RAINBOW’S END: FOUR-IN-ONE COLLECTION

by Valerie Comer, Annalisa Daughety, Nicole O’Dell

  Chapter 9

  Contrary to what you might think, I loved growing up in Roach.” She leaned back against the deck. “I didn’t especially like telling people where I was from, though, because they’d make fun. But these past weeks, I’ve started remembering just how wonderful my life here was.” At first she’d been surprised by the happy memories. But soon, she’d started to remember more and more. “The good times definitely outweighed the bad.”

  “I’m glad you came to that conclusion.” “Can you guess why I’m named Madison?” He shook his head. “Family name? Descendant of James and Dolly?”

  She grinned. “No. Because of Madison Avenue. My mama’s biggest dream when she was young was to go to New York and work on Madison Avenue in an office that overlooked the city.”

  “She told you that?”

  “Yeah. Just before she died, she told me she hoped I’d do all the things she wasn’t going to get to do. When I was a senior in high school and trying to figure out what to do with my life, I found her diary from her own senior year. She wanted to go to New York and work in advertising.”

  “But she stayed here.”

  Madison nodded. “She met Daddy that summer, and they were married by the fall. She didn’t even go away to college. Just stayed here and raised us.” A stray tear dripped down her cheek.

  Grant reached out and tenderly wiped it away. “Please tell me you aren’t off chasing someone else’s dream.”

  “I owe her that much. She never got to live in the city. She never got to do anything except stay here and be a wife and mother.”

  He took her hand, and she tried to ignore the way it made her heart beat faster. “But how do you know that didn’t mean more to her than living in the big city ever would? And why would you think that being a wife and mother had to be the end of her ambition? Maybe she chose to stay here.”

  Madison shook her head. “No way. Even your grandpa told me that he remembered how much she always wanted to head off to the city.”

  Grant frowned. “She was in high school. Everyone says that kind of stuff when they’re sixteen. I know I did.”

  “Seriously? You?” She couldn’t hide her surprise.

  He grinned. “Yes. I went through a phase where I wanted to be a lawyer and move to a city where no one knew me.”

  Madison burst out laughing. “You wanted to be a lawyer?”

  “Don’t make fun. I could’ve been if I’d have wanted to.” He smiled. “But actually I was just going through my John Grisham phase.” He shrugged. “Eventually I figured out what I really wanted.”

  “So do you ever regret giving up professional fishing?”

  “Now and then I’ll see one of my old buddies on TV and wonder what would’ve happened if I’d stuck with it. When I stopped doing it competitively, I was at the top. I even got an offer to host a show on one of those outdoor networks.”

  “No way! You’d be great at that. And you’re sure you don’t want to give it a shot?”

  Grant shook his head. “I’m positive. I enjoy working as a guide. I even run a camp in the spring where I teach kids how to fish. So I’m happy with the way things have turned out.” He grinned. “Plus it means I have the time to be here, taking care of Grandpa and geocaching with you.”

  “I’ve met your grandpa. I don’t think he needs much taking care of.” She met his gaze. “But I am glad you’re here to do the geocaching with me.”

  “So you admit that you kind of enjoy it.”

  She pushed a stray hair from her face. “Maybe.”

  He chuckled. “How about we head to dinner?” He stood up and pulled her to her feet. “Then maybe we can come back here to watch the fireworks. Unless you’d rather be with a crowd.”

  Her stomach lurched. She knew she should opt for watching the fireworks with the crowd. The more time she spent alone with Grant, the harder it was going to be to walk away. But given the choice, she’d much rather it just be the two of them. “I think the deck is fine.”

  Grant couldn’t remember when he’d had a better time. Even though the day had started out a little rocky, what with that stupid cardboard cutout at the store, he was glad to have everything out in the open.

  “Dinner was delicious.” Madison slid into the truck.

  He nodded. “I’m glad you liked it. I was afraid barbecue might be too hokey for you.”

  She laughed. “It was perfect. One of my favorites, actually.”

  “So do you still want to go watch the fireworks from my lake house?” He wanted her all to himself, but didn’t want to press the issue.

  She nodded. “Yes, please. That house is too fantastic. The deck should definitely be used for a viewing party.”

  He slowed the truck down as he neared the driveway. “This might be my only Fourth of July at the house. I bought it thinking I’d have these wonderful cookouts and invite tons of people over.” He hit the garage button.

  “Do you think you’re making a mistake? I mean, maybe you should move in and give it a try before you sell it.”

  Grant shook his head as he turned off the motor. “I’ve thought about it. But don’t you think it’d be weird for one person to live in a house this big?” They walked into the kitchen, and he flipped on the light.

  “It’s your dream house. Right?”

  He nodded and looked around the kitchen. “It is. I got a really good deal on it, too. It will be hard to let it go.” He met her gaze. “It’s hard letting go of something you want so badly.”

  “Then don’t.”

  He motioned for her to follow him outside. “Sorry I don’t have chairs out here.”

  She laughed. “You don’t have to keep apologizing. I’m actually not the high-maintenance girl I can appear to be.”

  He reached over and took her hand. “I know. I think I may have been way off the mark about you. There’s a lot more substance beneath that city-girl exterior than I expected there to be.”

  “You’re admitting you’re wrong about something?” She squeezed his hand.

  Grant laughed. “Every now and then.”

  “Well I might’ve judged you a little, too. I mean, that first day you showed up you barely looked at me. And then when I was visiting your grandpa, you made it pretty clear you wanted me to leave.”

  He traced his finger along the back of her hand. “I expected you to be like Samantha. A city girl who looked down on me.”

  “I don’t look down on you,” she whispered. “In fact, I think you having been a professional fisherman is kind of cool.” She smiled. “You might be the only person I know who’s been captured in a cardboard cutout.”

  He laughed. “You know, I actually have a couple of those in storage if you want one.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Now, that would make for some interesting wall art.” She smirked. “But only if it’s autographed, of course.”

  The sky lit up with brilliant flashes of light. “So pretty,” Madison whispered. He glanced at her upturned face. “Beautiful.” She caught his gaze and smiled.

  Grant tipped her chin and leaned down to kiss her. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” he whispered just before their lips met.

  And there, underneath the fireworks on the deck of his dream house, Grant knew he was in trouble. But there was no turning back.

  The girl in his arms had captured a piece of his heart.

  Chapter 10

  Madison Wallace?” an unfamiliar voice asked. Madison pressed the phone closer to her ear. “This is she.” She glanced at the clock. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be late for the big Rainbow’s End Treasure Hunt rally that was taking place at the park. “Can I help you?” “It’s Mr. Swanson with Swanson Group.” Madison swallowed hard. It was the PR firm from New York. She’d had a phone interview a few weeks ago and a Skype interview last week. “Yes sir?”

  “We’d like to invite you to come to New York for the final round of interviews,” he explained. “We’re working on a short time frame, though. Can you
be here day after tomorrow?”

  Day after tomorrow? She and Grant had planned to go back to Ha Ha Tonka and get the final cache. And she’d promised Grandma that they’d go to the grocery store and stop for dinner at the new barbecue place. But this was her future. “Of course.”

  “Good, good. I’ll have my assistant e-mail you to confirm your travel plans. We’re looking forward to seeing you, Madison. Everyone here has been very impressed with your body of work.”

  She thanked him and clicked off the phone. An interview in New York. It was almost too much to process. She sank onto the bed, thankful she’d planned to meet Grant at the park. It would give her time to figure out how to tell him he was about to be minus a geocaching partner.

  Twenty minutes later she left her car in the lot and hurried across the street to the park. She waved at Hadley and a couple of the other geocachers who’d already settled into chairs.

  “Glad you’re here,” Grant said from behind her. “So we’ll get our full participation points.”

  She turned to face him. His yellow T-shirt and khaki shorts showed off his deep tan. When they met, she’d thought his curls were unkempt. But today she wanted to reach up and touch them. “Wouldn’t miss it.” She frowned. She needed to tell him about New York.

  “Let’s go sit down. I think they’re about to get started.” He grabbed her hand and led her toward a row of chairs.

  She pulled her hand away. “Actually, I need to talk to you.”

  He turned to face her. “Is everything okay? Is it your dad?”

  “No. It’s just …” She glanced around. “There’s a bench in the back. Let’s go there. Maybe we can still catch some of the announcements.” She led the way, trying to muster up her courage as she walked.

  “What’s up? Have you mapped out some caches for the rest of the week or something?” He grinned. “I know there are a couple of groups ahead of us, but we could still beat them, especially if we find the Rainbow’s End coin.”

  She stopped walking and turned to face him. “No. Nothing like that.” She avoided his eyes. “Actually, it looks like you’re going to be on your own for a little while.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  She bit her lip. “There’s a PR firm in New York that I’ve done a phone interview and a Skype interview with. They called this morning.” She looked down at her hands. “They want me there in two days for the final round of interviews.”

  “New York,” he said. “Is that really what you want?”

  She swallowed. “You know that’s always been my plan.” She waited for him to try and talk her out of it, but he didn’t.

  “So you’re leaving. Just like that.”

  She shrugged. “Well it’s not a done deal or anything. They might hate me.”

  Grant’s lips turned up in the slightest hint of a smile. “They won’t.”

  Madison remembered how his lips felt on hers. Like they’d been made especially to fit her. But there was no turning back now. “I hope not. This is what I’ve always wanted.”

  Grant stood. “So this is good-bye then?”

  “I’m sure I’ll be back.” Madison stood and faced him.

  He smirked. “Right. In six more years.”

  She frowned. This wasn’t going like she’d expected. “We can stay in touch though, right? E-mail or Facebook or something.”

  “Sure, sure.” He cleared his throat. “Listen, they’re about to start the rally. I want to hear the announcements.” He pulled her into an awkward hug. “Bye, Madison.” He walked away without another look back.

  She stayed rooted to the spot and watched him go. Maybe she hadn’t meant as much to him as she’d thought.

  Twenty minutes later, she pulled into the driveway at Grandma’s house. It was funny. At the beginning of the summer, she’d avoided the place because the memories made her too sad. But over these past weeks, she’d spent more and more time here. She and Grandma had years of catching up to do, and last week she’d finally learned how to make biscuits from scratch.

  She rapped on the door and turned the knob. “Grandma?” she called as she walked inside.

  “Madison,” Grandma said, shuffling into the living room. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be at the rally.”

  Madison sighed. “Yeah. I was, but I needed to come talk to you.”

  Grandma settled into her rocking chair. “What’s wrong, dear?”

  Madison perched on the couch. She quickly explained about the interview. “I think it’s a really great opportunity.”

  Grandma didn’t look convinced. “New York. That’s so far from here. And you won’t know anyone.”

  “I’m sure I’ll make friends. It’s always been my dream, you know.”

  “Your mama’s dream, you mean.”

  Madison didn’t respond.

  “I want you to look at something.” Grandma picked up a faded blue photo album from the table next to her chair. She flipped through the yellowed pages until she found the one she was looking for. “You see this?”

  Madison walked over to look at the photo Grandma pointed at. “Wow. I haven’t seen that in years.” Mama and Daddy stood on the porch, holding hands. Madison and Brook were in front of them in matching dresses.

  “It was Easter Sunday, and y’all had come over here after church. You and Brook both had new dresses.”

  Madison smiled. “Mama made them. She let us choose the colors.”

  “And look at your parents.” Grandma pointed at them. “What do you see?”

  Madison leaned close to the album. “They’re laughing.”

  Grandma nodded. “They were always laughing. Even when times were tough, they had each other, and they had you girls, and that was enough.”

  “What are you saying?”

  Grandma closed the album and grabbed Madison’s hand. “You’ve spent your whole adult life running away, saying you didn’t want to turn out like your Mama—stuck in a small town.” She shook her head. “But she didn’t feel that way. She wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else but right here. And deep down, I think you know that.”

  Madison’s eyes filled with tears. Trying to chase her mother’s dream had been her purpose in life. If she gave that up, what would she have left? “I should go. I need to pack and check on my travel arrangements.”

  Grandma rose slowly from her chair. “I’ve seen you with the Simmons boy. You have the same spark your mama had around your daddy.” She cocked her head. “Make sure you know what you’re throwing away.”

  “I do,” Madison whispered. Grant hadn’t even cared enough to try to talk her out of going. She had her answer there.

  “And what about your daddy? I guess this pushes you into making a decision quickly.”

  Madison had finally let go of the anger toward her dad. It had taken most of the summer, but she could at least see that holding on to the bad feelings was like poison. “I can get tested as easily in New York as I can here. I’ll go by the house and tell him when I’m on my way out of town.”

  Grandma pulled her into a hug. “I love you, dear. But you might be even more stubborn than your mama was.”

  Madison kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll call you soon.” She hurried outside and climbed into the car. There was one more stop she needed to make before she went back to Brook’s. And it might be the hardest good-bye yet.

  She parked her Altima in the same spot Grant had parked his truck on their very first day of geocaching. That seemed like so long ago. She hurried through the cemetery gate, past the bench where they’d found the cache, and stopped at her mama’s grave.

  “I got an interview in New York, Mama.” Madison sank to her knees. “I’m pretty sure it’s just a formality. Can you believe it?” She traced the words on the headstone and stopped on the Bible verse. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  Mama’s treasure had been Madison and Brook and Daddy. It had been her parents down the road and a church full of people w
ho’d prayed for her when she got sick. Mama’s heart had always been here. Not in New York.

  Madison’s eyes filled with tears. She’d wasted so many years separated from the people who loved her and whom she loved. And why?

  “I thought you might be here,” a voice said from behind her. She turned to look at Grant. “What are you doing here?” “Sorry for being so abrupt earlier. I had to process things.” He knelt down next to her. “You saying good-bye?”

  She swallowed against the lump in her throat. “That’s why I came.”

  He took her hand. “You have every right to follow whatever path you want to, but I’m not going to let my pride keep me from telling you how much I’ve grown to care about you.”

  She looked at him, and he flushed. “How much I’ve grown to love you. Might as well say it. I’d have never believed it was possible, but how I feel about you makes me realize that Samantha did me a big favor by leaving me at the altar.”

  “Really?” She could barely choke out the one word.

  He nodded and grinned, even though the pain was evident in his eyes. “If I’m going to be mourning the one who got away for the rest of my life, I want it to be the real deal and not just hurt pride.” He tightened his grip on her hand. “Stay or go, Maddie. But as far as I’m concerned, you’re the real deal.”

  She turned her tear-filled eyes back to the tombstone and willed her heart to quit slamming so wildly against her ribs. Funny how coming from Grant, her old nickname didn’t sound so bad. In fact, she kind of liked it. “I came here to say good-bye. But right before you walked up, I realized something.”

  “What’s that?”

  Madison pointed at the verse on Mama’s headstone. “That was her favorite verse.”

  “It’s a good one.” He smiled. “I know it by heart.”

  “I realized that Mama was right where she wanted to be. She loved Daddy more than she loved the idea of moving to the city. And she wouldn’t have traded the years she had with me and Brook for all the high-powered jobs in the world.”

  Grant nodded. “Of course not.”