Page 67 of Risk It All
Epilogue
Madeleine
Two months later, I sit back in the leather seat of the dark sedan as it pulls away from the curb at LAX. I'm a little disappointed that Max wasn't able to pick me up from the airport, but he has work to do.
I had put off my return trip to Mexico until I moved and settled in with Max in southern California. He'd taken time off from work to help me. Eventually, we both had to get back to work, him at his office, and me to finish my article. After two weeks in Mexico, I've finally finished my interviews and research and I’m ready to be home.
Max had been right when he said missing someone but knowing they'd come home was better than missing someone and not having them in your life. This trip went much better than the last. I was more attentive, focused, and productive, and it was because even though we were apart, I know Max is in my life.
While I've been away, when I had time and phone service, I'd call Max, eager to hear his voice. During the day, our conversations mostly covered what was happening in our respective work. But calls made late at night were sultry, sexy. As exciting as phone seduction is, I'm eager for the real thing.
Now I'm on my way home. Our home. Before Max, home was just a place to stay and plan my next trip. Now it's a place for love and laughter. I don't have to leave home to have adventure. Especially not at the magnificent home Max and I share in the hills outside Los Angeles.
Not long after I arrived in Los Angeles, Max dragged me to a house in a hidden canyon that is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It not only sits in the hills surrounding L.A., but it has its own little lake with waterfalls. As soon as I said I loved it, Max signed the purchase papers and we now have our own love nest.
I remember believing in true love as a young girl, but until I met Max, I'd come to think it wasn't really possible. And yet here I am, completely in love and more eager to come home than to embark on my next adventure.
He has the same effect on my family. After our reconciliation in his hotel room in Virginia, he spent several days with my family before returning to California. In those few days, my parents and Emma grew to love him as much as I do. And just as soon as my father's birthday bash was over, I went to New York, packed my clothes, research materials, and a few doo-dads and flew to Los Angeles. It's the best decision I've ever made.
The car moves up the long drive, over the bridge of the small lake, and pulls in front of the house. The driver opens the door for me and then retrieves my pack from the trunk. I make my way to the door as the car drives away.
The first inkling that something is up is that the front door is unlocked. Tentatively, I push open the door, wondering if I should have had the driver wait until I was inside. As the door opens, the smell of roses envelope me. Looking down, I see rose petals making a trail through the house. I smile knowing it can mean only one thing. Max is home.
I follow the trail through the kitchen, out the back, and down the path to the large patio along the lake. He stands, looking over the lake and the view of the southern California hills. He could have been a model the way his clothes fit to accentuate his strong, lean build, and his hair blows just right in the breeze. He turns his head, and when he sees me, his smile is breathtaking. Unable to stop myself, I rush and launch myself into his arms.
“Welcome home, sweetheart.” His arms wrap around me, his lips press against mine. I'm home. When he starts to pull back, I cling to him, not ready to let the kiss end.
He laughs against my lips. “You missed me.”
“A little.”
He takes my hand and escorts me the rest of the way to gazebo where a bucket of champagne sits on the table.
“Are we celebrating?” I ask.
“Absolutely.”
“What are we celebrating?”
“Let's start with your being home.” His arm pulls me close and he kisses me again. “It's lonely and cold at night when you're gone.”
“Tonight, I'll keep you warm.” I waggle my brows.
“Do I have to wait until tonight?”
I smile coyly. “We'll see.”
He opens the champagne, pouring the golden bubbly into the flutes, and handing one to me. “To your homecoming.”
I clink my glass against his and then sip.
“I have something for you.” He takes my hand and walks with me closer to the water.
“Oh?”
“I was going to give it to you for your birthday, but there are some issues that need to be hammered out before I can deliver it, so I thought I'd discuss it with you now.”
Intrigued, I wait for him to say more. Instead, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper.
