Madison swiped at her eyes, sniffling. “I just… I don’t know.”
“It’s okay to feel like this,” I said. “It’s okay to be upset and confused. But you’re not alone in this, no matter how it feels right now.”
She nodded slowly, her defenses beginning to crumble.
“Can I walk you inside?” I asked softly.
She hesitated, then nodded again.
We walked into the house together, and she slumped onto the couch, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest. I grabbed a bottle of water from the kitchen and handed it to her.
“Thanks,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.
“Of course,” I said, sitting across from her.
The sound of a car door closing outside drew our attention, and Madison stiffened as the front door opened.
Will walked in, his gaze locking on Madison immediately. Relief flooded his face as he took her in.
“Madison,” he said softly.
She stood abruptly, clutching a throw pillow to her chest. “I’m fine,” she said. “You don’t have to act like you care.”
Will stepped closer, his voice calm but firm. “Madison, I’ve been driving all over looking for you. Of course, I care.”
Her lower lip quivered, and she glared at him. “Then why didn’t you tell me about her? Why did I have to see it for myself at the concert?”
Will paused, his shoulders stiffening.
“I’m not a little kid, Dad,” she continued, her voice breaking. “If you want me to be honest with you, then you have to be honest with me.”
“That’s fair,” he said after a long pause, his tone heavy with regret.
I stepped forward quietly, touching his arm. He glanced at me, his eyes filled with uncertainty.
“Not right now,” I whispered. “Don’t let this turn into a fight. She needs to know you love her.”
He nodded, his gaze softening as he turned back to Madison. “You’re right, Maddie,” he said. “I should’ve told you sooner, and I’m sorry. I love you, and I didn’t want to hurt you. I know this is hard, but we’ll figure it out together. I promise.”
Her face crumpled, and for a moment, she looked so young, so vulnerable. Will stepped closer, hesitating before pulling herinto a hug. She didn’t resist, her arms wrapping around him tightly.
I stepped back, giving them their moment, but I couldn’t help feeling a flicker of hope. Maybe tonight wasn’t just about finding Madison—it was about something that may have been lost and was starting to heal.
CHAPTER 46
MADISON IN THE MEADOW
WILL
After Madison had calmed down, she wanted to head upstairs, take a shower, and lie down. She looked emotionally drained but more at ease than she had been earlier.
Before she went up, she walked over to Natalie, who was rearranging a few books and pieces of decor in the dining room. She couldn’t help herself.
“Hey, thanks for being so cool tonight,” Madison said, her voice soft but sincere.
Natalie smiled and stepped closer, her tone gentle. “Anytime you need anything, I’ll be there.”
Watching them, I felt a knot I hadn’t realized I’d been holding loosen. Of all nights, somehow the bridge between them had started to form.
