Taking a Chance (34 page)

“
Maddie.
You and our child are the only things I need to make me happy. I would give up my career tomorrow if that’s what you wanted.” His mouth curled up on one side and revealed the dimple that made Maddie’s stomach flutter. “Although, I’m hoping you don’t ask me to do that.”

Maddie playfully hit him on the arm. “Of course not!”

He kissed her and then grabbed her hand lacing his fingers with hers. “Come on. Let’s get this part over with, so I can have you all to myself.”

He reached for the gifts he had set on the dresser and carried them in his arm. Maddie reluctantly followed him out of her room. Maddie loved Christmas morning, but part of her wanted to stay in the room with Austin.

“Maybe I was wrong. Can’t we stay up here, just the two of us, for the rest of the day?” Maddie pleaded.

“No, you said so yourself, we could never get away with that. Come on, let’s get this gift opening stuff done, so we can excuse ourselves for a much needed nap.” He smiled at her and she could see the meaning twinkling in his eyes.

“You’re terrible, Austin.” She laughed.

“You know, it was your laugh that made me want to get to know you. Don’t get me wrong, you were the most stunning woman I’d ever met, but when you ran into me that night, it was your laugh I couldn’t get out of my head. I loved the fact you blushed when I complemented you and then moments later laughed so openly with no restraint.

“Mixed with your beauty, you were already different from anyone I had ever known. I’m lucky you showed up at that concert because I have no idea how long it would have taken me to find you, but just so you know—I was planning on it.”

• • •

M
addie and Austin walked into the great room where his mom and sister were sitting with Scott. Maddie’s mom came into the room just behind them and her jaw dropped.

“Oh my goodness. When did you all get here?” Nina looked around the room.

“Morning, Mom.” Maddie smiled and motioned toward the couch. “This is Martha, Austin’s mom, and his sister Alicia, whom I haven’t even had a chance to meet yet.”

Maddie stepped forward to give Martha a hug as she stood up. “I’m so happy you guys came with Austin.” She squeezed her eyes as she hugged his mom. She turned to Alicia. “It’s great to finally meet you.” Maddie leaned in and hugged her.

When she stepped back from both of them, she motioned toward Austin. “And, Mom, I believe you met my fiancé briefly in Chicago.” Maddie couldn’t stop the happy tears that streamed down her face.

Nina’s hand flew up to her mouth as she gasped. Alicia squealed and dove for Maddie to hug her again. “Oh God, congratulations! Welcome, welcome, welcome to the family. I’m so excited to have a sister.” Maddie’s heart squeezed when she heard Alicia say sister rather than sister-in-law. Maddie knew instantly that they could have the relationship she had always hoped for and never had with Lola.

Nina turned to Austin. “Welcome to the family.”

“Thank you, Ms. Prince. I’m sorry I didn’t speak to you first, but I did ask Scott before I ran upstairs to find your daughter. I just couldn’t wait one more second to see her!”

Nina waved her hand at Austin. “Please, call me Nina.” She stepped forward and gave him a long hug. She stepped back and looked up at him. “If Scott gave you his blessing, then you definitely must be the one for his little sister. He is quite the protective brother.” Nina smiled.

Scott put out his hand to shake Austin’s. He leaned forward and hugged him with his other arm. “I think you’re perfect for my lil’ sis. Treat her well.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Austin smiled back at Scott. They both nodded and shared an unspoken understanding.

As Nina hugged the rest of the group, Austin tucked Maddie back at his side. “I can’t stand any space between us. I need to feel you next to me, so I know this is real. I can’t believe you’re going to be my wife. Luckiest. Man. In. The. World.”

Maddie smiled up at him with love in her eyes. “I’m the lucky one.”

“Shall we eat something before we open gifts?”

“Mom, are you feeling okay? You always want to open gifts first!” Maddie laughed as she looked at her mom.

“I guess I’m feeling new traditions starting this year.”

The group made their way into the kitchen and everyone helped get things ready. As they sat around and ate, the other families and groups started arriving. Less than an hour later, everyone was at the mansion and had gathered in the great room around the tree. As per their own family’s tradition, Maddie and Scott handed out all of the gifts.

The younger kids started tearing open gifts and the energy in the room increased tenfold. As soon as gifts were opened, toys were out of packages. The boys pushed new cars and trucks around the floor. Little hands were flying action figures around the room. The youngest girl had her dad putting together her princess castle while she played with the figurines. The oldest girl was brushing the hair on her new doll while her mom got her new basketball out of the package.

Maddie laughed as she turned to see the panic on Austin’s face. “Are you sure you’re ready for all of this?”

The panic was immediately replaced with laughter in his eyes. “Are you kidding? I can’t wait to act like a kid again!” He dropped his forehead to hers. “We can have as many kids as you want. The most important thing to me is you and our baby right now. Any additions will just be a bonus.” He brushed her lips with his and then tucked his finger under her chin.

Maddie couldn’t stop the yawn that escaped. Austin chuckled. “Are you tired, baby?”

“Yeah, I’ve been so tired the last couple months and I hardly slept last night.”

“I’m sorry, that’s my fault. I’ll take you up for a much needed nap soon.” He winked and turned back to the activity around them. He slid off the couch and sat on the floor in front of Maddie to help one of the boys with his construction site kit. She shifted forward and rested her arms on his shoulders so she could lean down to watch them in action.

She looked up to see both her mom and Scott watching them. They were smiling, and Maddie mouthed
I love you
to both of them as she wrapped her arms around her fiancé.

KC lives in Chicago and is a lifelong romantic. She spent her younger years (and now adult years) reading every book she could get her hands on. Probably able to recite every romantic comedy movie, the happily-ever-after mentality has been part of her life since she can remember. Not to say everything in life has been easy or perfect, but she focuses on surrounding herself with positive people and experiences.

Feeling lucky to have married her very own prince charming, she was encouraged to write (love) stories that could inspire or provide a few pages of happiness for others to get lost in. Even though some days feel like a fairy tale there are real problems and issues to deal with in life. Each book is a journey of emotions and aims to bring laughs, a few tears and of course love. Having the opportunity to write her passion has been a dream come true and something she plans on doing forever!

Second Chances

Her Chance at Love