“Second cousin, but that’s not the point. She was just starved for love and confusing one kind of love with another. For me, it really wasn’t that big of a deal, but she was so embarrassed. She stormed away and ignored my calls and messages for weeks until I…gave up. Up until recently, we hadn’t talked in five years.” Danielle’s shoulders fell. She peeked over at Sherry, and a tentative smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I’m really glad to be back in her life…and that she has you now. She needs someone who loves her.”

Guilt squeezed Sherry’s chest, making it hard to speak. Not that she knew what to say. “It’s, um, still pretty new and there’s a lot I don’t know about her, but she’s the one, you know?” Wow, that had probably been the worst declaration of love in the history of mankind.

Danielle covered Sherry’s hand with her own. “Don’t worry. She’ll open up to you.” Smiling, she added, “Madison can actually be a real chatterbox, when she trusts you and feels comfortable.”

The memory of their first night together in Madison’s bedroom flooded her, and she remembered how much Madison had told her about her childhood. Did Madison trust her?

“Just don’t give up on her the way I did.” Danielle’s voice broke on the last word.

Oh God. What was she supposed to say to that? She couldn’t swear to never leave Madison. As soon as their little arrangement ended, she’d be out of Madison’s life for good. The air seemed to be sucked out of the car. Sherry didn’t care how it looked; she had to get out of here. She shoved open the passenger door. “I just remembered that Jake is waiting for me. Thanks for bringing me and for…” For what, exactly? She had learned more about Madison than she’d bargained for.

Danielle smiled again, and this time the sadness was gone. “Thank you for listening to all of that. That can’t have been easy. You love her after all.”

Sherry forced a smile and jumped out of the car.

“See you tomorrow,” Danielle said.

Feeling numb, Sherry nodded, closed the passenger door, and stumbled inside.

Madison opened her apartment door, closed it quietly, and even hung her jacket—against her usual behavior—on the coat rack.

Seeing the jacket hanging there made her pause. What the hell was up with her? Since when did she give a shit if her behavior disturbed others? It was ridiculous that she was still ruminating over Sherry’s words from a few days back. Before I knew you, I had no idea why anyone would have to pay someone to have a family. Now I get it.

She wanted to tear the jacket down again, but even she had to admit that it would have been childish.