That look used to inspire something other than affection. She kept her breathing steady, though it was difficult. In all honesty, she’d been content with their relationship. She’d enjoyed being physical with Adam when they were younger, but after Brittney had been born the physical side of their relationship had slowly tapered off into nothing more than deep affection. Which suited her just fine, really.
As much as she loved Adam, she wasn’t sure she wanted to reinitiate the physical side of their relationship. He reached out for her hand, which she automatically accepted. His grip was warm and comfortable.
“I know I can’t imagine a life without you both,” she admitted softly.
A throat cleared off to the side, and Maddie’s smile dimmed when she noticed Natalie had entered the kitchen.
Had Natalie heard that? A weight settled in Maddie’s lungs. She had to fight the urge to tug her hand out of Adam’s.
It was perfectly acceptable to show her husband affection, she reminded herself. She was unsure where the odd reaction had come from. Natalie smiled at the table’s occupants before making a beeline for the cupboard, seeming unaffected by their words or contact.
Maddie nibbled her lip as she continued to watch Natalie out of the corner of her eye. The younger woman seemed normal.
“Merry Christmas, Natalie,” Adam cheerfully greeted.
Natalie twisted and offered him another smile, leaning against the counter and focusing her attention on her freshly poured cup of coffee. “Merry Christmas,” Natalie returned in a still-drowsy voice.
Maddie nonchalantly slid her hand from Adam’s to settle back around her own mug.
“Natalie, why don’t you grab the eggs out for me, eh? The hashbrowns and bacon are about ready.” Sean didn’t pull his attention from the stove, trusting Natalie would happily assist him.
“Jeez, Pops. First, your son wakes me up from a very nice dream, and then before I even get my first cup of coffee you’re putting me to work.” Natalie sounded anything but upset, the corners of her lips curled up as she set her mug down and proceeded to the refrigerator.
The tension Maddie couldn’t understand began to ease. Her eyes flicked to Adam, who was smiling as he glanced between the kitchen’s other occupants. She turned her full attention to Natalie and blew out a small breath. The last of her tension evaporated.
Things were fine and everyone was set to enjoy Christmas.
*****
Natalie nervously chewed at the inside of her cheek as everyone settled around the tree to exchange gifts. Green needles were already dotting the bright red tree skirt despite the fact that Pops had shaken it out last night.
She smiled as he scowled down at the small bits of green that dared to mar his well-kept tree skirt, not surprised when his scowl turned to Steven—who had shaken the tree in retaliation for having to wait to open presents.
It had been a game he and Pops had played for as long as Natalie could remember. Pops’s eyes narrowed as he undoubtedly considered his revenge.
She did her best not to look at Maddie, but it was like trying to ignore the sun on a bright summer day. Pops and Steven were able to distract her for a brief time, but soon enough Maddie’s presence became too much to disregard.
It was just a quick glance. Maddie was smiling at Brittney.
Pops began to distribute his first round of gifts, granting her another momentary respite. Her head bobbed politely as she was handed something, and it took her a second to realize it was one of the presents.
The sound of tearing paper surrounded her as her family energetically tore into their respective gifts. She watched as Reeve waited for Victoria to rip the paper away from her gift before turning happily to his, his grin a response to his sister’s enjoyment as much as his own.
Again her attention threatened to drift further to the right where she knew Maddie, Adam, and Brittney were cuddled together on the couch. She kept her head down and resolutely began tugging the brightly decorated paper from around her gift. It was a small and flat box, which made her curious.
She pulled open the lid to reveal a single key on a simple metal keyring. She shot Pops a curious look, but he was busy explaining something to Reeve. Victoria seemed pleased with whatever she’d gotten, Steven frowning over at her and sending glares at his father.
Steven began to retrieve his gifts for everyone else, and Natalie hurried to do the same. Pops always got to give out his gifts first, but after that was a free for all in exchanges.
It was nearly half an hour later before Pops found his way over to her and her small pile of discarded wrapping paper. She was holding the special edition box set of Sucker Punch that included three different formats for the movie, while the limited edition art book for the movie rested on her lap. Maddie had said the gift was from both her and Adam, but Natalie knew who’d really picked the items out.
“Hey, Natalie, I didn’t get a chance to explain about the key,” Pops said as he squeezed her shoulder.
She smiled up at him. “Oh yeah, I figured you’d get around to it.”
Hand still on the smooth cover of the Sucker Punch art book, she set her other gifts aside.
Pops took a seat next to her on the ground, grunting with effort as he settled his large frame. He smiled at her. “I know how much you’ve enjoyed going over to the Garrets’ house to get to play in Adam’s space. I know that your project with them won’t last forever, and I know how great it is to really just have a spot to call your own to tinker as much as you want.”
She angled her head at him, a look of confusion on her face. “Well, yeah.”
His smile widened into the grin. “You probably didn’t check before when you pulled your car into the barn, but the split side looks a little different now. That key,” he pointed toward the small box off to her right, “will get you in there.”
Cautious excitement bubbled in Natalie. The barn had been renovated sometime before into three separate areas; there was a space to park vehicles, with the loft and other ground space used for storing various junk.
She retrieved the key. The cool metal felt soothing against her palm, the chain sliding smoothly against her fingertips. “What’s in there?”
Pops didn’t respond, so she looked up. His eyes twinkled merrily. “You’ll have to go and find out.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the Garrets about to open the gifts she’d picked out. Leaving the house seemed like a good idea. The way Adam kept whispering into Maddie’s ear had absolutely nothing to do with her decision.
“Can I go check it out now?” she asked hopefully.
“Of course,” Pops replied with an easy grin. “Don’t stay too long though, lunch will be ready in a bit. Victoria’s guests should be here soon, and I want us all together to greet them if you don’t mind.”
Natalie breathed a mental sigh of relief. Escape was close. “Don’t worry, Pops. I won’t stay out too long.”
“You say that now,” he teased.
She scrambled up, partially out of excitement, and partially because she needed fresh air.
Nearly everyone only offered her passing the barest acknowledgement, though one or two sets of eyes followed her exit closely.
*****
The barn was cold but still warmer than the snowy outside world. Even though the interior was dark, Natalie knew her way around. She blindly made her way over to where she knew the light switch was, blinking against the sudden brightness.
Her El Camino looked fine in its usual spot, Reeve’s old Buick taking up the space to its left. Maddie’s sedan was on the other side of the Buick, lending an odd contrast. She slid her hands into her pockets and took to examining the barn for changes. To the left were the stairs they’d added to make ascending to the loft area more practical. Several feet in front of the cars was the wall they’d added to create more storage space.
The doorknob with a lock was new, and she nibbled her lower lip as she walked forward. Her cold hands fumbled with the key as
she unlocked it. She took a breath and opened it, releasing the same breath when another dark space was revealed.
Her left hand slid out to feel along the wall, and the hard familiarity of another light switch made her anticipation return. The lights in here were brighter, and surprise robbed her of the ability to move from the doorway.
The space had seemed so small before, crammed with junk and tarp-covered objects. Now it looked like a genuine workspace. Many of the tools she’d thought Pops had gotten ridden of long ago were neatly arranged on the walls, and a large metal toolbox with sliding drawers indicated that he’d kept far more than she’d realized.
There was a large wooden work table in the center, with several smaller ones in various spots to use as different stations. There was a small dry erase board affixed to one wall, and on it in familiar handwriting was a note that made her smile despite the cheesiness.
Natalie’s Nest, Steven’s sloppy handwriting read.
She shook her head, a small grin playing at her lips. Steven had been very proud of his gifts this year. He hadn’t been lying when he’d said he’d gotten coal—in fact, he’d given out a nice collection of figurines carved from anthracite.
The sharp-eyed crow she’d received looked exceptional, and Steven had joked that in case of emergencies she would have a decent energy source. Everyone had been impressed by his gifts, even Pops, who’d been the recipient of a professionally-rendered black bear.
She leaned against the doorjamb with a sigh. Her family was pretty great, and she should feel so incredibly happy right now. She was happy, but…
The sound of the side door creaking open made her turn on her heel.
“Oh,” she said without thinking.
Maddie closed the door behind her, a hand nervously rising up to tuck loose hair behind her ear. The red sweater dress Natalie had admired all day was covered by a thick coat and—
“You’re wearing the scarf,” she blurted out. She’d had a more personal gift picked out for Maddie, but in light of recent events had decided it wouldn’t be a good idea. The ruffled scarf with its warm crimson, orange, and yellow hues had immediately made her think of Maddie.
Maddie smiled and shifted her weight. She’d borrowed a pair of boots from the front hallway for her journey to find Natalie, apparently not caring that they were incongruous with the rest of her outfit. It made Natalie curl her hands into fists; Maddie could look good in just about anything, even too-large winter boots.
“I love it,” Maddie admitted with a smile. Natalie did her best to ignore how her eyes were shining, the faint crinkles around her eyes and mouth deepened just for Natalie.
Maddie’s lips parted as she looked down at the ground for a moment. “The gift you received actually came with a card.” She paused and brought her eyes up to rest on Natalie. “I wanted to give it to you in private. I… wrote what’s inside before,” her words trailed off as she let out a heavy breath, “you know, the other day. I didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable in front of everyone, but I did want to give it to you.”
As Maddie finished speaking she reached into her heavy coat to pull out a white rectangular envelope. She fidgeted with it before approaching Natalie, arm extended and waiting.
Natalie stared before accepting the card, careful not to make any physical contact with Maddie. She swept her fingers over the heavy paper silently, enjoying the texture of it against her fingertips. It was still warm from Maddie’s body heat.
The envelope crinkled softly as she opened it and withdrew the card. The cover was a rich mix of dark blues, stars dotting the night sky with a single decorated Christmas tree in the center. It was both simple and beautiful, and exactly something she would picture Maddie selecting.
Maddie’s smile seemed nervous.
Natalie opened the card and began to read, the muscles in her jaw shifting as she clenched and unclenched her teeth.
It took Natalie a few moments to get a handle on her emotions. She didn’t speak for fear of saying something she’d regret.
She stared at the messy, yet somehow elegant script.
Natalie,
I know that you’re Brittney’s friend first, and I know that perhaps it’s a bit ‘uncool’ that I’ve become so attached to you in such a relatively short time, but women my age generally aren’t afraid to speak our minds. You are such an incredibly lovely young woman, and having you around has been beyond delightful.
I can’t imagine a world that would conspire to give you a hard life, but I’m happy that you’re in such a good place now. You have your own family, but I want you to know that you’ll always be welcome in my home. You’ve helped me become closer to Brittney… that alone is a priceless gift.
I wish only the best of things for you because that’s what you deserve. I don’t know everything about you, but I hope the things I’ve selected for you this Christmas are met with your approval. I’ll do better next year, I’m certain. That’s plenty of time to get to know each other much better. I look forward to every moment.
Merry Christmas (and Happy New Year!)
-Maddie
“Maddie,” she whispered hoarsely. Her eyes darted up, and she was certain they were shining with tears despite her best efforts.
There were more words she’d planned to stay, but her tongue felt too thick for her mouth and they wouldn’t come. She tentatively moved forward, wanting to hug Maddie but not sure if that was okay.
Her arms trembled as she shoved aside the temptation. It wasn’t a good idea, anyway.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) for her, Maddie understood her body language.
Natalie’s arms rose without her permission, curling around Maddie’s shoulders and back as she ducked her head down against the thick fabric of Maddie’s coat, the card forgotten. For once Maddie wasn’t wearing heels, and she had to smile slightly at the realization that Maddie was shorter than her by a few inches.
She was distracted as the loose tendrils of Maddie’s that hair tickled against her face, greedily inhaling as she was surrounded by Maddie’s scent.
An ache grew in Natalie’s chest, intensifying when Maddie’s head nudged against her own. She pulled back. It looked like Maddie wanted to say something, a frown on her face and her lips parted as their eyes met.
There was something charming about her perplexity, the small furrow between her eyebrows and intent gaze.
Maddie’s breath was soft against her neck and cheek, and she closed her eyes as warm tingles spread to the rest of her body. A small indulgence. She forced her eyes open.
“Thank you, Maddie.”
Natalie’s heart skipped a beat when Maddie shivered almost imperceptibly, squeezing Natalie briefly tighter. She stepped back but didn’t drop her arms.
The weight of Maddie’s hands on Natalie’s shoulders was light and heavy at the same time.
The side door to the barn creaked a warning, and then Maddie stepped completely away from Natalie.
“Oh, you’re here, Mom,” Brittney said, looking bewildered. “Pops wanted me to come and get you, Natalie. Deacon and his aunt should be here soon.”
Natalie pasted on a fake smile and bobbed her head. She put the card away into the wrinkled envelope, keeping a light grip on it as she set about turning off lights and locking up. She hesitated as she turned back to face both waiting Garret women.
The card felt too obvious in her hand, so she stopped off at her car to put it away. She hesitated again and retrieved the box she’d left on the passenger seat of her car, careful to keep it hidden from view as she turned.
“Let’s get going then,” she offered with fake joviality.
Brittney smiled and turned back toward the door, her expression becoming disgruntled when she opened it and was hit with a cold wind. She didn’t wait, instead rushing straight back toward the main house.
Natalie and Maddie followed at a slower pace, both lost in their thoughts and unaware of the cold as they proceeded on. Natalie waited until Brittney was saf
ely inside the house before she brought her hand up. She cleared her throat. “This was supposed to be your Christmas gift, but I thought maybe it would be better to give you something else.” She fumbled with the blue-wrapped gift. “But I just… it doesn’t mean anything weird okay? I just want you to have it.”
She shoved it into Maddie’s hands before hurrying into the house.
Maddie remained in the gentle glow of the moon and the dim porch light for some time as she stared at the unexpected gift.
Her hands were nearly numb with the cold when she finally peeled the wrapping paper back. The small white lid came off easily. Her breath caught.
Chapter Seventeen
Natalie groaned and shifted in bed, her head pounding from drinking too much the previous night. Her stomach churned, prompting her to remain still in an attempt not to throw up. She panted and kept her eyes squeezed shut, grateful that she’d lost the coin toss for the room with the window.
Right now silence and darkness were her best friend.
Naturally, Steven began hammering something.
She gritted her teeth and rolled over, recoiling when it made her stomach heave again. The hammering continued and her head felt like it was being squeezed in a vice.
“Let me die,” she groaned as bile rose in her throat. Her stomach settled after she remained still for a time. She let out a sigh of relief.
Steven was still being loud, so falling back to sleep wouldn’t be an option—not when every loud noise caused an echoing pounding in her head.
She reached for the spare pillow and brought it to rest over her head, hoping to muffle the sounds. Smothering herself seemed like a merciful option as well, and she kept that in mind as she tried to relax.
The pillow helped, if only a little. Steven must not have had as much to drink as she and Reeve had.
The apartment grew quiet again, and she knew should get up and find some water and aspirin.
Instead, her mind began to wander. It was New Year’s Day, and she and the guys had rung in the new year by bar hopping together. It had been Steven’s idea, and Natalie hadn’t felt like she’d had much of a choice when Reeve agreed.
Meeting Mrs Garret Page 18