Page 77 of The Wonder of You

“Fancy me winning you a prize?” he grins as we walk towards Henry’s game stall.

“Roll up, roll up!” he shouts in that perfectly croaky voice that seems to attract so many. He catches sight of us and smiles. “Not you two! You always make me look like a fool!” he laughs. Phoenix holds his hands up in surrender.

“Fair enough, I won’t embarrass you today.”

“I sold one of my ladybug rocks!” Maudie runs to me with Lukas trailing behind her.

“I told you, didn’t I? They’re amazing, of course people will want them!”

We embrace each other and Maudie shows me the coins she made from the sale.

I congratulate her before grabbing hold of Phoenix’s hand. We slowly walk back to our cabins. The Circus of Nightmares is the last show of the night - it seemed like a good idea to have something scary saved until the sky is completely dark. We leave the shutting of the circus to Henry and Toni - drunken guests who want to cause chaos don’t tend to try it on with them. Both of them are bold, confident and willing to fight if needed. If people had seen Henry the way I have seen him, they wouldn’t even consider messing with him.

I take my sweater off when we get into the cabin, glancing at the small area in my bedroom which is dedicated to the mortal version of myself. I smile at the photograph of my grandparents. My grandad would be so proud of me being here in the circus. I don’t tend to think about them all too much anymore. My grandparents are at peace, my dad and sister are probably happy and doing well, and my uncle… well, he may have ruined part of my past, but he isn’t ruining my future. Not anymore.

Phoenix sits on the bed. I walk over to him, standing in between his legs and wrapping my arms around his neck.

“I love you, Phoenix. I’m forever grateful that we found each other again.”

“We would have always found each other, Renée.”

“I still don’t think I’ll ever truly get over all this, though,” I say as I put my hand on his cheek and look into his eyes.

“That’s the wonder of the circus,” he smiles. I smile back.

“That’s the wonder of you.”

He tugs me closer until we both fall back onto the bed giggling. Tonight though, we’re exhausted, so we do what I love doing the most; fall asleep in each other’s arms. I rest my head on his chest as he wraps his arm around me, holding me closer to him, and we both fall into a peaceful sleep after a long but beautiful day, knowing we’ll get the pleasure of doing it all over again tomorrow.

Chapter 55

“I was wondering if I could ask my beautiful lady a favour?” Phoenix smiles at me as he takes my face into his hands.

“It depends what it is,” I smirk. He knows I’ll do anything for him.

“One of the tents has broken. Like completely ripped. I’m helping Henry fix it and we need Lukas and Toni on board too. I’ll miss introducing the magician’s show, though. Are you able to do it for me?”

Oh.

Perhaps I should have been serious when I said “it depends”.

“Phoenix, I’m not sure. Can’t I swap with Lukas or Toni?”

“It’s just…”

“They’re stronger for helping with the tent.” I chuckle, but nerves turn over in my stomach.

I really want to help.

But introducing an act to a whole crowd of people? It sounds terrifying. I’ve danced in front of crowds, but talking to them all seems like a step too far.

“I’ll stand with you!” Maudie smiles sweetly beside me.

I take a deep breath and give Phoenix afine, I’ll do it!smile. It comes with a sigh, but he knows I am being light-hearted. I love this place so much, but it doesn’t mean I can’t be afraid of ruining it by trying to do something out of my reach.

Can I possibly put it in my reach though?

Phoenix instantly grins and leans forward kissing me softly.

---