Midnight Angel

by Betst St Amant

  But, no matter how many names she called herself; she couldn’t stop remembering how adorable he looked while sleeping.

  ~*~

  Carsten joined Madison within minutes, dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt. He pushed back his hair and took her arm. “Let’s go to the porch. The fresh air will do both of us some good.” He led her outside to the swing. “What’s wrong?”

  Madison took a deep breath. She leaned back against the swing and pushed off with her feet, rocking in a slow rhythm. “Shan just called. The office was broken into.”

  “What?” Carsten turned to face her abruptly, setting the swing off balance.

  Madison grabbed the chain to steady herself. “My reaction was about the same.”

  Carsten set the swing back into motion as Madison explained the details of the phone call.

  “This is real, isn’t it?” she whispered. “I think it’s just now sinking in.”

  “Come here.” Carsten raised his arm and tucked her against him. “It’s going to be all right. You’re safe with me, fraulein.”

  Madison relaxed against him. He leaned down and imbibed the clean scent of her hair. She smelled like wildflowers. He closed his eyes. He could stay here forever.

  She eased away slightly, but didn’t disentangle herself from his embrace completely. “I hate feeling like this, Carsten. Helpless. Out of control. My faith should be stronger than what it is. I should be able to trust that God has everything in hand.”

  Carsten opened his eyes, not sure what to say. Who was he to give advice on faith? His was as shaky as it got. He smoothed a piece of Madison’s hair from her face, reveling in its softness. He felt the urge to pray, but he wasn’t sure what to say, wasn’t sure what he needed. He glanced down at the angel in his arms. He knew what he wanted, that was for certain.

  “I think you are very strong, Maddie. You’ve handled this well. It’s normal to feel a little out of control right now.” Despite her occasional bursts of anxiety, she’d handled well all the upheaval in her life. Many of his clients over the years had coped with lesser situations with considerably less class.

  She sighed and snuggled closer against his shoulder. He tried to refocus his thoughts. What did Madison need? What was in her best interest? Keeping her safe, of course, but also keeping her spirits up. She was indeed a strong woman; it showed it every aspect of her life. Sometimes the panic seeped in through the cracks, but her overall confidence was high. Carsten suspected that was because of her faith, despite her fears that it was lacking. She had a more solid foundation than most women her age. It was intriguing.

  He decided the best thing to do for both of them would be to go on with their date for the next night as planned. The temporary escape would distract Madison and keep her creative mind focused for her current design project. The best thing for her would be to just keep going. Forge ahead and not let the evil win. Meanwhile, he’d make some calls to his home office and discuss a plan of action with his team. He needed someone with eyes in New York while they were here in Montana. He needed clues to work with, a solid lead—and fast.

  Several minutes passed as the pair sat swinging on the porch, enjoying the cool night air and each other’s warmth. But Carsten’s eyes searched the darkness, always alert. He never stopped watching. However far away, the danger was real.

  He wouldn’t forget that.

  15

  Madison sprayed a fine mist of her favorite perfume on her neck and then allowed another glance in the mirror she had installed on the back of the bedroom door. She inhaled deeply in a feeble attempt to settle her stomach.

  “It’s just a date,” she told her reflection. “Not even really an official date. More like an opportunity to wear a new dress.” But if that were true, then why didn’t her heart believe it? And why was her stomach jumping at the prospect of spending time with Carsten in their first date-like environment?

  Pushing the thoughts aside, she did a little twirl in front of the mirror, and smiled with satisfaction. She looked nice. Strange how out of all the expensive outfits she had possessed during her lifetime, she found her favorite one hiding in a western store in a tiny, forgotten town.

  Madison clasped a string of pearls around her neck, took a deep breath, and stepped back from the mirror. No more procrastination. It was time to face Carsten, butterflies or not. She couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he saw her dressed up again.

  She wasn’t let down. Madison caught a glimpse of Carsten’s expression as she carefully descended the stairs in her black high-heels.

  “Mensch,” he breathed, reaching out to steady her as she took the last step.

  She raised her face to his questioningly. Was that good or bad?

  “Wow,” he translated.

  Madison fought the blush she felt rise to her ears. Carsten looked nice, too, in a dark suit and white dress shirt. His tie held flecks of pale blue that brought his eyes to life. They sparkled as he gazed down on her, and her heart leapt into her throat.

  “Thank you,” she responded. She shifted awkwardly. As much as she was enjoying her role in this acted-out fairytale, she was eager to regain their usual level of comfort with each other.

  “Shall we?” Carsten extended his arm with a slight bow.

  Grinning, she allowed him to lead her outside to the car. She saw the blinds snap close as they passed the window. Rita was spying.

  As soon as they were both settled in the Jeep, she turned to Carsten with a smile. “Do you feel like you’re thirteen again and this is your first date?”

  They laughed together, and the previous awkwardness fled.

  “I should have known Rita would want to spy.” Carsten shifted the Jeep into gear and began the trek down the long gravel drive. “She’s a perpetual matchmaker.”

  Carsten buckled his seatbelt. “I thought we’d try the seafood restaurant downtown. It’s the most formal this county has.”

  “You mean this place has a downtown?” He laughed. “Yes, and you already saw it. It was where we went shopping. Don’t tell me you miss the big city already?”

  Now she was the one to shrug. Did she? “Parts of it, maybe.”

  They rode in amiable silence during the drive into town, and parked in front of Gill’s Seafood.

  “Gill’s?” Madison raised an eyebrow as Carsten helped her out of the car. The name sounded more like a surf shack on a beachfront tourist trap than a formal restaurant.

  “It’s nicer inside than it sounds.”

  And it was. Madison was impressed. It was no Tavern on the Green, but it was considerably upscale considering they were basically in the middle of nowhere.

  “Do you live in luxury in Germany, or is the small-town atmosphere more your taste? What are you accustomed to?” Madison leaned forward, slipping her menu on the edge of the table. She already knew she wanted the lobster.

  “That’s a good question.” Carsten laid his menu on top of hers and reached for his water glass. “I travel a lot. I’m not always in Germany.” He tilted his head. “I suppose I’m not really accustomed to anything.”

  She frowned, noticing again his lack of answer to a direct question. She opened her mouth to press further, but Carsten beat her to it.

  “What about you, Maddie?” He narrowed his eyes. “Do you prefer mountains and streams to the skyscrapers and the concrete jungle, as they say?”

  Madison paused. “Actually…” She hedged. She wanted to answer; she didn’t want to make him feel as though she were avoiding the question, as he had done to her. But the truth was, she really wasn’t sure. She felt one way in the city, another in the country. Almost as if her personality was split in half. Not to mention her discontent in New York had been building long before Carsten reappeared in her life.

  “Maybe I’m a contradiction.” She laid her napkin in her lap and smoothed the edges. Having been gone this long, she did miss the shopping and the restaurants and the coffee shops New York offered? “A part of me appreciates the beauty o
f the; the other part thrives on the opportunities of the city.”

  “And which side dominates?” Carsten leaned forward as if her answers mattered greatly.

  “Salad and breadsticks!” The waiter eased the appetizers down on the table, interrupting the moment. “Fresh ground pepper?”

  At Madison’s nod, Carsten indicated for the man to grind the mill.

  “Thank you.” He turned back to Madison, but the moment had passed.

  Madison fought the temptation to squirm under Carsten’s intense gaze. How could he look at her like that and appear to be reading her every thought? Or worse, how he could possibly want to know her every thought? She wasn’t used to this much attention. Not sincere attention, anyway. She bit into the breadstick. The delicious garlic flavor distracted her, and she took another bite.

  “This is a really nice place.” She smiled. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

  Carsten scooted a tomato to the edge of his plate with his fork. “You’re very welcome, Maddie.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but he remained silent.

  Madison watched as he moved aside a piece of bell pepper before taking a bite of the salad. She grinned at her sudden discovery. “You’re a picky eater, aren’t you?”

  Carsten ducked his head, not replying due to the food in his mouth, and just shrugged. He grinned.

  Madison smirked. Her prince wasn’t perfect after all. The thought put her strangely at ease.

  The lobster was delicious, as was the half-cup of clam chowder that accompanied it. She leaned back in her chair. “I’m too full to move. I think that ten pounds I keep talking about gaining is finally here.”

  Leaning back in his chair as well, Carsten edged his almost empty plate of crab legs further from him. “You still look beautiful. But I feel the same way.”

  “Dessert?” The waiter appeared at the table with a dessert tray, piled high with an assortment of incredibly delicious, incredibly fattening choices.

  “Mmm, is that cheesecake?” Madison pointed to the item closest to her.

  Carsten threw his head back and laughed. “Too full to move, you say?”

  Madison shrugged sheepishly.

  Carsten turned to the waiter. “I believe we’ll take a piece of cheesecake.”

  The waiter nodded and moved away.

  “I found an unoccupied spot.” Madison lifted her chin and moved aside her plate to make room for its coming replacement. “If you’re nice, I’ll share.” She winked.

  “Oh will you, now? Seems only fair since I’m picking up the check.”

  The teasing banter went on until the piece of cake was delivered. The waiter set the plate closest to Madison, and she stuck her tongue out at Carsten in victory.

  Some time later, all that remained on the table were the crumbs from the cake crust and the wad of bills that Carsten placed on the check.

  “Ready to go, or will you need a wheelbarrow for assistance?” Carsten stood and reached his hand out to Madison.

  She rose purposefully on her own and picked up her purse, wrinkling her nose at him. “I’ll do just fine, thank you very much.” But she wanted to be close. She wrapped her arm through his and nestled against his side as they exited the restaurant. Did the evening have to end?

  “I hope you enjoyed dinner.” Carsten turned to her as they stepped into the lobby, untucking her hand from his arm and trailing his fingers down to her wrist. An eager expression shone in his eyes that reminded Madison of a boy with his first love.

  Was it love? She swallowed hard, and hoped her gaze didn’t mimic Carsten’s too closely. It was getting harder to hide her feelings from him. She was afraid to make the first move. But did she want to? It was her turn. After all, Carsten had put his heart on the line during that whispered confession in the dining room. Madison tightened her grip on her fingers. She was hesitant to move too fast. It was wise to move slowly, seek God’s will, and wait to see what happened. Or was that presumptuous? Did God care about her love life, or did He expect her to make the right decisions on her own?

  “I had a great time.” Madison smiled her appreciation. Deep thoughts could wait. For now, she’d just enjoy the moment.

  Carsten pushed open the front door. The sudden rain shower took them both by surprise, and Carsten hurried to settle Madison into the passenger seat of the Jeep. She locked the door and leaned against it, brushing back her damp hair as she watched Carsten jog around the front to the driver’s side. She stared at him when he sat down, shaking water from his hair.

  “What?” He questioned, freezing in place. “Is something wrong?” A raindrop trickled down the side of his face and dripped off his chin.

  Just that he looked incredibly kissable…

  Madison turned off the thought and shook her head. “Not a thing.” She smiled. “Just thinking.” Was the slight stubble of whiskers on his chin as rough as it looked? Or surprisingly soft? She yearned to find out. But her heart screamed caution.

  Carsten furrowed his brow but didn’t comment as he began backing the Jeep out of the parking space.

  The rain continued steadily as they drove back toward the ranch. Suddenly, Carsten pulled the car to the side of the road.

  Her heartbeat increased. “What are you doing? What’s wrong?” Madison sat up and looked around. Had he seen something? Was her stalker out there? She couldn’t see anything through the driving rain.

  Carsten didn’t answer, and her stomach twisted. This must be bad. He got out of the Jeep. Then he smiled, and Madison relaxed. No danger. But what was he up to?

  He hurried around to her door and opened it. Madison squealed and edged away from the water streaming down the lining of the car. She looked up at him in confusion.

  “Would you like to dance?” He offered his hand.

  Madison gaped at him. Is he serious?

  “It’s raining,” she protested. Carsten remained still, hand outstretched, waiting.

  Silly girl…

  She put her hand in his.

  They danced, the headlights from the car shining a spotlight through the rain.

  Madison ignored the fact that her new dress was getting soaked. She didn’t think about the fact that she was standing in a puddle. She didn’t notice the way the water from her hair streamed down her face, ruining her carefully constructed makeup.

  The only thing existing in the world was the two of them, dancing together without music, listening only to the way their hearts beat together as one, echoing the steady pounding of rain on the roof of the Jeep. They danced, on and on, just as they had that magical night so many years before.

  16

  Madison sat silently in the Jeep, listening to the thunder rumble as they drove back to the ranch. The interior of the car was soaked and she was shivering on the outside, but her heart was so warm she didn’t care.

  Neither had spoken a word since Carsten’s invitation to dance, but much had been said, just the same. Sometimes thoughts were best expressed without words.

  Carsten reached to the console and turned the dial to activate the heater. The floorboards warmed instantly, and Madison pushed off her wet shoes, wiggling her damp toes against the flow of air.

  She tried to analyze what was in her heart. God? She wanted His opinion. Was He watching, listening? Madison closed her eyes. Carsten hummed softly. What had just taken place?

  They had shared a dance, true, but so much more than just that. It had felt like an unspoken agreement of the heart. They had forged a bond, an unexplainable, undeniable connection that linked their souls together. It first happened that night in Germany, and had maintained its strength over a stretch of time and distance. Was this what love felt like? Madison wasn’t sure, but she knew she didn’t want the feeling to go away.

  Her musings made the drive back pass quickly. She exited the car, feeling as if she were floating on air, cliché as the expression might be. She hardly noticed the way her wet shoes rubbed a blister on her little toe. She noticed nothing but the delicious way
she felt inside. Was this what home felt like? Was that what she’d been missing all these years?

  Carsten took Madison’s hand as she reached to open the front door. She paused and then made her decision. She tilted her face up to his. His lips covered hers in a gentle, sweet kiss.

  Madison’s heartbeat increased. When he kissed her, he really kissed her. There was nothing else like it. Carsten nuzzled her cheek with his. It wasn’t rough at all, but smooth and intoxicating. She kissed him again. Carsten slowly backed away.

  “We better go inside,” he said firmly. His voice was deep, and Madison knew the reserved look in his eyes. It meant they needed to go inside and have Rita act as chaperone. She warmed at his chivalry, and despite the flutter of disappointment, she nodded.

  Carsten opened the door and led the way inside. He bent down and kissed Madison on the forehead. “Go on to bed. We’ll talk tomorrow.” His eyes said everything his words didn’t.

  Madison obeyed, feeling as if each stair under her feet was the next stepping-stone to the fulfillment of her dreams. Who would have thought after all this time, she and Carsten would find a way back to each other? Thank you, God. Maybe this really was You all along.

  Humming softly, Madison flipped on the light to her room. She froze in the doorway. Something was different. Heart pounding in her temples, she sucked in a breath of air. All instincts screamed to run, but she fought against it. What was giving her this feeling? There was no obvious danger. Yet everything felt wrong.

  Braced against the doorframe, she scanned her belongings. What had she seen as she had stepped inside that caused her so much alarm? Her gaze roamed over the nightstand. Everything seemed normal there. The scarf she had picked up while dressing and then discarded was still lying on top of the dresser beside her arrangement of perfumes and other toiletries.

  She tried thinking about the room in a professional sense. That’s when she saw it. The framed pictures of the flowers above the bed weren’t as she had originally hung them. She’d put the purple one closest to the window. Hadn’t she?