Page 100 of Hard To Love

Epilogue

Seven Years Later

“Mom,” I heard my five-year-old son, Mason, come storming into the room. “I was in the playroom watching Spiderman and Madison came in and threw her doll at me because I wouldn’t change the channel. She told me if I didn’t put Hello Kitty on she was going to hit me in the head. Look,” He said pointing to the little bump on his forehead that was now turning black and blue.

I rolled my eyes and let out a deep breath. “Madison Elizabeth, you come here right now!” I stated as firmly as I could without shouting. I tried not to raise my voice or yell at the kids if I didn’t have to. Which had become extremely challenging because those two little children certainly made it tough.

Mason was actually a very well-behaved little boy; he looked just like his dad, dark hair and blue eyes. Even though he had his daddy’s good looks, he had his mom’s personality. He was a mommy’s boy through and through! The day he came into this world I knew my life would never be the same. I used to worry that I would never have enough love to give another child until my baby girl was born. As soon as I took one look at my beautiful little girl I just knew that my heart would be big enough for both of them.

Madison was the opposite of her brother. Looking at her, there was no denying that she was my daughter. However, five minutes alone with her, and you would see that she had her dad’s stubborn streak and strong personality.

Chase was the absolute best father in the world. It didn’t matter how busy and hectic things got at the office, he always made sure he was here every night for dinner and never missed a birthday or a holiday.

Once we took the plunge and packed up our life in Manhattan (because we both wanted a clean slate), Chase opened up his own practice here in Florida specializing in sports management. A complete roundabout from what he did in New York. He had his dream job representing a few well-known top athletes. As for me, I was happy with my new role as full-time mom and content with just being Mrs. Chase Newman.

Chase and Mason were best buds. When Chase wasn’t sneaking him out on the golf course, you could catch him coaching one of Mason’s little league games. I knew he loved both of our kids equally; there was just something special about watching the bond between a father and a son. It made me so proud to watch them together. He was so patient with him and every time I watched the two of them interact together my heart swelled with contentment.

Madison on the other hand had her daddy wrapped around her little finger. She was a strong- willed little girl. When she set her sights on something, she didn’t let anything stand in her way. I worried about her ability to manipulate her father. It would be interesting to see how that works when she is a teenager, and she brings home her first boyfriend.

As if she could hear my thoughts, she came waltzing into the kitchen. A small smile fought at the corners of my mouth when I noticed her wearing a pink tutu and her favorite pair of ballet slippers. Her head was down while she rubbed her eyes and had the biggest pout on her face. I leaned down to look at her so that I was at eye level, “Madison, did you hit your brother?”

“Yes. Mommy, I’m sorry. Please don’t cancel my birthday party tomorrow, I promise to be good.”

“What you did was wrong. I will make a deal with you, if you apologize to your brother and if you can behave the rest of the day, I won’t cancel your party. Deal?” I asked holding my hand out. She willingly took it, “and,” I said arching a brow, “I want you to go sit in the time-out chair and think about what you did and when I come get you, you can tell me why it was wrong.” Just when I thought I had the situation under control she burst out into tears and laid her body at my feet like a wounded soldier.

The back door came flying open. Chase, Alex, Colin and Nick came walking into the kitchen after spending the morning on the golf course. Madison picked herself off the floor and lunged for her father “Daddy, please don’t let Mommy cancel my party tomorrow.” She cried as she ran into his leg and wrapped her tiny body around him holding on for dear life.

Chase picked her up and kissed her on the top of the head. “What’s the matter my little princess?”

“Mommy said I might not have a birthday party tomorrow.” The floodgates had completely opened and the show was about to start.

“Sweetheart.” He said, while wiping her eyes, “Don’t you worry that pretty little head of yours, there is no way we are not celebrating the birthday of the cutest girl on the planet.” He nuzzled her nose as her tears instantly faded and she started to giggle. Yep, he just got played again.

“Ugh!” I heard Mason groan, “She always bats her eyes at him and gets out of trouble. It’s not fair.” He shouted, as he stormed out of the room.

I stood there glaring at my husband with my hands on my hips. He flashed me a small grin, “Hi honey, I’m home. What did I miss?”

I heard the guys’ chuckle behind him. He set Madison down and walked over to plant a small kiss on my lips.

“You need to go talk to your son.” I whispered in his ear.

He gave me a slight nod as he walked out of the room.

“Madison, go say hello to your grandfather and your uncles, then go sit in time- out. You need to think about what you’re going to say to your brother when you apologize.”

She looked at me with a sad look on her face. I could tell she really was struggling with what to do. She looked like she wanted to say something but instead slumped her shoulders and walked over to greet her grandfather. She stood on her tiptoes as he kneeled down pulling her into a hug. “Be a good girl, for your mommy.”

“That’s right, squirt.” Nick said while ruffling his hand through her hair. “Cake is my favorite food, and if you don’t have a party tomorrow then there will be no cake. You don’t want to see me grumpy, do you?”

He asked while trying to make a mean face. He was rewarded with a loud giggle.

“Come here, my favorite niece.” Colin reached down to pick her up and twirled her around as she grabbed the back of his neck and squealed.

It amazed me how much she could have all these grown, smart and intelligent men just completely enamored with her. Everyone told me between her looks and personality, we were going to have our hands full.

After our future little star left the room, Colin and Nick helped themselves to a couple of beers in the fridge then headed out to the back patio. Alex walked over and pressed a small kiss on my cheek.

“I know it’s easy for me to say this now, but someday you will look back and give anything to have them this young again. It goes by so fast.”

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