Page 42 of Rising Star

SAM

Waking up to an empty bed, I sighed and scanned my surroundings, wishing Madison could still be in my arms this morning. My bed felt oddly cold without her in it. My palm lingered on the pillow next to mine. The one she cried into when she came last night. Having her in my arms last night felt so natural, it was like she’d been always sleeping here. With me. For a second, I wondered if she switched bedrooms in the middle of the night, fearing my kids would catch us, because I had no recollection of her leaving my side.

Refreshed, in a better mood than I’d been in a long time, and ready to kick off the tour, I showered and exited the silent bus on my tiptoes, not wanting to wake up the three girls who owned my heart still asleep. The rain outside did nothing to deter my cheerfulness as I sauntered to the house.

In the kitchen, I found a note written by Madison on the counter. And it eased my mind that she hadn’t left my side.

Gone to get donuts.

Be back soon.

Last night meant a lot.

x

A traitorous grin formed on my lips. After fighting my own desires for a long time and keeping Madison at a distance, I had no more fear where she was concerned. I meant all I said to her yesterday. Every word. My life had a new meaning. A new direction. And I loved every minute of it. It just took me a moment to acknowledge the fact she made me a better man and to stop the torture of keeping her at arm’s length that I’d been inflicting on myself.

A wave of happy thrill I never experienced before reached my chest, and my heart swelled at the realization I might have found my person. When I least expected it.

The doorbell disrupted my thoughts, and I welcomed Riley in.

“Hey man. What are you doing here at this hour?” I asked, glancing at my watch.

“We have some last-minute details to go through. Sorry I didn’t call. I was in the neighborhood and thought to stop by. Is it a good time?” He surveyed the silent room around me. “Where’s everyone? No morning greeting from the two little superstars?”

“They’re still asleep. Enjoy the quiet while it lasts. Coffee?”

“Yes.”

I was about to sit when the front door opened and shut. Seconds later, I got cornered by a cheerful Justine wearing a bright orange dress with blue butterfly wings on her back and a plastic crown perched on the top of her head. I forgot Madison had helped them choose outfits yesterday.

“Daddyyyy.” She sprinted into my arms and I lifted her up.

“What’s up, Princess? Sleep well?”

Her tiny hands squeezed my face. “Yes. Love the big bus.”

“Where’s your sister?”

“Coming. Where’s Maddie? I can’t find her anywhere. Maddddddie?” she hollered.

“Out. She should be back soon.”

“Breakfast?” I asked at the same time Mikaella walked in, her hair a curly mess. I fought a smile. “Morning, sweet pea. Hungry?”

She growled something I interpreted as a yes.

“Mika,” Justine said, rushing to her sister and hugging her as if they hadn’t seen each other in months, not just mere minutes ago.

My heart vibrated with a new layer of excitement at the journey we all were about to embark on together.

Once the girls were settled with waffles in front of the TV in the den, I focused my attention on my friend.

“Sorry. Where were we? Oh yes, last-minute details. I’m all ears now.”

“Where’s Maddie?” he asked. “You never said. I thought she would attend our meetings because there’s a thing or two we gotta figure out. Logistically speaking. It would be better if she were here.”

My phone went off in my back pocket, and thinking it might be her, I brought it to my ear and lifted a finger toward Riley. “Hey, where are you? Everything all right?”