Chapter Sixteen #5
“Pops.” She nodded, folding the page on her book and putting it down.
She watched her dad checking the vines, and felt as though her heart might burst. It was Maddie’s sincere belief that Ben was the greatest man who had ever existed.
He was quiet, kind and gentle, a logical and clever man, who’d do anything for anyone if it would make their lives better.
Maddie was too young to remember when Ben had met Emma, but from what she’d heard — mainly from Bowie and Marley — his positioning as their stepfather had been slow and measured.
He’d treated them sensitively and cautiously, starting as a friend of their mother’s, then progressing to a friend of theirs, winning their trust and respect by taking things slowly, treating them respectfully, communicating openly, and never wavering from the commitment he’d made to always be there for them.
Over time, they had grown to love him, started calling him Dad of their own accord, and stopped telling people he was their stepfather.
Throughout Bowie’s illness, Ben had behaved perfectly, expertly walking the line between being there for Bowie and doing what was best for him, while also supporting his devastated mother and siblings through their turmoil and grief.
Everyone felt incredibly lucky to have him, and Maddie did, too.
She watched him pretending to care about the plants when she knew they were the furthest thing from his mind today.
She prompted him. “What’s happening, Dad?”
He sighed and dropped his facade, turning to her, a strained grin on his face.
“You always did know me well, my love.” He sat beside her on the wicker sofa.
Maddie didn’t say anything. She didn’t need to.
“I suppose it’s just that I’ve never seen you look like that.
” He clasped his hands. “So happy. Giddy, actually. It... scared me.”
“Why?” Maddie asked, knowing the answer already.
“I don’t want him to break your heart.” He shrugged, wincing guiltily.
“What makes you think he’ll do that?” She was aware she sounded nervous, but couldn’t help herself. She, too, was terrified she’d end up heartbroken. She trusted her father’s opinion, so she wanted to know if he thought that was a likely outcome and, if he did, what he was basing it on.
“Nothing at all,” he said, smiling warmly.
“Just a father’s fear, I suppose. I hope you won’t feel patronised.
I used to have the same concerns every time there was a chance Bowie might get hurt.
He was soft and gentle, like you. Marley, Pip and Bluebell.
.. they’re wild and strong. You’re just like Bowie.
You walk heart-first into everything you do.
Your gentle side is so exposed, it makes me worry sometimes. ”
Maddie nodded, reaching for his hand. “James is a good man, Dad.”
“Oh, I know,” Ben said, confidently. They slipped into a comfortable silence, lost in their own thoughts.
Maddie wasn’t sure what her father was thinking, but she was wondering how long it would take to move past this part of the relationship process.
She was eager for enough time to have passed for these fears her family had — that she’d get hurt — to be quelled.
She wanted them to be as confident and happy about her and James as she was.
Eventually, Ben shattered the silence. “Has he changed his mind about travelling, or have you agreed he’ll go away and you’ll stay together? ” Ben asked.
“Perhaps I’m going with him?” Maddie teased. Her father chuckled, knowingly shaking his head. “He’s staying,” she said.
Ben nodded, clearly satisfied. “I’m sorry if my reaction in the kitchen alarmed you.
” He stood up, readying himself to leave.
“You’re a smart woman, Maddie. Every decision you make is measured and careful.
I know you know what’s right for yourself, and I’m pleased to say I agree with you.
James is a charming young man, and it’s clear as day he’s crazy about you.
As long as you’re happy, my darling girl, I’m happy, too. ”
Maddie gazed up at him, grateful. “I’m so happy I could die, Dad,” she said, a little breathless.
It was not like Maddie to share how she felt so candidly, but she knew her father needed to hear it.
He understood that making her happy was no easy task.
It never had been, but it was even harder in the wake of Bowie’s passing.
She’d floundered in the depths of despair, then dragged herself into numbness, where she’d planned to stay.
James had pulled her out of the purgatory she’d been languishing in.
Maddie knew her father would understand how difficult that had been, and how special it made James.
She was right. Ben smiled, his eyes softening with the sincerity of her words. “And it’s about damn time you were.” Maddie grinned back. She saw his fears dissipate, his shoulders relax, the tension fall from his features. She nodded reassuringly and he turned, jaunting happily from the room.