Page 16 of A Promise For Tomorrow

Her arms wrap around her best friend, protectively pulling her into a warm embrace.

“I’m so glad you’re here. Dad’s okay?”

“He is. They expect him to make a full recovery. Thankfully, there were no complications.”

“Thank goodness,” she says relieved. “You want to get cleaned up? Maybe join us for a drink if you’re up for it?”

Madison plays with the strings of her sweatshirt. “I don’t know. I’m not really dressed for all this. I may just get to sleep. I need to be back at the hospital early.”

“Whatever you need, just let me know,” I offer. “We are pretty much at full capacity on extra bedrooms. Kian’s first birthday is tomorrow, so we have a few people staying the night for the festivities.”

“Shit. I should have called. I can just go,” she says remorsefully.

Her hand reaches out for her overnight bag. I take a step back, denying her.No. She needs to stay. This will always be her home. We will make it work.

“She can sleep with me. Con can stay with the boys in the bunk room,” Alexis offers.

Mad shakes her head. “Lex. It’s your engagement celebration. You aren’t forcing your fiancé to sleep in a bunk bed when heshould be sleeping next to you. I’ll just sleep on the couch. It’s no big deal.”

Liam approaches us from the kitchen. His demeanor changes instantly upon seeing her.Immediate concern. Madison has yet to realize him as he reaches us.

“What’s wrong, beautiful? Everything okay?”

“Hey, Liam. Yeah. Yeah. Everything is fine. I didn’t realize you had a full house tonight. I should have just stayed at the hotel,” she rambles, brushing him off.

He reaches out, gently cupping her elbow. “I told you I’d pick you up. You should have called me. And no, you can stay in my room. I’ll sleep on the couch or…find somewhere to sleep. Don’t worry, love.”

Like a goddamn sitcom, Lainey joins our little gathering. Her arm slinks around her man, forcing him to release Madison and wrap his arm around her. His tattooed hands find their place at her waist. She lays her head on his chest—clearly tipsy—not even realizing that Madison is present.

“Liam. Where have you been? Since the ball dropped you’ve been MIA.” Her hand comes up to caress his face.

Madison steps forward, placing her delicate hand on my shoulder. Disheartened eyes look up at me.

“Is Diego staying here tonight?” Her voice wavers as she whispers, her eyes searching mine for the answer she desperately seeks refuge in.

“Yes.” I spin her, shielding her from the whispered conversation Liam and Lainey are having. Lost in their own little world. Lainey still hasn’t noticed Madison. Perhaps we should keep it that way—for now.Madison doesn’t need the added drama on top of her already hectic night.

“Come, love. I’ll take you there.” I collect her soft hand in mine, guiding her up the stairs and away from the love birds. Alexis shoots her best friend a concerned look, but she returns itwith a faux smile in typicalMadisonfashion.Always trying to reassure everyone she is okay—when she most definitely is not.

Not at all.

Reaching the second floor, I direct us to the bedroom next to the elevator. The same one that Selena occupied while she and I were working on our shit.Quite ironic that it now belongs to her brother.

Rapping my knuckles against the wood, I knock twice. When no one answers, I turn the knob and open it a crack, confirming the room’s vacant.Diego must be downstairs at the bar. Hopefully not with a woman. I’m not sure Maddy can take much more tonight.I place her overnight bag on the chair at the base of the bed.

“I’m sure Diego won’t mind if you help yourself to his shower. I can imagine you’re exhausted—but perhaps you have it in you for one drink? Tea even? Lena would love to see you just as we all are. It’s good to have you back… for as long as that may be.” I linger at the threshold of the door like an awkward eejit.

“Thank you, Kil.” Her eyes roam around his room, likely looking for clues as to what he’s been up to in here. It’s neat and tidy–not much to analyze.

My hand cups the back of my neck as the awkwardness increases tenfold. “Listen, Maddy. I owe you an apology. I wasn’t myself after we broke up. I became a version of myself I never imagined I would become. Christ, I was no better than the ones we took out. Fatherhood has reminded me of my priorities and that power is not designed for everyone. Especially me. I let my emotions and need for revenge override my logical thinking. You, Diego, and Liam should never have been pawns in the fucked up decisions I made. I was too harsh on Liam. I let you go off with Diego when I should have fought harder for you to stay. I did awful things to Diego out of the desire to seek revenge. He’s a good man. I see that now. I’ve made my peace with my brother and him. Perhaps I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I coulduse it. I’ve missed you, Madison. Life around here just isn’t the same without your bright personality.”

Her hair shines with a purple hue as she steps towards me in the dimly lit room. It’s a beautiful shade. She sucks in a breath before placing my hand in hers.

“I forgive you. We were all forced to make some crazy choices. No one person was to blame for everything that happened. I think we’ve all had space and time to move beyond what transpired. Kil, I understand why you acted the way you did. It took me a while to realize it, and for some time I wasn’t even able to be around you—for what you did to Liam. Morespecificallyforwhat you did to Diego. But, I can see how our history and the way Diego went about it… could have created this need for revenge. Time has taught me that some things fade while others linger. The anger I held towards you no longer exists. I forgive you, Kil. I’m not sure if I’ll be here long, but moving forward, you and I are good.”

She pulls me into a hug and instantly I melt. Her touch is soothing. Like aloe on a sunburn. There is this immense feeling of relief having her here in my arms. This isn’t anything remotely sexual. It’s just how Madison makes you feel. Calmness curls around me like a weighted blanket, relieving all the anxiety built up over her this past year. Her forgiveness is everything I needed and more.

As she pulls away she murmurs, “I’m not sure I’ll make it down. I’ll see how I feel after my shower.”

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