Balancing the large package in one hand, Madeline punched the doorbell. A few seconds later, her daughter-in-law Effie answered the door. When she saw Madeline, her dark eyes widened in surprise. She glanced down at her pajama pants and t-shirt. “If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve changed clothes.” She pushed a self-conscious hand through her disheveled curls.
A large smile filled Madeline’s face. “I couldn’t resist dropping off Miss Sweet Pea a little something on my way to work.”
“Wow, that was nice of you.”
“It was delivered this morning … and well, I couldn’t resist. Purely selfish on my part,” she chirped. “My evil plan is to spoil my first and only granddaughter rotten.”
“Well, it’s working,” Effie grinned. She stepped back and motioned. “Come on in. You’ll have to overlook the mess. Between keeping up with clients and taking care of Naomi, I’m afraid the house is suffering.”
Madeline drew her brows together. “If you need someone to clean, I could always talk to Ingrid to get a recommendation.” Ingrid was Madeline’s longtime housekeeper. Of German descent, Ingrid had an imposing demeanor and ran a tight ship.
Effie waved a hand in dismissal. “Thanks, but you know your son. He doesn’t want anyone nosing around in our business, as he calls it.”
“That sounds just like Talon,” Madeline said with an eye roll. She and Effie shared a grin. Talon was super private, which was understandable considering the turmoil his conniving ex-wife had put him through with her disappearance and then resurfacing and trying to kill Effie. Thankfully, Lina was locked away in prison, where she couldn’t hurt anyone else.
It was good to see her eldest son so happy. Effie was a huge blessing, not only for Talon but for the whole family. She and Madeline shared a kinship. In many ways, Effie reminded Madeline of herself. Like Madeline, Effie had grown up in a small town and was raised by a single mother who struggled financially. She grew up not knowing the identity of her father. It wasn’t until Effie’s mother passed away that she learned that her father was an influential rancher and businessman. He never knew that Effie existed. Once he realized it, he gladly stepped into the role of her dad, helping her connect with her six siblings.
It was nice to see someone get a happy ending to a childhood that had started out rocky. Madeline, on the other hand, knew her father. He was a deadbeat who had lived a town over from where she grew up. He died from alcoholism several years after Madeline got married. She felt a curious sense of detachment over his death. Losing her mother a decade later was much harder. Her mom’s death had brought a profound sense of loss, coupled with frustration that she’d not allowed Madeline to be a larger part of her life.
Madeline coped with her past by pouring her heart and soul into her husband and children. Now she had a granddaughter she could spoil rotten. All of her children, with the exception of one, were happily married. And Charlotte “Charlie” was getting married this weekend. Madeline was truly blessed.
After depositing her purse on the bench by the front door, Madeline followed Effie into the open-style kitchen, where the smells of coffee and toast hung in the air.
Effie planted a hand on her hip and exclaimed, “Naomi Anne Chasing, what are you doing?”
Madeline’s hand went to her mouth as she stifled a snigger. Her precocious granddaughter was feeding the dog a slice of toast. The golden retriever swallowed it down in a single gulp like a vacuum cleaner and then heaved from the dryness.
“Sugar’s hungry,” Naomi countered as she turned her attention back to the dog. In a burst of exuberance, she flung her arms around Sugar and buried her head in her neck. “I love you,” Naomi proclaimed.
Biting back a smile, Effie shook her head. “Well, there you have it. I can’t do a thing with those two.”
“Nor should you,” Madeline sighed with affection. She wasn’t one to have animals in the house, but as far as Talon and Effie were concerned, Sugar was a member of the family. It was obvious that little Naomi felt the same way. Effie was right; the stylishly decorated kitchen was messy … in a comfortable, lived-in way that spoke of the bustle of a happy family.
It was at that moment that Naomi realized she was there. “Mimi,” she squealed as she jumped up and ran to greet Madeline. She threw her arms around Madeline much like she’d done with the dog and gave her a fierce hug.
“Good morning,” Madeline chimed. “How’s my favorite granddaughter?”
Effie padded over to the stove. “You won’t be able to say that when the other grandkids come along.”
Madeline smirked. “I’m not holding my breath on that one. I keep hoping that Arden and Garrett will get with it, but they’re too busy gallivanting around the globe to think of settling down.” Arden’s career as a writer made it easy for her to travel. She and Garrett loved to sail and practically lived on their boat.
Effie opened the cupboard and retrieved a mug. She looked back over her shoulder. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“No thanks,” Madeline said offhandedly. “I’m laying off the caffeine. It makes me too edgy.”
Effie yawned. “Well, I need it to get going in the mornings.” She reached for the handle of the coffee maker and poured the liquid into the mug.
Naomi drew back, eyeing the package in Madeline’s hand with curiosity. “What’s that?”
“This is for you.” A rush of tenderness welled inside her when Naomi’s big brown eyes shined with excitement.
“Really?” she asked in wonderment.
“Really,” Madeline affirmed as she handed Naomi the package that was still in the shipping wrapper.
Naomi plopped down on the floor and began tearing into the plastic wrapper. Sugar came over and sniffed it.
“Sugar,” Naomi grumbled, pushing the dog away. “This is for me. Not you.”
Both Madeline and Effie laughed.
“Be nice,” Effie warned.
In a frenzy, Naomi tore open the box. “An American Girl doll,” she announced as she held it up. “I love it.” She pulled it to her chest and hugged it.
“What do you say to Mimi?” Effie prompted.
“Thank you. This is the best day ever!”
Madeline’s heart swelled. “I’m glad you like it. She has dark hair like you.”
“Thank you,” Effie said with a smile of appreciation. “That was very thoughtful.”
“Of course.”
Effie rested her back against the counter and took a sip of her coffee. “Have a seat,” she encouraged.
Madeline went over to the island and pulled out a barstool.
“Are you ready for the weekend?”
“I am. It’s good to see Charlie so happy.”
“She and Rafe seem perfect for one another,” Effie observed.
“They do,” Madeline agreed. Rafe was best friends with Madeline’s son and Charlie’s twin, Forge. In the past, a romance had blossomed between Charlie and Rafe, and then they broke up. It was nice to know they’d finally worked through their issues and were getting married. Madeline could tell that Charlie was deeply in love with Rafe and vice versa.
Effie took another drink of her coffee. “Where are they going on their honeymoon?”
“Back to Italy.”
Effie’s eyes rounded. “Really? I would’ve thought with all the unpleasantness that happened there, they would pick another location.”
A shudder ran through Madeline. She didn’t like to think how close she’d come to losing her youngest daughter. Thankfully, Rafe had been there to protect her. “I thought that too. But Charlie insists that they want to erase all the bad memories by creating good ones. She says that no other place holds as much meaning to them as Italy.”
Effie looked thoughtful. “I suppose that makes sense. And, they do have a connection there … with Rafe’s extended family.”
“Most of whom are coming to the wedding, I might add.”
“And staying at the hotel,” Effie pointed out. A look of sympathy crossed her features. “I would be tied in knots at the prospect of entertaining wedding guests from out of the country, but you don’t seem the least bit ruffled.”
“I’m used to it. Plus, we have a great staff at the hotel who can see to their needs.” Madeline frowned. “I just wish we didn’t have all the commotion from that documentary.” It was a dark cloud hanging over their family.
Effie frowned. “Me too. Talon has been worked up about it.”
Madeline’s stomach tightened. “With good reason.”
“Talon said that bookings are at an all-time low.”
“They are.” Her voice hardened. “It doesn’t help that we’ve had several reporters lurking around, trying to dig up all the dirt they can on the family.”
Effie pressed her lips together and shook her head. “I’ll be glad when the whole thing blows over.”
“Me too.” An unbidden shiver ran down Madeline’s spine, giving her the nagging feeling that the storm would be rough and long before it eventually passed.
Effie cupped her hands around the mug. “Well, if anyone can navigate all the moving parts, it’s you.” She eyed Madeline in admiration.
“Thanks,” Madeline said graciously. “I suppose it goes with the territory of being a Chasing.” Filling the shoes of Banks’s wife had been daunting at first. However, Madeline had embraced life as a Chasing with everything that was in her.
Effie made a face. “I suppose. Better you than me. How’s Josette holding up?”
Madeline grunted. “Mean as ever. She nearly ripped a reporter’s head off the other day.”
Effie nodded in understanding. Madeline’s mother-in-law was a pill. She was not taking kindly to the family being under attack. And she certainly wasn’t taking kindly to the accusation alleged by the documentary that her late husband had consorted with Nazis to steal valuable art.
“Can I get you something?” Effie offered. “A slice of toast or juice?”
“Thanks, but I ate before I left the house.”
“What time is Banks getting in?”
“This afternoon.” Her husband ran a hedge fund out of New York City, where he would stay during the week and then fly back to Honeysuckle Island on the weekends.
“At least you’ll have him by your side.”
“Yes, that’ll be nice.” Banks couldn’t get home soon enough.
“I meant to tell you, thanks so much for helping me out with that snag.”
“What snag?” Talon strode into the room dressed in gray dress pants and a long-sleeve, collared shirt. He paused in his tracks. “Mom, what’re you doing here?”
Madeline raised an eyebrow. “Do I need a reason to stop by and visit with my family?”
“She brought our little miss a gift.” Effie looked at Naomi, who was still on the floor, sitting cross-legged and playing with her doll. Always the loyal companion, Sugar was plopped down beside her, tail swishing back and forth.
A knowing smile flitted over Talon’s lips. “Ah, I see how it is. Buttering up your granddaughter,” he teased.
“You betcha,” Madeline shot back. “It’s a grandmother’s prerogative.”
His smile widened. “That it is.” He went to Effie’s side and gave her a peck on the lips. “Hey.” The two shared a tender look.
“Hey,” Effie said softly as she pressed her hand against the neck of his shirt. “You look handsome.”
“Always,” Madeline agreed. This is what she’d wanted most for Talon. To have a good woman who loved him. Family was what it was all about.
“You’re both complimenting me?” Talon eyed them with mock suspicion. “Do I need to be worried?”
Effie swatted his arm. “Just take it like a man and say thank you.”
“Thank you,” Talon quipped with a cheeky grin. He reached for Effie’s mug and took a drink, and then winced. “Ugh! How can you stand this bitter stuff?”
Effie winked at Madeline. “You mean, how come I don’t load mine up with sugar and cream the way you do?”
“Yes!” he exclaimed as he set the mug on the counter and retrieved the sugar from the cupboard. After adding in a rounded spoonful, he went to the fridge and grabbed the cream, pouring in a liberal amount. A second later, he stirred it with the spoon before tasting it. “Much better. What snag did you help Effie out of?” he prompted, directing his attention to Madeline.
“She was a huge help with Audrey Caldwell’s project,” Effie interjected. She turned to Talon. “You remember the job I told you about where the client insisted that the painters redo the interior of her home four times because she wasn’t happy with the shades of white?”
His eyes rounded. “Oh, yeah.” He took another drink of coffee. “Sounds like that woman needs more to keep her busy.”
“You got that right.” Effie shook her head in exasperation. “I never knew that a person could get so bent out of shape over which shade of white to paint her walls … and I’m an interior designer.” She pushed out a quick breath. “The poor painters were at their wit’s end. You can imagine their frustration at having to repaint the interior of a home white, over and over again.”
Talon scrunched his brows. “Granted, I’m no designer, but how much variation could there be in white?”
“Very little,” Effie exclaimed.
Madeline chuckled. “Audrey has always been high-strung.” She looked at Talon. “And yes, she needs more to keep her busy. I suspect that she’s trying to drag out the design project as long as possible to give her something to do.”
Effie looked at Madeline. “Well, thanks to your mom, the fourth time was the charm. The painters finished up, and we’re now moving onto the stage of hanging pictures and adding accessories.”
Talon cocked his head. “Exactly how did you convince Audrey to settle on a shade?”
Madeline smiled. “Well, at our last book club meeting, I happened to be discussing decorating ideas with Phyllis Matson.”
“Happened to be.” Talon made air quotes.
Madeline continued. “Audrey was close by.”
“Hanging on your every word,” Talon piped in.
“Yes, I suppose she was,” Madeline admitted. “I simply suggested to Phyllis that I’m considering painting my breakfast nook Chantilly Lace.”
“That very afternoon, Audrey settled on a shade,” Effie chimed in with a large grin.
“Let me guess, Chantilly Lace,” Talon said dryly.
Effie’s eyes danced. “Yep. Your mom’s plan worked like a charm.”
Talon studied Madeline in admiration as a slow smile stole over his lips. “You really are the queen of Honeysuckle Island.”
It felt good to know that her opinion held sway in the community. “I’m just glad I could help,” Madeline said casually. After all, what good was social status or persuasive abilities if she couldn’t use those assets to help her family?
“You were a lifesaver,” Effie breathed. She scrunched her face. “Now, if I could just get you to drop a few hints about artwork.”
Madeline wagged a finger. “Oh, no. My job is done. You’re on your own with that one.”
Effie grimaced before turning to Talon. “Can I make you some toast?”
“Nah, I’m a big boy. I can make my own toast.” He threw Effie a playful grin. “I have to watch this one—tries to wait on me hand and foot.”
“She’s a keeper,” Madeline said with a hearty conviction.
“Yes, she is,” Talon agreed.
Effie glanced at the clock on the microwave. “I’d better get the little miss dressed.” She looked down. “And me ready. We’re headed to the Summerhaven library for story-time. If we hurry, we can catch the next ferry.”
“Do you need me to run you over in the boat?” Talon offered.
Effie touched his arm. “No, we’ll be fine. Naomi loves the slower pace of the ferry. And she doesn’t like to wear a lifejacket.”
“I don’t blame her. I prefer taking the ferry also,” Madeline said.
Talon made a face. “Not me. Too slow. I’ll take the ski boat over the ferry any day.”
“Uh, huh,” Effie drawled. “We know how you are, speed racer.” She looked at Madeline and smiled. Several seconds later, she brought the tips of her hands together, a woman on a mission. “Alright, Naomi, time to get dressed so we can get to the library for story time.”
“Story-time, yay!” Naomi got to her feet. “Can I take my doll?”
“Sure,” Effie answered.
Naomi hugged the doll tightly. “I love her,” she said with such a gush of emotion that it caused Madeline to go teary-eyed. Her little granddaughter was the apple of her eye. She glanced at Talon, who was grinning at her sentimentality. “So I love my granddaughter,” she sniffed.
“Underneath that high society, queenly persona, you’re just a big softie,” he razzed.
“You won’t think softie later on today when I ride your case about dragging your feet on the landscape contract,” she harrumphed. Talon managed the hotel under Madeline’s supervision. While they had a good working relationship, they would occasionally butt heads over how to run things.
The edges of his eyes creased. “About that. I have some concerns.”
Madeline straightened her shoulders. “I figured as much.”
“Thank you for the doll.” Naomi’s beautiful face radiated such angelic gratitude that it turned Madeline’s heart to mush.
“You’re so welcome, sweetheart. I love you.” Everyone had always told Madeline that the pay-off for having children came with grandchildren. That was one hundred percent true.
“I love you too.” Naomi rushed forward and hugged Madeline. Then, she went to her dad and did the same. He turned and put the coffee mug on the counter before scooping Naomi up in his arms. “Have fun at story time and be a good girl for your mom.”
“I will,” Naomi said dutifully. She gave him a kiss on the cheek as he tousled her hair. The second he put her down, she bounded out of the kitchen with her new doll, Sugar following close behind. “Let’s go, Mommy,” she called over her shoulder. “We have to get to story-time.”
“Be right there.” Effie went over and picked up the discarded box from the doll and plastic wrap. She tossed the items into the garbage before going to Talon’s side.
“Have a good day.” She gave him a quick kiss on the mouth.
“You too. Y’all be safe.”
“We will.” Effie gave Madeline a parting smile. “Thanks for stopping by … and for bringing Naomi the doll.”
“My pleasure.” Madeline grinned at Talon. “A grandmother’s prerogative.”
He picked up his coffee mug and took a couple of swigs. When it was just the two of them, he pinned her with a speculative look. “Should we discuss the landscape contract here or wait until we get to the hotel?”
“We’d might as well get it over with now. Besides, I’m not going to stay long at the hotel. I have too much to do to get ready for this weekend. What are your hesitations?”
“Two words—Felix Covington.”
Her shoulders tightened. “What exactly do you have against Felix? We’ve vetted several companies, and by far, his has the best reputation. Also, his price is competitive.”
“It’s not his company that I’m worried about.” He furrowed his brows. “It’s the man himself.”
She’d certainly not expected this. “What about him bothers you?”
He looked her in the eye. “I worry about his intentions and how he’s fixated on you.”
Heat crept into her cheeks. “Felix is my friend. Nothing more.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”
“Absolutely,” she fired back. She gave him a hard look as she enunciated every word. “You know how I feel about your dad. I’m insulted that you would insinuate that I have something going on with another man.” Did her son really think so little of her?
He held up his hand. “It’s not you that I’m worried about. It’s him. He obviously thinks of you as more than just a friend. Anyone with eyes in their head can see how he looks at you.”
She squirmed in her seat. “Felix knows how I feel about Banks.”
“And yet, he sent you flowers.”
She’d been shocked by the flowers.
Talon gave her a checkmate look. “Does Dad know?”
“Of course,” she spouted. “I told him about the flowers.” She told Banks by default, but she wasn’t about to point that out. It was bad enough that her oldest son was questioning her loyalty.
Talon looked relieved. “That’s good.” He pressed forward. “Does Dad know that you’ve been having lunch with Felix several times a month on a regular basis?”
“I have lunch with lots of people,” she said defensively. “You don’t need to worry about me.” The lunches were harmless—something she looked forward to. Felix was easy to talk to. A good sounding board. Why did he have to send the flowers? Now, the situation was more complicated.
“I do worry,” Talon countered. “I know how hard it is for you to be away from Dad during the week.” His jaw hardened. “And I don’t like some Casanova trying to swoop in and capitalize on your loneliness.”
Humiliation burned through her veins. She had no idea it was so obvious that she was lonely.
Talon’s voice softened. “I’m only trying to protect you.”
“I don’t need protecting,” she spat. “Felix is a good man, and his company will do a great job on the landscaping.” They eyed one another in a challenge.
Finally, Talon shook his head. “I don’t agree.”
She gritted her teeth. “I’m putting my foot down on this one.” Felix was counting on the contract. She didn’t want to disappoint him.
The corners of Talon’s jaw flicked. “Fine,” he said tonelessly. “Have it your way. But for the record, I think you’re playing with fire when it comes to Felix. I don’t trust the guy. He’s too slick and smooth talking. Too much like Wesley Laramie,” he muttered.
Aha! Now they were getting to the root of the issue. This was about Felix’s association with Sylvia Laramie. She should’ve known. Felix’s son Hector was married to Sylvia. Wesley was Sylvia’s playboy brother. He’d had an affair with Lina, Talon’s ex-wife. Even though the Laramies and the Chasings had a long-standing friendship, Talon detested Wesley. The only similarities that Madeline could see between Felix and Wesley were that they were both uncommonly handsome and charming. Otherwise, they couldn’t be more different. Wesley chased all the skirts and had zero ambitions for his future, whereas Felix was a standup business owner who’d never once made her feel uncomfortable. His behavior was beyond reproach. Err … it was until the flowers. She’d have to talk to him about that. Draw clear lines for their friendship.
Talon placed the mug in the sink and ran water over it. The set of his shoulders was stiff and unyielding. She’d always seen more of her traits in Talon than Banks’. However, right now, his bullheadedness reminded her of Banks.
“Look, I get that you and Wesley have bad blood between you.”
He chortled out a humorless laugh as he turned to face her. “That’s one way to put it.”
“Felix is not Wesley,” Madeline asserted. Was this conversation coming from some unresolved issues that Talon was harboring? Lina had certainly left him scarred.
“He’s not Dad either.”
“No, he’s not.” She shifted in her seat, trying to figure out how to get her point across. “My granting Felix’s company the landscape contract is strictly business.”
Talon looked unconvinced.
She balled her fists, wanting to scream. “How many times do I have to tell you that there’s nothing going on between Felix and me.” Righteous indignation swelled inside her, causing tears to mist her eyes. Her voice quivered with fervency. “Nothing is more important to me than your dad and our family. I would never do anything to jeopardize what your father and I have.” She was a grown woman, for goodness sake. A few innocent lunches at the hotel, surrounded by other people, weren’t going to cause anyone harm. She needed more people in her life like Felix Covington. More people in whom she could confide. More people who saw her as an individual rather than a placeholder for the Chasing name and all the expectations that went along with it.
“I know that.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Do you?”
“Yeah, I do. Like I said, it’s not you that I’m worried about.”
This conversation was going in circles, taking them right back to where they’d started. She let out a long breath. “Felix and I have another lunch appointment scheduled for next Tuesday.” She forced a cheerful note into her voice. “You should join us. Then you can see for yourself that we’re just friends.”
He met her gaze. “I might just do that.”
She lifted her chin. “I hope you will. In fact, if your dad weren’t so dead-set on going to New York during the week, then he could also join us.” She didn’t try to hide the resentment in her voice. She was tired of holding down the fort while Banks was off in New York. She was tired of them living separate lives. She scooted back the barstool and stood. “I’m headed to the hotel.”
“I won’t be far behind you.” He gave her a searching look. “I only brought up the Felix thing because I love you.”
She felt herself soften. Talon was the most level-headed of all her children and the peacemaker. She knew he meant well, but his fears were way off track. “I love you too.” She offered him a conciliatory smile as he smiled back. “See you later,” she said as she left the kitchen to get her purse.
A short while later, she sat at her desk, sifting through the stack of unopened mail. All the while, her mind kept replaying her conversation with Talon. Maybe she should put a hiatus on her friendship with Felix. She didn’t want to do anything to bring shame to herself or her family. Also, she could tell that Banks hadn’t been happy about Felix sending her flowers. She grunted. She’d been so excited to get the flowers, thinking they were from Banks.
If only.
She reached for a manilla envelope and slid her letter opener along the crease.
Her breath froze when she saw the contents.
