CHAPTER 21
Madison attempted to smooth her morning hair and pajamas. “I don’t know who would come here on Christmas. Maybe it’s Mrs. Stapp bringing you a gift.”
Crossing the floor in three easy steps, Madison opened the door. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Mouth agape, she said, “Dr. Fenton?”
Her former boss said, “Merry Christmas.”
Adam poked his head around the dentist and grinned sheepishly. “I hope you don’t mind but I took the liberty of showing up today—and brought a friend.” He rubbed his belly. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the food I brought over yesterday, especially the turkey.”
Madison blocked the doorway. “So you’re here for the food?”
Cocking his head, Adam said, “Actually, I’m here for Betsy.” He paused. “And the sexiest pajama-wearing mother I’ve ever seen.”
Dr. Fenton cleared his throat. “Madison, I hope you don’t mind if I crash your party, especially since I ruined the work holiday party.” He shifted his feet on the snowy porch.
In a daze, Madison said, “I-I don’t mind but I also don’t understand . . . any of this.”
Adam put his hand on Dr. Fenton’s shoulder. “When I discovered Bruce was spending the holidays alone, it was either he and I hang out at the Redbud Canyon bar like two lonely losers or come here.” He grinned. “Both of us much preferred the latter.” He reached for Madison’s hand. “I hope you do, too.”
Madison couldn’t speak.
Breaking the awkward silence, Betsy ran toward them yelling, “Adam, come and see my new toys.”
“Hi, Betsy. Merry Christmas. I can’t wait to see your toys.” Adam studied Madison’s face, obviously waiting for a flicker of an invitation. He rubbed his gloves together. “It’s freezing out here.”
“Sorry. I’m in a bit of shock.” Stepping aside, Madison motioned for them to come inside. “Merry Christmas. I’m glad you’re both here.” She turned to her former boss. “Dr. Fenton, I’m sorry I didn’t think of inviting you earlier. I never dreamed you’d be alone today.”
The dentist shrugged. “Divorce does that to a person.” He sighed. “But we aren’t discussing that today. It’s Christmas.” He obviously forced a happy smile. “Good cheer, happy holidays, and all of that.”
Madison pointed toward the couch. “Have a seat. I’ll brew more coffee and start the oven.” She noticed Adam was already at Betsy’s side who was happily demonstrating her new Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine and Easy-Bake Oven. She grinned as Adam played along.
“I’m starving. Are you going to cook Christmas dinner?” Adam asked.
Betsy giggled. “The turkey won’t fit in here.” She laid on her belly to get a closer look at the miniature oven.
“What are you going to bake in there?” Adam asked.
Betsy turned the box over and over before announcing, “Cookies, cupcakes, and pizza.”
“I could eat a pizza right now,” Adam said.
“Me, too,” Dr. Fenton added.
Betsy addressed both men. “Mommy’s cooking a turkey. You’ll have to wait.”
“Well, okay. If you insist.” Adam turned the crank on the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine. “I had one of these when I was a little boy.”
Betsy’s eyes widened. “Weally?”
“Weally. We just had two flavors back then—strawberry and grape.” Adam studied the box. “Looks like you have six now.”
Bobbing her head, Betsy said, “My fav-wite is chewwy.”
“Chewwy?” Adam furrowed his brow. After it sunk in, he said, “Ah, cherry.” He grinned. “That’s my favorite, too. You must have been a very good girl this year for Santa to bring you so many fun toys.”
She nodded. “I was. Did you see my new bike?” Betsy’s eyes clouded. “I can’t ride it. Santa forgot twaining wheels.”
Madison entered the room with two steaming cups of coffee—one in a green mug and another red. It was the closest she could get to holiday ware. Obviously overhearing the tail end of their conversation, she said, “Santa can’t remember everything, sweetie. There are lots of little boys and girls in the world. Besides, we’re going to buy some tomorrow.”
Betsy’s little shoulders dropped. “I know, Mommy but-” Her forehead crinkled. “I wanted to wide it today.”
In an obvious attempt to distract the distraught child, Adam leaned forward. “Santa left one more package at my house for you, Betsy.”
Both Betsy and Madison swiveled their heads toward him. In unison, they asked, “He did?”
Sipping his coffee, Adam nodded. “He sure did. Actually, Santa brought one for your mom, too.” Then, he elbowed Dr. Fenton “Old Saint Nick even brought one for you, Bruce.”
This time, Dr. Fenton’s mouth fell open. “Well, well. I guess I was a good boy in spite of what Beverly . . .” He downed his coffee. “Never mind. I’ll have to send Santa a thank-you note.”
Madison’s heart quickened. I don’t have a present for Adam and he brought something for each of us. Retreating to the kitchen, her mind swirled as she glanced around the kitchen for anything she could give him. I can’t exactly wrap a bowl nor a skillet. Crap. What am I going to do?
Turning her thoughts back to the meal, she placed the already thawed turkey inside a huge aluminum container atop carrots and celery. Then, she basted the turkey with melted butter and seasoned the bird with salt, pepper, sage, parsley, and basil. Grabbing two pot holders, she opened the oven door, and popped it on the lowest shelf of the oven.
Madison read the label. According to the instructions, it needed to bake for three hours. She wondered what they would do until then, still feeling awkward about the gift situation.
Adam shouted from the living room, “Need help in the kitchen?”
Madison donned an apron but remembered she still wore pajamas. “Not yet. If you’ll entertain Betsy while I change, that would be helpful.”
“Done. We’ll bake pretend cupcakes,” Adam said.
As Madison searched her closet for a decent dress, her mind raced. She tiptoed and felt above the closet and in the guest room. She found a new picture frame but wasn’t satisfied with giving Adam a frame. She considered re-gifting a vanilla candle but that didn’t seem right after all he had done. There has to be something in this house I can give him.
It was no use. He wouldn’t enjoy any of her crappy things. Opening a bathroom drawer to brush her teeth and hair, she spotted a new toothbrush from the now-defunct dental clinic and laughed. “This is ridiculous. I can’t give him a stupid toothbrush. I don’t own anything Adam would want.”
Deciding to give up the present hunt, Madison focused on her appearance. After trying on three outfits, she decided to wear a white furry sweater, black velvet pants from a previous year’s holiday party, shiny black heels, and silver hoop earrings. She curled her dark hair and applied light makeup and red lipstick.
When she returned to the living room, both adults and Betsy sat on the floor while Betsy served pretend food. Madison’s heart melted a little at the sight of both men sitting cross-legged while engaging her daughter. “Don’t get full on those cupcakes. You won’t be able to eat Christmas dinner.”
Betsy giggled. “Silly Mommy.”
Adam looked up and whistled. “Wow. You’re gorgeous.”
Feeling herself blush, Madison said, “These old things. You guys make yourselves at home, watch television, or come into the kitchen. Here’s the remote.”
Dr. Fenton and Adam exchanged glances. The dentist said, “I’ll stay with Betsy. Why don’t you help Madison?”
Adam slapped him on the back. “I like the way you think.” He got to his feet, straightened his black jeans, and crisp, white shirt. He peered at his clothes and glanced at Madison. “We sort of match.”
“I suppose we do. Want an apron so you don’t get anything on that nice shirt of yours?” He declined as Madison tied a red apron around her waist.
“What can I do?” Adam refilled his coffee and spotted a bag of potatoes on the counter. “Want me to peel those?”
Her eyebrows shot up. “A man who knows his way around the kitchen. Impressive. Yes, that would be great. We can put them in water so they don’t turn brown. Here’s a potato peeler, pan, and a cutting board.”
While Adam peeled potatoes, Madison went through the motions of cooking a broccoli and cheese casserole. Then, she placed dinner rolls on a cookie sheet when all she wanted to do was throw her arms around Adam’s neck and kiss him. The man undid her but his evil sister was another matter.
Pushing depressing thoughts aside, Madison set the table with alternating red and green placemats—since she didn’t have four of each color. Then, she remembered she still needed a gift for Adam. She studied every inch of her kitchen to no avail and wracked her brain about a possible present.