I've been searching and there's not nearly enough Sweet Magnolias Fanfiction about! Not sure who else might be searching for their Maddie/Cal sweetness fix too, so I've written the kind of story I'd like to read about them. Not sure if I'll continue this, I do love a multi-chapter story, but it's a one shot for now!
Cal rolled to the middle of the bed, finding Maddie sleeping soundly. Her knees curled as close to her chest as they'd go, and her hand resting against her thigh. He slipped his hand under it, curling his own legs in a perfect fit with hers. They lay like this for a few heartbeats before his hand, joined with her own, trailed up over her hipbone. She sighed in her sleep and he stilled, not wanting to wake her. Patience wasn't a virtue that Cal had been blessed with, though in the months they'd been together Maddie had made darn sure that nothing was rushed. He'd learned that she needed time, so his patience had grown; but Lord was it hard sometimes to follow her rules. Her breathing now regular again, he took his chance, their joined hands edging closer to their destination. Maddie's pyjama top has ridden up slightly in the night, serving only to allow Cal better access. He slipped their hands over the soft skin he found there, coming to rest in the middle of her stomach. Rubbing small circles with his thumb, and causing Maddie to sigh again, Cal smiled to himself. Knowing she was actually awake now, and had been pretending maybe for the whole length of the charade, he braved a kiss on her neck. Maddie melted into it, her face twisting slightly to meet his. She rubbed her eyes with her free hand, bringing the world into focus and smiled at the sight that she found. "Morning, beautiful" Cal whispered into her hair as he planted a row of kisses across her hairline, sending a shiver down her spine. He pressed his lips against hers slowly, allowing her to take control. Maddie's tongue asking for permission that Cal never denied. He pulled away slightly, opening his eyes again to take in her beauty. Their foreheads touched briefly before Maddie pushed at his chest, panic in her eyes. Her legs flicked out from under his, pulling the comforter with them. Cal tugged it back, protecting himself. Very aware that Katie still burst into her mother's bedroom at ungodly hours. Even on a lazy Sunday morning like today, he knew they weren't safe. Cal pulled on the same shorts from last night, as Maddie half ran across the floor, her hand now covering her mouth.
"Sorry," she mumbled through the beginnings of tears as he padded into the bathroom. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "You okay?" Cal asked, knowing it was a dumb question, but not knowing what else to say. Maddie looked up from her seat beside the toilet bowl, flashing a slight smile. The same one she'd used countless times before, to prove to him she was dealing with whatever crisis they were amidst. "I am now" she said defiantly, wiping her cheeks with the back of a hand, the other extended for Cal to help her up. He pulled her closer again, hand resting on her side. She threaded her fingers into his hair, Cal's lips pressed against her forehead. He'd wanted to kiss her properly again, tell her it would be okay, that it would all be worth it. But he knew her well enough to know what she really wanted right now was to shower. He stepped backwards, looking her up and down. Maddie knew what he was doing, and already her eyes brimmed with tears again. He'd been telling her that she was beautiful since the day they met, but now it'd become a daily thing. They woke up together most mornings, now that Ty was on board with their relationship, and fell asleep in each other's arms most evenings. Without fail, at some point between those two moments, Cal would look at her in a certain way making her heart flutter every time. He'd lean into her and whisper into the shell of her ear the ways she made his life complete, or he'd lean back and admire her fully before telling her he needed nothing more in the world. Maddie stepped closer again as this mornings small speech began. "Maddie Townsend, you're the most beautiful," his hand cupping her cheek, he raised her chin to look into her sparkling green eyes. "Caring, wonderful," she pulled his free hand away from her hip, linking her fingers around his. "Loving, and did I mention beautiful," his breath hitched as their hands rested against Maddie's stomach, she pressed his palm flat against the small bump, "hands down, best woman I've ever met." Not caring what she thought, he dipped his head and claimed her lips, hands running up her back. "Cal" she whined playfully, pushing at his chest, he pulled away slightly. Eyes wandering further down her body, he rested his hand on her bump again. Tears prickled in her eyes as she looked up at him, "and this baby is the most blessed human in the world to have you as a.."
"Mama!" Katie bounced into their bedroom, blanket trailing behind her. Cal pulled further away from Maddie, giving her space to move away. She took it, turning away from her daughter, not ready to explain the crashing wave of emotions that had suddenly hit her that morning. "Good morning, Cal!" Katie jumped into his arms and he spun her around. Happy tears had begun tracing fat lines down her face. Maddie wiped them away with the back of her hand as she watched the man she loved becoming the father she wanted for all her children, right before her eyes.