By the grace of God, she now had both.
With Emily out of commission for the last two days, Madison had stepped up at the diner. She knew how to manage the restaurant, but this was the first time she’d relished the responsibility.
An odd feeling.
“The aunties said I only should hire one—a girl to take Lindsay’s shifts—because they’d cover the floor until you were back.” Madison smirked as she rolled her eyes, and Emily laughed.
“Absolutely not,” agreed Emily. “They’re fine to fill in for a few hours here and there, but if they did it full-time, we’d be broke. They give away too much free food.”
It was true. The aunts didn’t like to charge families for all the kids’ meals or collect payment from friends they knew were struggling financially. “It’s just a little food. We can spare it,” they’d guiltily tell Madison when she caught them. The restaurant could spare food but not half of the day’s receipts.
Madison relaxed in her chair and realized this was the first time in forever that a cloud of tension no longer hung between her and Emily. “You know, Em,” Madison began, but she stopped. Her throat had constricted as long-forgotten emotions started to flow. She licked her lips and pushed on. “I was scared to death when I saw you struggling on the edge with Harlan and Tara. It felt like the time I’d seen you slide down it when we were kids. All I could do that day was scream. I was helpless.”
Emily listened, her full attention on Madison.
“But this time I could do something, and I didn’t hesitate. Zander had told me to go meet the deputies coming up the road, but something told me to follow him instead. I’m glad I did.”
“I was a split second from letting him fall,” admitted Emily. “I’m glad you were there.”
The sisters studied each other, uncertain how to handle the fresh emotion between the two of them.
Madison took a deep breath. “I was always so jealous of you.” Madison hadn’t realized she had something to say. Her words had come from nowhere.
“Me?”
“You were always so perfect. You looked out for everybody, especially me.” Now that she’d started, Madison couldn’t stop the eruption. “I pushed everyone away.”
Emily dropped her gaze. “It hurts that you didn’t notice how your indifference affected me or the aunts,” she said softly. “It felt as if we weren’t worth caring about.”
A wave of regret hit Madison. By protecting her heart, she’d hurt the people in her life. “I didn’t want my heart to be destroyed again,” she whispered. “First Dad, then Mom, and then Tara. It ripped me up inside. I thought it would be better if I wasn’t close to anyone again. Especially family. That way I’d never feel like my world was being devastated again.”
Emily’s eyes were wet. “You were so young when they died. I can see why you felt that way.”
“You were only three years older . . . but you handled it like an adult. I didn’t know how to do that.”
“I had no choice but to stand up,” Emily said. “Everyone was gone. I had to protect you.”
The women were silent for a long moment, holding each other’s gazes.
The enormity of the years she’d lost hit Madison. Tara isn’t the only one who sacrificed her family.
She hated the thought of being vulnerable. But to regain what she’d lost with her sisters, she would have to do just that and take the risk.
I’ve got nothing to lose. And everything to gain.
Madison smiled. “I’ve enjoyed being the boss at the diner. You should let me do it more often.”
Indecision flashed in Emily’s eyes, and Madison bit her tongue to hold in her laughter. Her sister had always struggled to relinquish control. “Let me prove it.”
Emily hesitated. “I can agree to that. Let’s see how it goes until I’m back on my feet.”
“Did Tara say how long she was staying?” Madison asked, changing the subject before Emily could change her mind.
“A few more days. It’s been nice to get to know Bella. And Wendy.”
“Bella loves the mansion,” Madison told her. “She made me show her every inch.”
“It’s like a castle to a little girl. But their home in Beaverton is very nice.” Emily gave a small frown. “Tara has been nagging me to spend a few weeks with them. Has she done that to you?”
“She did,” Madison lied. “I can’t wait.” Tara had extended an open invitation to visit, but Madison noticed Tara had focused her energy on getting Emily to commit.
Madison suspected she knew why.
Emily looked past Madison, her face lighting up. Madison turned in her chair and saw Zander helping Tara into the room. She smirked.
He is the reason Tara is striving to get Emily closer to Portland.
The aunts swarmed the dining room at the same time, talking nonstop, their hands full with the tea things and plates of colorful cookies.
“Macarons!” Madison’s mouth watered at the sight of the delicate French cookies. “Where did you get them?”
“Simon,” Dory announced, her smile nearly as wide as her face.
Zander helped Tara into a chair by Madison and then took the seat by Emily. They exchanged a pleased glance, and he leaned closer to ask a question, frustrating Madison as the aunts’ chatter kept her from eavesdropping.
She started to shoot an annoyed look at her aunts but froze at the sight of the happy women’s smiles. I’m lucky to have aunts who chatter.
She looked from Tara to Emily, her pride growing. And two sisters.
There would be no more keeping everyone at arm’s length.
They are worth it.
***
“How are you feeling?” Zander asked Emily. Her blood warmed at the sound of his voice as his gaze held hers.
“Better every day.”
“We need to talk.”
Her heart stuttered. Has he changed his mind? But there was no regret or concern on his face. He looked more relaxed than she’d ever seen him, his gray eyes serene and patient.
Did my toes just curl?
“Are you saying that the Fitch case is over?” she asked, curving her lips, remembering his promise to her in his SUV.
“I am.” Satisfaction colored his words.
“So now what?” Worry sparked. She had thought long and hard about whether she wanted a long-distance relationship, and the answer had eluded her. Driving back and forth for hours would wear on both of them.
Is it worth trying?
Tara.
Emily’s gaze shot to her sister in conversation with Aunt Thea, a suspicion forming. “Tara wants me to spend a few weeks with her. Or more. She’s been very persistent about it.”
Zander tipped his head. “You don’t say.”
“Faking innocence doesn’t suit you.”
“Getting you closer to Portland for a while was her idea. You’ll get to know her and Bella, and we can spend time together without me being on the clock.” He studied her face. “Will you do it?”
“Yes.” Absolutely. She couldn’t stop her smile.
“Good . . . and I found something you might be interested in.” He handed her a small, narrow box. “Madison told me how much it meant to you and your sisters. And Simon Rhoads helped me find it. You’re right . . . he’ll do anything for Dory—or you.”