Loving Madison

Forty-Four

Madison fidgeted in her seat and nervously tapped her foot on the floor of the carriage. Meeting her parents after sixteen years was more frightening than she thought it would be.

Cameron—that wonderful man—promised he'd go with her and support her. Sitting next to her on the ride to Lord Hanover's estate, the man she loved held her hand and reassured her constantly that everything would turn out well. It was hard for her to believe, since most of her life things hadn't turned out well at all.

Would her parents be happy to see her after all of these years? They'd thought she was dead, so she was sure it would be a complete shock to both of them. But she wanted them to love her for the woman she'd become. She wanted that unconditional love she remembered having when she was a child.

For three days now, she'd been recovering from the shock of her past, and her voice had been recovering from her near-strangulation. Cameron was by her side every step of her healing process. He'd held her so tenderly as she'd cried on his chest. He'd kissed her so passionately and made her realize how much he loved her regardless of her past. He'd made her laugh and smile, and especially, he made her feel loved.

She, in turn, had tried to console him and convince him not to choke Gaynor, especially once the man was released from jail and came to call upon Rosie. Gaynor had inherited Mr. Bailey's estate and money, and so the pitiful man could now court Rosie properly. Cameron was hard-set against letting his sister be with the irresponsible Gaynor, but Madison explained that when two people were in love, nothing could tear them apart. Madison only hoped that Rosie loved Gaynor as much as he proclaimed to love her.

Only time would tell. And speaking of time...

Madison peeked out the window—again—watching for the Hanover estate. Within minutes, the large house loomed bigger than she could ever imagine. They were coming upon it quickly. Her heartbeat beat wildly in anticipation.

And fear.

She'd been nothing but a barrel of mixed emotions since she was kidnapped by Heath. Hopefully, she'd forget all about this crazy week and begin to look forward to her future with Cameron by her side.

Cameron squeezed her hand and gazed into her eyes. "Did I tell you what Captain Orwood said to me this morning?"

She snapped out of her thoughts and tried to concentrate on Cameron. Had he said anything before this? If so, she hadn't heard a word. "I don't believe you have."

He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Well, it seems you have impressed the captain so much, that he is now considering having you help the Metropolitan Police indefinitely. He wants you and I to work together for a while first." He winked. "I can't think of anything I'd want more."

"Indeed? He said that?" She looked at him warily. "Are you certain you didn't misunderstand him?"

Cameron chuckled. "I'm certain. I was surprised at his complete attitude change, but I'm not going to question him about it. I'll let him think he believed in your gift all this time."

She laughed. "As long as we made a believer out of him, that's all I care about."

"Yes. Him and most of the others at the station are firm believers of your gift."

Sighing, she laid her head against his strong shoulder. "All I wanted was your approval, you know."

"Well, you have it. I'll be your number one supporter."

When the carriage slowed down, her heart jumped to her throat and she glanced out the window again. We're here!

"Remember my love," Cameron said, "everything is going to be all right."