Page 74 of Her Ex's Father
Chapter 27
Madeline
Summer has been making itself known ever since Ben got back from Stockholm. Reading out on the patio, I’m startled by a young bear bumbling by—both of us not sure how to react to the other. The sound of birds wakes me early every single day, and at night there’s a chiming call that Hugh tells me is a saw-whet owl. The days are long and hot, nudging me into dozing on couches or on car rides to my appointments, and the nights are cool, drawing Ben and I together in a way that’s aching and reassuring at the same time.
It's been one week since Ben came home tired and serious, offering me the job as event division head with his—our—business. Despite my initial stoicism, the possibility is always there in the back of my mind. As is the look on Ben’s face when I told him that all I wanted washim,at my side.
But I can’t say the job isn’t tempting. I just know I need a voice of reason to guide all the hormonal highs and lows I’ve been feeling lately.
Stella picks up on the second ring.
“Mads! Finally. I was starting to think you’d forgotten your only sister existed.”
Her voice bursts through the quiet like sunlight. For a moment, I almost smile. “Never. Just… been busy.”
“With what?” she demands. “Don’t tell me you’ve taken up knitting.”
I let out a small laugh. “Not knitting. Something bigger… that I wanted to get your opinion on.”
She’s quiet for a moment, sensing the seriousness of the call. Then: “Spill it.”
I draw in a breath. “Ben wants me to head Bronson Estates’ new events division. All of them. Worldwide. Starting with the grand opening in Sweden.”
There’s a beat of silence, then Stella squeals so loud I have to hold the phone away. “What? Maddie, that’s amazing! That’s… huge. You’re basically going to be in charge of half the empire.”
“I don’t think it’s quite half,” I say softly, but warmth blooms in my chest anyway.
“No, don’t you dare downplay it. You’ve always had the eye, the organization. Remember how you pulled off my sweet sixteen after Mom and Dad forgot to book the catering? You’re built for this. You’re—wait. Why don’t you sound excited?”
Her question pierces me. I glance at the door, making sure it’s shut, then sigh. “I am. I mean… I want to be. But Stella, I don’t know if he offered because he believes in me… or because he’s trying to fix something that’s already broken.”
There’s a pause on the other end. “You’re talking about Ben.”
“Yes.” The word scrapes out, raw.
“Mads…”
“I’m not sure he really loves me,” I admit, the fear tasting bitter on my tongue. “And lately, I’ve been hearing things. Rumors.”
“Rumors?”
I lower my voice even though the house is cavernous and silent. “About Georgiana. His wife. That her death was his fault.”
The line goes very still. Then Stella exhales sharply. “God, people will say anything when they’re jealous of power. Mads, do you have any proof that he might have been involved?”
“No… the opposite, actually. My midwife, Meredith, she explained it to me, and it sounds like it really was an accident. But I can’t help thinking…”
“Are you really worried that he’s a murderer?” The sarcastic edge to her voice makes me blush with embarrassment.
“No. You’re right. I still need to talk to him about it, but I think what’s really bothering me is just that he keeps his distance.”
“How so?”
I shrug, relaxing into the couch. “He works a lot?—”
“From home. Maddie, just waltz into his office. Naked. I’m sure he’ll get off the conference call.”
I let out a shocked laugh, the image flickering through my mind, definitely more appealing than I want to admit. “Hemissedthe anatomy scan, Stell. Completely. I found out it was a girl while he was in Sweden making up this job for me.”
