Page 138 of Deception

Instead of doing what Madison said, Vivian grabbed for the gun Madison had wrested from her hand. They struggled and the gun went off. Vivian’s grasp loosened and she fell to the floor, her clothes still on fire.

Madison beat at the flames on her shirt, and then snatched a curtain from the window. She smothered the flames just as Clayton rushed into the room. He grabbed Madison. “Are you okay?”

As the police spilled into the room, she leaned against him and nodded as he wrapped his arms around her. “I think it’s finally over.”

Epilogue

My Dearest Madison,

From the day you came into our lives, you captured my heart. Your laughter, your stubborn determination, your unconditional love for me—you were a gift from God. I love you from the bottom of my heart. Please always remember that when you learn of my shortcomings.

And you will learn of them, I’m sure.

First of all, I’m sorry for separating you from your twin sister. You will find paperwork that should help you to find her and your birth mother. I pray you are able to find them both and only regret that I didn’t give you this information sooner.

I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive not just me but your grandmother Judith. Neither of us deserve it, but forgive for your sake, not ours. To hold on to unforgiveness is like a cancer to your soul.

You brought sunshine and love into my life, and for that I will always be thankful.

With love,

Grandfather

She would not cry. Madison pressed her quivering mouth tight. She would not. Tears came anyway, and at first, she triedto knuckle them away, then she simply let them fall as memories of her grandfather washed over her.

Gradually the tears softened the hardness in her heart. He’d loved her. Madison never doubted that, and she wouldn’t now. Judith was another matter ... but both Dani and Terri had forgiven her. When Madison asked how, both had responded the same way—God had forgiven them.

Madison smiled through her tears. She’d wrestled with that a few days and Clayton’s story of the two dogs, and she’d finally understood the message. Who was she to judge her grandmother?

Her cell phone dinged with a text. Clayton.

Want to take a ride?

It’s 9 o’clock at night.

Perfect time for where I want to go.

Madison bit her bottom lip, her fingers hovering over her phone.

Sure.

Forty-five minutes later, she leaned back in Clayton’s arms at the top of Emerald Mound, staring at the clear night sky.

“Sorry there’s only a crescent moon tonight,” he murmured against her hair.

Madison scanned the sky, looking for ... “There’s my shooting star!” she cried as a light streaked across the heavens.

“Making a wish?”

She nodded. Tonight’s wish was for the peace in her heart to never end. But she knew it wouldn’t be a shooting star that granted that wish.

Clayton turned her to face him. “You have a new beginning with Terri and Dani, and I hope you’ll include me in it.”

She brushed her fingertips along his jaw. “Does that mean you’ve given up the vow?”

For an answer he pulled her closer, his lips claiming hers. She slipped her arms around his neck and gave herself fully to his kiss. When they broke apart, he murmured, “Does that answer your question?”

Wow did it. “You are definitely in my future,” she said as he claimed her lips once more.