Page 115 of Sweet Poison

So us.

“I will.”

“Good.”

“Hey, Mommy?”

“Yes, my heart?”

“Thank you.”

She blinks, clearly caught off guard. “Thank you for what, Willow?”

“For everything. Because of you, I found the courage to come on this trip, to open myself to new adventures. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have found my sweet grinch again.”

Her eyes soften, a smile tugging at her lips, filled with maternal pride. “No, my girl. Your story was already written. It was all you. You’re so brave, angel girl. I’m so proud of you.”

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, my beautiful girl,” she whispers. “Now go meet your forever.”

As I end the call, I glance back at the dress, the jewels still glittering in the soft Christmas light. Tonight feels like the beginning of something incredible.

The beginning of forever.

That was my wish. My dream.

Him.

The pathbeneath my feet glows with the moonlight, each step drawing me closer to the beach where the waves crash softly against the shore. The air hums with the magic of this special night.

The resort no longer has their Christmas decorations up. Instead, New Year’s decorations twinkle all around me, the silver and gold colors and sparkling lights transforming the place into a dreamscape. Strings of white fairy lights cascade from the palm trees, their reflections dancing on the wet sand ahead, as if the entire world is lit up for this occasion.

I pause, taking it all in—soft music drifting from the bar, the distant laughter of the guests. The air feels charged with happiness and it all seems like a scene from a movie. The stars shine brightly in the sky with no dark clouds in sight.

Mom always says that’s a good sign.

I think so too.

I continue my walk until I reach the end of the lighted path, my breath catching in my throat when I see him.

Madden.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

He’s leaning casually against a palm tree, looking every bit as handsome and captivating as always. He is wearing black slacks that fit him perfectly, and a long-sleeve black dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal the tattoos that snake across his arms, chest, and neck. The moonlight catches the ink, making it shimmer like a map that leads to a hidden treasure. I love his tattoos. They’re a reflection of who is and the battles he’s faced.

Plus… they make him look drop-dead gorgeous.

Madden looks up as I approach, a slow grin spreading across his face—the one that I love so much and that makes my heart race and the world fade into a blur. In that moment, it’s just him and me beneath the twinkling stars and shimmering lights, and I can’t help but smile back, feeling a rush of emotions this man stirs in me.

As I step closer, I notice the large table beside him—elegantly set for a party of more than fifteen people. What?

In the center, a wildflower arrangement rests, surrounded by flickering candles that sway gently in the breeze, casting a soft, romantic glow.

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