Page 107 of Sweet Poison

Mila, standing beside her husband, swoons at my words, her eyes sparkling. She looks up at her husband, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “I told you, Giant. That trip would change our baby’s life.”

Riagan smiles down at her with love. “You did, sweetheart.”

She beams at him. And then she turns to me. “Now she has her very own grump with a sweet heart.”

Her words make me smile, reminding me so much of her daughter. My Willow.

Relieved with how things turned out, I walk toward them, my hands a little shaky as I pull out a folder from under my arm. I hold it out to Mrs. O’Sullivan, my fingers trembling just enough for her to notice.

“What’s wrong?”

“For you.”

“What’s this?” she asks, her brow furrowing in confusion as she takes the folder from me.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “Inside, there are papers stating that I’m giving you twenty-five butterfly conservatories in your name, all around the world.”

Mila blinks at me, her expression flickering between confusion and surprise. “Butterfly conservatories? W-what? Why?”

I feel a little awkward. I clear my throat again, forcing myself to meet her eyes. “You give butterflies a safe place to thrive and so much love and care,” I say, the words slow, deliberate. “Just like you did for me, for a while, before I had to leave. Now, I want to give that back to as many butterflies as I can. In your name, of course.”

Her eyes widen as she begins to process what I’m saying. The realization dawns on her slowly. “You mean... because of that? You want to help protect butterflies?”

I could care less about the damn bugs but they make this woman and her daughter happy so be it.

I nod. “You showed me kindness when I needed it most. This is my way of thanking you.”

Her expression shifts, the confusion fading to awe. I watch as she opens the folder, her eyes scanning the papers inside, and I see the exact moment it clicks for her. Her breath catches, and before she can say anything, tears start to well in her lovely eyes.

“Oh, sweet, sweet Madden… this is incredible,” she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. “You didn’t have to do this. I never expected anything back.”

I clear my throat suddenly feeling shy under her moving gaze. “I know but you’re giving me my heart. This is the least I can do.”

Her eyes lock with mine, and in that moment, it feels like everything I’ve been through—every moment of sadness, every punch, everything ugly—has led to this.

“This is the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you, truly.” Her words land deep in my chest, the sincerity of them wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

I never had a mom but Mila O’Sullivan is all I ever could’ve hoped for if I did have one.

Riagan stands quietly beside his wife and doesn’t speak at first, but I see the pride in his eyes. A proud smile spreads acrosshis face, and that little flicker of respect passes between us once more. In that look, I know I’ve earned something from him—maybe not the whole of his trust, but it’s a start.

Willow’s mom hugs the folder to her chest, her joy lighting up her face. “You’ve made this day even more special, Madden. I can’t wait to share this with Willow.”

A lump forms in my throat, and I take a deep breath, knowing that the next words I speak will change everything. The weight of them presses on me, but I’m not backing down now.

“About Willow...” I begin, and both Mila and Riagan turn their full attention to me, their faces instantly shifting to concern.

“I need you to come with me.”

Mrs. O’Sullivan’s brow furrows slightly. “Where are we going?”

“São Paulo.”

With that, I have Willow’s parents’ blessing to make her mine forever and now I just need the love of my fucking life to say yes.

Chapter

Thirty-Four

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