𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇 | ᴊᴀᴠɪᴇʀ ᴘᴇɴᴀ |

~ 39 ~

[JAVIER PEÑA'S POV]

As we landed in Vancouver, a mix of excitement and nervousness washed over me. I hadn't seen my mother in almost a year, and the anticipation of reuniting with her made my heart race. I glanced at Madison, who sat next to me in the cab, looking stunning in her red dress. She was absorbed in her phone, but I couldn't help but steal glances at her. My heart sped up every time I saw her. I had never felt like this before.

The cab drove through the elegant neighborhood of Shaughnessy, with its tree-lined streets and beautiful houses. My mother's house came into view, a charming, well-maintained home that stood out even in this upscale area. As we approached, Madison admired the neighborhood, taking in every detail.

I took Madison's hand as we walked to the front door. "She doesn't know we're coming," I told her, feeling a surge of anticipation. "Only William, my mother's boyfriend, is aware."

Madison looked at me curiously. "What's her name?"

"Ana," I replied, knocking on the door.

William opened the door, a warm smile spreading across his face. Before he could say anything, my mother appeared behind him, a kitchen cloth in her hand. The moment she saw me, her face lit up, and she ran to the door, enveloping me in a tight hug. Everyone laughed at her excitement.

"I didn't know you where coming Javi," she said excited. "I missed you so much."

She separated enough to look at my face, and then looked at Madidon. "Mom, this is Madison," I said, stepping aside to introduce them. "My girlfriend."

My mother's eyes widened with joy as she hugged Madison, catching her by surprise. "It's so wonderful to meet you, Madison! Come in, both of you."

We stepped inside, and Ana began bustling around, talking a mile a minute. "I was just preparing dinner for two, but now I'll need to cook more." Madison immediately offered to help, and Ana gladly accepted, the two of them heading toward the kitchen.

I turned to William as we walked to the living room, the familiar space bringing back a flood of memories. We sat on the couch, and I asked, "How"s Ana doing?"

William smiled. "She's great. She found a job as a cashier at a big clothing brand store. Even though I told her she didn’t need to work, she wanted to. She's really happy there."

"That’s wonderful to hear," I said, genuinely pleased. William had been with my mother for eight years. They met in Portland during her first week there, and they had been inseparable ever since. At first, I didn't trust him, worried about anyone hurting my mother. But William had slowly gained my trust, treating me like his own son over the years.

"So, what about this girl?" William asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Is it serious?"

I took a deep breath, reflecting on my relationship with Madison. "I'm in love with her, Will. We've been together longer than I've ever been with anyone. She makes me feel different, better. Sometimes it scares me how much I love her. I don't want to show it to much."

William patted my shoulder. "Love is like that. It's scary, but it feels amazing. I've never seen you like this. You look happier." We glanced toward the kitchen, separated from the living room by a counter. Ana and Madison were laughing together as they prepared dinner. "Just look at her, Javier. How she's with your mother… she's the one. Anyone who treats Ana like that is family."

"She's special," I said softly. I stood up and asked, "Want something to drink?"

"Grab us a couple of beers from the fridge," William replied.

I walked to the kitchen and hugged Madison from behind, smiling at my mother. "You two look like you're having fun."

Ana beamed at us. "We were just talking about how you met. I'm so proud of you for helping Madison in her life, giving her a chance to work with you."

Feeling a bit nervous about what Madison might have told her, I kissed her cheek and moved to her side. "I didn't do that much."

Madison playfully slapped my arm. "You did everything."

"Ouch!" I complained, opening the fridge. "Will told me you're working now, Mom."

Ana nodded. "I am, and I'm really happy. I work in the mornings, so I have the afternoons free."

"You shouldn't be working so much, Mom. You should rest," I said, a hint of concern in my voice.

Ana waved me off. "I need it. It's good for me to stay busy."

Madison chimed in, "Leave her alone, Javi."

I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Hey, don't gang up on me."

My mother laughed. "Madison, honey, why don't you go with Javier and relax? I can finish making dinner."

Madison smiled. "Okay, but at least let me set the table." We gathered the plates and cutlery and headed to the backyard.

I handed the beers to William on our way.

Madison's eyes widened as she took in the beautiful garden, adorned with twinkling lights and tasteful decorations. "This looks so beautiful," she said, her voice filled with awe.

I placed the items on the table, watching her walk around. I laid on the hammock, and Madison soon joined me, lying down beside me. I wrapped my arm around her, and she rested her head on my shoulder.

"Do you want a house like this in the future?" I asked, curious.

"I love my house, but I've always dreamed of a place like this in the middle of nowhere, a retreat to disconnect sometimes," she replied, smiling.

I caressed her body gently as we looked up at the dark sky. Madison lifted herself slightly, resting a hand on my chest. "Do you have any plans for the future?"

I hesitated. "I never really thought about the future much. I always figured I'd end up alone, never finding someone to share my life with, well, until you came along."

Madison smiled. "I want to know about your dreams, not just related to us. What did you dream of as a kid?"

"I didn't dream big. My only goal was to help my mother, and I achieved that," I said, pausing before looking away momentarily. I then turned back to her. "Now that you're with me, my dream is to make you the happiest person in the world."

Tears welled up in Madison's eyes. I gently wiped them away. "I just want to make the people I love happy," I added.

"You're so pure, Javier. I'm already so happy," she whispered before kissing me. She then rested her head back on my shoulder. "You know, I... I haven't taken any pills since we returned from Europe."

Worried, I looked at her. "Are you okay?"

She nodded. "I don't need them because you've brought stability to my life. With you, I feel better," she reassured me.

I kissed her head. "I'm so proud of you."

We lay there in the hammock, the stars above us, feeling more connected than ever. This trip to Vancouver was already proving to be one of the best decisions I'd ever made.

[To be continued...]