* * *

Quintessentially middle-class Royal Oak Hills was one of Maddy's

favorite Boca neighborhoods. It was a charming, well-maintained area

devoid of the pervasive pretensions that characterized other city

communities. With its ample lawns, meticulously landscaped tropical

hedges and plethora of swing sets, bicycles and skateboards, it rivaled any

Southern California counterpart as a classically American, warm-weather

residence.

Ken pulled into a neatly paved circular driveway framed by rows of

colorful croton and vivid pentas. The home itself was constructed of pale

yellow stucco with a flat, white roof and matching plantation shutters; a

polished wooden door accented with etched-glass windows greeted them

at the entrance. Maddy took a deep breath as Ken rang the doorbell.

Normally he'd barge right in but today was different; he wanted to be by

her side for this momentous occasion.

Paula Lockheart radiated warmth and sincerity as she welcomed them

with an affectionate hug and a bright, beautiful smile. As they exchanged

pleasantries, it was evident to Maddy where Ken's good nature and

impeccable character had come from.

"Madeline! It's so wonderful to finally meet you; Ken has told us so

much about you and your family!"

"Likewise, Mrs. Lockheart," Maddy smiled, "How are you? Happy

Mothers Day!"

"Well, thank you! I'm doing just fine. Come on in!"

Maddy felt Ken's protective hand on her back as she followed their

hostess through the formal dining and living room, and then across a

terrazzo-floor kitchen, before reaching their final destination-a fully

furnished, ceramic-tiled screen porch, where Carl Lockheart was intently

watching the Marlins game on a big-screen Plasma TV.

Though his brown hair had long ago transitioned into salt-andpepper,

his six-foot frame retained a broadness and strength that were

remarkable for a man of nearly 70. It was as if Maddy had been given a

glimpse of the future as she shook Carl's hand. While Ken's Colgate smile

and winning personality had definitely been gifts from his mother, his

father had also wielded his own noticeable influence in the realm of

physical characteristics.

"Madeline Rose, very nice to meet you," he said in a gruff voice,

sizing her up with blue eyes that mirrored his son's yet lacked their

effervescent sparkle. "So I hear you and Ken here have reconnected after

a number of years. Good for you!"

"Uh, yes it has been pretty amazing," Maddy beamed.

"Uh Dad, how are you liking the TV?" Ken asked.

"It's fantastic son. Thank you!"

"The television was sort of a combined Mothers and Fathers Day

present," Paula explained. "Our son is really something else!"

"Aw, Mom," Ken's naturally sanguine cheeks took on a deeper shade

of crimson.

"Now don't be embarrassed honey! It was incredibly generous of you

to buy this for us, especially since so much of your hard-earned money

goes to support an ungrateful ex. You're so good to us and we really

appreciate it!"

"He's the best," Maddy offered, squeezing his hand. But before

anyone could respond, some loud voices called out from the front of the

house.

"Hello! Anybody home?"

"Your brother Patrick's here," Paula noted, excusing herself. A

moment later she reappeared with her arm around another tall gentleman.

Unlike Ken, Patrick had dark, straight hair and hazel eyes. Though nice

looking, he bore no resemblance to his younger brother at all, save for his

similar build. And whereas Ken possessed a naturally gregarious nature,

Patrick tended toward reticence; however, he shook Maddy's hand politely

when properly introduced.

"Ah Danielle, there you are! Now we can start the party!" Paula

laughed, as she greeted her bubbly daughter-in-law with a peck on the

cheek. The union of Patrick and Danielle was a classic case of opposites

attracting; but her lively personality acted as a nice contrast to his laidback

disposition.

"Actually Mom, it's funny you said that, because I brought along

something that'll help make this a real fun celebration!" Danielle handed

her a huge gift-wrapped box. "Pat thinks I'm crazy, but I think you're

gonna love it!"

"Well, it sure is heavy!" Paula noted, just as Ken escorted Maddy over

to meet another family member.

"Oh, you're the girl from the Jersey Shore with the beautiful voice!"

Danielle exclaimed. She stood at about average height, with a slender

build and an attractive, if not beautiful face. Her frosted hair fell in a

blunt-cut that perfectly framed her angular cheekbones.

"Well, close enough. I grew up in Media, just outside of Philly, but I

did meet Ken in Somers Point about a million years ago," Maddy

explained. "And it appears he's filled all of you in on me!" she added with

slight embarrassment.

"Oh my gosh, Danielle this is great!" Paula gasped, tearing away the

wrapping paper to reveal a karaoke machine. "You know, I have always

wanted to try this, but my husband would never go with me to any of

those clubs. There are so many good ones around, too."

"Well, now you can sing in the comfort of your own home!" Danielle

proclaimed. Then she commented, "And since we have a professional

singer in our midst, perhaps she can treat us all to a performance?"

"Oh, uh-I don't know," Maddy laughed. "I haven't sung in quite a

while."

"C'mon, sweetheart, will you consider doing it for me?" Ken hugged

her from behind as he pleaded.

"Oh, I'll deal with you later, Mr. Lockheart," she teased under her

breath, "but yes, I'll be happy to sing for everyone-after you've prepared

us all a good meal, of course!"

"My pleasure as always, Madeline Rose." With that he disappeared

into the kitchen, leaving Maddy to bond with her future in-laws.




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