Mad Summer Love

The Carnival Part 1

"What is it you would like while we're here, Love?” She gestured over to a tent beside them. “Henna tattoo, maybe?” she giggled.

Maddox hadn't been this happy since the last time he saw Summer on Prom night. His life had been full of violence and pain for the past decade and now he found himself surrounded by love and beauty. He watched his daughter zip around the fair, laughing and full of life and the beautiful woman at his side beaming. He would do whatever it took to hold on to this new world.

He smiled at Summer and put his arm around her. “How about we get you a tattoo and then I try to win my two favorite girls something at one of the game tables?”

Summer smiled at Maddox, sinking into his touch. “Are you gonna pick one out for me?”

Madison jumped up and down. “I want one too!”

Maddox took them both by the hand. “Ok pretty ladies, let's go.”

They headed into the henna tattoo tent. There were books with designs laid out on the table and Summer opened one up, searching through the pages. She looked over at Madison who was doing the same thing with another book.

“I want this one!” Madison announced excitedly as she pointed at an intricate butterfly.

Summer looked over Madison's shoulder at it.

“Ooh! That one is pretty,” she told her, smiling, then looked up at the Henna artist. “She would like this one, please.”

As the lady got started on Madison, Summer continued to sort through the books. “They all look so beautiful, I can't decide,” she told Maddox, turning to look at him, her heart beating faster as she did.

The things he did to her with just one look was unreal.

“Pick one out for me,” she requested, giving him a peck on the lips.

Maddox turned to look at the book, his hand moving to the small of her back while he chose a tattoo for her.

“This one,” he said, pointing to a rose design on the page.

Summer smiled up at him. “How is it you still know me so well even after all this time?”

She had a feeling he remembered everything.

Maddox moved his hand to cradle Summer's cheek, his thumb lightly brushing over her bottom lip. “I felt you with me every day you were gone...it was my only happiness. Memories of you are what kept me from falling apart.”

Summer’s body responded to his touch, a zap of longing ran through her like a bolt of lightning. The whole world faded away around them until they were the only two that remained. Her eyes briefly glanced at his lips before she went in for the kiss. Maddox pulled her in closer and their kiss deepened.

Just then, Madison came running up to them, forcing them back to reality.

“Look! Look! Isn't it great?!” she asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

Summer beamed at her. “Beautiful, Baby. I love it! Great choice!”

Maddox smiled at his daughter, amazed at how easily they seemed to fit as a family. He picked Madison up and his smile grew.

“After your mom's done, why don't we go try to win a giant teddy bear?”

Madison smiled wide. “I want a giant tiger! I love tigers!” she declared as she threw her arms around him for a hug.

Summer smiled at them both while the lady gave her the beautiful flower tattoo. She was so happy she could burst. Everything she had been through to get to this moment was worth it. Now, maybe, they can have their happily ever after.

A few moments later, Summer’s tattoo was finished.

“What do you think?” she asked them as she approached.

“It's great Mommy!” Madison smiled wide. “Yours is beautiful, too!”

“They look great, girls. Let's go play some games and maybe we can ride the Ferris wheel before we go,” Maddox suggested as he paid the Henna artist.

The three of them spent the next hour running from game to game, each trying their luck at their favorites. The target shooting proved to be Maddox's strength. When he figured out the intentionally rigged sight, he was able to knock down more than two dozen targets without a miss, taking a large tiger and teddy from the not-too-happy carny who hinted that Maddox shouldn't come back that day.

Madison's tiger was almost as big as she was and she looked comical walking beside them holding it, insisting it was hers and she could carry it herself.

Summer laughed at their daughter. “Madison Rose, you look like you are struggling. How about we drop that off at the car?”

“Nope,” she shook her head. “I can do it. This tiger is going to ride rides with me.”

Summer shook her head at her daughter, then looked at Maddox.

“I would say I'm surprised by your shooting skills, but knowing what I know, I'm actually not. I am impressed by how many times a ping-pong ball can bounce when trying to sink it in those stupid jars though. I totally had one in, but it bounced out! So disappointing,” she giggled as she shook her head.

Maddox smiled weakly, “It is a skill I had to pick up over the last few years.” He brightened, remembering her playing the ping-pong game. “You almost had it a couple times...Who is up for the Ferris Wheel? I think you can see the harbor from the top.”

Summer smiled. “I love the Ferris Wheel.”

She grinned as she remembered the last time they went to the Fair. They went on every ride they could make out on, including the Ferris Wheel. Those were the days when their love was carefree - no consequences…well, except for one, but she had been the best thing to happen to Summer since she fell in love with Maddox.

Madison curled her nose. “Can I go on something else? Something less...boring?”

Summer giggled. “No you may not. You can ride one boring ride with your parents.”

Madison huffed. “OK, fine, but I'm kneeling in the seat to look out the whole time.”

Maddox laughed. Madison was a willful child, much like her mother, which made him love her all the more.

“You have a deal, Sweetheart,” he said, chuckling. He took Summer's hand, squeezing it lovingly. “I remember the last time we rode the Ferris wheel, I suppose we will have to be better behaved this time,” he said, winking at her.

Summer giggled, blushing slightly. “I was just thinking about that!”

They made their way over to the Ferris Wheel and got on. Madison set her giant tiger next to her and immediately turned around to look out over the edge. Summer set her giant bear down on the seat next to her, leaning into Maddox on her other side.

“God, how I've missed you, Maddox,” she told him, sighing in contentment.

He wrapped an arm around her as the ride made its way to the top. “I missed you every day,” he told her, kissing the top of her head.