Page 109 of Sweet Poison

Long before life brought us back together.

My sweet, sweet man.

I feel the world tilt beneath me as memories of my time with Madden in the garden flood my mind—his hesitant smile, his soft voice assuring me that my voice was beautiful. My eyes widen, and I turn slowly, taking in the enchanting wonder around me. The pretty blue butterflies swirl in vibrant patterns, as if they’re dancing just for us.

Madden…

My heart swells with joy and love, and I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the beauty the love of my existence created for my mother.

“Wow, some actually dethroned him.” Uncle Cianne chuckles from behind me. Turning to him, I sign the words, “What?”

Uncle Cianne’s smile widens. “Your cocky as fuck father, He did and still does shit for your mother to make her smile. Thigs that to most people would be extra as fuck but I don’t think he could beat this gift. Your man has built homes for butterflies around the world in your mother’s name. That’s tough to beat.”

I shake my head in laughter. My uncle would be the one to make this about my father and his inability to admit to being the best at everything.

Lincoln signs to me while urging me forward, “Come on, there's more.” His hands move fluidly, and I can’t help but smile at the thought of Madden making sure his bodyguard knows sign language. Even when I wasn't part of his life he somehow managed to include me.

God, I love that man.

I nod, my heart racing as I follow him, my feet barely touching the ground. Butterflies flit around us, swirling in amesmerizing display as if they too are guiding me. Uncle Cianne walks beside me, taking pictures of the place and of himself, while Lincoln leads the way with confidence.

We venture further, the mushrooms growing taller and more vibrant. I reach out to touch a bright blue cap, its surface smooth and cool beneath my fingers. Just beyond, a cluster of mushrooms glows softly in hues of lavender and green, creating a magical glow that pulls me in.

Lincoln gestures toward a particularly large mushroom, its cap wide and inviting. “That one’s special,” he signs, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. I can’t help but wonder what he means.

“Why?” I ask, still staring at the mushroom.

“He named it Willow.”

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

“Willow?”

“Yes. One time I asked him why and he said because it's the most beautiful one.”

“Damn, that fucker even makes me swoon,” Uncle Cianne jokes.

My eyes are all misty and my heart can’t take it anymore.

“He’s special, uncle Cianne.”

“I see, my girl. Come on, let’s find out what else the man has in store for you.”

I nod and follow both of them.

We continue our journey, and soon the sounds of the stream lead us to a hidden path. Lincoln glances back at me, a knowing smile playing on his lips, and he gestures for us to follow closely. My heart races as I can feel something extraordinary is just ahead.

Something as magical as Madden.

As we round a bend, the tall trees part, and I gasp, stopping in my tracks. Before us lies a stunning blue lagoon, its waters shimmering like diamonds. The hidden place feels almost otherworldly, as if we’ve stumbled into a dream. The edges of the lagoon are framed with lush greenery, vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze, and more mushrooms dot the landscape, their colors popping against the deep blue.

“I can’t believe it,” I sign, taking a hesitant step forward. It looks like something straight out of a fantasy book, too beautiful to be real. The water is perfectly clear, reflecting the sky above and the surrounding foliage in a kaleidoscope of color.

Lincoln chuckles softly, clearly enjoying my reaction. “It’s real, I promise. Go ahead, touch it.”

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