* * *
"Maddy, I think someone's on our porch," Lori teased, as the wheels
rolled over the paved driveway. And as the headlights illuminated the
darkness, Madeline shivered with excitement.
"Kenny!" she exclaimed in recognition. Her sister had barely put the
car in park before she bounced out of the passenger side door and into
his arms, hardly noticing the palpable chill in the autumn air.
"Hey sweetheart!" He scooped her up off of the ground and gave her
a quick kiss on the lips before Lori joined them on the wooden structure.
"Lori! Hey how ya doin'!" He greeted her with a peck on the cheek.
"Hey Ken, how are you?"
"Great! The leg's all better," he announced.
"You sure? I thought you had to work until ten? Are you sure you
didn't leave early 'cause it was bothering you?" Maddy quizzed him
skeptically.
"No, Miss Rose. I left early because my presence really wasn't needed
and all I wanted to do was come over here to meet you." He gazed into
her eyes as he spoke and she felt the electric sensations intensify
throughout her body.
"Aw, isn't that sweet," she said playfully, throwing her arms around
him.
"Uh, Maddy do you have the house key? It's cold out here!" Lori
noted, impatient to get over to her future sister-in-law's place.
"Yeah, it's here in my purse somewhere." She fished through the
contents of her bag; a moment later, they were all standing in the family
room. That's when Maddy noticed how incredibly handsome he looked in
a mock burgundy turtleneck and pair of belted jeans. A healthy glow had
returned to his cheeks and his aquamarine eyes sparkled with excitement.
"So what do you want to do tonight, baby? I'm starving, so after we
go out and get something to eat, we can do anything you want!"
"Mmm, I'm hungry too," she agreed, rubbing her arms to ward of a
chill. That's when he wrapped her up in another comforting embrace.
"I hope you brought heavier clothes, sweetheart. You look great, but
that outfit's not gonna keep you warm." He kissed her head.
"Speaking of which, Maddy come get your stuff out of the car. I gotta
head over to Peggy's place," Lori said.
"Ken you have to see Lori's new Bonneville. It's awesome!" Madeline
exclaimed, taking him by the hand and back out to the driveway. The trio
shared a few lighthearted moments, as Lori eagerly demonstrated all of
the features of her proud new purchase. Ken appropriately responded
with genuine interest, particularly to the mounted car phone and CD
player.
"Yeah, Maddy and I definitely took advantage of the CD player
driving down here tonight. She's helping me pick out some good music
for my wedding. And even though she's the maid of honor, I think I
finally convinced her to do at least one solo at the reception." She winked
at her younger sister.
"Wow, now that I'd love to see," Ken replied softly, hugging her
shoulder. "Provided of course, I'm lucky enough to be your date,
Madeline Rose."
"Oh, I think that can be arranged," she assured him softly.
"Well ok guys, with that I'm off," Lori advised them. "Mads, you
have the key, right?"
"Yes, but why don't you take it? You'll probably be back before me
and Ken anyway. Besides, we can always hang out at his place until you
get home."
"Good idea." She caught Maddy's lob before sliding behind the
wheel. "See you later. Have fun!"
"Bye, Lor!" They waved as Lori honked at them from the alley. Then
Ken lifted her off the ground again and buried his head in her neck.
"Maddy I've missed you so much!"
"Likewise, teddy bear, believe me." She breathed in his scent and
delighted in the sheer strength of his body as they held each other in the
moonlight.