Trial And Error

Chapter Forty-Four

Madison's POV

Torrential raindrops pummeled the windowpane as Madison stood watching the deluge outside. Earlier that day, her friends had arrived for an amateur baking competition of sorts, and the kitchen was a disaster area in the aftermath. Flour dusted every surface, bowls, and utensils were strewn about haphazardly, and the counters were sticky with spilled batter and frosting smears.

But the chaos was worth it for the jovial atmosphere and laughter that filled the air as they joked and playfully sabotaged each other's creations. Now, their respective masterpieces were baking away in the oven, filling the house with mouthwatering aromas that made Madison's stomach rumble in anticipation.

She turned away from the rain-spattered window, surveying the wreckage of the kitchen with an amused shake of her head. Her gaze landed on Olivia, Lucas, and Kian huddled together on the couch, engaged in a lively debate over whose dessert would reign supreme. A content smile tugged at Madison's lips as she watched them, feeling incredibly grateful for the easy camaraderie and unconditional love of her chosen family.

Wandering over, she flopped down on the sofa, tucking herself against Kian's side. Strong arms immediately encircled her, and Madison melted into the embrace, soaking up the familiar warmth.

However, the tranquil scene was abruptly shattered when Olivia looked over at the window and shot up from her spot on the couch, "Come on!" she exclaimed dragging the musician from her comfortable spot next to Kian.

Olivia grabbed the artist's wrist dragging her towards the glass door. They both hastily put on their shoes running out into the grass. Immediately the two friends were assaulted by raindrops.

The duo ran out into the rain hand in hand, laughing and dancing without a care in the world. Lucas and Kian stood by the doorway watching them in pure amusement as the two best friends danced with each other. They laughed to themselves, making harmless jokes about how childish they looked. When in reality, they both found the two women out there to be enchanting.

Lucas ran out, joining his wife, and ultimately leaving Madison alone. For a couple of seconds, she stood there, staring up at the sky. Droplets smacking the pavement at a steady rate filled her ears; she found peace in the rain. It hadn't rained like this in forever, but when it did, Madison enjoyed every second of it.

Days like this were rare treasures - opportunities to bask in nature's cleansing embrace. Madison could stand there, the pounding raindrops a soothing rhythm that washed away the stresses and anxieties that had been weighing her down. With each drop hitting her skin, she felt renewed, her mind clear and unburdened.

Kian ran out, wrapping her arms around the brunette's waist from behind. Madison let out a squeal as she was momentarily lifted off her feet, spinning in Kian's embrace. When her feet found the ground again, she swayed slightly, dizzy from the twirl, before throwing her arms around Kian's neck and playfully running her fingers through the wet strands at her nape.

"Your makeup is running, pretty girl. And you might catch a cold out here," Kian murmured, cupping Madison's face and using her thumbs to gently wipe away the streaks of mascara.

Madison leaned into the warm touch, eyes fluttering closed. "I don't care."

A tender smile curved Kian's lips. "I know. That's one of the things I love most about you."

She opened her eyes back up and stared back at the pair in front of her. There was a moment of clarity. It was then that Madison noticed the pure adoration and love Kian held for her. She noticed the way those plain brown eyes sparkled, how her mouth stretched into a smile filled with pure joy and happiness. It was as if she could read Kian's mind, that Madison was her world, her everything. Madison knew that deep down she felt the same way.