To Love a Stranger (15 page)

Two weeks later, his parents were married at City Hall.

Two years later…

C
hristmas was the Cougars' favorite time of the year. Not only would they pile into the car and go Christmas-tree shopping, they'd also huddle together to during the Rockefeller Christmas-tree lighting, check out the New York City's ballet performance of
The Nutcracker
and, of course, overdosed on homemade, chocolate-covered s'mores.

Madeline watched her family buzz around the Christmas tree, which had more food than actual ornaments, and smiled. It'd been confusing to the children when Marcellus returned to their lives, but in the end, they were all happy to have him back.

For a while, the children were afraid he would leave again. Russ was more distrustful than Ariel, but after a few months, he finally came around. On Marcellus and Madeline's first anniversary, Marcellus legally adopted Ariel and Russ. Officially becoming their father.

In truth, they didn't need the slip of paper. He'd always been their father where it had counted most, in his heart.

Two-year old, Marc, giggled endlessly when eleven-year Russ would saddle him on his back and crawl around the floor like a horsy or when his nine-year old sister would blow an endless stream of raspberries against his belly button.

Madeline never dreamed she could be this happy. She'd sold Stone Cold Records to a competing label and with Marcellus running the business end of House of Madeline, she and Lysandra were free to focus on the creative end of the industry. In all, they were still a glowing success.

Now, pregnant with her fourth child, Madeline looked forward to filling her home and future with love. The first time, she'd married for money. This time, she got it right and married for love.

“Uh-oh. You're under the mistletoe,” Ariel chanted. “You know what that means, Daddy. You gotta kiss Mommy.”

Marcellus smiled and looked over at his wife. “Rules are rules.”

“Uh-huh.” Madeline slid her arms up and around his shoulders. Her eyes sparkled. “Now, shut up and kiss me.”

Grinning, Marcellus leaned forward and delivered a kiss that sent her soul soaring into the heavens.

The children applauded, little Marc, too.

After surviving so much tragedy in his life, Marcellus thanked God everyday for his new and growing family. It could have only been a miracle that had brought him such a gift and he would spend the rest of his life treasuring every moment of it.