Page 17 of A Promise For Tomorrow

“Okay, love. Anything you need just press 2 on the phone.” I gesture with my hand to the phone on the end table.

Her nose scrunches up. “Isn’t that going to call the kitchen?” she asks warily.

I let out a chuckle, understanding what she means. “Yeah. Lainey is off tonight, she’s spending the night…enjoying herself.”

Madison purses her lips at my verbiage. I wouldn’t say there is jealousy there, but she’s definitely unnerved by this situation.

I don’t blame her.It has to be uncomfortable. Been there.

I’ll let Liam deal with this one.

God only knows what those two are. Not sure my brother ever really made it official with the lass. Meanwhile, she’s absolutely smitten with him. Quite frankly, she always has been.

“Alright. Thanks again, Kil. I’m off to go shower.” She juts her thumb out behind her in the direction of the en suite .

“See you soon, love.”

“Why didn’tyou tell me Madison is here?” Selena whisper-shouts at me from her spot at the bar.

Everyone is doing a round of shots in honor of Con and Lexi. Lexi is steaming drunk and so is Con. The two of them are doing karaoke on stage singing “Marry You” by Bruno Mars.

“I didn’t want to overwhelm her. I knew if I told you, you’d have made a beeline straight to her.”

She links her fingers through mine and lays her head against my shoulder. On a sigh, she says, “Yeah, I would have.” A laugh slips past her gorgeous lips. “Make sure those two don’t go sneaking off to elope tonight.” Her head turns towards the stage where Con and Lexi are spinning around while finishing the chorus.

“I’ll make sure Liam keeps an eye on him.”

“Mind if I join?” Madison’s voice carries over the awful singing.

Unable to help herself, Lena wraps Madison up into a hug. Tears drip over my wife’s cheeks as she tells her how much she has missed her.

Maddy rubs gentle circles over her back. “I missed you too, Sel. I’m sorry I’ve been such a bad friend. I should have reached out more. I could have Facetimed you and Kian or came to visit.It’s awful I only got to see him through the phone a handful of times.”

“It’s okay. You needed the time to figure out what you wanted. What you went through, Mad. A break from it all was needed. I don’t blame you for anything. Our friendship is still here and just as special and solid as when we last left off.”

Fresh tears roll over Madison’s cheeks and drip down onto her simple black cocktail dress. She isn’t wearing a mask, but she doesn’t need one. Plenty of our guests refuse to wear theirs. Even Lena took a break, complaining it was too hot.

For someone who wasn’t planning on coming here, Madison certainly made sure to have a dress on hand. I’m glad she did. We all needed this. Perhaps she’ll come back tomorrow for Kian’s birthday. Maybe Selena and Liam can even persuade her to move back.

She belongs here.

Her departure was directly caused by our actions or lack thereof. Madison should never have felt forced to run away from her home.

Her family. Friends.

“We have a lot to catch up on,” Maddy affirms with a sniffle.

Selena clasps both of Maddy’s hands in hers. “Will you consider coming back after seeing your father tomorrow? I would love to catch up then.” She leans in close to whisper, “I’m sure my brother would, too.”

Madison and my wife giggle together. Just like they used to. I’m thrilled they have reunited. Lena is glowing with happiness.

“I could use a drink,” Maddy declares contentedly.

“Let’s get you one,” Selena beams, already dragging her best friend towards the front of the bar.

“You’re being distant,Liam. What’s up, baby?” Lainey caresses my face as we sit at the bar watching the hilarious future Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. They are drunk off their arses, singing along terribly to Marry You by Bruno Mars.

I finish off my whiskey, buying myself some time to explain the events of today. It’s inevitable that Lainey will discover Madison’s return. I’m surprised she didn’t recognize her earlier when Mad was standing there in the entrance.

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