Taking a Chance Read Online Free PDF Page A

standing next to her bike with a huge smile. By that time, one pigtail was significantly lower than the other, strands of hair were sticking out all over, patches of dirt were across her face, her clothes had bright green grass stains and both knees were scraped. Maddie laughed as she set the photo back in its place.
    As she turned, her mom came into the room.
    “I remember that day. You were so stubborn. You had your dad wrapped around your little finger. He did anything for you. I would get so mad sometimes when he would let you do things I didn’t think you were old enough for. But I did love him for it. He was such a big part of your lives growing up and for that I’m forever thankful.”
    “I know. He was truly the best dad and I miss him every day.”
    “Me too.”
    “Mom, do you think you’ll ever date again?”
    Nina looked down at the ground for a few moments. She looked back up and made eye contact with Maddie. “Yes. I miss your father every day, but it would be nice to have someone to share my life with again. Would it upset you?”
    Maddie walked over and gave her mom a hug. “Of course not. I know you miss Dad, but I wish you could be that happy again. I hate seeing you alone. I promise you I would be fine with it. I want you to do what makes you happy.”
    “Thanks. I just don’t want to disappoint you or Scott.”
    “Never, Mom. You could never disappoint us. It’s not your fault that Dad was taken from us too soon.”
    Nina grew even quieter. “Yeah, he really was.”
    “He would want you to be happy. You know that right?”
    Nina shook her head. “Yes.” She sighed. “I do. I just wish things were different. That’s all.”
    “I understand. Come on. Let’s go make something for dinner. We can talk about it while we cook.”
    • • •
    T he next morning Maddie sat on her mother’s back porch and held her coffee mug close with both hands. The scent of toasted caramel swirled around her. The sight of her mom’s gardens reminded her of the quiet rural life she had grown up in. Maddie had given it up to enjoy all the things a big city had to offer. George had lived in Chicago, and after dating him a few months, Maddie had moved down without looking back.
    Even though she had lived with Molly for the first two years, Maddie and George had been inseparable. He was a few years older and a successful investment broker, and he had swept her off her feet. The first two years had been a whirlwind. They had attended parties, charity events, sporting events and weddings or traveled over long weekends. If they were not attending something, he took her to new restaurants or just out with friends.
    After two years, Maddie had bought her own condo in the city. George did not officially move in but began spending more time at her place. By the time he proposed a year later, he had pretty much moved all his clothes and a few personal things into her place.
    Maddie shook her head, trying to erase the last ten months of their relationship from her memory.
    Her mother walked out onto the porch.
    Maddie looked up. “I talked to my boss this morning and told him I was going to spend a few days up here.”
    “I’m glad you’re able to be here. I know how much it means to you to be here with your goddaughter.”
    “Mom, I know we didn’t talk about it last night, but why do you think Lola is struggling so much with everything? Not only did she not reach in to touch Ashley, she didn’t even talk to her. If that were my little girl, I would sit and talk to her all night. I wouldn’t leave her side.”
    “I know, sweetheart. I’m not sure why, but we all react to things differently. Maybe Lola is struggling with her little girl being so fragile right now.”
    “You’re probably right. Maybe she was still weak after everything she’d been through. I hope today is a better day for everyone. I need to send a few emails for work before I leave this morning. If you would like to head to the hospital while