Madison awoke early Monday morning in order to prepare for Brandon's arrival. Long before the children even opened their eyes she was seated at the dinning table with the file spread across in front of her. The Haywood's must have put a lot of thought into it because it was extremely detailed. It included everything, from a list about his likes to a full history of his academic past.

"Likes" Madison read allowed before taking a sip of her hot chocolate – she always hated coffee – "Toronto Blue Jays baseball games, the colour blue, old murder mystery movies, staying up late and sleeping in, reading of any kind, motorcycles, playing basketball or baseball, Italian food, anything with chocolate". Madison nodded to herself as she reviewed the likes again. It seemed easy enough to remember.

"Okay lets see the dislikes now" she grabbed another sheet and looked over it "citrus fruit. That's it?" she frowned in confusion and turned it around to look on the other side, but nothing was there either "alright, seems he likes everything but citrus fruit" she shrugged a little.

The history explained about the sports he played through his youth, his high school awards, his university courses. She noticed he put a lot of time and thought into his schooling. Looking at his grades showed that he had graduated with top honors – she had to admit she was impressed.

Included in the file was a stack of photographs. She had noticed that there went any hanging around the house, she wasn't sure if that was because Brandon didn't like photos or if his family removed them to avoid messing with his delusions. She glanced over them; there were pictures of when he was a child on a baseball team, from prom and from his wedding. Her eyes lingered over the wedding image for a moment. Brandon looked so young, and the woman next to him was certainly beautiful. Madison knew she was always cute but this woman was attractive, jut walking down the street she was bound to get some looks. She turned it over and read the names on the back "Brandon Haywood and Madelyn Quinn".

She took a closer look at Madelyn "what happened to you?" she whispered. There wasn't much she knew other than what she over heard from Matt and Brandon. Madelyn died thirteen years ago along with their son in a tragic accident. That could have been or meant anything. She sighed a little and gathered the sheets of paper back in the folder – just in time too.

"Mommy" Emma came skipping into the room.

"Good morning darling" Madison said lifting the little girl into her lap "how was your night in your new room?" she ran her fingers through the girls hair lightly trying to take out any tangles. Emma and Ella were just like their mother. They all moved around so much in their sleep that their hair often got tangle and fuzzy.

"Good" Emma said "but I kind of miss sharing a room with Ella". The little girl made a mix between a pouty and an icky face.

Madison laughed and tapped the little girl on her nose "lets give it until the weekend. If you still miss sharing a room then you and I can talk about moving you guys in together again". She was expecting this conversation to come up; she knew at first the girls would miss sharing a room. But once they got use to it they were bound to enjoy it. "Besides" she added "your room is pink".

Emma thought about it for a moment "that's true, and Ella's is purple".

She nodded and smiled "that is very true". To be honest she was also hoping the little distance might help Ella to come out of her shell. She worried sometimes that Emma might over shadow her with her more extraverted personality.

"When is daddy coming home?" Emma asked. It seemed as though the girls had no issue adjusting to the idea of Brandon being their dad. All they could talk about yesterday was about when he was coming. Madison on the other hand could have put his arrival off for as long as possible.

Its not that she didn't want him to come home – this was his house after all and he deserved to rest and relax at home. But she just wished she didn't have to be here at the same time as him. She knew that she signed onto the contract, but she wasn't sure what to expect. And to be honest she was nervous – or more like scared. She really had no idea what Brandon was like and she want sure what he would be like. From the two short encounters he seemed nice enough, but that was when others were around. What would he be like one on one?

And further more what did the Haywood's mean by acting like his wife? She could cook and clean but they couldn't expect her to do other things right? She knew a kiss here or there might be needed, but she wasn't willing to offer him anything more than that.

Ella came walking into the dinning room letting out a big yawn as she rubbed her eyes. At least she saved Madison from having to talk about Brandon.

Madison giggled a little and set Emma on the ground "good morning sweetness". She gave Ella a kiss on her head and stood "sounds like it must be breakfast time" she commented when the girl's stomach rumbled.

"Pancakes?" Ella asked with another small yawn.

"Pancakes with chocolate chips" Madison said remembering the fact about how Brandon liked anything with chocolate.

"Yes please!" Emma cheered. She gave a little dance around the dinning room table.

She laughed and shook her head in a playful way "okay girls go get changed and wake Noah up, I want him to be down here when your d-dad arrives". She stumbled over the word. It was her first time ever really talking about him in that way, other than telling the kids yesterday.

"When is he coming?" Ella asked the same question her sister did minutes ago.

"In about an hour" she answered "your grandparents will drop him off. Now go get ready". She shooed the girls to their rooms and head into the kitchen. It was beautiful kitchen with all the newest appliances. It was pained a sunny yellow with a wallpaper boarder of lemons, in fact the kitchen even smelt of lemons.

Madison laughed a little to herself "so much for not liking citrus fruit".

She made quick work of putting together a breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes and sliced apples with orange juice. She set the table for four and paused for a moment – it was impulse for her to set it for four but she realized now that it would have to be for five. She wouldn't want to make that mistake with Brandon around.

She added another setting to the table and glanced over at the clock. It was nearly time for him to arrive. "Kids" she called to them "come on down. Your dad will be here any minute".

Noah trudged down the stairs scowling "he isn't my dad and I wont call him that". He was still dressed in his checkerboard pajama pants and had on an old AC/DC shirt.

"You have to Noah" Madison sighed, "I know this is hard but I don't have any other choice. And I read the contract fully last night. We truly don't have a choice. If any of us break this contract then we can be sued and lose even more than we would have gotten".

Noah sighed and looked down "I don't like it".

Madison crossed the room and tugged him into a warm hug "I don't like it either buddy. But we have no choice. This is what I had to do to keep our family together".

"I wish there was another way," Noah groaned a little in defeat.

"I do too" and she meant it. But her mind couldn't say away from the fact about what would have happened without this offer. She wasn't able to reach the payments on her home. The apartment would have been taken away from her, she would be forced to find another cheap enough place or be forced to live in her car.

But with three kids this didn't just affect her. She could have survived living in her car. She had done it once when she and Alexander had first been together and she could do it again. But this time she had the kids to worry about. She couldn't lead them to a life of living in a car or out of motels. And that lead to the worries about child protective services. They could deem her an unfit mother and take the children away from her.

They could be forced into the foster system and separated from each other. Or worse they could be sent to live with her parents. Either way Madison wouldn't allow it to happen.

This was the way to keep her children together and she was going to do it.

Madison could hear a car out front and the sound of a closing door "that'll be him," she said to Noah "go get changed into some clothing". She wiped her hands on her worn jeans and adjusted her hair. She sighed and shook her head – why did she care so much about what he thought when he saw her?

She pushed the thoughts aside and went to open the door for him. Brandon, in all his glory was leaning against his father and walking slowly up the walkway. He glanced up when he heard the door and locked eyes with Madison.

It was as if a light flicked on, his eyes brightened instantly and a beaming smile formed on his face. He couldn't look away – not that he wanted to.

Madison forced a smile as she walked out to meet him halfway "welcome home baby" she said sweetly and softly. It sounded almost a little too fake. She cleared her throat a little.

Brandon lunged forward and wrapped his arms around her. "Maddie" he whispered nuzzling his face into her hair and giving it a sniff. "Oh darling how I've missed you".

She held onto the large, buff, attractive male as he melted into her arms. The majority of his weight was against her and she used all her strength to hold him up.

"I missed you at the hospital" Brandon said holding onto her as she led him into the house "I was expecting you to come but you never showed up".

Luckily her two girls saved her from having to answer.

The moment they entered the house Emma and Ella came bolting down the stairs and flung themselves at Brandon.

"Daddy" Ella hugged onto his left leg and Emma latched onto his right. "You're finally home," Emma added.

Madison wasn't sure if Emma meant Brandon was finally home from the hospital or that he was finally home after seven years away. But either way as long as Emma didn't mention those seven years then it'll be fine.

Brandon sank to the floor next to the two girls. His hair was shaggy and messy and he had a light beard growing. And even his old clothes that consisted of jeans and a plain t-shirt made him look kind of run down. Of course considering he just arrived from the hospital she couldn't blame him.

Although his clothing indicated his tiredness his eyes and smile were still very bright and energetic.

"I hope you two girls were good for your mother when I was away" he said sternly stepping into the role as father, but Maddie could catch a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Ella nodded but it was Emma who answered, "well..." she said, "we haven't been perfect but we have been good".

Brandon chuckled a little – this was the first time Maddie every listened closely to his laugh. It sound as if it was sweet honey and bells all mixed together. "Well now I suppose that is the best I can ask for my little angel and princess" he scooped both of them into his arms and gave them a squeeze. Ella's stomach let out a loud growl, which earned another laugh "sounds like its breakfast time miss Emma".

"Ella" Madison corrected softly as she helped the man to his feet. His eyes clouded over for a moment as he stared off in the distance in confusion. She reached forward and gently touched his arm. Were the delusions wearing off already?

"Right" Brandon said softly shaking his head as if trying to shake away the thoughts "of course". He looked down at the little girl and smiled softly "my little Ella, I am so sorry. Let me make it up to you sweetness". He held out his hands and allowed the little girls to lead him to the dinning room.

Once everyone was seated Noah finally entered the room. "Ah there's my boy" Brandon glanced over at the teen when he took a seat at the table. He reached forward and ruffled the boy's hair.

Noah had moved at first, as if he wanted to lean away but when he caught his mothers eye he thought better of it and allowed the strange man to ruffle his hair. He didn't say much during the meal, not that the girls would have allowed much time for their constant talking took over the meal.

"The pancakes were really good" Brandon said helping Madison carry the dishes to the kitchen.

"I'm glad you enjoyed them," she said taking them and putting them in the sink.

"The chocolate was great," he said with a Madison thought was a wink.

She glanced away and focused on the task of loading the dishwasher. "I can do that," Brandon offered trying to take the dish from her. She wasn't used to these kinds of actions. With her ex whenever it was mealtime he would consider it the woman's chore to handle things like cooking and clean – well any chore in his eyes was woman's work. She had always hated his behaviour.

Nervously and almost reluctantly she handed the plate over to him so her could load it in the dishwasher. That is when they fell into an awkward silence. She would rinse and he would load.

They worked for several minutes as the kids played outside. But eventually Brandon paused. He wrapped his arms around Madison's waist; rest his hands across the front of her stomach – a little lower than she was used to. He breathed in her scent of warm vanilla and sugar. His chin rested softly on her shoulder.

Madison's body stiffened. It had been several years since she had last been pressed against a man's chest – but she never remember feeing this way. She felt as though she could melt into Brandon's skin, as if their body was becoming one. For now he smelt like rubbing alcohol and antiseptic cream – everything like a hospital. But she could imagine him smelling of fresh pine and burning oak. It took all her strength to step away from him.

She caught only a glimpse of his face, but she could see the momentary hurt in his eyes. He cleared his throat and tried to cast it away "right" he grumbled glancing away "looks like it going to rain. We should get the kids in," he said heading to the back door.

"Yeah" Madison took a big sigh of relief "maybe we relax and watch a movie or something" she suggested.

"Maybe we can play monopoly," Noah said walking into the house. That was always his favorite game for a stormy day. He kicked his shoes off on the floor but groaned when his mother reminded him to put them away.

"How about both?" Brandon said helping the girls put their shoes in the closet "we can play monopoly then watch a movie this evening". Just as he finish speaking the pitter-patter of rain started to fall on the roof.

"Pay up old man" Noah laughed as Brandon landed on his property with a hotel on it. He took the colorful money and waved it around. "Now that is how you do it".

Madison shook her head and stroked Ella's hair. The two girls had used their money up and gone bankrupt within the first hour of the game. And Madison soon followed after them. For the last two hours the only players were Noah and Brandon. Usually Madison would have suggested they start a new game so everyone could play, but she was excited to see Noah warming to Brandon.

Instead she got out the cards and started a game of go fish – or as the girls call it, gold fish.

"Got any twos?" she asked Emma.

"Gold fish" Emma answer holding her cards close to her chest so no one would see.

Before another fish could be drawn from the pound the doorbell rang signaling a visitor. Madison frowned a little and glanced at Brandon – who was getting out of his seat "pizza is here".

"Pizza?" Madison questioned in confusion.

Brandon headed to the door to answer and pay the deliveryman. The man returned carrying two large boxes of fresh pizza "a large meat lovers delight and a large extra cheese". He glanced at Noah "hey go get the plates" he said "I was thinking we could have a picnic on the living room floor".

"Oh uh yeah sure" Madison said quickly grabbing the old blanket off the back of the couch and spread it out on the floor just in time for Noah returning with the dishes.

"Harry" Ella said holding out the DVD for the first Harry Potter movie. She always loved the movie; it was one of the few DVD's that Madison had owned in her old apartment.

"Marathon time" Brandon chuckled taking the movie from her as Madison served the dinner out.

The boys had completely finished off the meat pizza together and the girls made a good dent in the cheese one but there would still be a couple slices left. The kids were even able to sit through three movies before the girls started to nod off and Noah got involved with his phone.

"You need a new phone," Brandon said glancing over at Noah "that one is ancient".

Noah shrugged and glanced at his mom. He knew he wouldn't be getting one any time soon. This was even a hand me down from his mother.

"I'll get you one tomorrow" Brandon said tucking an extra blanket around the girls "they are tuckered out" he said softly.

Madison knew they had a few busy days but she could really tell him the truth as to why so instead she said, "all the excitement of summer vacation must have got to them". She stroked Emma's hair "maybe we should get them to bed".

"Yeah I'm kind of tired too," Brandon said lifting Ella into his arms "I'll take her to her room".

"Second door on the left" Madison said without thinking about it, lifting Emma.

"I know dear," Brandon said heading up stairs. Noah followed his parents after shutting the TV off and headed to his room saying he was going to 'sleep' – or otherwise known as staying up to play video games.

With the girls both tucked in fast asleep Madison slipped into her bedroom to find Brandon already seated on the bed.

That's when it hit her that for the last seven years she didn't need to share her bed with anyone but herself – or the occasional kid with a nightmare. But for the most part it was just she. And she certainly wasn't used to having to share it with a young handsome man. Her fuzzy old lady pajamas didn't seem like the right fit anymore.

Silently she crossed the room to grab a change of clothing. She puled out her drawer expecting to find her style of old lady pajamas. She hadn't been very focused last night when grabbing clothes and threw on whatever she found. But now looking in the drawer she noticed that everything was made of either silk or lace – as if she was some sexy twenty year old and not the thirty-four year old mother of three.

Her face turned beat red as she grabbed the nightclothes and rushed off to change. She stalled for as long as she could with her shower, braiding her hair, shaving her legs and other bathroom routines. But sooner then she would have liked she was standing there fully dressed in sky blue silk night gown that barely covered her behind.

"Well you can't stand in here forever" she grumbled to herself. "You can do this. You got this" she gave herself a pep talk. In a swift movement she yanked the door open and walked towards the bed. Her arms were fold across her chest trying to shelter her body.

But that didn't stop Brandon from looking her up and down letting out a low whistle. "Damn" he groaned, "I got myself one sexy wife". He reached over and rested his hands on her hips. He wasn't going to do what she thought he was – or was he?

Was he about to kiss her? She had been kissed before of course – even after her fiancé left her. But this wasn't with a man sitting on her bed and it certainly wasn't with a man she barely knew that was supposed to be her husband.

She was too focused on her thoughts that Brandon took her moment of distraction and wrapped his arms around her waist. With one swift action he lifted her onto his lap, folding her legs around his hips, his hands resting firmly on her butt.

In a swift moment the God like man pressed his warm damp lips against hers. She may not have been kissed in several months but it was safe to say she had never experienced a kiss like this in all her years.

It was soft and wet but sloppy at first. It took the two a few moments of messiness to find their rhythm but once they did they were on fire. Madison's hands tangled into Brandon's hair as his hands moved down her back. The reluctance and sloppiness turned to passion dance that connected the two of them together.

They were tangled into each others arms, Brandon's tongue slithered across Madison's bottom lip wanting – no, it was begging – for entrance. Madison couldn't help but smirk into the kiss, this time she held all the power and she wasn't about to just give it up that easily.

Or maybe she was.

The gasp that escaped her lips earned Brandon the opening he needed to slip his tongue inside her mouth. Their tongues fought, pushing and pulling each other. Where Brandon would stop Madison would take over, and when she grew hesitant Brandon took control.

They gained a pattern, an understanding, and a connection.

But all good things must come to an end.

All connections are sooner or later, broken.

Madison's body stiffed up when she felt something press against her leg. She knew damn well what it was and that went to show her that maybe she let the kiss get away from her. It went a little further then she would have liked it to.

Reluctantly she pulled away from the kiss and cleared her throat. "You need your rest," she said softly resting her hand on his chest. What else could she say? She couldn't say she wasn't attracted to him – that would be a damn right lie. But she certainly couldn't say she barely knew him. This seemed like the easiest way out.

Brandon chuckled a little and rolled them both back so they were lying in the bed. "You are one damn tease" Brandon purred tugging the blanket over them both and reaching to the side table to turn the light off.

She hadn't played to say anything. In fact she had only wanted to turn her back to him and go to sleep. She was able to turn herself around but before she could stop herself she whispered "next time".

Brandon took this as a sign to wrap his arms around her waist and cuddle her back against his chest. "Sweet dreams my love," he whispered into her ear snuggling his face into her hair.

"Sweet dreams" she said softly in return not expecting to get much sleep that night.

Photo: Emma