Ice Dreams Part 2 (12 page)

Madison
grinned. “That’s a lot to ask for.”

“I know you can do it because you are a strong person, Madison. It’s time for you to prove it to yourself. Hunter is gone for a week. You won’t be able to sort anything out until he comes back so let’s live life!”

She nodded. “Ok, I’m heading to bed. Let me grab you some covers for the couch.”

“Don’t worry about it, I know where everything is. Just get some sleep.”

Madison hugged and thanked her. She entered her room and threw her clothes onto the floor and climbed into bed. Tomorrow was a new day but she didn’t know if she could survive without Hunter.

CHAPTER TEN

In the morning,
Madison rolled out of bed and made her way to the shower. She thought about the past night’s events and cried again. She loved him. She didn’t know what it would take to get him to realize that. She didn’t care about his past. She only looked towards the future with him.

She dressed in her blue sundress and walked into the kitchen. Alicia was up and cooking them breakfast. “Good morning, did you sleep?”

Madison nodded. “Yeah, I think everything wore me out.”

“What do you want to do today?” she asked as she placed her plate in front of her.

“You are the bride, you tell me.”

She smiled. “Why don’t we stop by the boutique and check on the dresses.”

She agreed. “I would like to walk around town and see if anyone is hiring. I need cash.”

“Finish breakfast and we will afterwards.”

“You are going to make a great mom, Alicia.” Madison paused. “Wait, did you find out anything yet?”

“They are supposed to call today but I know my body. I know I am.”

“Are you going to be ok?”

She nodded. “It’s earlier than what we were planning on but this child will be loved.”

“I’m so excited for you guys. When are you going to tell Carter?”

“As soon as the doctor confirms it, I will tell him over dinner.”

Madison smiled. “Just let me grab my purse and we can leave.”

A short time later, they drove into the small town and parked outside of the wedding boutique. The store was busy as they walked in. They spotted Amber as they waved. “I will be right with you ladies.” She disappeared into the backroom.

“It must be wedding season,” Madison stated.

“It’s because the weather is fantastic and people want to be near the beach. Amber has a couple of girls who work with her.”

“She needs more help. The poor girl is running around with her head chopped off.”

Finally the shop cleared out as Amber approached them. “I’m so sorry for the delay! We are getting into wedding season and everyone wants their dresses now!”

Alicia smiled. “Well, I’m just checking on mine. Did the bridesmaid dresses come in?”

They followed Amber to the counter as she disappeared into the backroom. She wheeled the rack out that held the four bridesmaid dresses. “They are beautiful!”

Madison looked at hers and smiled. “They really are. I love it. We need to schedule the final fittings. The wedding is next month.”

Amber grabbed her notepad and booked the fittings. “I wish I had more time to chat with you but I have a wedding part of twenty coming within the hour!”

Alicia frowned. “Oh that’s obnoxious.”

Madison
laughed. “Amber, can I ask you a question?”

“Of course, what’s on your mind?”

“Are you looking for another employee?”

Amber looked at her. “I was just talking about that. It would only be part time.”

“That’s fine. I need something to go along with my schooling.”

“Do you have any experience with measurements, clothing or customer service?”

“I’m great with people. The other stuff I will pick up quick, I promise you. If you don’t like me, fire me.”

Amber looked at her. “Why not, I have nothing to lose. Can you start tomorrow?”

She nodded. “Of course, what time?”

“Be here around ten. I can run through stuff before the clients arrive.”

“Thank you, Amber. You won’t regret it.”

They waved as they left the store. Alicia hugged her. “Congrats! You found a job right off the bat.”

“I’m so relieved. That’s so amazing. Wait until I tell…” she trailed off.

Alicia jumped in. “Don’t you dare lose it again. You can tell him next week when he comes to his senses.”

She nodded. “What do you want to do now?”

“Let’s go over to my house and we will sort through the favors.”

*********************

A few hours into finishing up the favors, Alicia ordered a pizza and
Madison walked out onto the deck. She felt someone approach as she turned around. “Hey Carter, I got a job.”

“That’s fantastic, where?” he asked.

“The wedding boutique in town, it’s just part time but it will help with the bills.”

He smiled. “I talked with Hunter last night.”

She turned back towards the ocean and watched the waves come on shore. “What did he say to you?”

“He’s in a bad place right now. He doesn’t want to hold you back from living your life and he hates that you are getting wrapped up in his drama. He doesn’t know how to handle the situation.”

Madison turned around. “I never gave him any reason that I was unhappy or didn’t want to make our relationship work. He bailed on me! I gave him my heart, my soul and he ran away.”

Carter hugged her. “He will be back next week. Talk to him.”

“He left me alone last night, in the middle of my parking lot. He bailed on me! I’m the one who found him passed out on his couch, I’m the one who moved here because I wanted to start my new life with him and never once did I complain to him.”

He nodded as he listened to her. “I love you, sis. You are hundred percent correct about all of that and he knows that. That’s why he did what he did. He doesn’t want to bring you down with him. I respect him for it but I want to kick his ass for hurting you.”

Alicia walked out holding the pizza. “No more Hunter talk. Come eat, Madison. I think it’s time that we had some good news around here.”

Carter looked at her. “What’s going on?”

Alicia disappeared into the house as Carter looked at Madison. She shrugged her shoulders as she took a slice of pizza. When Alicia returned, she was holding a small box and handed it to Carter.

“What’s this for?” he asked.

“Consider it an early wedding gift.”

He laughed as he tore open the wrapping and ripped the box. He pulled out a mug that had “World’s Best Dad” written across it.
Madison smiled from ear to ear while she realized that Alicia chose to have her involved in their moment.

Carter jumped up and wrapped his arms around her. “Are you serious?”

Alicia nodded. “Yep, you are going to be a father.”

He started to cry as he kissed her. When they finally pulled apart,
Madison walked over and hugged both of them. “I’m so happy for you guys.”

“You are going to be an aunt!” Carter exclaimed.

“I can’t wait. He or she will be extremely spilled.” She smiled. “Hey, I’m going to give you guys some privacy. I will call Mike for a ride.”

“Please call me if you need company, ok?” Alicia pleaded.

“I will, now go and celebrate the big news.” Madison walked around the house and grabbed her phone. She started walking down the street towards a small park in their neighborhood as she sent Mike a text.

Can you pick me up? -
Madison

If only took seconds for him to respond.
Of course, everything ok? - Mike

Yes, I’m at the park on
Willow Drive - Madison

I will be right there - Mike

She sat on the swing as she waited for him to arrive. She wondered what Hunter was doing and if he arrived safe in California. She grabbed her phone and stared at the screen. She didn’t know if she should text him but she needed to know.

Hey. Did you arrive ok? -
Madison

She looked up as Mike pulled into the parking lot. He got out of his car and walked towards her. “You ok?”

She nodded. “Alicia and Carter are having a baby.”

He smiled. “Congrats, Aunt Maddy.”

She laughed. “I’m so happy for them.”

He walked behind her and pushed her on the swing. She smiled as the wind moved around her. “Oh my God, I forgot what this felt like.”

“I’m glad I could make you smile.”

“I found a job.”

He stopped the swing and moved in front of her. “That’s awesome. Where are you working?”

She softly laughed. “I’m actually working with your sister. I’m her new assistant.”

He laughed. “Wow! Good for you and her, she needs someone who can help her out around there.”

“I start in the morning. I’m just excited that I will be able to pay for some things. I’m hoping it works out and she will let me pick up more hours along the way.”

He nodded. “Looks like you are having a better day.”

She looked down at her phone and noticed that Hunter still hadn’t responded back to her. “I’m doing ok. I still have a lot on my mind because of the situation.”

“Have you talked with him?”

She shook her head. “I sent him a text asking if he was there but no response. I just have this terrible feeling that we are over.”

“You can’t assume anything until you talk with him. Come on, let me drive you home.”

She nodded as she walked towards his car. “I love your car.”

“Thanks, I just got it last month. It’s the one thing I allowed myself to spend money on.”

She laughed. “It’s gorgeous. Nice job.”

“Thanks.”

They headed back towards their building. “How’s everything going in your personal life?” she asked.

He chuckled. “It’s a mess. My lawyer shut down her blog but my parents are going through the roof. They have a wholesome image to uphold and I blew it out of the water this time.”

“I’m sorry, that really sucks. Have you talked to her at all?”

“God no, I hope I never see her again. I learned a lot from that disaster. It will be awhile until I jump into the water again.”

She frowned. “Don’t let her ruin the chance for you to find the right girl. Not all girls are like that.”

Mike laughed. “Yeah but they aren’t all as perfect as you are either, Madison.”

She pouted. “I’m not perfect. I wish people would stop thinking that I am!”

Mike pulled into his parking space and shut off the car. “I didn’t mean to upset you but you have this wholesome image about you. You are new to the world.”

She hopped from the car. “That’s why Hunter left me. He doesn’t want to tarnish me! What crap is that? Fine, I don’t have all the experience in the world but I know a good person when I see them! I can make choices on my own.”

She walked into their building and up the stairs. Mike caught up to her. “I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t mean anything by that.”

“Of course you did, so did Hunter when he left me.”

Mike finished his climb up the stairs and leaned against his door. “Listen. You will find your way as you go and yes, you will make mistakes but it will make you a stronger person. You will catch up to the rest of us but learn from our mistakes too. Love makes you do stupid things and sexual attraction is even worse.”

Madison
blushed as she opened the door. “See you around, Mike.”

He laughed as if he was hiding a secret. “Have dinner with me tonight.”

She looked back at him. “What?”

“Just as friends
Madison, calm down.” He smiled. “I like talking to you and I can keep my eyes on you and make sure you are ok.”

She nodded. “Ok.”

“I will come by around six.”

She closed her door and looked down at her phone. He finally responded. I’m here - Hunter

She tossed her phone onto the coffee table and took a deep breath. She was sick of people seeing her as sweet and innocent. She could handle whatever was thrown at her and it was about time things changed.

CHAPTER ELEVEN