Page 79 of Sweet Poison

He looks at the lantern in his hands, his brow furrowing in that familiar way that makes my heart do a thousand flips. “I think it just might,” he mutters, but he takes the lantern and marker from me reluctantly.

I laugh some more. “Oh, hush.” I turn around to give him some space. I pull the marker from the lantern and start writing my wish on the paper, my heart feeling both light and heavy at the same time.

I take a deep breath, the cool air filling my lungs as I write my wish. “For my sweet grinch,” I scrawl, my hand steady but my heart racing a little. “eternal happiness and a life filled with color and laughter.” It feels right, a quiet hope wrapped in love and kindness for the man who thinks of himself as broken. I tuck thepen away and glance over at him, not surprise to find him still focusing on his lantern, his brow furrow in concentration.

I bite my lip, unable to resist. “Are you ready?”

He looks at me, then back at the paper, his expression softening. “Yeah…” His voice is low, hesitant but full of something deeper, something I can’t quite place.

We both kneel by the small candle at our feet. I hold my lantern steady, while Madden carefully lights the wick, the flame flickering to life in the dark night. I watch the warmth of the light dance across his handsome face, the shadows playing over his exotic features, and for the briefest moment, I feel like I can see every beautiful part of him— the parts he won’t let anyone see, the tenderness he only shows me.

“On three?” I suggest, my heart thudding loudly in my chest.

He looks at me, and for the first time tonight, there’s a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His eyes meet mine, softening. “One… two… three.”

We release the lanterns at the same time, watching as they float into the night, glowing softly against the dark lake. They float away, carrying our wishes with them, and as I watch them float into the distance, I feel a rush of hope wash over me— hope for a happy and magical future for Madden.

“Look at them go,” I whisper, the words slipping before I can stop them. This moment feels like we’re the only two people in the world. “So beautiful…”

I notice Madden's silence and turn to find him looking down at me. “Fucking beautiful, indeed.”

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

He’s not just talking about the lanterns anymore. I can hear it in his voice. The way he’s looking at me, like I’m the light in his dark sky.

I take a small step closer, feeling the pull between us like a gravity I can’t fight. Not that I want to.

I smile brightly at him, feeling so much joy in my heart that I’m afraid it might burst at any given moment. On an impulse, I wrap my arms around Madden’s waist, pulling him into a tight hug. As I hug him close, I can feel the strength in him, even if he initially stiffens.

After a moment, he hesitates, as if unsure how to react, then slowly wraps his arms around me, pulling me closer. The height difference is striking—my head resting perfectly under his chin, the lovely beat of his heart against my ear. Being in his arms feels like I was meant to be here. It feels safe.

I close my eyes, savoring the feel of his arm around me, and for the first time, I feel like I’ve found my place in the world— my home.

Him.

His fingers brush gently through my curls, the gesture sweet and tender. “You know,” he murmurs softly, his voice teasing but warm, “you’re not as annoying as I thought.”

I can’t help but laugh, my heart blooming with love for him. “Is that your version of a compliment, Madden Hunt?”

“Something like that,” he replies, a hint of a smile in his voice. Then, without warning, he lowers his head and kisses the top of mine—soft and sweet— and my breath catches in my throat.

We stand there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the magical night settling around us. His voice is soft as he pulls back just enough to meet my gaze. “So, what did you wish for?” he asks, his eyes searching mine.

I hesitate before I pull back slightly, lifting my eyes to meet his, letting my heart speak before my mind can stop it. “I wished for you to always feel happy.”

His expression shifts, surprise flickering in his eyes before a small smile breaks through. “You did?”

“Yup,” I say, a smile of my own tugging at my lips.

Madden’s eyes soften. “There’s no one quite like you, Willow O’Sullivan.”

His words settle deep in my heart, silencing every word that said otherwise, and I smile wider, feeling my heart beat wildly for him. “Likewise, Madden Hunt.”

His arms tighten around me, pulling me closer.