Page 251 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

Everyone automatically turned towards the bed where she slept. Portia had seated herself on the chair at the top of the bed. Her hands were clasped while she observed the members of her family. Matt caught her gaze and she beamed at him. She had yet to hold either one of her newest grandchildren.

“Mum,” He took Eva off a complaining Hannah and walked over to where his mother sat. “Would you like to hold her?”

Portia nodded and held her arms out. Once Eva was tucked into the curve of her arm, Portia sighed softly. “She’s beautiful, Matty.”

William Jr came over with Ethan in his arms. “They are, aren’t they?”

Matt regarded his parents with pride as they held his children. “They’re perfect.”

“They don’t look black.” Grumps added dryly. “Not one bit.”

“Grumps.” Adam chastised him with a harsh hiss. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“It’s true though.” Grumps continued. “We can all see it.”

Before Matt could lose his temper, Hannah stepped in to resolve the situation with sibling solidarity and promptly offered to take Grumps home. Matt mouthed a ‘thank you’ as she manoeuvred their unwilling grandfather and everyone else bar his parents out the room.

“Tell Madi I’ll stop by tomorrow.” Hannah blew him a kiss and closed the door behind her, shutting out the grumblings of the others as she herded them away.

“They’re ok,” William Jr paused, unable to fully squash the uncertainty in his tone. “What have the doctors said? They’re so tiny, son.”

Portia tore her gaze from Eva and pursed her mouth at her husband. “I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Then she fell silent as Eva made a noise of discontent. “Poor thing, she’s been blighted with the Bradley nose just like Natalia and Nicole.”

“Mum,”

“Well, I never,”

Matt and his father voiced their outrage at the same time, and Portia let out a light chuckle.

“I’m teasing, darling,” She touched the delicate skin of Eva’s cheek. “It’s far too early to tell who they look like.” Portia raised her head and blinked back tears. “I’ve been a terrible mum, haven’t I? The way I behaved with Madison-”

“It’s forgotten,” Matt sought to reassure her even though he knew Madi hadn’t completely forgiven his family for her treatment at their hands. Sometimes he feared she hadn’t wholly forgivenhimeither, but he was currently brimming with happiness and couldn’t bear the thought of his mother crying at such a momentous occasion.

“You will let me make it up to you both,” Portia begged. “You’ll allow me to see them, yes?”

“Of course,” Matt snorted in exasperation and exchanged a glance with his father who was too engrossed in his grandson’s features to pay attention to what they said. “You’re still my mother, and even though you have behaved appallingly in the past, I would never keep you away from the twins.”

“What about Madison?” A self-deprecating huff came from her. “I’ve been trying to mend things between us but perhaps it’s too little too late.”

“Don’t dwell on it too much.” Matt smiled as Eva’s little mouth parted in a tiny yawn.

“I trust you two plan on remarrying.” William stated with a firmness reserved for meddling parents. “Now the babies are here, there’s no reason for you not to. You told us that you’re back together.”

Matt stiffened at the blatant expectation on his father’s face as he gently rocked his grandson in his arms. Bloody hell. They were something else. It was a complete change to their initial feelings concerning Matt’s relationship with Madi.

“Dad,” Matt begun in a voice as firm as his father’s. “Whatever Madi and I decide about the future will be just that.Our decision. I appreciate your concern but it’s unnecessary and unwanted. Can I enjoy my new family without-”

“Matthew,” William cut him off. “Don’t waste time.” He looked to Portia, a sad smile ghosted across his mouth. “Life’s too short. You love her, she’s given you two beautiful babies, and I’m certain she feels the same about you. Grumps and I talked about this last week and we’re in agreement on this issue. It’s the right option.”

Matt arched an eyebrow, arms now folded across his chest. “You do understand how hard it is for me to listen to you right now. After your complete disapproval of my relationship with her,”

“Things have changed.” Portia insisted. “We only want you to be happy, darling, and it’s quite obvious Madison makes you happy. Your father is right. We expect - hope you both remarry as soon as possible.”

They were unbelievable. Matt slowly shook his head at their demands. How typical of them to dictate their wants. Well, Matt was an adult, a father now, and he would do what he thought was best for his family.

“Madi and I are happy with the way things are at this point. Don’t meddle in our business.” Matt warned. “And don’t mention any of this to her or I’ll be very upset.” He narrowed his eyes at Portia. “Mum, I’m serious.”

She exhaled loudly but said no more, same for his father. Matt knew this wasn’t the end of the discussion though. His parents would try to manipulate things to suit their way, and as much as Matt wanted Madison to be his wife once more, the decision would ultimately have to be hers. Hell, since she’d confessed to still beingin love with him, the urge to propose lingered on the tip of his tongue. After every deep kiss, after every single fleeting touch, every look, every smile; he fought the urge on a daily basis because he was a changed man and this time around things would be different. They would go at her pace.

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