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Authors: Francis Ray

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“You age never mattered,” she told him softly. “You're a wonderful, caring man.”

“You won't mind marrying me, then?”

Her mouth gaped. She gulped. “Marry you?”

“I told you I wanted it all. Say yes and make me the happiest man alive.”

Camille couldn't keep from looking at his children. Adrian had his arm slung across Adair's shoulder. They were smiling. “You don't mind?”

“After Mom died, Dad put his life on hold for us.”

“We never had to trip over women or vie for his attention.”

“If you make him happy, that's all that matters.”

“Not all. What's your dress and shoe size?” Adair asked, her eyes sparkling with humor. “I promise to only borrow in an emergency.”

“Say yes and put me out of my misery.” Gordon pleaded. “You know I love you.”

She looked into his steady gaze and knew he'd love her for a lifetime â¦ just as she would love him. “I do love you.”

Grinning, he pulled her closer. “I know. You're almost there.”

Arrogant, impossible man
, she thought. He'd never settle for less than total commitment. And neither would she. Instead of fear, she felt a peace she'd never known before. Her face lit with joy. “Yes, I'll marry you.”

“Hallelujah!” Gordon shouted just before his lips took hers.

The twins erupted with laughter and applause. “Way to go, Dad.”

Zachary watched Clarence pull up in his truck at the work site, then go around to the passenger side and open the door for Kelli. Giving him her hand, she stepped down onto the ground. Exchanging frequent, longing looks, they walked into the house together. Apparently they had been able to work through their problems. A man wanting to protect and cherish the woman he loved didn't mean that he thought any less of her.

Going inside, Zachary checked the blueprints against the structure of the house. If you wanted the structure to stand, it had to begin with a solid foundation. Relationships required a solid foundation, too. Different materials could be used for the foundation of a house, but in a relationship, for it to last, it always required complete honesty and trust.

To his regret, he still hadn't been able to be completely honest with Madison. He had reasons, good reasons, but he wasn't sure if Madison would agree. If she found out he'd lied to her about Manda's mother, everything would crumble down on top of him.

Madison greeted Zachary with a kiss that vividly reminded him of the passion they'd shared. When he finally lifted his head, his breathing was ragged. He handed her a single, long-stemmed pink rose which earned him another kiss.

Trying to ignore the growing ache in the center of her body, Madison reluctantly pulled away and asked him to light the gas grill. Gordon and Camille were coming over. Gordon's twins were in town, but they'd probably zip in and out.

Zachary did as instructed, enjoying the smile on Madison's face, Manda on her hip as she finished setting the table. A man could get used to coming home to a happy family. That's what he wanted. He just hoped he'd have the opportunity.

Gordon and Camille arrived shortly after seven. As expected, the twins stayed only long enough to be cordial, then were gone. Madison didn't see the two-carat diamond engagement ring on Camille's finger until she was playing with Manda.

“Oh, my goodness!” she cried, hugging Camille, then Gordon. “I knew it!”

Zachary slapped a proud Cordon on the back. “Still waters run deep, I see.”

Cordon took it in his stride. “When a man sees a woman he can't live without, he better grab her and hold on with both hands.”

Zachary stared longingly at Madison. “I couldn't agree more.”

That night when Manda was asleep, Zachary made good on his promise to pay Madison back for her teasing. She thoroughly enjoyed every moment in the shower, on the floor, in the bed.

“Zachary, your home is simply gorgeous,” Madison said, her voice full of warmth and appreciation.

Inordinately pleased, Zachary watched Madison stroll through the dining room, her slim fingers lightly grazing the Duncan Phyfe table that seated twelve, the buffet, the restored mahogany mantle of the stone fireplace. He'd woken with her in his arms that morning and wanted her to see his house. Since it was Sunday and they were both
off, he saw no reason not to bring her. They had already been upstairs.

“There are a lot of rooms still empty,” he admitted, crossing the hardwood flooring to her.

“Finding the right furniture takes time,” she said, her voice thoughtful. “You've chosen well.”

“Thank you. Your approval means a lot.”

She stopped admiring the three-step crown molding and sent him a saucy grin. “I approve of you a lot. If Manda wasn't due to wake up from her nap about now, we could go back upstairs to that big bed of yours and I'd show you.”

He groaned. “Now I won't be able to sleep in there tonight.”

Something flickered in her eyes. “You're not staying with us tonight?”

His hand circled her neck and drew her to him. His eyes were intense as he stared down at her. “More than anything I want to. I just don't want to crowd you.”

“You aren't.”

He pulled her to him, felt the slight trembling in her body. Desire or uncertainty, he wasn't sure. “I can't imagine not wanting to be near you, holding you, loving you. Never forget that.” The smile that slowly blossomed on her face made his chest tight.

“I won't.”

His head started to descend.

“Ma-da. Ma-da.”

Their foreheads touched briefly, then hand in hand they walked across the hall to the living room. Manda, on several blankets, surrounded by bed pillows, grinned up at them.

Zachary scooped the baby up from her makeshift bed on the floor. “We're going to have to work on your timing, munchkin.”

She squealed in delight.

Madison laughed and kissed them both.

The day had been wonderful, Zachary thought as he went down the hall toward Madison's bedroom. After they left his house, they'd gone to the aquarium, out to dinner, then visited with James and his family. It was dark when they finally arrived back at Madison's house. His plan was working out perfectly.

“I want to show you something when you finish,” Zachary said, entering her bedroom.

A wicked gleam in her eyes, Madison glanced up from tucking Manda in her crib. “And I can't wait to see it.”

Zachary's lips twitched. Shaking his head, he hauled Madison into his arms and kissed her. “I love that mouth of yours. Now, come on.” His arm around her waist, they started down the hall.

“I'm partial to your mouth as well,” she said, brushing a kiss across his chin.

“Stop trying to distract me.”

“I will if I want,” Madison said, loving the freedom to tease and love Zachary as the mood struck. It continued to amaze her how much she wanted him. She'd been desolate when she'd thought he wouldn't be spending the night. It had made her almost giddy with pleasure to hear him admit how much he wanted her.

She was looking at him and considering the quickest way to get him undressed when they entered the den. She reached for the buttons of his shirt.

“I told you to behave yourself.” He cut the light out, placed his hands on her shoulders, then firmly turned her.

She gasped. Her hands palmed her face. A fire glowed in the fireplace. Directly in front was a blanket and several throw pillows from the sofa. Light reflected off the silver ice bucket, the neck of a wine bottle, and two wineglasses within arms reach. Soft music drifted from somewhere unseen.

“Zach, it's wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.”

“You're sure? I got the idea when we made Manda's bed on the floor at my place.”

She turned to him, her eyes misting. “It's charming and impossibly romantic.”

He looked sheepishly proud. “I turned the zone air-conditioning down in here and I didn't add many logs to the fire, so you shouldn't get too hot.”

“I'm hot already.” She began releasing shirt buttons. “I think you have a way of cooling me down, though.”

“What about the wine?” he asked, his hands braced on her waist.

“It can wait. I can't.” Her hands splayed on his bare, muscled flesh. She bit.

He shuddered. “Me neither.” Quickly he picked her up, placed her on the blanket in front of the fireplace, then came down beside her. “So many times in the past I've wanted to give to you, just to see you smile, to laugh.” His fingers brushed across her cheek, felt her tremble. This time he knew it was with desire.

“If I gave you the world it still wouldn't be enough. You give me so much just by being you.”

Tears misted in her eyes. One hand covered his on her cheek, the other palmed his cheek. “Zach, I feel the same way. I never knew I could be this happy, this free to love a man who loves me for me.”

A moment of unease rippled through him. “Always remember I love you.”

“How can I forget?”

The answer almost caused him to moan in despair. She deserved the truth, but he was afraid of losing her. He couldn't bear that.

Determined to banish the dark thought and show her how much he loved her, his hot, greedy mouth took hers in a shattering kiss. His hands stroked, kneaded, excited. As he felt the world slipping away, he prayed he'd always have her with him. She deserved to know the truth. Tomorrow. He'd tell her tomorrow, he thought as he forgot about everything but the woman in his arms.

THIRTY-ONE

S
ITTING IN HER OFFICE Monday morning, Madison felt as if she could conquer the world. She couldn't keep the silly grin off her face and didn't try. The office staff munched on the danishes she'd ordered for them and speculated among themselves what had caused the change in Madison. She knew they were discussing her and she searched her heart and conscience to see how she felt about it, only to discover she wasn't concerned.

She wanted Zachary in her and Manda's life, and that was all that mattered. She was happier than she had been in years. She'd loved Wes, but somehow her love for Zachary was deeper, more solid. With Wes, she'd felt on occasion that she had to prove herself or measure up. With Zachary, all she had to be was herself. That was liberating and exhilarating.

“Madison, Gordon asked to see you immediately in his office,” Traci said.

Madison glanced at Manda playing with one of the many toys the people in the station had given her. “Did he say what it was about?”

“No. He just said he wanted to see you immediately,” Traci answered.

Rising, Madison went to the playpen and crouched down. “You did beautifully at the nursing home and yesterday at the restaurant, let's see about today.” Her hand rubbed affectionately across Manda's head. “Traci will be here. Be Madison and Zachary's big girl.”

Standing, Madison headed for Gordon's office. His secretary waved her in. Opening the door, she paused on seeing Helen, arms folded, her face tight and angry, sitting across from him. “Did you want to see me?” Madison
asked with a frown of puzzlement. He knew she and Helen kept out of each other's way whenever possible.

“Yes, come in and take a seat.” Gordon, his face impassive, sat behind his desk.

Unsure of what was going on, she perched on the edge of the chair beside Helen. Madison didn't have long to wait for her answer.

“
Noon Day
's ratings are slipping. If they don't improve, it'll have to be taken off the air.”

“I don't see why you have to have her in here to tell me that,” Helen flared, snatching her arms apart.

“That's for me to decide,” Gordon said calmly.

Helen refolded her arms, crossed her legs and started slinging her foot.

“I don't want the show to die,” he continued. “There are too few black hosts already. If
Noon Day
goes down the tube, it'll reflect badly not only on the station, but on a black host.”

“What can I do?” Madison asked. She didn't particularly like Helen, but she didn't want her show canceled.

Gordon placed his arms on his desk. “I want you to coach Helen.”

“What!”

Both women came to their feet.

“Madison, you're the best I have. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important.” His attention turned to Helen. “You'll listen and work your butt off or you'll find yourself without a job.”

Shock swept across her face. “You'd fire me?”

“Your contract is up in two months. It would not be renewed.”

“The bigwigs will listen to you.” She planted her hands on his desk and stared across at him. “You can make them keep me on.”

“I won't carry deadweight. The ratings climb or you're out.”

“You bastard!” she yelled, pounding her fist on his desk. “You can't do this to me. I've worked too hard. You won't get away with this.”

“I'll help if you want,” Madison said, trying to help the angry woman. She'd be lucky if Gordon didn't fire her on the spot. He didn't take insubordination from anyone.

“I have some time in the morning.”

Helen turned her venom on Madison. “I don't need your help! I'm as
good as you. Better! They think you're such a saint. I know better. Your husband hasn't been dead six weeks and you're screwing around with that carpenter. Wait until the public finds out. They'll crucify you. I'll see to that. I've got the pictures to proveâ” Her diatribe stopped abruptly.

“You've been spying on me?” Madison asked in stunned disbelief.

Helen gulped and remained silent.

“Answer me!” Madison shouted, advancing on the other woman.

“IâI was just mouthing off,” Helen finally said. “If Gordon wants us to work together, I'm willing. I'll be in my office.”

“Stay where you are, Helen.” Gordon came around the desk. “If you hope to salvage your career at this or any other station, I advise you to start talking and it had better be the truth.”

Helen correctly read the anger in Gordon's face and decided it was everyone for themselves. “It wasn't my idea, it was Edward's.”

Hours later, Madison was still trembling. “She ruined her career and Edward's with her jealousy. In Gordon's office, they were both pointing the finger at the other. The station is not going to renew her contract. Edward freelances, but the
Morning News
doesn't want any more of his work. He's ruined his credibility.”

“Don't think about it,” Zachary said, stroking her arm as she lay beside him in bed. “She's out of your life. If either of them ever discusses you, what's left of their career is over.”

“I know Helen and I were never close, but to find out a person you've worked with is capable of that kind of deceit is frightening.”

Zachary's arms tightened. Was his duplicity any different? He'd said to himself he would tell her today. He tried to convince himself that he hadn't because she had enough to deal with now. That was a lie. He was afraid of losing her. But if she somehow found out before he told her, he stood a good chance of losing her anyway. Not wanting to think of that unbearable consequence, he kissed her, shutting everything out for the both of them except each other.

Good news travels fast. Bad news travels faster.

Helen's hasty departure from the station was considered good news;
Gordon's engagement was bad news for every single woman and some not-so-single women who had tried to get his attention. It was difficult to tell which of the two was happiest as Gordon proudly introduced Camille to the people in the office. Those who weren't quite sure how to react to the engagement of an executive to the social worker who was investigating Madison quickly found out when Madison took the engaged couple to lunch at the Mansion on Turtle Creek.

Madison arrived home Tuesday afternoon just as a UPS truck delivered the boxes from Miss Taylor's house. She had them put in the hall. She'd decide later where to store them. As the deliveryman was walking down the walk, Louis drove up.

“Have you decided if you're going to take the Chicago offer?” Louis asked when they were seated in the den. “The president of the station called again today.”

“I've decided to stay here.”
With Zachary
, she thought.

Incredulous, Louis's eyes bugged. He jerked the unlit cigar out of his mouth. “You can't do that! They're willing to pay a fortune for you!”

“It's not the money.” Madison tucked her bare foot under her. “I don't want to leave the area. Besides, I don't want to uproot Manda.”

Louis barely kept from cursing. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime! Think what you could do with the extra money. I could even get Manda endorsements or modeling contracts.”

Madison uncurled her foot and leaned forward. Her eyes were cold and as hard as her clipped voice. “Listen, Louis, and listen good. Under no circumstances do I want you to seek or entertain conversation regarding Manda doing
anything
. Do I make myself clear?”

“Sure, Madison. Whatever you say.” He stuck his cigar in his mouth. “But Wes would have wanted you to take the job.”

She came to her feet. A queen staring down her nose at her subject. “I'm doing what
I
want.”

Louis wanted to slap that superior look from her face. “I never heard anything about Manda's father. You know who he is?”

Madison couldn't stop the startled expression that came over her face. “No.”

“Since you have her somebody will want to make a buck or two with
the information. Sooner or later it will come out.” He stood, enjoying the panic in her face. “Things like that never stay hidden for long.” He left wearing a nasty little smile.
That fixed the haughty bitch
.

Opening the door to his silver Jaguar, he slid inside. Half a block away he punched in a phone number. If he couldn't get money out of Madison one way, he'd get it another.

“
National Enquirer,
” answered the chirpy voice.

“Let me talk to the editor. I've got something for him.”

Madison's nagging headache had started with Louis's visit and became worse when Gretchen showed Wes's parents and the well-dressed man with them into the den just before the housekeeper left for the day. Madison recognized the man immediately. He was Thomas Quail, the Reeds' lawyer. He'd tried unsuccessfully to get Madison to sign a prenup when she married Wes. There was only one reason she could think of for him to be here with them.

“I don't want nor do I intend to claim any of Wes's assets that were not in both of our names,” Madison said after they were seated.

Quail's smile was patronizing. “That might be hard to do since his father's name is on those assets.”

“Then what do you want?” There was no sense pretending this was a social visit.

Once again it was Quail who spoke. “We've come to ask you attend the ceremony for the establishment of the scholarship fund in Wes's name this Saturday at his high school in Sugarland.”

“If Zachary attends, I'll be there.”

Vanessa's head snapped back. “I don't want him there!”

“It was through Zachary's instigation that the scholarship fund was begun,” Madison told them.

Distaste curled Vanessa's mouth. “One good deed doesn't erase his behavior in the past. I can't stand to be in the same room with him.”

“What about you, A.J.? How do you feel about your son?”

Both parents gasped. “That's a lie!” A.J. said, flushing and shooting worried looks at his wife.

“That's a libelous accusation, Madison,” the lawyer told her.

She wasn't about to back down. “The truth is not libel. Despite our
differences, I didn't say that to embarrass either of you, but I think Zachary has been ostracized from your family long enough.”

“
You
think!” Vanessa came to her feet. “Who do you think you are? You're just a little nobody my son picked up. He made you what you are. Don't you forget it.”

For once Madison didn't feel anger, just pity for a woman so filled with hate. “You're Manda's grandparents. You can see her when you want, but I won't cut Zachary out of my life to please you.”

“You're sleeping with him, aren't you?”

Madison stood. “Perhaps you should leave.”

“You soiled my son's memory with that bastard,” Vanessa raged.

“Blame A.J. for his parentage, not Zachary.”

Furious, Vanessa turned to the lawyer. “Tell her so we can leave.”

“Tell me what?” The nape of Madison's neck prickled with unease.

“After careful deliberation, my clients have decided to adopt Manda Taylor.”

Madison's world reeled. “No!”

“That's not for you to decide,” he continued. “Miss Taylor only granted you temporary, not permanent, custody.”