? Like an actual house with a fenced-in yard and a porch swing. Then, we'll talk about getting married and having more kids.”

“Ooh! And a puppy!” Madison exclaimed.

Summer laughed and leaned in to whisper in Maddox's ear. “But don't worry, Baby. We can still practice.” She grinned and gave him a wink as she straightened herself back out.

Maddox got goosebumps as she whispered in his ear and thoughts of them having s*x flooded his mind, making his body yearn for her again. Summer had a way of making him crazy, she always had.

He pushed back the thoughts that were creeping up and looked at them both in turn.

“So, house, fenced yard, porch swing and a puppy? I guess we're going to have a busy couple weeks picking everything out. I think somewhere in the country might be best, give us some room to grow.” He nudged Summer teasingly after the last remark.

Summer laughed. “I think the country sounds nice. I'd love to get out of the city.”

She looked out over the fairgrounds. Even though she was happier than she ever thought she'd be, she somehow felt it was too good to be true because usually it was. She couldn't help the doubt she felt over whether or not Maddox would actually stay this time.

Maddox smiled at Madison, “Do you think you know what kind of ring your mom might like?”

“I don't know,” Madison said, climbing off of Maddox's lap. “But I'll help you!” she volunteered before running back over to her spot and looking out over the side.

“It's a deal,” he said laughing as she gazed out over the city. “I thought this ride was boring?”

“Eh,” Madison shrugged. “It’s better than I thought it would be.”

Maddox laughed and turned to Summer. “I feel like my life has been on hold and it’s just finally started again.”

Summer's gaze never left the view beyond the ride, still stuck in her own worries. “I know what you mean...,” she said as she squeezed Maddox's hand briefly.

At the bottom of the ride, the trio disembarked and were once again back on the fairgrounds.

Maddox looked over at Summer, who seemed to have drifted into her own world.

He kissed her cheek. “Where'd you go?”

She turned and smiled at him. “Nowhere. It's nothing. Just a long day. I did have someone keep me up all night,” she nudged him jokingly.

Maddox considered Summer's sudden change in demeanor and gave her a weak smile. It had been an amazing couple of days, but it had also been a lot to process. Things felt natural and they were heading in the right direction, but he knew he had to earn his place back in their lives and that was going to take more than a day at the fair.

“I think you kept me up,” he nudged her teasingly.

Summer laughed. “Well, then, I'll make sure I don't keep you up all night tonight then,” she smirked at him, raising an eyebrow.

He shook his head, “OK, let's not get hasty...wait...Does that mean you want me to stay again?”

Summer stopped walking and turned to look at him, her expression dead serious.

“Well, you probably knocked me up again seeing as how I’m not on any birth control because I haven’t had s*x in…well, let’s just leave it at a long time…and we didn’t use anything else to prevent it…so, I guess I should keep you around for a while just in case.”

She couldn't help but smile halfway through which turned into a deep laugh when she finished speaking.

Maddox laughed and then put his hand to her abdomen and beamed. “You think so?”

Summer giggled, then spoke sincerely, “Of course, I want you to stay. I don't ever want you to leave. I love you.”

He looked at Summer seriously, taking both of her hands. “I know you are worried I’ll leave again, but I won't. I couldn't stand losing you again.”

Maddox dramatically pulled on the front of his shirt and smelled himself. “We will have to stop and get some of my clothes though, if I wear these again it won't be pretty.”

Summer nodded. “I wasn't going to say anything, but...you do kinda stink,” she teased, scrunching her nose and pretending to wave the smell away. Then, she smiled and giggled.

“Alright, it's settled. Let's get this one the candy apple she's been waiting so patiently for and you your Elephant Ear and then pick up some of my clothes.”

Maddox stopped and looked at Summer. “In all this wonderful commotion, I forgot about something...what are you going to do about your article?”

Summer froze for a moment. “I hadn't thought about it. I should probably give it to someone else, but I promised you I would write it. So, I will.”

He grinned at her, “I hope last night is your lead.”

“Ha!” she laughed. “Yes, I'm going to start off with the star-crossed lovers bit and lead into the life of crime then, top it off with the fact that we attempted to make more babies last night. That sounds like an article that could get me a promotion,” she laughed again.

“I smell a Pulitzer in your future,” he said grinning, pulling them both toward the dessert trucks. “I think I will get a pretzel.”

They got their food and had some laughs while they ate at one of the picnic tables. Summer couldn't be happier at that very moment.

Madison looked up at them as they headed back to the car. “So, when do I get my puppy?”

Summer laughed and shook her head. “I think we need somewhere to put a puppy first, Baby.”

“He can stay in my room, of course,” Madison said as if it was the most obvious answer, making Summer laugh again.

“Let’s get a house first, Sweetie,” Summer told Madison, before turning to Maddox. “Speaking of houses…so, back to your house then? Your mom is going to flip out when she sees us...unless you want us to stay in the car…”

“My mom always liked you. I think she will be OK with it. Besides, I am sure she would love to meet her granddaughter,” Maddox replied as he opened the door to the car that was waiting for them and gestured for the girls to get in.

Madison climbed in the car with her tiger and Summer tucked the bear in behind her. Then, she turned to face Maddox after he got in and closed the door, pulling him into a hug.

“This was a wonderful day, Maddox,” she said as she pulled away slightly to look up at him. “Thank you,” she told him, pressing her lips to his, her heart swelling with joy. “I love you.”

“I love you,” he countered as he kissed her again.