To Have and to Hold Read Free

wear all black. How’s that sound? LOL.
    I laughed at the jokes u sent me about stepmothers mainly because I can’t believe Stephanie will be my stepmom.
    My dad told me that there will be other kids my age at the wedding. I wonder who? Stephanie has nieces and nephews. Hmmmm. I wonder if any of them are cute? (That is so perfect—the worst day of my life so far is coming up and all I can think about is guys? LOL.)
    Write again soon, okay? U know I will.
    Yours till the wedding bells,
    Maddie
    P.S.: I cannot believe ur parents let u get another kitten! That is so crazy. Does Pepper the new cat like your cat Sparkles? I am so glad u like animals as much as me. I wish u could meet Phinnie!!!
    After logging off, Madison trudged downstairs in her Lisa Simpson T-shirt and slippers. The house was steamy. Summer—along with other upcoming events—was really heating up.
    “Good morning, sunshine,” Mom teased when she saw Madison’s gloomy expression.
    “Can we put on the air conditioner, please?” Madison asked.
    “Just wait until you feel the temperatures in Texas next week!” Mom said, laughing. “I imagine it must get up to ninety degrees or more in July.”
    Madison scrunched up her nose and stuck out her tongue. “Dad already told me to pack light. I can’t believe I have to be sticky the whole time. It’s like I’m being punished….”
    “Madison,” Mom said seriously. “This week isn’t about you. We’ve had this discussion a few times now. This is your dad and Stephanie’s big day. You are a part of it, but …”
    “Okay, okay,” Madison said defensively. “I know, I know.” She poured herself a glass of orange juice. “Where’s Phin?” she asked.
    “I think he went down to the basement so he could lie on the cool tile floor,” Mom said.
    “Maybe I’ll go spend the day in the basement, too,” Madison joked.
    “Very funny,” Mom said. “Actually, I have a big day planned. I need your help in the garden.”
    “Oh, Mom, it’s so hot—”
    “Maddie,” Mom said, crossing her arms in front of her. “I have had just about enough of your complaining. You’ve been moping around for a week since your dad told you about the wedding.”
    “So?” Madison grumbled.
    “Honey bear, I really need your help today,” Mom said sweetly. “I have some weeding to do and I need to transplant some of the flowers from the side of the yard. Phinnie can hang outside with us.”
    “Okay! I’ll help!” Madison said. She could tell there was no way out.
    “I know this has been a hard week with the wedding planning and all,” Mom said.
    Madison realized that maybe she wasn’t the only one who had to deal with Dad’s big news. She stared hard at her mom.
    “Is it hard for you, too?” Madison asked.
    “What? The wedding?” Mom answered.
    Madison nodded. “Aren’t you jealous or something? I mean, Dad is getting married, and …”
    “And what?” Mom asked.
    “And you’re not….” Madison said with a gulp.
    “Maddie,” Mom said gently. “You have to understand. Your dad and I have separate lives now. We both love you and share our time with you, but otherwise, our lives are different. And right now, I have no plans to get married. I told you, I’m happy for your father. Believe me.”
    “Okay, okay, I believe you,” Madison said, even though she didn’t believe a single word Mom said.
    Around ten o’clock that morning, Madison, Mom, and Phin headed into the garden with tools in hand. Mom carried a hoe in one hand and gloves and some small trowels in her portable green gardening bucket. Madison toted a handheld fan that sprayed water. She liked to aim it at Phin. The spray tickled his whiskers, and he did a little doggy dance.
    Luckily, the weather wasn’t as hot as Madison had feared it would be. The sky looked clear, and there weren’t many bugs flying around, either. Sometimes, Madison dreaded spending time in the garden, because she was paranoid about bees. Once, when she was