Mackey Residence

  Madison opens the front door, shoving the house keys into her left jacket pocket. The young mother's mood is much brighter than when she'd left the house. Before parting ways, Gabrielle had offered Madison her cellphone number and her friendship. Life is getting better and better.

  Madison backs slowly into the house, in order to keep the baby stroller from getting caught in the screen door. She is nearly bursting at the seams with emotion, an ecstatic whistle escaping her pursed lips. James appears beside her, opening the door wider. Madison jumps slightly, surprised by her husband's sudden presence.

  "Oh, James. I..."

  "What took you so long, Maddie?" James inquires, his expression a mask of worry. "Me and Dave were expecting you back at least an hour ago. What happened?"

  Madison looks past James into the living room. Dave is still seated on the couch, but his attention is one-hundred percent on the door. The big deputy also appears deeply concerned. Madison releases a long sigh. How much should she tell them?

  Gabrielle is her special friend. Someone she can talk to when the coppers are having their big top-secret conversations. Someone she can confide in when she isn't quite feeling her best. A confidante.

  On the other hand, she can completely understand why the guys were worried about her. After the sadistic madness of the Aquarius Killer, who wouldn't be worried? How could she have been so dumb? She should've at least called James to tell him she'd be a little late getting home.

  "Oh my gosh. James, I'm so sorry. I completely lost track of time. A really nice lady asked for my help getting back to Acker Street. She got separated from her buddies and ended up on our street. While we were looking for her friends, we caught up with the marching band. Or rather, they caught up with us. We stopped to watch the festivities for a bit. It was fun. Some kids were painting faces and selling homemade goodies. They had cream cheese strawberry strudels, James. I knew you'd really like those. I bought a few boxes to go with this week's meal prep. I even bought some for Dave. The kids were raising money for a school field trip. That's why the band was traveling down practically every road today. I didn't mean to worry you, James. I should've called you. I'm so sorry."

  James instantly regrets saying anything, his eyes studying Madison's remorseful face. He reaches for the stroller, relieving Madison of the bulky contraption. Turning the stroller, James unhooks Jamie and lifts him out. Holding the infant to his chest, James bounces him gently up and down. He meets Madison's gaze as he ever so gently rubs the newborn's back with the palm of one hand.

  "It's nothing, Maddie," James softly proclaims. "We were just worried about you. I'm not angry. I should've thought to call you too. It's not a problem. I'm just glad you and Jamie are okay. I love you, Maddie."

  Madison opens her mouth to reply, but Dave's deep voice halts the words before she can speak them. Dave climbs from the couch, stretching noisily. The deputy can already tell where this conversation is going and wants no part of it.

  "Well, if the gang's all here...I'll take my spoils and go home. By the way, Madison...Our team lost. Fifty-eight to seventy-seven. Talk about a bummer. Great game though."

  "What a shame. There's always next time, Dave," Madison says with a laugh.

  Dave crosses to the front door. Stepping beside Madison, he shuffles both eyebrows. The large deputy leans down and points to his right cheek, taking the goodie bag Madison offers him with his other hand.

  "Kiss me, I'm Irish," Dave says with a laugh.

  Madison chuckles even louder, watching from her peripheral vision as James' eyes narrow in his reddening face. She makes casual eye contact with Dave, shaking her head.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "No, you're not!"

  "How do you know?" Dave challenges.

  "Because I do," Madison replies.

  "Just a little one. Something to remember you by," Dave quips, smirking mischievously.

  Madison pecks Dave's cheek before slapping him on the right shoulder. The young mother continues to laugh, although quietly.

  "Now, get out of here before I tell Octavia on you."

  "Yes, Ma'am," Dave replies, offering Madison a half salute. "See ya later, Mack! Are we using my truck or your car tomorrow?"

  "My car! That tin can of yours is a mess."

  "Alright. See you tomorrow, Mack. Take care, Madison. Such a cute kid. I still can't believe James is the father. Seems unbelievable that he could make someone so cute. It's a real mystery. Oh...And Titus is ready to come home whenever you're ready to have him back. Russo loves having the company. Titus...Not so much. The last few nights, he's been barking his head off. Octavia is keeping him for the time being. Let me know, okay? Love you. Bye now."

  Dave rushes onto the porch and down the steps before Detective Mackey can retaliate. The big man's laughter follows him all the way to his pickup truck. Madison closes the front door and turns to face her husband. She leans forward, lightly stroking the soft hair atop their newborn son's head.

  "It's okay, Detective Grumpy. I only have eyes for you," Madison says.

  "Is that so?" Mackey teases.

  "Yes."

  "That's not true, Maddie. I think there's at least one other person you have strong feelings for," Mackey replies, gently patting Jamie's back through his tiny jacket and onesie.

  "Oh, you," Madison playfully protests.

  -

  -

  Later that night

  Madison places Jamie into his crib. She gently leans against the side, staring down at the infant's placid face. James Junior is sleeping soundly, his chest rising and falling with the beating of his tiny heart. Even after nine months of pregnancy, and two months holding the newborn in her arms, Madison is still in a state of disbelief.

  This is her tiny child? Did she and the wily Detective Mackey really make him together? Only a short time ago, she was a server in a barely successful restaurant. Living out of a hotel and working a dead end job--with no hope of a real future. The Aquarius Killer, no matter how insane he'd turned out to be, had actually done her a tremendous favor. He'd led Detective Mackey to her door. Where would she be without James? Where?

  "I love you, Jamie. I'll always love you," Madison whispers. "I won't let anything happen to you. I won't let you live the life I did. I promise. I love you."

  Warm breath tickles Madison's right ear. For the second time that night, Madison nearly jumps out of her skin. James wraps both arms around her middle. He presses his left cheek to her right, inhaling the clean aroma of her vanilla body wash. Madison also breathes in deeply. The detective has just shaved, the soft scent of his shaving cream immediately turning her on. Unless they want another kid, too soon after the first, they will have to play it safe tonight.

  "I'm sure Jamie knows that you love him, Maddie. You're a good mother. I say this as someone who had a mother who was only good when she wanted to be."

  Madison turns in James' arms, wrapping her arms around his neck. They stare into each other's eyes for what seems like an eternity. Pecking James on the lips, Madison ruffles his hair with one hand.

  "You have a busy day tomorrow, Mister. Probably a good idea to get some rest."

  "Probably," Mackey agrees, kissing Madison a second time.

  "James?"

  "Yeah."

  "Do you ever have regrets...You know, about marrying me? We didn't exactly meet under the best of circumstances. People can make mistakes under pressure. I won't be mad. I...I just want to know."

  James' eyes widen. At first, he says nothing. After a moment of consideration, James commences to kiss Madison over and over; his lips finding almost every inch of her face and neck. Madison releases a low sigh, her eyes sliding shut. James takes this opportunity to kiss the flesh of her eyelids. Once James is certain that his point has been made, he places a hand under Madison's chin. He kisses her passionately and tenderly. He stops only long enough to whisper into her left ear.

  "Never. I love you, Maddie. Case closed."

  "James..."

  Glancing over Madison's shoulder at Jamie, James confirms that the infant is still fast asleep. Without wasting time, the detective carries Madison into the next room. The baby monitor sitting on the bedside table will alert them of any future developments. A little recreation is in store.