Page 107 of Her Summer Hope

Kyle crouched down. "Your mom deserves a nice night out, don't you think? But we'll do something fun with all of you soon."

James considered this, then nodded. But his eyes were downcast and he crawled behind the couch.

Maddy shot Kyle an apologetic glance then joined James, patting his arm. "What's wrong, sweetie?"

"Is Kyle gonna be our new dad?" he heard James ask quietly.

Kyle’s heart ached for the boy. He couldn’t imagine the pain the kid must have gone through, must still be going through. It wasn’t right. He shifted so that he could see them huddled back there.

Maddy gathered him close. "No one could ever replace your dad. But Kyle cares about us and wants to help. Is it okay if he's our friend?"

James nodded slowly. Then his face lit up. "Hey Kyle, will you teach me to shoot?"

The adults laughed again, the tension broken. "When you're older, bud," Kyle said with a grin.

He met Maddy's eyes over James' head, hope and affection shining between them.

∞∞∞

Kyle stood nervously by the mantelpiece.

He couldn't help but admire the photographs carefully arranged on Maddy's wall, each one telling a story of its own. His gaze lingered on the pictures of Maddy and Rob at their wedding, noting the similarities between Rob and the children— the same bright eyes, the same crooked smile.

Madison looked so blissful, her cheeks flushed with happiness, and it struck him that she hadn't changed much since then.

A sudden pang in his heart caught him off guard as he found a picture of just Maddy in her wedding dress, looking radiant and ethereal. He tried to push away the thought that bubbled up within him – the desire to be the one standing beside her on a day as beautiful as that.

He swallowed hard, feeling an unfamiliar ache in his chest, as he continued scanning the rest of the pictures, letting the images of Elli, James, and Jack as babies and toddlers fill his mind.

"Kyle?"

Kyle spun around as Madison walked into the room, her heels clicking softly against the hardwood floor. Her dress hugged her curves, showing off her figure perfectly. He swallowed hard, feeling his heart race.

She smelled like flowers, vanilla, and sweetness, and he couldn't help but breathe deeper to take it all in. His gaze traveled up and down her body, taking in the lace around her neckline, which concealed her ample cleavage, leaving just enough to hint at the luscious creamy skin underneath. His eyes fell to her long legs that disappeared under the knee length dress.

Her hair shone in the light, falling in perfect waves down her back. Kyle couldn't believe how lucky he was to be here with her tonight. She looked like an angel.

"You look... stunning," he whispered, his voice rough as he took a step forward.

He tentatively reached out and carded his fingers through a lock of her hair, feeling its silkiness between his fingertips. He couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to touch more of her.

His eyes locked onto hers as he trailed the strand down her arm, his fingers grazing her skin lightly. Her scent surrounded him, making it hard for him to focus on anything but how much he wanted this woman.

A soft blush spread across Maddy's cheeks, her eyes darting down to her feet. Kyle couldn't help but smile at her vulnerability—it was endearing and only made him more drawn to her.

"Hey," he said gently, slipping a finger under her chin and lifting her gaze to meet his own. "I mean it, Maddy. You're the most stunning woman I've ever seen."

Her breath hitched, and she turned away from him, clearly affected by his words. Kyle's chest tightened with concern, and he stepped closer, coming up behind her.

He pulled her back against his chest.

The warmth of their bodies pressed together sent a shiver down his spine, but he fought to keep focused on her emotions.

"Talk to me," he whispered in her ear, his breath tickling her skin as he rested his face alongside her head. "What's wrong?"

As Maddy leaned against him, trying to regain her composure, Kyle reveled in the feeling of her body pressed against his. It took every ounce of self-control not to let his physical desires take over, especially when he realized that she was struggling with some strong emotions.

"Kyle," she murmured, her voice trembling. "It's just...nobody's said anything like that to me in a very long time. I'm not used to it."