* * *
Quintessentially middle-class Royal Oak Hills was one of Maddy's
favorite Boca neighborhoods. It was a charming, well-maintained area
devoid of the pervasive pretensions that characterized other city
communities. With its ample lawns, meticulously landscaped tropical
hedges and plethora of swing sets, bicycles and skateboards, it rivaled any
Southern California counterpart as a classically American, warm-weather
residence.
Ken pulled into a neatly paved circular driveway framed by rows of
colorful croton and vivid pentas. The home itself was constructed of pale
yellow stucco with a flat, white roof and matching plantation shutters; a
polished wooden door accented with etched-glass windows greeted them
at the entrance. Maddy took a deep breath as Ken rang the doorbell.
Normally he'd barge right in but today was different; he wanted to be by
her side for this momentous occasion.
Paula Lockheart radiated warmth and sincerity as she welcomed them
with an affectionate hug and a bright, beautiful smile. As they exchanged
pleasantries, it was evident to Maddy where Ken's good nature and
impeccable character had come from.
"Madeline! It's so wonderful to finally meet you; Ken has told us so
much about you and your family!"
"Likewise, Mrs. Lockheart," Maddy smiled, "How are you? Happy
Mothers Day!"
"Well, thank you! I'm doing just fine. Come on in!"
Maddy felt Ken's protective hand on her back as she followed their
hostess through the formal dining and living room, and then across a
terrazzo-floor kitchen, before reaching their final destination-a fully
furnished, ceramic-tiled screen porch, where Carl Lockheart was intently
watching the Marlins game on a big-screen Plasma TV.
Though his brown hair had long ago transitioned into salt-andpepper,
his six-foot frame retained a broadness and strength that were
remarkable for a man of nearly 70. It was as if Maddy had been given a
glimpse of the future as she shook Carl's hand. While Ken's Colgate smile
and winning personality had definitely been gifts from his mother, his
father had also wielded his own noticeable influence in the realm of
physical characteristics.
"Madeline Rose, very nice to meet you," he said in a gruff voice,
sizing her up with blue eyes that mirrored his son's yet lacked their
effervescent sparkle. "So I hear you and Ken here have reconnected after
a number of years. Good for you!"
"Uh, yes it has been pretty amazing," Maddy beamed.
"Uh Dad, how are you liking the TV?" Ken asked.
"It's fantastic son. Thank you!"
"The television was sort of a combined Mothers and Fathers Day
present," Paula explained. "Our son is really something else!"
"Aw, Mom," Ken's naturally sanguine cheeks took on a deeper shade
of crimson.
"Now don't be embarrassed honey! It was incredibly generous of you
to buy this for us, especially since so much of your hard-earned money
goes to support an ungrateful ex. You're so good to us and we really
appreciate it!"
"He's the best," Maddy offered, squeezing his hand. But before
anyone could respond, some loud voices called out from the front of the
house.
"Hello! Anybody home?"
"Your brother Patrick's here," Paula noted, excusing herself. A
moment later she reappeared with her arm around another tall gentleman.
Unlike Ken, Patrick had dark, straight hair and hazel eyes. Though nice
looking, he bore no resemblance to his younger brother at all, save for his
similar build. And whereas Ken possessed a naturally gregarious nature,
Patrick tended toward reticence; however, he shook Maddy's hand politely
when properly introduced.
"Ah Danielle, there you are! Now we can start the party!" Paula
laughed, as she greeted her bubbly daughter-in-law with a peck on the
cheek. The union of Patrick and Danielle was a classic case of opposites
attracting; but her lively personality acted as a nice contrast to his laidback
disposition.
"Actually Mom, it's funny you said that, because I brought along
something that'll help make this a real fun celebration!" Danielle handed
her a huge gift-wrapped box. "Pat thinks I'm crazy, but I think you're
gonna love it!"
"Well, it sure is heavy!" Paula noted, just as Ken escorted Maddy over
to meet another family member.
"Oh, you're the girl from the Jersey Shore with the beautiful voice!"
Danielle exclaimed. She stood at about average height, with a slender
build and an attractive, if not beautiful face. Her frosted hair fell in a
blunt-cut that perfectly framed her angular cheekbones.
"Well, close enough. I grew up in Media, just outside of Philly, but I
did meet Ken in Somers Point about a million years ago," Maddy
explained. "And it appears he's filled all of you in on me!" she added with
slight embarrassment.
"Oh my gosh, Danielle this is great!" Paula gasped, tearing away the
wrapping paper to reveal a karaoke machine. "You know, I have always
wanted to try this, but my husband would never go with me to any of
those clubs. There are so many good ones around, too."
"Well, now you can sing in the comfort of your own home!" Danielle
proclaimed. Then she commented, "And since we have a professional
singer in our midst, perhaps she can treat us all to a performance?"
"Oh, uh-I don't know," Maddy laughed. "I haven't sung in quite a
while."
"C'mon, sweetheart, will you consider doing it for me?" Ken hugged
her from behind as he pleaded.
"Oh, I'll deal with you later, Mr. Lockheart," she teased under her
breath, "but yes, I'll be happy to sing for everyone-after you've prepared
us all a good meal, of course!"
"My pleasure as always, Madeline Rose." With that he disappeared
into the kitchen, leaving Maddy to bond with her future in-laws.