Page 39 of Harry

Madelyn could not believe the anticipation she was feeling. He had called to let her know that he was bringing her. And he had spent the night. The entire night. When she called him last night, he told her the doctor was there, examining her. So, he was standing up to his responsibilities.

“Oh, my darling Harry who no longer was on earth. Twins.” She often spoke to the only man she had ever truly loved. But he had been just a boy. A seventeen-year-old boy frozen in time. The strong currents had taken a very sweet man and broken her heart. She had looked for similarities in Richard and found none.

Aside from the aching and astounding likeness, it had ended there. And Harry and her had been intimate. Richard had told her that he didn’t mind that his brother had been the first, but she realized later on that he had lied.

Or perhaps he had really believed it at the time.

“Ms. Madelyn?”

She turned to look at the housekeeper who was more than an employee. Rosie had been with her since before Harry was born and had been her comfort when things got really tough.

“Rosie, yes they’re on their way.”

The woman beamed and folded her tidy hands in front of her floral apron. “Should I make up a spare bedroom?”

She shook her head decisively. “He will not want to stay here.”

“The young miss is carrying two babies; she’s certainly going to need extra care.” And what Rosie did not add was that she was looking forward to lending that help.

“You know how delicate this situation is.” Madelyn looked around the lofty room, with its high beamed ceiling. It had been through multiple renovations, but there was something still gloomy about it.

She found herself wondering if it was the awful memories. Houses have a way of clinging to the ghosts of the past. “I told him everything.” There were no secrets kept from her housekeeper.

“The poor baby.” Rosie tsked sympathetically. “how did he take it?”

“It got him to get up and move. He went to her and that’s what matters. Twins!” She clapped her hands in glee. “Finally, something to look forward to. And this might just be the beginning of healing for my son.”

“The sounds of laughter in this old building.” Rosie’s smile was wide.

“I’m thinking of giving the place up.” She confided. “It’s not a happy place, never has been.”

“Where would you go?”

She shrugged elegant shoulders. “I haven’t decided yet.” She turned towards the window, her face lighting up.

“Should I get the door?” Rosie asked eagerly.

“I will get it.” Is everything ready in the blue salon?”

The woman nodded. “The entire staff is excited at the prospect of little feet padding around here. Jack made his special herbal soup. I told him how poorly she has been feeling.”

They both turned at the sound of footsteps on the wrap around porch. Clasping her hands in front of her, Rosie turned and hurried towards the blue salon to make certain that everything was as it should be.

Taking a deep breath, Madelyn went to tug open the heavy redwood doors and watched as her son guided the woman bearing his babies, across the wide porch.

“Mother.” A grin split his face as he placed a possessive arm around Janelle’s waist. “You already know Janelle.”

“Ms. McGibbon…”

“None of that nonsense.” With a wide smile, she stepped forward with outstretched hands. “Welcome my dear. Come on in out of the cold.”

Janelle clasped her hand and felt herself sagging in relief at the warm welcome which was so different from the first few times she had met the woman. But then again, she could not blame the woman for her reticence.

Considering that she was just a real estate agent, Madelyn had thought been concerned that she was after Harry for his money. She was going to be a parent soon, so the natural urge to be protective was already there.

“How are you feeling?”

“Wonderful. Your son has been doing a particularly good job of taking care of me.”

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