Chapter 34: Chapter Thirty-Four

Madison was a bundle of nerves as Ryder drove through the wrought iron gates and onto her family estate. She had no idea how her parents would react to Ryder, though with the way he was dressed, her stepmother would be happy. Clearly, he hadn’t spared any expense with his designer clothes and watch, and the expensive cologne that made her want to rip his clothes off.

Ryder slowed to a stop in front of the sprawling brick house. Not a thing had changed since she’d last been here. At least, not from the outside. Who knew what the inside of the house looked like? Her stepmother loved to redecorate every year or so to “keep things fresh.” Madison assumed it was done out of boredom and desire to “one up” all of Gina’s high society friends.

“Ready for this?” Ryder asked.

“No.” Madison gave a shaky laugh, then angled her body toward his. “Thank you for doing this, and I’m sorry in advance for anything my dad and stepmom might say.”

“Relax.” Ryder took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’ve got this. Trust me.” He smiled, dimples showing, and some of the tension eased from her body.

Releasing her hand, Ryder got out of the car and came around to open her door. She climbed out and looped her arm around his. With a deep breath of courage she didn’t possess, she led him up the marble steps and onto the porch. She pressed the doorbell, and a second later, the door swung open.

“Miss Madison, so good to see you again.” Karla stepped aside and motioned for them to enter.

Madison gave the family assistant a hug. Gina insisted on referring to Karla as an “assistant” because it was classier and less demeaning that calling her a housekeeper. And really, Karla did do a lot more than just clean the house. For years, she’d been like a second mom to Madison, caring for her when Gina was too busy with other commitments.

“Your parents are in the parlor,” Karla said. “As are Mr. Wainwright and Miss Heather.”

“Thanks, Karla. I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Ryder Collins.” As soon as the words left her mouth, warmth spread through Madison. God, she loved the sound of that—my fiancé, Ryder. If only it were the truth. “Ryder, this is a longtime family friend. Karla Rogers.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Collins.” Karla nodded, her brown eyes sparkling as if she knew the lie Madison had just told. “And welcome to the Montgomery Estate.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Ryder said with a smile.

Madison took Ryder’s hand. “C’mon.” She led him toward the parlor, and each step closer had her heart pounding harder.

She had no doubts Ryder would be able to handle himself, that they’d could effectively sell their lie, but she knew how her parents could be, and she prayed they didn’t say or do something to offend Ryder.

“Madison, dear.” Her stepmother set down her champagne glass and glided across the room to give Madison a hug. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Hello, Mother.” She returned Gina’s hug, knowing damn well this was just a show. Her stepmother was not the hugging type. “You’re looking as lovely as ever.”

Dressed in a floor length, black chiffon dress and dripping in diamonds, Gina Montgomery was the epitome of a casino mogul’s wife. And she loved every second of it. At least her father had gotten that right when he’d married her.

Gina stepped back and apprised Madison. “Thank you for dressing for dinner,” she said. “Though I’m not sure a sundress is all that appropriate, but I suppose it’s better than those jeans you were always so fond of.”

Leave it to her stepmother to make a comment like that. Madison took a deep breath and clenched her teeth so she wouldn’t say something mean. The last thing she needed was to start an argument with her stepmom in front of everyone.

“I think she’s absolutely stunning,” Ryder said, his gaze a warm caress, his eyes heated.

Madison smiled at him, thankful for the interruption. And a lot shocked that he’d spoken up on her behalf like that, especially when she hadn’t even had the chance to properly introduce him yet.

Gina snapped her attention to Ryder, her gaze working down him, then back up. She lifted a single brow, the corner of her mouth lifting in tandem. It was her look of approval, even though she’d never say anything positive out loud. Gina’s approval was hard earned and was something Madison had never achieved.

“I assume this is the fiancé you mentioned?” Gina asked, tone full of disbelief and condemnation.

“Yes,” Madison said and cleared her throat. “Mother, this is Ryder Collins. Ryder, this is my stepmother, Gina Montgomery.”

“It’s a pleasure, Mrs. Montgomery.” He kissed the back of her hand, and she blushed. “Madison’s told me so much about you.”

Madison refrained from rolling her eyes. He was laying it on a little thick, but anything that kept her stepmother from saying anything embarrassing or offensive was worth it.

“I wish I could say the same, but I’m afraid my daughter hasn’t told me a thing about you. Other than you exist, of course.” Gina sliced a scathing look at Madison, then smiled sweetly at Ryder before turning and motioning for Madison’s father. “Mark,” she called him.

Madison’s father pulled himself from his discussion with Will and crossed the room. Only then did Will glance up, and when his gaze collided with Madison’s her stomach knotted. She quickly averted her attention to Ryder.

“So glad you could make it, Maddie.” Her dad gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “You really should visit more often.”

She bit her tongue from reminding him that he’d told her if she left that she shouldn’t come back. “Hi, Dad. I’ve missed you,” she said, and despite their lack of communication the past few years, she did miss her father. “This is my fiancé, Ryder Collins. Ryder, my father, Mark Montgomery.”

Ryder shook her father’s hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

“Likewise,” Mark said. “Though I have to say, it’s quite a shock to meet the man who’s planning to marry my daughter like this. Most men would ask for the father’s blessing.”

Madison sucked in a sharp breath, her gaze darting frantically between Ryder and her father.

“You’re absolutely right,” Ryder said, his voice clear and confident. “I should have asked for your blessing, but Madison was clear that her relationship with you was strained, and I didn’t want to betray her trust by reaching out to you without her consent. Her happiness is the most important thing to me.”

Madison’s eyebrows shot up, and across the room, Heather covered her laugh with a badly faked cough.

Mark studied Ryder for several moments, the silence stretching uncomfortable throughout the room. “Fair enough,” he finally said. “I suppose we’ll just have to get to know each other this evening. Then I’ll decide if you’re worthy of my daughter.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Ryder said.

“Let’s have a pre-dinner drink.” Mark held his arm out toward the study where there was a personal bar stocked with an assorted array of his favorite liquors.

Ryder gave her a kiss on the cheek, then whispered in her ear, “Relax.” Then, hands tucked into his pockets, he followed Mark.

A moment later, Will stood to join them, and a knot twisted Madison’s stomach. Knowing Ryder was speaking to her father was bad enough, but now he had to face Will, too? Coming here had been a mistake.

“I suppose I’ll go freshen up before dinner,” Gina said with a smirk, like she was pleased with herself for what had just transpired.

Heather approached, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Okay, you failed to mention your fiancé looks like an underwear model and has the voice of a porn star.”

“He fucks like one, too.”

Heather’s jaw dropped. “Madison!” She laughed and swatted at Madison’s arm. “Seriously, he’s the make-you-do-stupid-shit level of hotness. I can’t believe you met him at college.”

Sighing, Madison said, “I know. I can’t believe it, either.” And if she wasn’t careful, she’d lose him once they got back to college if she didn’t own up to her feelings for him. “I need a drink. C’mon.” She turned and headed into the kitchen.

****

Ryder stood in the study with Mark and Will. He couldn’t shake the feeling he’d been led to the slaughter. He’d be damned if he was just going to stand there and wait for them to attack. He stepped toward Will and extended his hand.

“I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced. I’m Ryder Collins,” he said.

“Will Wainwright.” He tentatively shook Ryder’s hand.

Will was a few inches shorter than Ryder, with sandy brown hair and brown eyes. He reminded Ryder of rugby player with his build and the way he carried his upper body.

“Madison’s told me quite a bit about you,” Ryder said.

“I’m sure she has.” Will laughed nervously. “I hope she didn’t make me out to be a total jackass.”

“Not at all.” Ryder smiled. “But I do need to thank you for letting her go like you did. Like that saying goes, your loss is my gain, right?”

Behind him, Mark chuckled. He held out a crystal tumbler filled halfway with an amber liquid—bourbon. Ryder took it and thanked him, but his stomach churned at the smell. After how much he’d drank with his brothers earlier, consuming even another sip made him want to hurl. But he was being studied—judged—and he couldn’t show any weakness.

He forced himself to take a sip and raised a brow. “Eagle Rare.” He lifted the glass in appreciation.

A look of shock followed by approval flashed across Mark’s face. “You know your bourbon.”

Ryder nodded. “My father’s a fan.”

The only reason he knew this particular brand was because Xander thought he was clever sneaking a bottle from their father’s office. Little did they know how rare and expensive it was, but when Dad had found out, he’d been pissed. Ryder couldn’t remember a time when Dad had ever been that angry. After that little stunt, Dad had invested in a triple locking liquor cabinet, and when Ryder was of legal age, Dad had pulled out a bottle of Eagle Rare and shared a glass with him.

“Would I know your father?” Mark asked.

“Possibly. He’s got quite the reputation within the financial community. Ethan Collins. He’s a personal financial advisor based in New York City.” Ryder took another small sip, willing his stomach to settle. “He has his own firm now, but he got his start on Wall Street working with Lyndon, James, and McConnell.”

Mark whistled and shook his head. “They’re the most sought after investment firm in the world.”

Ryder smiled. His plan to drop little bits of information about his status in life was working perfectly. He hadn’t wanted to be forced to blurt out his net worth, and thankfully, he wouldn’t have to if the conversation continued down this path.

“Yes, sir,” Ryder said.

Mark moved to sit in a high back leather chair. “Please, sit.” He nodded at two empty chairs. Ryder sat in one while Will claimed the other. “So, you’re obviously capable of supporting my daughter. That’s a small relief. But I’ve worked my entire life to build my empire. These casinos are Madison’s legacy. Her birthright. And while I love Maddie, she can be… impulsive. I’m sure you can understand my reluctance to just let some man marry into the family.” He swirled his drink in his glass, then took a drink, staring at Ryder over the rim.

Ryder clenched his jaw. Will leaned back and propped his foot on his knee. A faint smile fought to escape, and Ryder realized Will was enjoying this a little too much.

“From everything Madison’s told me, she has no desire to take over the family business.” Ryder sat forward, glass clutched tightly in his hand. “That is why she left, isn’t it?” He let the question hang in the air. He sliced a look at Will. “Among other reasons, too, of course.”

“I suppose it is,” Mark said. “As I said, though, my daughter can be impulsive.”

“I assure you, Mr. Montgomery, I don’t want your family’s money or anything to do with your casino empire. All I want is for Madison to be happy, and I know I can give her that,” he said, once again glancing at Will. “I would hope you’d want the same thing for her.”

“Of course. Why else would I have entertained her need to go off on her own like she has?”

Ryder took a deep breath and forced himself to remain calm. Her father was infuriating, but Ryder was determined to win this man over if for no other reason than to put Madison at ease.

“Then allow me to apologize for meeting like this.” Ryder finished his bourbon, needing the jolt of liquid courage. “And to formally ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Will shifted, the leather squeaking with his movement.

Before Mark could respond, there was a soft knock on the door. Karla peeked into the study. “Dinner is served,” she said.

Mark stood. “Let’s eat, and I’ll give you an answer before the evening is over.” He walked out of the study.

“Don’t take that personally,” Will said. “He did the same thing to me when I asked for Heather’s hand in marriage, and I’ve been part of this family for as long as I can remember.” He gave an arrogant smile.

The unsolicited advice shocked Ryder into silence. He stood and followed Mark into the dining room. Madison was already seated, and when she saw him, questions played out across her face. He gave her the most encouraging smile he could muster and sat in the chair beside her.

Dinner consisted of smoked salmon on a bed of brown rice with a creamy dill sauce, roasted vegetables, and an assortment of breads and rolls. Conversation was focused mostly on Will and Heather’s upcoming wedding, and Ryder took the short reprieve to get his conflicting emotions under control.

He could understand Mark’s reluctance to let some strange guy marrying into the family—Ryder’s own father would probably have the same reservations if the roles were reversed—but to imply that Madison was too impulsive or silly for following her dreams? That angered him more than he cared to admit.

“So, how did you two meet?” Gina asked as the dinner dishes were cleared from the table.

“She dropped a book on my head,” Ryder said, reaching under the table and taking her hand. “I was in the college bookstore where she works, and she dropped a stack of books.”

Gina huffed with disgust. “Honestly, Madison. Working in a bookstore?” She shook her head. “You’re not some broke college kid, despite what you want people to believe.”

Madison’s hand tightened around Ryder’s. “Yes, Mother. I happen to like my job.”

Heather cleared her throat. “Okay, so how did that lead to this?” She waved her finger between him and Madison. “How did you propose?”

Ryder glanced at Madison, and she looked terrified. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “She certainly didn’t make it easy,” he said, and she gave him a knowing smile. “Once I finally got her to agree to go out with me, she realized I was actually a nice guy.”

She rolled her eyes, but her smile was still firmly in place.

“We’d been dating almost a year before I asked her to marry me.” He studied her face, loving how her cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink. “We were pulling an all-nighter, studying for finals. We were both exhausted and cranky and probably hungry because we never eat right when we’re cramming like that.” He laughed. “And I looked over at her. Her head was buried in a book, her hair was all messy, and she’d never looked more beautiful than she did in that moment.”

Heather sighed, propped her elbow on the table, and dropped her chin into her hand. A quick glance around the table showed everyone was caught up in his story, Madison more than anyone else. He cleared his throat and continued.

“When she caught me staring, she yelled at me. Told me I wasn’t going to pass if I spent more time studying her than my book, so I said, “What if I want to spend my life studying you?” In typical Madison style, she rolled her eyes and told me I was being lame.”

Madison laughed. “Well, you do have some pretty lame lines.”

“You love them.” He winked, then turned his attention back to the table. “I told her all the studying in the world didn’t make a difference if I didn’t have her in my life. Then I asked her to marry me.”

“Wow,” Heather said, eyes vibrant. “That is so sweet.”

“Thankfully, she took pity on me and said yes,” Ryder said, reaching for his glass of water.

Heather made a show of reaching for Will’s hand. “Will lit up the strip for me.” She smiled at him. “He got every casino to coordinate their lights and billboards to say, ‘Will you marry me, Heather?’ It was the most romantic thing ever.” She sighed.

“When’s the wedding?” Will asked.

“We haven’t decided,” Madison answered. “We both want to graduate first, and a lot depends on where Ryder gets accepted to law school.”

“Law school?” Mark asked, showing the first real sign of interest since dinner had begun. “What type of law?”

“Well, I’ve been taking a lot of business law courses, but I’m still undecided. I might end up pursuing something in the public defender’s office.”

Gina tsked. “Why would you want to waste such talent as a public servant?”

“Mother!” Madison said, horrified.

Ryder squeezed her hand again. “Because there are a lot of people who can’t afford good legal counsel, and I have the means to help. Why wouldn’t I?”

No one responded, and dessert arrived a moment later. Maybe it was for the best that the conversation died down after that. Ryder wasn’t sure he could remain calm again if Mark or Gina said anything else stupid.