October 3rd, 1992 (Saturday)

Jackson had become a constant presence. He seemed like a member of the family. He was present at every event and that day, wouldn't be different.

They were at the farm to celebrate Regina's thirty-third birthday. As always, there would be a barbecue and edible delights, a lot of music and joy.

Jackson had recovered from the accident that had limited his legs movement, but his heart was still broken. Despite the respect he had for his doctor and friend, it was clear his fascination for Regina. He did everything possible to disguise the attraction that he felt but wasn't always successful. So far, no other woman had caused such a great impact on him.

The farm was prospering every day, and with the big demand, more employees were hired. Edward and Gill delimited a part of the land that would be to build houses for the employees and their families. Ten families were already living in those houses, whose members worked in agriculture, at the stable or on the touristic section of the farm. Some women helped in the main house, doing chores and cooking.

During the Saturday lunch, Gill introduced the family to the new employees. Mr. Joe Gonzalez was a farmer with great experience and was responsible for new areas that would be destined for planting. He was married and had two daughters and a son. Madeleine was the oldest and, since she cooked very well, was hired to help Marlene, since Rosie had moved to Goiania.

Jackson was talking excited to Robert and Edward about Brazil's political situation, with President Collor's recent impeachment, and didn't notice, at first, on the new girl that was helping serve lunch. When Madeleine, accidentally, bumped into Jackson's arm, he turned to look at her. She apologized and their eyes met for a few seconds. But it was enough for Jackson not to take his eyes off her. He wasn't even interested in the conversation anymore.

He watched her with attention. She wasn't a little girl; she was a woman. Although she was simple, she had a good posture, a security in her looks and a rare beauty. She had curly brown hair stuck on a ponytail. Her traits were delicate, she had tanned skin and light brown eyes. She wasn't wearing any makeup, but she had a healthy look and a charming smile. She was tall. Maybe 5''8'. Her cotton dress accentuated her curves: very small waist, firm breasts, long legs. Her hands were delicate, and she had pretty nails.

Jackson was so fascinated by Madeleine, that even his friends noticed.

─ Hey, Jackson! Stop drooling over the lady! Her dad is mad, Edward said.

Jackson gave him a shy smile and tried to disguise his interest, unsuccessfully.

When Madeleine was serving coffee, Jackson looked to see if she had any ring on her fingers. The lack of a ring made him relieved. He himself couldn't understand what was happening. Since when he felt so stunned by an unknown woman?

In the late afternoon, the singing was entertaining the family and Jackson went to the bathroom. Passing through the kitchen, he noticed Madeleine was still doing her chores and decided to talk to her.

─ Hi, everything ok? Is it a problem if I pour myself a glass of water?

─ No, not at all. Let me get it for you sir.

─ I don't wanna give you any more trouble.

─ It's no trouble at all.

─ What's your name?

─ Madeleine. But everyone calls me Maddie.

─ Nice to meet you, Maddie. I'm Jackson. Are you enjoying living and working here?

─ Oh, yes. It's wonderful here.

─ Are you married?

─ No, I'm single. I live with my parents and siblings.

─ And do you have a boyfriend? ─ Jackson noticed she blushed.

─ No, I don't have a boyfriend. Here's your water.

─ I heard your father is mad.

She laughed and shook her head.

─ Barking dogs seldom bite.

─ Does your dad come to pick you up after work?

─ No, I go home with the other women who are our neighbors. I always have company.

─ That's good. I would be worried if you went alone.

She stopped what she was doing and turned to him, staring at him.

─ I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not getting your point with this conversation. Why would you be worried about me if you just met me?

Jackson didn't know what to say. Not even he was understanding his attitude. But he wasn't in the age to play games anymore. He decided to be straightforward and honest.

─ I don't know how to answer this, Maddie. Something happened to me when our eyes crossed before lunch. I'm not an irresponsible kid trying to hit on a pretty girl. It has been years since I had someone in my life, but not by lack of options and, indeed, by lack of interest. This moment, I can't explain to you what I'm feeling. I apologize if I crossed a line. I don't want to embarrass you. If I'm bothering you with this conversation, I'll leave.

─ Not at all, it doesn't bother me. I just thought it was weird that you sir came here to talk to me.

─ I've heard that your father knows the area very well and has experience with evaluating lands. Could I talk to him? I'm interested in buying a property near here. ─ Where did that idea come from? Since when I'm interested in the rural area? What is happening to me? ─ Jackson was surprised by his own thoughts.

─ Maybe my father can help you. Tomorrow morning you can meet him for a chat.

─ Oh! That's great. Thank you, Maddie. I'll let you get back to work in peace.

They looked at each other again before he left the kitchen. It seemed like Regina's family peculiarity was contagious, Jackson thought.

What was happening to him?

Late at night, when everyone had fallen asleep, Jackson still couldn't close his eyes. His chest burned with such intensity that he couldn't identify. When he finally slept, he saw Maddie in his dreams. She smiled in that peculiar way and her light brown eyes stared at him with such intensity that they were attracted like magnets.

Jackson woke up very early. Practically didn't sleep at all. Took a shower and got dressed in a special way. Combed his hair that went down to the base of his neck and put some gel, so it looked more tied up. Put on some jeans and a long-sleeved plaid shirt. Put on some boots. Looked at himself in the mirror. He wanted to cause a good impression on Maddie's father.

Mr. Joe Gonzalez was plowing a field near his house when Jackson arrived.

─ Good morning. Mr. Gonzalez, correct?

─ Good morning. Yes, it's me.

─ My name is Jackson. I've heard you are quite familiar with the zone and I would like to ask for your help to find a good property on sale around here.

─ There aren't many properties for sale here, but I can have a look. What are your plans for the land?

─ I've got two ideas in mind. One of them is a horse farm. The other is building a space for events.

─ Events?

─ Yes, events. Concerts.

─ Here? In this area? Do you think that's wise?

─ Yeah. Maybe is a risky idea. I'll start with the horse farm.

─ Well, as soon as I know something, I'll tell Gill or Edward so they can notify you.

─ Alright. I'll leave my card with you sir too. If you want, you can call me directly.

─ I don't have a phone, sir. But I'll keep your card.

─ I appreciate your kindness to help me.

─ See ya.

─ See you, Jackson repeated.

He went back to the farm, thinking about what Edward and Gill would say once they knew about his unexpected willingness to be a farmer.

Once he got to the front port, he found Robert drinking coffee.

─ Were you up with the lark this morning?

─ Yeah, I know. Since yesterday I've been feeling a little anxious. I couldn't sleep properly.

─ Can I help you somehow, Jackson?

─ Not right now, no. But if I need it, I'll ask your help. I want a cup of coffee too. I'll grab a mug in the kitchen.

─ Yeah. You should find another excuse. The table is full of mugs.

─ I can't fool anyone, apparently.

─ Madeleine?

─ Yes. Something very strange happened to me yesterday when I saw her. It's like I know her from somewhere, like she's already part of my existence. I can't think of anything else. I want to be around her, look at her, watch her. I don't know, if you can understand me?

─ I can guarantee you I'm a PhD in this business.

Jackson and Robert laughed. Jackson told Robert about the talk he had with Madeleine yesterday, the crazy idea he had to buy lands and the meeting with her father this morning.

─ It seems like you took many steps towards your goal. Robert said. If you want a little cupid's help, talk to Regina. She can hit the target on the first try, Robert said.

As she had been called, Regina appeared in the front porch.

─ Good morning, gentlemen. Everything ok?

Jackson looked at Regina and told her his adventure.

─ Can I count on your help?

─ Jackson, I'm very happy for you. I was long overdue this heart beating for something. Be cool, because I have an idea.

Sunday afternoon, when everyone was leaving, Regina showed up with Madeleine next to her carrying a small bag. She explained that she had asked Mr. Gonzalez's permission for Maddie to spend a week in Goiania, so her mother could rest for a bit. She would pay Maddie very well for that.

Robert winked at Jackson, who got the message. The "Cupid Lady" was in action.

When they got back from the farm on Sunday, Regina had already talked to Edward to put Sonia on the first trip available. She needed to make her plan of bringing Madeleine to Goiania reliable.

Jackson visited their house every day, and there's was already a bigger interaction between him and Maddie. He had just turned forty and Maddie was thirty-five. They were both mature people, but she had never had a serious relationship with someone.

It was the middle of the week, but Jackson had no time to waste. She wouldn't be in the city for too long. He needed some time alone with Maddie and had the idea of inviting her for dinner.

He talked to Regina who, as always, gave him all of her support. In the afternoon, Regina made up an excuse to make Maddie go along with her to the mall. She got in many stores and convinced the maid to accept some gifts so she could be better dressed for the city. They came back to the house with a new wardrobe. During the ride, she scanned the lady about her feelings for Jackson and realized that she wasn't indifferent to him.

In the early night, Jackson showed up at Regina's house and made Maddie an invitation. Maddie was a simple person, but far from naive. She accepted the invitation without saying anything about how she had already discovered their plans.

Regina and Andrea helped her get ready. They did a light makeup and fixed her hair, letting it down and with beautiful curls. The dress was white and had lace, with a mid-length. The sandals with low heels, also white, made a very good match and highlighted Maddie's brown skin. For the accessories, long and colorful earrings to give a younger look. She was beautiful.

When she arrived in the living room, Jackson's eyes sparkled, and he couldn't mask his admiration. Edward came near him with a napkin.

─ Take this, Jackson. You're drooling.

Everyone laughed, including Maddie.

Jackson grabbed her hand and took her outside. He couldn't wait for them to be alone. Dinner was at a simple restaurant, small and cozy. He didn't want something too fancy so he wouldn't make Maddie uncomfortable. If she accepted him, there would be plenty of opportunities for her to know more sophisticated places.

Maddie's simplicity didn't make her any less interesting. She had studied and had some culture, despite never having traveled. She was a polite person and knew how to act. That made Jackson even more admired. They talked a lot, about their pasts and their dreams. Maddie looked in Jackson's eyes the whole time and he could feel the honesty in her words.

When they left the restaurant and went to the parking lot, holding hands, Jackson didn't resist and pulled her near him. They were with their faces very close.

─ Maddie, do you know the effect you have on me? Ever since I met you, I can't focus on anything else. Your look chases me even in my dreams.

─ This is so different and unexpected, Jackson. I feel like I'm living in a fairy tale.

─ Will you be my girlfriend?

─ Girlfriend? I don't know. We live in different cities. I need to talk to my parents. I don't know if they'll happily accept this situation.

─ Let me talk to your father. I need to know what you want, what you feel about me.

─ I can't stop thinking about you either. But I've been fighting these thoughts, because I can't believe that you would be interested in me, indeed. I don't wanna get hurt. I'm alone, but I'm happy. I have a quiet life. My heart is in peace. I don't want to shake this balance because of an adventure.

─ You're not and will never be an adventure to me. I can guarantee you I've never felt anything close to what I feel for you. We need to take a step at a time, but my heart tells me that I need you by my side forever.

He caressed her face with the tip of his fingers and then slid down to her neck. He held the back of her neck and brought her face even closer to his face.

Their lips were just an inch apart and their eyes fixed on each other. Their breath was panting.

They were like this for a few seconds until Jackson slightly put his lips against hers. At first, a shy and tender kiss, but the heat from the passion exploded and Jackson put all his excitement in that touch, exploring Maddie's mouth, who started to kiss him back with the same emotion. He hugged her on her waist and their bodies were pressed against each other. Maddie noticed his excitement and pushed back.

─ I think we should stop. I don't think here is appropriate for this much intimacy. I also don't wanna give you the wrong impression. I don't have any experience with men.

─ What are you telling me? Are you still a virgin? ─ Immediately, images from a distant past returned to his mind, when he was extremely careless with another young woman.

─ Yes, it was never more than kisses and hugs. I've only dated two boys and neither one of the relationships lasted for long. They didn't make me feel this heat that I feel with you. This feeling of being in a fairytale makes me think about things, she said with a little smile.

─ Maddie, I'll always respect you. But we're not young anymore, and I don't intend on being your boyfriend for long. This weekend, I'm going to the farm to talk to your father, ask permission to date you and make myself very clear that I want a serious and official commitment in a short time. Of course, if you want that too.

─ Jackson, like you said it yourself, let's take one step at a time. I don't want you to make a hasty decision and regret later. I don't want you committed for pity.

─ If you could identify what I feel in my heart right now, it would know how much nonsense you're saying. Let's go! Let me take you home before my instincts make me lose my good sense.

Jackson parked in front of Regina's house, he got out of the car and opened the door for Maddie.

He pulled her again to his arms and pressed his body on her, making her trapped between him and the car door. He kissed her like her lips were water and he had been in the desert for months.

On Saturday, Jackson went to the farm with Robert, Regina and, Maddie. His friends were witnesses in the conversation he would have with his future father-in-law.

Mr. Gonzalez and his wife were called to the farmhouse. The conversation was tense, but the presence of his friends gave credits to Jackson's good intentions and, he was authorized to become engage to Maddie in thirty days.

Jackson spent practically the entire month with Maddie since he couldn't be away from her. He bought her a beautiful engagement ring and on the day of the event there was a big party, with the presence of all his "adopted" family and the farm's employees.

The wedding would be in six months at the farm's chapel. Jackson wanted to anticipate the date, but Maddie refused so people wouldn't comment bad things. She wanted to get married still a virgin and he respected her wishes.

On the six months that followed, he moved to the Toledos' farm. He couldn't do anything before talking to his lover first. Her father found a very big land, on the outskirts of Goiania, that was being auctioned. Jackson managed to buy the land. He also bought a good house near Regina's.

One month before the wedding, a headquarter was being built on the land he had bought, where Maddie's family was going to live, and the house in Goiania had been remodeled and was ready to receive the new couple.