Contrary to what you might think, I loved growing up in Roach.” She leaned back against the deck. “I didn’t especially like telling people where I was from, though, because they’d make fun. But these past weeks, I’ve started remembering just how wonderful my life here was.” At first she’d been surprised by the happy memories. But soon, she’d started to remember more and more. “The good times definitely outweighed the bad.”
“I’m glad you came to that conclusion.” “Can you guess why I’m named Madison?” He shook his head. “Family name? Descendant of James and Dolly?”
She grinned. “No. Because of Madison Avenue. My mama’s biggest dream when she was young was to go to New York and work on Madison Avenue in an office that overlooked the city.”
“She told you that?”
“Yeah. Just before she died, she told me she hoped I’d do all the things she wasn’t going to get to do. When I was a senior in high school and trying to figure out what to do with my life, I found her diary from her own senior year. She wanted to go to New York and work in advertising.”
“But she stayed here.”
Madison nodded. “She met Daddy that summer, and they were married by the fall. She didn’t even go away to college. Just stayed here and raised us.” A stray tear dripped down her cheek.
Grant reached out and tenderly wiped it away. “Please tell me you aren’t off chasing someone else’s dream.”
“I owe her that much. She never got to live in the city. She never got to do anything except stay here and be a wife and mother.”
He took her hand, and she tried to ignore the way it made her heart beat faster. “But how do you know that didn’t mean more to her than living in the big city ever would? And why would you think that being a wife and mother had to be the end of her ambition? Maybe she chose to stay here.”
Madison shook her head. “No way. Even your grandpa told me that he remembered how much she always wanted to head off to the city.”
Grant frowned. “She was in high school. Everyone says that kind of stuff when they’re sixteen. I know I did.”
“Seriously? You?” She couldn’t hide her surprise.
He grinned. “Yes. I went through a phase where I wanted to be a lawyer and move to a city where no one knew me.”
Madison burst out laughing. “You wanted to be a lawyer?”
“Don’t make fun. I could’ve been if I’d have wanted to.” He smiled. “But actually I was just going through my John Grisham phase.” He shrugged. “Eventually I figured out what I really wanted.”
“So do you ever regret giving up professional fishing?”
“Now and then I’ll see one of my old buddies on TV and wonder what would’ve happened if I’d stuck with it. When I stopped doing it competitively, I was at the top. I even got an offer to host a show on one of those outdoor networks.”
“No way! You’d be great at that. And you’re sure you don’t want to give it a shot?”
Grant shook his head. “I’m positive. I enjoy working as a guide. I even run a camp in the spring where I teach kids how to fish. So I’m happy with the way things have turned out.” He grinned. “Plus it means I have the time to be here, taking care of Grandpa and geocaching with you.”
“I’ve met your grandpa. I don’t think he needs much taking care of.” She met his gaze. “But I am glad you’re here to do the geocaching with me.”
“So you admit that you kind of enjoy it.”
She pushed a stray hair from her face. “Maybe.”
He chuckled. “How about we head to dinner?” He stood up and pulled her to her feet. “Then maybe we can come back here to watch the fireworks. Unless you’d rather be with a crowd.”
Her stomach lurched. She knew she should opt for watching the fireworks with the crowd. The more time she spent alone with Grant, the harder it was going to be to walk away. But given the choice, she’d much rather it just be the two of them. “I think the deck is fine.”
Grant couldn’t remember when he’d had a better time. Even though the day had started out a little rocky, what with that stupid cardboard cutout at the store, he was glad to have everything out in the open.
“Dinner was delicious.” Madison slid into the truck.
He nodded. “I’m glad you liked it. I was afraid barbecue might be too hokey for you.”
She laughed. “It was perfect. One of my favorites, actually.”
“So do you still want to go watch the fireworks from my lake house?” He wanted her all to himself, but didn’t want to press the issue.
She nodded. “Yes, please. That house is too fantastic. The deck should definitely be used for a viewing party.”
He slowed the truck down as he neared the driveway. “This might be my only Fourth of July at the house. I bought it thinking I’d have these wonderful cookouts and invite tons of people over.” He hit the garage button.
“Do you think you’re making a mistake? I mean, maybe you should move in and give it a try before you sell it.”
Grant shook his head as he turned off the motor. “I’ve thought about it. But don’t you think it’d be weird for one person to live in a house this big?” They walked into the kitchen, and he flipped on the light.
“It’s your dream house. Right?”
He nodded and looked around the kitchen. “It is. I got a really good deal on it, too. It will be hard to let it go.” He met her gaze. “It’s hard letting go of something you want so badly.”
“Then don’t.”
He motioned for her to follow him outside. “Sorry I don’t have chairs out here.”
She laughed. “You don’t have to keep apologizing. I’m actually not the high-maintenance girl I can appear to be.”
He reached over and took her hand. “I know. I think I may have been way off the mark about you. There’s a lot more substance beneath that city-girl exterior than I expected there to be.”
“You’re admitting you’re wrong about something?” She squeezed his hand.
Grant laughed. “Every now and then.”
“Well I might’ve judged you a little, too. I mean, that first day you showed up you barely looked at me. And then when I was visiting your grandpa, you made it pretty clear you wanted me to leave.”
He traced his finger along the back of her hand. “I expected you to be like Samantha. A city girl who looked down on me.”
“I don’t look down on you,” she whispered. “In fact, I think you having been a professional fisherman is kind of cool.” She smiled. “You might be the only person I know who’s been captured in a cardboard cutout.”
He laughed. “You know, I actually have a couple of those in storage if you want one.”
She squeezed his hand. “Now, that would make for some interesting wall art.” She smirked. “But only if it’s autographed, of course.”
The sky lit up with brilliant flashes of light. “So pretty,” Madison whispered. He glanced at her upturned face. “Beautiful.” She caught his gaze and smiled.
Grant tipped her chin and leaned down to kiss her. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” he whispered just before their lips met.
And there, underneath the fireworks on the deck of his dream house, Grant knew he was in trouble. But there was no turning back.
The girl in his arms had captured a piece of his heart.