“But that was just last week!” Mrs. Fielding’s eyes became slits, and she leaned back. “What a coincidence,” she said in a conversational voice. “Here I go telling Madison she has to grow up or I will disinherit her, and just a few days later she shows up with a fine little family at her side.”

Madison drained the rest of the glass.

Oh God, she’s found us out. No, she couldn’t and wouldn’t accept that. They hadn’t lost yet. “How can you insinuate Madison would do such a horrible thing?” Sherry said in a hopefully believable outraged voice.

“Oh, it seems you don’t know Madison the way I do. I’m sorry to have to break it to you, but Madison is just using you.”

“That’s enough!” Madison slammed the glass onto the little oak table separating the couches. “Sherry is a wonderful woman. I fell in love with her a long time ago but was afraid to act on my feelings. I tried to ignore my emotions and fled into the arms of other women, who didn’t mean anything to me. But…” She turned to Sherry. “I can’t and I don’t want to live my life without her anymore.”

Sherry had to blink at the passion shining in Madison’s eyes.

Madison looked over to her grandmother. “If you want to disinherit me, go ahead. Of course I want to inherit the company, but I would never use Sherry to pretend for you.” She looked back at Sherry. Something flashed in her gaze. “I love you, Sherry. You know I’ve made mistakes in the past. I can’t change them. But I’ll try my best to be a good partner to you in the future.”

No one but Jake had ever told Sherry that they loved her. Did Madison, who paid her for this ridiculous charade, have to tell her now? Sherry’s eyes burned. Get a grip! This was about Jake. Convincing. She had to be convincing. Hesitantly, she let go of Madison’s hand and placed her still full glass on the table. Then she caressed Madison’s cheek with the back of her hand.

Madison froze but stared deeply into her eyes. For a second, it seemed as if there was a hint of vulnerability there, but it was gone before Sherry could be sure.

I have to say it too. Jake. I have to think of Jake. “I…I love you too,” she said and let her hand fall. Her stomach clenched, and she felt as if she would become sick.

Madison sat there as if hypnotized. Then she took Sherry’s face in both hands and gave her an incredibly tender kiss.

It took all her willpower not to bolt. She closed her eyes and let it happen.