The Wilde Side by Janelle Denison

Author:Janelle Denison
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2012-12-24T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

“I need your help.”

Ashley glanced from the mannequin she was dressing in a new end-of-the-summer designer outfit, to Madison, who’d just five minutes ago told her that she’d been out shopping and just stopped by the boutique to say hello. Apparently there was more on her sister’s mind than just a friendly visit.

For the first time in weeks, Ashley wasn’t worried that her sister’s request was related to something upsetting or deeply emotional, as their last few conversations had been. Today, amazingly enough, Madison showed no signs of being depressed or discouraged. Her eyes were bright with exhilaration, and an air of optimism seemed to radiate off her.

Ashley was thrilled to see the transformation. “What’s up, Maddie?” she asked as she made an adjustment to the pink capris and floral tank top she’d just put on the mannequin.

Her sister bounced Sophie on her hip, who was busy gnawing on a plush ladybug rattle. “I’ve come to an important decision about the problem I told you I was having with Adam.”

“Okay.” Ashley’s tone was cautious, because she wasn’t altogether certain she knew where this was heading. In a positive direction, she hoped. “Go ahead, I’m listening.”

Madison glanced around, and though they were standing at the front of the boutique near the window display, there weren’t any customers or employees within hearing distance. “I know things have changed between Adam and me since Sophie was born, and I’ve come to accept that some of those changes are inevitable.”

Ashley smiled, her relief profound. Since the night her sister had confided in her about the troubles she was having with Adam and their lack of connecting sexually, she’d been so concerned that Madison might let the problems fester, instead of finding a way to resolve them. “I’m so glad to hear that.”

Madison’s chin lifted in a show of bold determination. “But some of the changes that have taken place between Adam and me, like the intimacy in our marriage. . . Well, I want that back to the way it used to be. And I intend to make that happen.”

Ashley maintained a calm but interested facade as she straightened the matching lightweight sweater over the mannequin’s shoulders. But inside, she was stunned by her sister’s announcement. Madison’s unexpected show of fortitude revealed a different, more confident side to her personality that Ashley had never witnessed before, at least not to such a strong-willed degree.

Ashley was fascinated and intrigued by the change. Her sister was so used to everyone else taking care of her. It had always been that way, since the day she’d been born. Madison had been such a sweet, affectionate baby, a little princess whom everyone had adored and coddled—from their mother who’d doted upon her, to their father who’d indulged her every whim, to Ashley’s own protectiveness and natural instinct to nurture and guide her sister that undoubtedly made Madison depend on her more than she should have. Even Adam was guilty of keeping Madison safe and far removed from any significant concerns—all out of love, of course.

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