Page 26 of Sundancer's Star

“Except it’s your dad’s turn to have one. Perhaps I’ll cook his while he helps you,” Madison offered, her grin alerting him she was up to no good.

“I’ve seen the way you cook a marshmallow and it’s called burned to a crisp. Thanks, but no thanks.” Caleb grinned. “I’ll wait until the next round.”

“Suit yourself,” Madison said, prepping her stick for another flaming treat.

After they finished the special dessert, the adults gathered around the campfire while Joelle ran and chased after the fireflies that were making an appearance as it got dark outside.

Caleb acted on the moment, seeing as they didn’t get much time alone. “I’ve got an admission to make now that Joelle is out of hearing range.”

“Oh, what’s that?” Madison asked.

He took a deep breath and exhaled, gathering up his courage. “I’m glad you’re here. And not just as the nanny. I didn’t explain myself very well this morning and I don’t want you to leave with the wrong impression. Last night, I almost kissed you because I wanted to, not just out of joy at our discovery. I mean, yes, it was exciting to figure out what was happening, but it’s more than that, I fear.”

Madison cocked her head to the side. Combined with her questioning gaze, Caleb suddenly felt like an idiot.

She leaned in closer. “You were doing well until the fear part. Last time I checked, fear is a negative, and not exactly a good thing when one is trying to say they like someone,” she teased, her award-winning grin firmly etched on her face.

“I’m saying this all wrong, but I’m out of practice. Truthfully, I never expected myself to even consider anything remotely like a relationship with another woman.” Caleb held out his hands to the fire to warm them, giving him something else to focus on. He probably shouldn’t have said a word, because now everything was out in the open. And complicated.

“I get it. Lauren was a special woman,” Madison said, her voice low and filled with compassion.

Caleb gazed at her. “And so are you. We are blessed to have you in our lives. It almost seems as though my heart is thawing, whether or not I deserve it.”

“Lauren loved life, and she loved you. It’s also the same reason she would want you to move on with life. Be happy. And she would want Joelle to be happy.” Madison reached out her hand and he clasped it firmly in his own.

“I’m beginning to believe someone can find another special person in their life, though it’s scary. I just want to do the right thing for everyone, especially Joelle. She is my number one concern.”

Madison nodded. “I get it. And since you’re being honest, I should tell you something as well.” It was the barest hint of a whisper, but Caleb heard her.

“Daddy, Daddy…did you see me? There are so many fireflies.”

“Looks like fun. But you’re also out of breath. Why don’t you sit for a while? It’s almost bedtime and you’ve got to unwind if you’re ever going to sleep.”

Caleb was more than a little curious about what Madison had been about to tell him, and before she left tonight…he was determined to find out. Especially given she hadn’t said no.

Almost an hour later, Caleb had Joelle tucked in for the night. Luckily, his daughter had requested Madison’s presence for the whole process, which made it easy not to have her leave before they had a chance to talk privately.

Madison picked up her sweater from the sofa. “I’ve got to head out. Wouldn’t want my mother calling you to check on me since I missed dinner.”

He didn’t want her to leave yet. “I’ll walk you to your car,” he said, helping her with the sweater, and then followed her outside into the cool evening.

Madison hesitated, and Caleb stepped forward. “You started to say something earlier before Joelle interrupted us. Care to finish that bit of conversation?”

“I kind of hoped you had forgotten.” Her nervous laugh left him more intrigued.

“Not likely.”

“Well, it’s just that after what you said, I figured you should know I had a crush on you in high school.” Madison’s gaze never left his face.

Her admission was not at all what Caleb expected, but it seemed to have a calming effect on him. “I see. And why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“I was going to that night at the dance. Women’s lib and all. But then I introduced you to Lauren and the rest…you already know. It was just a crush, so don’t worry. I was so happy Lauren had you to love her.”

Caleb wasn’t sure of much at this moment, but he was sure he wanted to kiss Madison. Could he love again? And was Madison the woman with a key to his heart? “So, you got over the crush, but what about now? Any feelings?”

Madison shrugged, her shy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Maybe.”

Caleb leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth. Soft and sweet came to mind. “Me too,” he said, stepping back to open her door. They both needed to think about the step they’d taken tonight, having crossed a line that couldn’t be undone. Not that he wanted to, but the big picture still loomed heavily in front of them.

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