“Madison, it’s all right.”
“No. No. I’m sorry.” Her hands shook as she tried to right each canvas.
I reached for her shoulder. “Stop. The paintings are fine.”
She pulled herself back as if my touch was covered with acid, burning her skin as her eyes opened wide. “I’m sorry, Phillip. I didn’t mean…”
I took a deep breath.
Anger wouldn’t help. It was only when she believed I was upset that she called me by my brother’s name. Steadying my voice, I spoke slowly. “Come on, Madison. I have something to show you.”
I wasn’t sure when Phillip would arrive. The new house was over a mile away. With the autumn temperature and sunshine, I’d gladly walk, but I didn’t want to worry her about not being back for her rescue.
Taking my truck, we drove down one lane, back to the main road and to the new driveway leading to the house I’d imagined. Madison’s focus stayed beyond the truck’s windows as the tires bumped over uneven roadway. It was as the new home came into view that she seemed to recognize that we’d found a new destination.
“Oh, Van, this is stunning.”
It was.
I’d chosen the best house with the best view. Bruce Mayhand was my contractor. The renovation took months and months, bordering on a year. The final product was worth every minute and penny, especially if I could convince Madison to stay.
With her hand in mine, we stepped up the front stairs. Her lips opened as she stared up at the grand front door.
“Everything is so big.”
“Bigger and better,” I said.
Opening the inner French doors, Madison stopped at the threshold. The interior was finished and cavernous without furnishings. “Those windows.”
“I love seeing the bay,” I said. It was more than the blue waters. The land around the bay was a colorful explosion of leaves. It was almost as if the forest was ablaze.
Taking her hand, I led her up the stairs and up to the third floor.
The door opened to a large expanse. Originally, I’d wanted my office up here. The view beyond the windows was remarkable. But in the last two and a half months, I’d given Bruce a new directive. This was to be an art studio.
Madison slowly spun, taking in the space and the light.
“This room is for you.”
“Oh, it’s big enough for my painting and a nursery.” Her expression of wonder quickly faded. “No. I don’t want this.”
Swallowing, I nodded. “I know. It’s still here.”
“I belong with Phillip.”
She didn’t.
That wasn’t a battle I would win.
“Then let’s go back. He should be here soon.”
Once we were on the first floor, I took her to the breezeway between the garage and house. There was one inconspicuous door within the windows leading to the outside. “Let me show you something.”
“I won’t remember. I don’t want to know.”
“It doesn’t matter. I want you to know.”
Beside the door on the outside was a small box. To most it would appear to be an electrical box. Opening the top case, I pulled out a key. “I’ll leave this here, Madison. I swear it will never go away.”