by Regina Duke
“Actually, that’s the best sign that they’re full-blooded Siamese,” Mina chirped, “because Siamese kittens are pure white when they’re born. It takes a few weeks for their color to start changing. In my Siamese cat book, it explains that it’s due to a gene related to albinism. Too much for my brain, but they are certainly little miracles. Also, Sunny and the vet both think they know who the father was. The father’s owner is the one who turned the mama cat over to rescue.”
“Oh, what a shame,” Madlyn cooed. “Well, at least two of them will have forever homes.”
Kirby was all smiles. “We’ll pick them out later, once they’re ready to leave their mom. How’s that sound?”
Madlyn looked from one to the other. Now Mina was all smiles again. Definitely something going on. Could it really be just the kittens? She heard the tinkle of the front door bell. “Looks like you’re going to have a very busy day, Mina. We should get going. We’ve been invited to Vicky’s for lunch today.”
Mina spread her hands. “I told you so.”
Madlyn blinked at her. “Huh?”
Mina’s eyes widened and she searched the ceiling for an explanation. “Um, I mean, didn’t I say that, once you have a boyfriend, you’d be spending more time with Vicky and Jason?”
Madlyn was now sure that whatever was going on, it had nothing to do with kittens.
“We should go,” said Kirby, “before we upset the mama cat. Thank you for everything, Mina.” He reached out with both hands to shake hers.
“Yes,” said Madlyn slyly. “We certainly don’t want to upset the cat, do we?” She couldn’t be sure, but she thought he might have slipped some folded bills into Mina’s hand. That was odd. But maybe he was paying for the kittens. After all, purebred Siamese cats were worth some money.
Once back outside, Madlyn spotted a large truck with more boxes of decorations and lights. Two young men were propping ladders against the building. Another crew was busy hanging tinsel and bunting at intervals over the street. Outside Thor Security, two girls bundled against the chill were busily painting holiday scenes on the Garrisons’ front windows.
Madlyn turned to watch the boys on the sidewalk pass strings of lights up to the men on the ladders. “Gee, Mina must have changed some of the plans we made. I don’t remember—”
Kirby took her arm and gently turned her toward the car. “For dinner tonight, I was thinking you might enjoy a quiet little table at that romantic looking place on the other side of the art gallery.”
“That’s The Muffin Man bakery,” said Madlyn. “They don’t open for dinner.”
“No, not the bakery. See? It’s just this side of the bakery.”
Madlyn squinted. “Oh gosh, that must be brand new. I didn’t even notice, we’ve been so busy at the shop. I’d love to do dinner there.”
Kirby looked pleased. “That way we won’t miss any of the festival tonight.”
“Thank you, Kirby. I haven’t really been looking forward to the holidays at all. You’re really helping me get in the mood.”
“My pleasure.” He opened the car door for her.
Madlyn slid into the car and looked up to see that Kirby was also curious about the guys on the ladder. He checked them out before going round to the driver’s side.
It was a bit early to head for Vicky and Jason’s house, so Madlyn gave Kirby the tour of Eagle’s Toe that she’d promised. She showed him her high school, and directed him to drive by the hospital and through the more modern part of town where construction was underway on new structures.
“The town council wants all the new stuff to look as historical as possible,” she said. “Except for the Cattleman’s new additions and the hospital, that is. Both of those look pretty modern. I think some of the council members are hoping for national historic monument status for part of the town.”
“That’s a good idea. Shall we head for Vicky’s place? I’m hoping if we get there on time, we’ll get to leave right after lunch.”
Madlyn said, “Don’t like my BFF?”
“Oh, she’s marvelous. Brewster likes her, too. But I’m not completely sure why Ray made a point of inviting me over. We’re not close. I guess I’m a little nervous.”
“Yes, I figured that when I realized you weren’t his best man. You were just a guest at the wedding, same as me. But on the other hand, the Darbys believe in family, and now that he’s married to one, she may have insisted. And Vicky would be insisting right along with her.”
“Oh.” Kirby nodded. “That makes sense. But Ray called me himself. Maybe I’m way too suspicious of his motives.”
Madlyn shrugged. “He’s still your stepbrother. Maybe he feels bad because he didn’t go to your uncle’s funeral.”
Kirby’s expression cleared. “My uncle. Yes. That is most definitely the reason. Madz, you’re a genius.”
Madlyn said, “Not really. If I were a genius, I would have figured out what you and Mina were cooking up by now.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Madlyn loved the Darby home. It was stately and white and had a portico in front, so visitors could move from their cars to the entrance without being rained or snowed on. She loved the long row of attached garages off to one side, and now she realized that the only thing the place lacked to give the Manse some serious competition was an expensive stable out back.
After the grand old lady, Dolores Darby, lost her son and his wife in a tragic accident, there was never a chance of adding anything that might put another family member in danger. When Madlyn’s mother had worked at ‘the Big House,’ Dolores’s grandson, Jason, had been sent away to live with his mother’s relatives because Dolores had been too grief-stricken to deal with having him around. He was the spitting image of his father, and she couldn’t bear to be reminded of all she’d lost.
Then two years ago, Dolores had manipulated Jason into returning to Eagle’s Toe. The timing was perfect, because Madz had just insisted that her best friend, Vicky Winn, come for a visit after a setback in her music career. Madlyn prided herself on being the catalyst in Vicky and Jason’s relationship. More recently, she’d been kicking herself for the same reason, as Vicky spent more and more time with her husband and less and less time with Madz.
Today, however, she took great pleasure in arriving at the Darby home. She didn’t come as the third wheel or the old friend likely to become an old maid. Instead she was on the arm of a strikingly handsome man who, if not in the same financial category as the Darbys, was at least accustomed to hanging out with the wealthy set. She bounced up the steps and rang the doorbell.
Alistair Mays, the butler, opened the door. “Ah, Miss Lake. What a pleasure to see you again. Won’t you come in.”
“Hi, Al. This is my…my friend, Kirby Banks.”
“Yes, indeed. Mr. Forbes’ stepbrother. Welcome.” Alistair stepped back and ushered them inside.
The soaring entryway, white walls, and cold white marble floor with gray veins snaking through it used to intimidate Madlyn before Vicky and Jason were married. Now, however, family photos and portraits adorned the walls, and charming tables were set here and there, with no purpose other than supporting vases of colorful blooms. Madlyn marveled at the luxury of fresh flowers in the middle of December. The double staircase swept upward to the landing, where a still regal Dolores Darby peered down at them. At her side was a middle-aged version of Vicky.
Madlyn called up to them. “Hello, Mrs. Darby. Hello, Mrs. Winn. It’s great to see you again.”
Vicky’s mother, Elsa Winn, leaned toward Dolores and spoke softly in her ear. A moment later, Dolores raised a hand in greeting. “Madlyn, darling, you look as perky as ever. How is your dear mother? Still traveling?”
Madlyn was impressed. Elsa’s presence was definitely helping Dolores’s mental state. “Yes, ma’am. Mom and Dad are still in Europe. Italy this time.”
“Do go on inside. Vicky and Jason are entertaining in the dining room. Oh, is that your young man?”
Madly
n blushed. Kirby gave a half-bow and responded, “Yes, ma’am. Kirby Banks. Your home is quite lovely, Mrs. Darby.”
Dolores tilted her head in acknowledgment. “Hang on to this one, Madlyn. Good manners are hard to find.” She turned, took Elsa’s offered arm, and they proceeded along the landing and disappeared down a hallway.
Kirby murmured, “What a stately lady.”
Alistair had paused at the double doors beneath the landing. “If you’ll come this way, please. Lunch is about to be served.”
As Madlyn and Kirby moved toward the double doors, Alistair remarked somberly, “Mr. Banks. I’m so sorry to hear of your uncle’s passing. Please accept my condolences.”
Kirby nodded grimly. “Thanks.”
Alistair said, “Madlyn, I’ll let you show Mr. Banks the rest of the way.” He added for Kirby’s benefit, “She’s practically family.”
Madlyn beamed, and Alistair gave her a wink, then departed.
Kirby’s brows rose. “Well, Ray must have told them about Uncle.”
“See? He feels bad that he wasn’t at the funeral.”
“In a way, I’m sure he does.”
Before Madlyn could ask him to clarify, Vicky appeared at the dining room door.
“Madz! Kirby! I’m so glad you could come on such short notice. When Maria heard you were here, she and Ray couldn’t wait to invite you. And I’m always glad to have a reason to visit with my best friend.” She hugged Madlyn. “Kirby, you look so handsome. I think the Colorado air makes your hair even blonder.”
Kirby grinned. “It seems to work on yours.”
Vicky laughed, then said, “Brewster called. He just landed in Denver and wanted to thank me for sending a town car to bring him down.”
“That was very thoughtful of you.”
Madlyn asked, “How did you know?”
Vicky said, “Ray called Kirby earlier, and the first thing he said when he hung up was that Kirby never goes anywhere without Brewster, so when is Brewster arriving? It wasn’t hard to find out.” She moved smoothly into the dining room.
Madlyn was relieved to see that Jason and Vicky were casually dressed. But then, she was home in Colorado, so she didn’t have to worry about that anymore.
She felt Kirby stiffen as Ray Forbes approached with a look of studied compassion on his face.
“Kirby, such devastating news about your uncle. I’m so sorry the timing kept us away.”
“No problem, Ray. Sorry I had to leave the Manse so abruptly.”
Ray waved the apology away. “No need to explain.”
Maria approached. She was stunning and elegant in creamy palazzo pants and a flowing blouse. Her dark hair was swept up in a French roll in the back. “Kirby, it is such a sad time for you. How lovely that you have made new friends just when you need them the most.” She leaned in and touched his cheek with hers. “I could not be so close by without asking to see you. Are you well?”
Kirby smiled and relaxed a bit. “As well as I can be under the circumstances. Uncle was sick for a long time, so his passing wasn’t a surprise. But it’s never easy.”
“No, of course not,” Maria said sweetly.
Jason offered a handshake. “Good to meet you, Kirby. I’ve heard great things about you, and I’m looking forward to meeting your man, Brewster, as well.” He turned and addressed the group. “Shall we sit? Cook is dying for us to try her homemade minestrone.”
They all sat down, and two servers in uniform appeared with a tureen.
Madlyn caught Vicky’s eye and mouthed silently, ‘La-de-da.’
Vicky was taking a sip of water and nearly sprayed the table. She covered up by pressing her napkin to her mouth and clearing her throat.
Jason shook his head and chuckled. “You two are incorrigible.”
The whole table laughed, and Madlyn could feel Kirby relaxing as the conversation turned into friendly chatter amongst friends and family.
Madlyn found herself drawn into a lovely conversation with Maria about how much she missed her pets back home in Spain. As Maria was showing her pictures of her Great Danes and poodles, Madlyn realized she shouldn’t be surprised that Maria was a wonderful person. After all, she was a Darby, even if her English had the faintest hint of an accent.
“I’m going to be adopting two Siamese cats in a few weeks,” she said. “They’re gifts from Kirby.”
Vicky was delighted. “That’s wonderful! See, Jason? Everyone’s getting pets.”
“Yes, dear.” Jason shared a manly look with Kirby.
Kirby chuckled, then said, “Ray, will you be taking your favorite hounds to Spain?”
Ray turned to Maria, and the depths of his love for her transformed his features. “As soon as Maria falls in love with one of them, or two, or three, then we will definitely make travel arrangements. Until then, I shall enjoy the company of Danes and poodles.”
“That’s great,” said Kirby. He leaned toward Madlyn and whispered, “My brother is truly in love.”
“How wonderful,” said Madz.
Kirby smiled.
Ray spoke up. “And I suppose, Kirby, that your new station in life will allow you some of the same pleasures.”
Kirby froze.
Madlyn looked questioningly from Kirby to Ray and back again. “New station?” she asked.
Ray hesitated. “Forgive me if I’m being tasteless. I mean, so soon after losing your uncle.…”
Kirby tried to brush it off. “It’s okay. Everything’s fine.”
Madlyn’s eyebrows touched in the middle. “Kirby, is this that something you needed to tell me? What new station in life?” She suddenly looked horrified and gasped. “You haven’t joined the army, have you?”
Kirby’s mouth opened and closed, then opened again. “Army? No way.”
Ray lifted a glass of wine. “Here’s to Kirby, and may I say, good fortune could not smile on a finer fellow.”
Madlyn squeezed Kirby’s arm. “Kirby? What is Ray talking about?”
Maria put a hand to her mouth and kicked her husband under the table. Ray froze.
A loud thwacka-thwacka-thwacka sounded overhead and everyone looked up. A moment later, Alistair fairly slid to a halt at the door.
“Forgive me, Mr. Darby. Ladies and gentlemen. There seems to be a helicopter landing on the front lawn.”
Jason shot a questioning glance at Vicky. “Sweetheart, I thought you sent a town car.”
Vicky stood up and headed for the door. “I did.”
Everyone else followed her out of the dining room, through the entryway, and under the portico.
There was definitely a helicopter on the front lawn.
Madlyn was standing close enough to Kirby to hear him groan. “Oh my God. This can’t be happening.”
Across the side of the helicopter was emblazoned the name Vann Industries. The door on the side slid open, and Vanessa Vann emerged as the pilot shut the engine down. Her giraffe-like legs nearly bent in two trying to keep her head below the slowing chopper blades, but her sharp eyes homed in on Kirby at once.
The engine noise was fading, but she still had to raise her voice to be heard. “There you are, my dearest love. Naughty, naughty. Thinking you could run away after our little spat.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Madlyn shrunk back against Kirby. When she realized that Vanessa was striding purposefully in their direction, a cold fear gripped her heart and she bolted.
Kirby’s voice floated after her. “Madz, wait!”
But she couldn’t stand there and let Vanessa rip her to shreds with her razor-sharp tongue in front of her friends. She ran around the corner of the house to the sheltered spot where the row of garage bays connected to the mansion, then slumped to the ground as if to cling to the sun-warmed pavers for comfort. How could that woman show up on the sweetest day of her life? How could she destroy the joy that Madlyn had felt building within herself as she and Kirby grew closer and closer? How could anyone be that mean?
She felt st
rong hands closing on her arms and lifting her tenderly from the ground. She turned her face away, knowing she must look a sight, with tears streaming down her cheeks and her nose red from crying.
Kirby held her close, shielding her with his body and arms. He spoke into her ear. “Don’t cry, sweet Madlyn. I’m here. No one can see you. Don’t cry. I love you. It hurts to see you crying. She means nothing to me. She’s been stalking me for years. She thinks I’m rich and she wants to latch onto some of the Forbes money. Please don’t cry.”
Madlyn snuffled and tried to calm her breathing. The most wonderful man she’d ever known was cradling her and protecting her while he told her he loved her. Surely the tears would stop now. But instead, they kept coming. Only now, instead of being born of pain, they sprang from joy.
“You really love me?”
“God, yes. With all my heart. From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were something special. All I wanted was to be near you. And before I knew it, you’d reached inside me with your pure spirit and took my heart prisoner. I’m yours, Madlyn, heart and soul. There’s not a person on this planet who could tear me away from you.”
Madlyn tried not to squeak, but her throat was still tight with feeling. “I love you, too, with all my heart. Why won’t she go away? Doesn’t she know you’re just a working man, even if Ray is your stepbrother?”
Kirby shifted his position so he could wrap his arms all the way around her and smooth her hair. “Remember when I told you there was something I had to confess?”
Madlyn nodded, not trusting her voice.
Kirby kissed her temple. “After the funeral, I learned that my uncle had made me and Brewster his heirs. Brewster worked for Uncle his whole life, and I was Uncle’s only living blood relation. Somehow, Vanessa learned that I would share in the inheritance.”
Madlyn’s voice still sounded five years old, but she had to ask the question that worried her the most. “Did you lie to me about having no money?”
“No. Never. When we met and I felt my heart singing when you were with me, I couldn’t bear to correct you or say anything negative. So when you assumed I was Brewster’s chauffeur, I just played along. It got out of hand. But I didn’t have any money of my own then. Uncle has been supporting me ever since mother died. He even paid Brewster’s salary so it would look like I had a valet. He wanted me to feel at ease around the Forbes family and their business crowd.”