This soft side of Madison stirred an emotional rollercoaster that left Sherry breathless. Even if she’d wanted to, she would have been unable to name any of her feelings right now.

All she knew with a sudden clarity was that she wanted to be closer to Madison.

Listening to her voice was hypnotic and calmed her down more than anything else she could think of. Nonsense. I need a good night’s sleep, that’s all. Then I’ll stop having such weird thoughts. And having such feelings.

It didn’t matter how much more drawn she felt to Madison each passing day. They still had a contractual agreement. Sherry and Jake had to pretend to be her family, and that was all.

But Jake wasn’t pretending. Sherry squeezed her eyes shut as if she could shut out reality by doing so. She had to protect Jake.

When she opened her eyes again, she saw Jake snuggling closer to Madison. A smile stole itself onto Sherry’s face, but she forced it away.

“The water flea jumped on the back of the frog,” Madison read, “and together they started their journey to the duck pond at the other side of the hill.” She placed the book onto the nightstand before giving Jake a kiss to his forehead. “Sleep well, grasshopper.”

Madison’s eyes shone with…with love? Sherry’s chest felt as if a huge weight was squeezing the air out of her lungs. Yes, Madison really seemed to have honest feelings for him. No! It has to be just for show. She wants Jake to tell everybody that she’s his mother too. Sherry opened the door more fully and entered.

“Mom!” Jake sat and held up his arms for her.

Madison stood to make room for her. She smiled a little insecurely, but her mouth fell when Sherry looked at her.

Taking her gaze off Madison, she bent down to Jake and wrapped her arms around him. “Sorry I’m so late.” Her voice sounded hoarse to her own ears.

“Madison was reading me a story.”

“I know, baby.” She let go of Jake and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Startled, she realized that it was the same place where Madison had kissed him a few moments ago. “Go to sleep now.”

Jake pouted.

“If you sleep now, I’ll read you two stories tomorrow.”

After a short hesitation, Jake nodded. “You can read one and Madison can read the other one, yeah?”

Madison sent Sherry a questioning gaze.

“We’ll see.” Sherry tucked him in and gave him another kiss on the forehead, this time on a slightly different spot. “Sleep well, baby.”

“Night, Mom. Night, Madison.”

“Good night, grasshopper.” Madison waved and left the room.

After Sherry had switched off the light and closed the door, she asked Madison, “Where’s Rita Mae?”

“In her room. She’s got a headache and asked me to tuck Jake in.”