Grave Concerns (4 page)

Reintroduction to the Winters family wasn’t as uncomfortable as Maddie initially envisioned.

Don Winters, a big bull of a man with a huge heart, hugged Maddie so tightly Nick finally had to pry her away out of fear he would smother her. His Aunt Bernadette “oohed” and “aahed” over Maddie’s hair and “tiny figure” until Maddie’s face was so red Nick worried she would pass out. His Uncle Chester leered at her suggestively, forcing John to drag him away before Nick completely lost his temper.

Maddie chatted with Nick’s cousins and their spouses. She met their children, although she couldn’t remember everyone’s name. Two of the kids were teenagers – Ryan and Tyler – and they couldn’t stop staring at Maddie. Nick wasn’t nearly as worried about their reactions as he was about his uncle’s suggestive stare. In fact, he thought it was funny they seemed gobsmacked in the face of Maddie’s cut-off shorts.

“It’s not funny,” Maddie hissed. “They keep staring at me.”

“They’re teenagers,” John shot back. “You’re their ideal pin-up girl … except they get to gawk in person.”

“I don’t think it’s funny.”

“It’s completely funny,” Nick countered, slinging an arm over her shoulders. “I’m going to be the most popular guy at the reunion thanks to you, love.”

“You’re
so
funny.”

“I’ll put on a stand-up routine for you when we’re back at the cabin,” Nick offered, wriggling his eyebrows. He was clearly enjoying himself.

John glanced around to make sure the trio was out of earshot and lowered his voice. “How come you got the cabin? Is it because Maddie is psychic and sees ghosts?”

Maddie paled while Nick scowled.

“Keep your mouth shut,” Nick warned. “Don’t you even think of … .”

John held his hands up in mock surrender. “I was just asking.”

“Well, don’t,” Nick snapped.

“It’s okay, Nicky,” Maddie said, tugging on his arm to draw his attention to her. “He’s just being … John.”

Nick sighed. “I know.” He gave Maddie a soft kiss before turning back to his brother. “I’m sorry. Just … don’t say stuff like that. Don’t joke about it.”

“I’m sorry,” John said. “I keep forgetting that you two don’t have much of a sense of humor about this stuff.”

“What don’t they have a sense of humor about?”

Maddie froze when she heard the new voice and Nick immediately noticed the change in her demeanor. He slipped his arms around her shoulders and plastered a welcoming smile on his face as he turned to greet his sister.

Kelly Winters had the same dark hair and eyes as her brothers. She was almost a full foot shorter than them, though, and Maddie towered over her as the woman approached.

“I was just messing with Nick and Maddie because they’re constantly petting each other,” John smoothly lied. “I like to joke with them.”

Kelly looked different than the last time Maddie saw her. Ten years and a multitude of disappoints can change a person, and Kelly looked beaten down. Maddie tried to remember what Nick told her about his sister. She knew she was divorced and that while her daughter carried her father’s last name, Kelly opted to go back to her maiden name. Nick didn’t talk about the divorce except to say that Kelly should’ve known what she was getting into and instead opted to remain blind. Maddie didn’t know what that meant, but she had a feeling it wasn’t good.

“Hello, Maddie,” Kelly said, her voice even but unwelcoming.

“Hi, Kelly.” Maddie suddenly felt an overwhelming burst of shyness.

“You look … amazing,” Kelly said. “I knew you would grow up to be pretty, but … wow. It must be nice.”

Nick frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“You look good, too,” Maddie said, ignoring Nick’s ire. “I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

“More than ten years, right?” Kelly asked. “I think the last time we saw each other you and my brother were best friends trying to pretend you didn’t love each other. Then you took off and broke his heart.”

“Kelly, don’t even think about bringing all of this up again,” Nick warned. “Maddie and I are together. We’re happy. Just … let it go.”

“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Kelly said, feigning innocence. “I was just pointing out that she broke your heart.”

“And then she came back and fixed it,” John interjected. “They’re disgustingly happy. I don’t know why you can’t accept that and let it go.”

“I didn’t say anything,” Kelly protested.

“No, but you’re about to and you’re not going to like what happens if you do,” Nick said.

“What’s going on over here?”

The teenage girl moving up behind Kelly looked exactly like her mother. Maddie hadn’t seen the girl since she was about four years old. Hayley Donovan had her mother’s build and she boasted the same coloring.

“Nothing, Hayley,” Kelly said, forcing a smile. “Do you remember Maddie?”

Hayley shook her head. “Sorry.” She smiled at Nick. “Hi, Uncle Nick.”

“Hi, Hayley,” Nick said, flashing his niece a legitimate smile. “How is my favorite niece?”

“I’m your only niece.”

“I guess it’s good you’re my favorite then, isn’t it?” Nick teased.

“I guess so.” Hayley rolled her eyes dramatically and then turned back to Maddie. “Your hair is really … bright. Do you dye it?”

“No,” Maddie said, laughing lightly.

“I wish my hair was that color. I want to dye it, but Mom won’t let me.”

“You should get some of that Manic Panic stuff,” Maddie suggested. “It’s temporary color and you could put streaks in your hair without worrying about ruining it over the long haul.”

“Cool,” Hayley said. “Where do you get that stuff?”

“I’m not exactly sure,” Maddie admitted. “My friend Christy owns the salon in Blackstone Bay. She has some. I can ask her.”

“Mom, can I do that?”

“No,” Kelly said, clenching her jaw. “I told you that you can’t dye your hair and I meant it.”

“Oh, come on,” Hayley whined. “Maddie said it’s temporary.”

“Well, when Maddie has a daughter she can let her dye her hair like a rainbow if she wants,” Kelly said. “As long as you’re my daughter, it’s not going to happen.”

Hayley made a disgusted sound in the back of her throat. “Well, great.” The teenager stomped off in the direction of her grandmother, and Maddie thought back to when she was the same age. Whenever Olivia told her no she always went to her grandmother for help. She had a feeling that was exactly what Hayley was doing now.

“I would appreciate it if you didn’t put ideas in my daughter’s head,” Kelly said.

Maddie snapped her attention back to the angry woman in front of her. “I’m so sorry. I … .”

“Don’t apologize,” Nick interrupted. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Kelly is just … .”

“Being Kelly,” John finished.

“She’s my daughter,” Kelly argued.

“Then go and hang out with her,” Nick suggested, grabbing Maddie’s hand. “We’re going to take a walk.”

“THEY’RE
so disgustingly happy,” Kelly said, settling in the canvas chair next to her mother after dinner and focusing on Nick and Maddie as they cuddled on a blanket fifty feet down the slope. They were technically part of the group, but clearly in their own little world.

“They are,” Sharon agreed, following Kelly’s gaze. “I’m so happy for them.”

Kelly wrinkled her nose. “You’re not going to be happy when Maddie takes off and crushes Nick.”

Sharon sighed, exasperated. “Maddie isn’t going to take off again,” she said. “She was a confused teenager and she was struggling. She came home because she couldn’t stay away from Nick.”

“She came home because her mother died and she had a ready-made business waiting for her,” Kelly corrected. “She decided that Nick would do when she got back.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” Sharon chided.

“I know that Maddie absolutely devastated Nick when she left.”

“She also devastated herself,” Sharon said. “Don’t you dare go after that girl. She’s been through enough.”

“You always take her side,” Kelly muttered.

“I’m not taking sides,” Sharon clarified. “I just happen to know that Maddie has been through the wringer. To be fair, your brother has been through the wringer, too. They’ve been on an emotional roller-coaster.”

“And whose fault is that?”

“No one’s,” Sharon shot back. “Those two were too young to make it work back then. Maddie leaving saved them a lifetime of heartache. By coming back, she gave Nick his happy ending. She gave it to herself, too.

“I know life hasn’t been great for you lately, but those two have literally been through some of the worst things imaginable,” she continued. “Nick had to breathe the life back into Maddie’s lungs to keep her alive. Try to get some perspective.”

“I have perspective,” Kelly argued. “I also love my brother. I would hate to see what happens if that woman leaves a second time.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Sharon said. “Nick and Maddie are soul mates. They’ve already decided what their future is going to be. You need to prepare yourself, my girl. They’re living together. They’ll be engaged soon. Nick won’t be able to help himself and he’ll propose sooner rather than later. Maddie is going to be a part of our family. You’d better accept it and start treating her accordingly.”

“We’ll just see about that,” Kelly muttered, her voice low enough to avoid her mother’s prying ears.

“THERE’S
one,” Maddie said, leaning in closer to Nick and pointing toward a shooting star.

“Make a wish, Mad,” Nick whispered, softly kissing her cheek.

“My wishes already came true.”

“Mine, too,” Nick replied. “Maybe we should start thinking about making some new ones.”

“I’m happy with the ones that came true so far.”

Nick grinned. “I love you, my Maddie.”

“I love you, too.”

This time the kiss Nick planted on Maddie’s lips ratcheted up the temperature. When they separated, it took them a moment to catch their breath.

“As much fun as I’m having stargazing under the watchful eye of my mother and sister, how about we head back to the cabin and finish up there?” Nick suggested. “I’m ready for it to be just the two of us.”

“And the stars,” Maddie teased.

“And the stars,” Nick conceded. “Let’s go make some wishes together, love.”

“Okay.”

Nick helped Maddie to her feet, watching as she folded the blanket and rested it over her arm. He linked his fingers with hers and led her back toward the campfire.

“Are you two going?” Sharon asked, already knowing the answer.

“We’re tired,” Maddie replied.

“Yes, you look tired,” Don said, smirking. “I’m sure you two are going to go straight to bed when you get back to the cabin.”

“Smooth, Dad,” Nick said. He wasn’t particularly bothered by his father’s suggestion, no matter how embarrassed Maddie got in the face of everyone’s expectations.

“I try.” Don smiled at Maddie. “You two sleep well.”

“We will,” Nick said. “We’ll be back for breakfast tomorrow morning.”

Nick and Maddie were quiet during the walk, their hearts and mind linked through their fingers as they scanned the sky. They were almost back to the cabin when Maddie slowed her pace, the hair on the back of her neck rising. She glanced over her shoulder, searching the darkness. Nothing popped out.

“What’s wrong?” Nick asked.

“I … it’s weird. I thought I felt someone watching us.”

Nick followed her gaze. “I don’t see anyone.”

“I don’t either.”

Nick patiently waited. “Is it a feeling or is a …
feeling
?”

Maddie shrugged. “I’m not sure. I … it’s nothing. I don’t feel danger. If there was something terrible out there, I would know it.”

“You’re probably just on edge because you know I’m going to ravish you under the stars,” Nick teased.

Maddie arched a challenging eyebrow. “Maybe I’m going to ravish you. Have you ever considered that?”

“Only every night in my dreams, love,” Nick replied. “Come on. Let’s see who can make the perfect wish first.”

“You’re on.”

Maddie woke up the next morning to find Nick’s body pressed tightly against hers, his face buried in the arched hollow of her neck. She took a moment to relish the comfort he offered.

“I can feel your mind working from here, Mad,” Nick murmured, shifting slightly so he could roll his favorite blonde to face him. “You’re supposed to be rested and quiet when you wake up. I get the feeling you’re … something else.”

Maddie loved the way he looked when he woke up. She adored his sleepy eyes and lazy smile. She especially loved his messy hair. “I was thinking something schmaltzy, if you must know.”

Nick grinned. “I think I must know what you’re thinking … especially if it’s something schmaltzy.”

“I was thinking that you … complete me. I’ve never felt better then when I’m in your arms. Go ahead. Make fun of me.”

Nick’s face, while filled with joy, offered no hint of teasing. “You’re my everything, love. I feel the same way. I am curious why you were thinking about it now, though.”

“All those years I was away from you I … well, I never slept well,” Maddie admitted. “My dreams were a mess. Heck, most of them were nightmares. I woke up alone every morning. I didn’t know it was possible to be this happy.”

Nick’s expressive brown eyes softened and he pressed a kiss to Maddie’s mouth. “I’ve never been this happy either,” he said. “You don’t have to feel guilty about it, though. You don’t have to … be embarrassed by your feelings. I want people to know that you find me handsome and can’t get enough of me.”

Maddie giggled. “I’ll have a T-shirt made up.”

“You do that.” Nick’s mouth returned to Maddie’s, the kiss growing in intensity until the cabin door flew open.

John slapped his hand over his eyes when he realized what was going on beneath the covers. “Oh, no way! I’m scarred for life.”

Nick tugged up the sheet, making sure Maddie was covered before turning his furious eyes on his brother. “Don’t you knock?”

“You’re camping,” John countered, his fingers separating so he could peek between them. “You’re not supposed to be rolling around naked when you’re camping.”

“Stop looking at her,” Nick ordered, slipping out from beneath the sheet and climbing out of bed.

“Oh, man … why are you naked?” John sounded like a petulant child.

“Because we were … sleeping,” Nick answered. “Get out of here.”

“Mom sent me to get you guys for breakfast.”

“We’ll be down in twenty minutes,” Nick snapped.

“I … um … .”

“Why are you still standing there?” Nick was beside himself.

“I was kind of hoping to see Maddie naked,” John admitted. “If I have to be mentally scarred by seeing you in all of your … glory … then I feel I should be rewarded by seeing something legitimately glorious.” John sent Maddie a cheeky smile. “I’m guessing you look glorious naked.”

“I’m going to kill you,” Nick muttered, grabbing John’s arm and pushing him out the door. “Stop looking at her!”

“You’re a lucky man, Nick.”

“We’ll be down in twenty minutes,” Nick hissed. “If you say anything about this … .”

“Just one more look,” John whined.

“I’m going to beat you bloody.”

“DO YOU
think John told your mother what we were doing?” Maddie asked, her fingers linked with Nick’s as they trekked to the family campsite. “I mean … do you think she knows?”

Nick smirked. “You’re so adorable.”

Maddie stilled, confused. “That wasn’t an answer. Why am I adorable? Are you making fun of me? Is everyone going to know that John saw me naked?”

“First off, John didn’t see you naked,” Nick replied, his forehead wrinkling. “John wishes he could see you naked. If John ever sees you naked, I’m going to have to cut his eyeballs out. Maybe I should cut his fingers off so he can’t open doors, too.” Nick lost himself in revenge fantasies, only snapping back to reality when Maddie shifted her hand to her hip and glared at him. “What was I saying, love?”

“You were just about to explain how I’m going to be the laughingstock at breakfast,” Maddie replied, her cheeks burning at the thought of Sharon and Don knowing what she and Nick were about to do when John entered the cabin. “Oh, man … do you think they’ll try to talk you out of dating me?”

“That right there is adorable,” Nick said, tweaking Maddie’s nose. “Do you think they’re unaware of what we’ve been doing?”

“I … well … no,” Maddie hedged. “It’s just … John saw us.”

“John saw us the first time we did it,” Nick reminded her. “He walked into my bedroom without knocking then, too. I really do need to cut his fingers off.”

“Yes, but we’re supposed to be on a family outing,” Maddie said. “We weren’t doing anything family friendly. If we were a television show, we’d be on HBO.”

Nick burst out laughing. He couldn’t help himself. “Oh, love, you are my favorite person in the world.” He cupped her heart-shaped face and kissed her. “My parents are well aware that we have sex. They don’t need John to tell them that we’re … doing the deed.”

“But … .”

Nick silenced her with another kiss. “I’m pretty sure they figured out we were having sex before this morning,” he said. “In fact, since the whole town was running a pool for when we finally did do it, I’m thinking they’ve known for a few months now.”

“Fine. Make fun of me.” Maddie made a face that was so comical Nick had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. “I still think they’re going to think I’m loose.”

“Well, I’ll buy you a T-shirt with a scarlet A on it just so there won’t be any future confusion,” Nick said, tugging Maddie’s hand so they could resume their walk. “My parents don’t care that we were naked, Mad. Technically, we weren’t doing anything but kissing.”

“Oh, please,” Maddie scoffed. “You were ramping up to do something.”

“Yes, well … you can’t arrest a man for intent.”

“I still think your mother is going to be horrified,” Maddie said.

“I think you’re going to find that your embarrassment is misplaced.”

A multitude of faces swiveled in their direction as they crested the hill and moved toward the campsite. John held court next to the fire, his back to Nick and Maddie as they approached, and he was clearly having a good time relating his story.

“And then Nick threatened to kill me if I didn’t leave,” John said, waving his hands for emphasis.

Nick cleared his throat, taking John by surprise.

“Oh, hey,” John said, his cheeks turning crimson. “I was just talking about how excited I am for breakfast.”

“I heard,” Nick said, nonplussed. “I have a feeling you and I are going to have another talk.”

John scowled. “Come on, man,” he said. “I’m stuck out here entertaining the oldsters and the youngsters while you get to cuddle up next to Maddie every night. I need to get my thrills somewhere.”

“I’m going to get my thrills by beating the snot out of you,” Nick threatened.

“I see you two are getting along like you normally do,” Sharon said, rolling her eyes as she moved between Nick and Maddie. “Don’t let the competitive streak my children insist on having upset you, Maddie dear. They can’t help themselves. It’s a man thing.”

Maddie pursed her lips, embarrassment washing over her. “I guess. Um … I’m sorry.”

Sharon knit her eyebrows together. “About what?”

“She’s mortified that John burst into our cabin this morning and she thinks you’re all whispering about her being loose,” Nick supplied, squeezing Maddie’s hand to reassure her. “I’ve told her that’s not true but … well … she’s got a weird prudish streak that I can’t quite get her to shake.”

“You have nothing to feel embarrassed about,” Sharon said.

“That’s for sure,” John interjected, wiggling his eyebrows.

Nick reached for his brother, his hands ready to close around his neck, but John easily evaded him.

“John, you know better than letting yourself into someone’s private space without knocking,” Sharon chided. “How would you feel if someone did the same thing to you?”

“I think I would be fine with it as long as I got to see Maddie naked,” John replied.

Nick swiped at him again, causing Sharon to frown.

“That is not funny, Jonathan Winters,” Sharon snapped. “I don’t care how you and your brother choose to go at each other. Maddie should feel safe in her own bedroom … or the bedroom she’s rented for the week, as the case may be. It’s not okay to force yourself on women.”

John’s mouth dropped open. “I … who … what … I did not force myself on her.”

Maddie was confused. While she wasn’t thrilled with John barging in, she never felt threatened by the situation. “I’m not sure … .”

Sharon cut her off. “Really? You don’t think that peeping on a naked woman is the same thing as forcing her to do something?”

“No,” John said, glancing at Nick for support. For his part, Nick looked just as confused as his brother.

“You’re a police officer, John,” Sharon reminded him. “If a woman came to you and said a random man walked into her bedroom and stared at her, what would you do?”

“I … .” John moved his mouth, but he couldn’t find the words to answer his mother.

“That’s right, you’d arrest him,” Sharon finished. “You did a dirty and perverted thing this morning. I’m ashamed.”

“But, Mom … .”

“You apologize to Maddie and Nick,” Sharon ordered. “You apologize and tell them it will never happen again.”

“I’m sorry,” John said, his brown eyes wide. “I’m really sorry, Maddie. I didn’t think of it that way. I was just messing with Nick. I honestly didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s okay,” Maddie murmured, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth.

Sharon leaned in close so only Maddie could hear her. “When you want to deal with them, the easiest way is to shame them until they start behaving,” she whispered. “Boys are different than girls. When you want to make girls behave you threaten to take makeup and cell phones away. When boys misbehave you threaten them with a mother’s wrath. It works every time.”

Maddie fought the mad urge to laugh. “I see.”

“I have a feeling Nick is already putty in your hands,” Sharon said, patting Maddie’s shoulder. “You’re going to have to exert control if you want to rein John in. He needs a firm hand.”

“Thank you for the advice.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Sharon moved in the direction of the picnic table and returned to her cooking task. As soon as she was out of earshot, Nick and John converged on Maddie.

“What was she whispering to you?” Nick asked.

Maddie tilted her head to the side, considering how to answer the question before offering a response. “She said that I should think long and hard before filing a police report about John barging into the cabin this morning,” she lied. “She agrees John committed a criminal act, but she’s hoping we can agree to a compromise before I bring the police into this.”

John’s face slackened. “What? Maddie, I swear to God that I didn’t mean to upset you.” His voice climbed an octave, becoming shriller with each word. “I didn’t mean for you to feel threatened. I … seriously, that wasn’t my intent.”

“I’ve decided against calling the police.”

John exhaled heavily. “I’ll make it up to you, Maddie. I promise.”

“I know you will,” Maddie replied, her tone solemn. “As part of your penance, you have to … wait on your brother hand and foot the entire camping trip.”

Nick’s handsome face split with a wide grin. “I think that’s a great idea. Way to get my back, love. You’re always thinking.”

It took John a moment to realize what was happening. “You’re joking, aren’t you?”

“Do you really think I would call the police because you walked in on us?” Maddie asked, her expression rueful. “This isn’t even the first time you’ve done it.”

“I’m going to have to beat you now,” John warned, extending a finger. “You know that, right?”

“Then I’m definitely going to have you arrested,” Maddie teased, hopping out of the way as John reached for her. Unfortunately for Maddie, instead of the open space she thought she was stepping she crashed into a grumpy-looking Kelly. “I’m so sorry,” Maddie sputtered, fighting to keep her footing.

Kelly scrunched her face up into a nasty frown. “Watch where you’re going!”

“It was an accident, Kelly,” Nick snapped, moving to Maddie’s side. “She and John were fooling around. If you want to blame someone, I suggest blaming him.”

“He’s not the one who smacked into me, is he?”

Maddie licked her lips, uncertain. “I’m really sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to her,” John said. “I was chasing you. Nothing bad happened. Just ignore her, Maddie. She’s crabby before noon. She can’t help herself.”

“Whatever,” Kelly muttered, rolling her eyes and stalking away.

“She really hates me,” Maddie said, watching her go.

“She really hates her life,” Nick countered, exchanging a knowing look with John. “You’re just an easy scapegoat this week. Don’t let her get to you, Mad.”

“Nick is right,” John interjected. “Kelly is only happy these days if she’s making someone else miserable. If you let her get to you it’s the same as letting her win. Don’t let her win.”