Chapter 434
Alexander
She studied my face, searching for something “This isn’t about making up for anything You’re his father. You don’t have to prove that with expensive gifts.”
“I’m not trying to prove anything. I just wanted to see him smile.”
“He smiles plenty without three-hundred-dollar dinosaurs.”
“Three-fifty”
“I heard you the first time.” Her lips twitched, almost betraying a smile. She took a breath, her expression shifting to something more thoughtful. “Look, kids appreciate gifts, but too many expensive things at once can actually overwhelm them. They lose the magic of it, you know? Each gift becomes less special when there’s always something new and shiny.” She paused, studying my face like she was measuring whether I’d take offense. “What I’m saying is, you can definitely give Ethan things. He’d love that. But maybe space them out? One special gift here and there means more than drowning him in toys all at once. That way, each one matters.”
I processed her words, recognizing the wisdom in them. She wasn’t telling me not to give Ethan gifts. Just to be strategic about it. Thoughtful instead of excessive.
“That makes sense,” I admitted.
“I’m not trying to criticize you or tell you how to be a father.” Madison’s voice went softer. “I can see how much you want to make him happy. And Ethan already loves spending time with you. That’s what matters most. The gifts are just a bonus.”
“So I can still buy him things. Just not all at once.”
“Exactly.” She smiled, genuine and warm. “You’re learning fast.”
The compliment landed heavier than it should have. Like I’d passed some test I hadn’t known I was taking.
“Have you eaten anything?” Madison asked suddenly, her eyes scanning my face. “You look tired.”
I ran a hand through my hair, realizing she was right. “Coffee. This morning.”
“Coffee isn’t food.” She moved toward the kitchen with purpose, like she’d made the decision and nothing I said would change it. “Sit. I’ll make you something.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know I don’t have to. But you’re running on caffeine and stubbornness.” She pulled open the refrigerator, scanning the contents. “So sit down and let me feed you.”
I settled onto one of the barstools at the counter, watching Madison move around the kitchen with
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practiced efficiency.
“Eggs okay?” she asked, pulling out a carton.
“Eggs are fine
She grabbed a pan, butter, and bread. Her movements were quick and competent, the kind that came from years of feeding a kid while juggling work, life, and everything else single mothers dealt with.
“How do you like them?”
“However you make them is fine.”
“That’s not an answer.” She cracked eggs into a bowl, whisking with one hand while the butter melted in the pan. “Scrambled? Over easy? Omelet?”
“Scrambled.”
“See? That wasn’t hard.” She poured the eggs into the pan, the sizzle filling the quiet kitchen. “Toast?”
“Sure.”
Bread went into the toaster. Madison grabbed a spatula and stirred the eggs with steady motions.
I watched her work, memorizing details I’d forgotten. The way she bit her lip when she concentrated. How she tucked her hair behind her ear every thirty seconds. The slight furrow between her brows appeared when she was focused.
“Stop staring,” she said without looking at me.
“Can’t help it.”
“Try harder.” But her lips twitched slightly.
The toast popped up. Madison buttered it quickly, then slid the scrambled eggs onto a plate alongside the toast. She set it in front of me with a fork.
“Eat.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t ma’am me. Just eat before you pass out.”
I took a bite. The eggs were perfect. Light, fluffy, seasoned just right. “This is good.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” She leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “I’ve been cooking for years. I’ve had practice.”
“Still. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
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Chapter 434
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I ate in silence while Madison watched. Not hovering, just present. Like she needed to make sure actually finished the food instead of pushing it around the plate.
I finished the last bite of toast and set my fork down carefully.
“Better?” Madison asked.
“Much. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She collected my plate, rinsing it in the sink with practiced efficiency.
Hazel appeared in the doorway. “I’m going to shower. You two behave.”
“We’re adults,” Madison said.
“Exactly why I’m worried.” Hazel grinned, disappearing down the hallway.
Silence settled over the kitchen. Madison dried her hands on a dish towel, folding it with unnecessary precision.
I watched her deliberate movements, recognizing the nervous energy underneath. She was thinking about something. Building up to something.
She set the towel down, smoothing it flat against the counter.
“I should check on Ethan.”
“Mind if I come with you?”
She hesitated, biting her lip. “Sure.”
We walked down the hallway together. The sound of Ethan’s excited chatter grew louder with each step. He’d spread the entire dinosaur collection across the living room floor, creating what looked like a prehistoric battlefield.
“Rawr!” Ethan held the T-Rex high, making it attack a Triceratops. “You can’t escape the king of dinosaurs!
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Madison smiled at the chaos. “Having fun?”
“This is the BEST day EVER!” Ethan didn’t look up from his game. “Look, Mom! The T-Rex can move his arms and his mouth opens super wide!”
“I see that.”
I leaned against the doorframe, content to watch Ethan play.
Madison glanced at me, then back at Ethan.
She walked into the living room, lowering herself to the floor beside our son. I followed, sitting on the couch where I could see both of them clearly.
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“Ethan, honey. Can you pause your game for a minute? I need to talk to you about something.
“But Mom, the velociraptors are attacking!
“They can wait. This is important.”
Ethan set down the dinosaur, his face scrunching up. “Am I in trouble?”
“No, baby. You’re not in trouble.” Madison took a breath, steadying herself. “I just need to tell you something. About King Alexander.”
My pulse kicked up. Where was she going with this?
Ethan’s eyes darted between Madison and me. “What about him?”
Madison reached out, taking Ethan’s small hands in hers. Her fingers trembled slightly.
“Do you remember when you asked me about your dad? About why you didn’t have one like other kids at school?”
Ethan nodded slowly. “You said he was away.”
“That’s right. He didn’t know about you because I couldn’t tell him. It’s complicated, but the important part is that he never got the message.”
I leaned forward, my elbows on my knees, barely breathing.
Madison looked directly at Ethan, her voice steady despite the emotion in her eyes. “King Alexander isn’t just King Alexander, honey. He’s your dad. Your real dad.” 1
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