Love Notes ((Book Two of the Heartbeat Series)) (18 page)

Rand grabbed the microphone and came close to the front of the stage to his fan and said, “No, Pretty Darling I am definitely not married.” I froze in front of the computer screen. You would think after all this time that I would learn my lesson and stop watching the video feeds. Stupid me, now I was beginning to cry. His words pounding through me, “No, definitely not married.” I was beginning to move my fingers to shut down the program and I heard him speak again to the fan. “But Pretty Darling, it’s not that I don’t want to be married. It’s just that the love of my life, my Madison hasn’t set the date. I love all you fans, but I would really love her to get me to that altar.”

“We love you too Rand!” the audience screamed. I let out a sigh that left me breathless. My chest heaved and tears streamed down my face. I was so happy I powered up my computer this evening.

The days got ahead of me and my birthday crept up in this time. I was so busy I almost forgot. I hadn’t reminded Rand as they added a few extra shows in New York and I thought when he came home next week that we could dine out together quietly. I already had my phone burning up this morning with many well wishes for my birthday. My mother invited me over to dinner so I thought that would be fine and the night would pass quickly. I sent Rand a text not knowing if he was still sleeping from last night’s late show. I heard the band killed that show. I read the review online this morning.

Babe, good morning. Wanted to tell you I will be at my mother’s tonight for dinner. Hope to hear from you later, you’re probably sound asleep now. I love you and I miss you so much!

I didn’t hear back from him nor had he responded to a second text that I sent when I left my mother’s after a nice birthday dinner to drive back to our home. As I pulled into the driveway the sensor lights illuminated. I usually loved the big open area of the rehearsal studio barn and the huge house, but I was suddenly feeling surrounding by such emptiness. Here I was on the night of my birthday all by myself. I brought home an extra slice of birthday cake, and it was carrot cake, one of my favorites. I thought I would settle in and have the slice late in the night. I still had not received a call or text of any birthday wishes from Rand. I was hoping everything was fine. I sent a message to Maxwell just to see if things were okay.

Maxwell I just wanted to see how the shows are going and say hello. I know you left me birthday wishes earlier today so I wanted to thank you. I hope to talk to you soon.

I set my phone down and went to change my clothes. I slipped into a large Rolling Isaac’s tee shirt and walked down stairs and saw the light flashing on my phone that I had a message. I hoped it was Rand. Of course it had to be Rand, finally getting back to me and still on my birthday although it was going to be over in a few hours. I opened the message and it was from Maxwell.

Madison I am sorry I couldn’t wish you a Happy Birthday personally, but we have been very busy up here and the shows are going well. The guys were going crazy as there were so many fan girls hanging hours before the show started last night. Rand cut out of here right after rehearsal today and didn’t even join us for dinner. I hope he did that to call you and keep you on the phone giving you his heartfelt wishes.

Well, no. Rand had not called and where had he skipped out to? At this point I was getting upset. I didn’t need to hear about the fan girls. I was just starting to like them after Rand proclaimed his love for me. I went and got a fork from the drawer in the kitchen. Now, feeling sorry for myself, I sat and uncovered the cake and was about to dive into it.

“Is that the last piece?” a voice questioned from the hallway.

“That depends who wants to know?” I said turning to the voice.

“Well I wanted to wish you happy birthday in person this year since I missed the opportunity last year,” and footsteps came closer.

“I was beginning to think that you forgot.” I said softly.

“I could never forget. I left right after practice and had to hit as many florists for roses for you as I could.” He pointed to the front door. I scooted up from my seat and tugged at the tee shirt to cover my panties. Rand came up and slid his hand up under my shirt and twisted his fingers on the elastic rim of my panties. We walked to the front door, he opened it and outside filling the porch were vases and buckets of flowers. It was beautiful.

“I just came in a little while ago, when did you do this?” I was puzzled.

“I watched you from the barn when you arrived and I was going to put them all out here and then ring the bell and hide, but I couldn’t stay out here, I had to see you.”

“You may have scared me if you did that. It was eerily quiet when I came home from my mother’s.”

“Love, Happy Birthday, I will never miss any special moment with you ever again.” He pulled me into his lips. I had missed his taste. I had missed him so much. We spent the next hours left of my birthday truly celebrating me.

Their New York shows happened so fast in comparison to their two months out west. I wish all the shows would always be so close and short. I missed him, but I didn’t long for him like I had during the summer and his surprise birthday visit to me left me satisfied for awhile. He did slip out of our bed early the next morning after my birthday to get back to New York and the guys. I rolled over and saw on the pillow where he laid the night before a single long stem rose and a diamond ankle bracelet hanging on the greens. A tiny note was attached.

Love, every day is a present for me with you. I will see you soon and in the meantime I thought you would love to wear this diamond music note anklet as I love having you barefoot walking about our house in just a band tee shirt and those tiny lace panties. I Love you. Always, Rand

Chapter Ten – Another Brick in THE WALL

I
tightened my bracelet around my ankle and smiled. It reminded me that Rand had recently returned for my birthday and made it so special. He and the band were back from New York and here at home again. I slipped my feet into flip flops but knew my feet were going to freeze. I stepped onto the porch for a moment. There was a definite chill in the air. Looking across to the barn, it had really taken on a new look, the improvements were close to done.

I kept myself very busy and the construction to the barn was done except for the next few days Connor was bringing in the painters. It was a task for me to select paint colors. I had so many little sections painted with a color that I finally made my choice so I could get these suite areas furnished and ready for people to occupy them. I was just wrapping myself in jacket as the days were getting cold. I heard my phone ring. Rand was out with Maxwell for the day and I was hoping it was my mother to catch her up with things lately. When I glanced down I saw it was Kent.

“Hey Kent, what’s up?

“Hey Madison, I got some pretty bad news. There’s been an electrical fire out at my parent’s home. Fortunately everyone is okay, but there is nothing left of the house. I tried to reach Rand but he didn’t answer. I really need someplace to crash for awhile as I have no home to go back to.”

“Kent you are always welcome here. In fact you can stay in one of the suites we just finished behind the barn. I know Rand will be fine with that.”

“Madison, thank you. I have only a few things, but can I come drop them off?”

“Sure you can, actually they are painting in there today but you can crash here in the house and tomorrow when the fumes clear you are free to move in. I have some furniture coming too.”

“Madison all I need is water to shower and a floor to lie on.”

I got off the phone and sent Rand a text.

Babe, we have our first occupant for the rooms at the barn. Kent called; his family home in Clarke Summit went up in smoke. He asked if he can crash here, I told him absolutely. Maybe you guys can do a night playing to raise some money for his family. I missed you leaving our bed so early this morning. I love you.

Hey Love, just had to meet Maxwell and go over some things before all the holidays are upon us. We will find a way of helping Kent. He’s like family to me. Maxwell has us doing a few quick gigs and then lined us up with this great venue with the snow skiing and snow boarder circuit in Vermont in February. It’s around my birthday so plan to be with me for that show. I’ll be home soon.

I looked out and saw Connor had pulled in and was already supervising the painters. Connor stood there looking so handsome this morning. I know I am engaged but I still have very good eyesight and Connor was looking fine. He had on jeans that were faded and ripped in the knees and a light, tight sweater. He didn’t look at all like he does with his fine suits during the week. I had a feeling that construction was where Connor really wishes he had remained.

“Good morning guys,” I said as I came into the first newly built suite. It was awesome. As I took in the view and looked out the modern floor-to-ceiling glass it captured all the landscape outside. It didn’t feel like I was looking out a window, it was open and warming.

“Connor, I already have a tenant. Kent, from the band is coming to stay for awhile. His parent’s home burned down yesterday. I feel horrible for him!”

“Well, Madison this place is ready to go. Just watch the paint smell doesn’t get to you.” I walked around the entire space. I was smiling at Connor, and smiling at the entire crew, I loved it. As I could start to smell the paint in the air as the painters edged the walls, I was suddenly over taken by the smell and down I went. My legs dissolved like sand and would not support me. I hit the covered hardwood flooring with a thud. I passed out.

“Madison, don’t move! I called 911, they are on their way.” “Someone get me some ice, she has a huge lump starting on her head.” Connor called out in urgency. I felt him slip the cold towel lightly under my head. I was coming around from the chill.

“What happened?” I started to get up and then, I was too light headed to rise. I just set myself back down.

“Madison the ambulance is on their way, you fell pretty hard. We’re not taking any chances with you.”

“Connor, I don’t think I need the ambulance. I just need to try to sit up.” Connor crouched down next to me and eased me up slowly. I was there in his comforting arms. “I guess I have to stop falling for you Connor?” I said this jokingly, looking up at his face and that was when the door opened and Kent came in and started yelling.

“What the hell is this you’re falling for him?”

“Kent, no listen, I fell. I passed out from the paint smell! Connor is just helping me.” Kent knelt down and told Connor he could take over from here. Kent was being very protective of me. I felt Connor’s gentle arms lightly leave me and Kent’s strong hold replace it. I thought I even heard Kent grunt at him. Guys will be guys. As my head screamed and pounded, I could again hear those familiar sirens sounding. Kent pulled out his phone as he sat with me.

“Rand, I’m here with Madison. Listen, she passed out but she is awake now. I am going to get her to the hospital to get checked out.” Kent handed me his phone.

“Rand?” I said lightly.

“Madison, I’m on my way, what happened?”

“I remember looking around the new addition and I smelled the paint, and then I collapsed to the floor.” And just as I was ending my words to him, I slipped away again into that light headed feeling.

“Madison? Madison! Are you okay, don’t you leave me!” he pleaded. Kent’s phone fell from my hand to the floor, I couldn’t hold it anymore.

Connor picked it up and I could hear him as he spoke to Rand, “Rand the ambulance is here. They are taking her to get checked, she is conscious.”

“STAY with her!” I heard Rand scream through the phone. “DON’T leave her alone and DO NOT hang up this phone, I want to be with her the entire ride!” I guess it was a good sign, I was still conscious but my head pounded. As we traveled to the hospital I heard Rand talking to me calmly, but I also knew that he was holding back in his breaths, obviously freaking out.

When I was brought in to the hospital, both Connor and Kent seemed to join forces and get the information to the nurse of my name and told them my fiancé was on his way. I heard the yell coming down the hall, “Madison…Madison!” I heard him loud and clear, Rand was here. Taking my hand in his and walking along keeping in step with the doctor, he didn’t leave my side. I could see the strain in his face.