Page 134 of Imperfect Arrangement

“In the best way. Your dad has never been happier.”

My heart feels all warm inside.Thank you, Wish Fairy.

As the ride stops at the top, I pull out two sunflowers from my bag—the ones I grabbed from the living room vase before we left—and hand one to Grandpa Will.

“You can go first. You don’t have to say your wish out loud if you don’t want to. The fairies will hear you anyway.”

He looks between me and the flower, his face all scrunchy like he’s thinking hard. “I thought this was something you did with your dad and Willow. Why did you invite me, Bug?”

“Because they’re busy and also because you’re my third-favorite person in the world.”

“Third, huh? Who’s number one?”

“My dad,” I sign quickly, because that answer is easy.

“Of course.”

Grandpa Will lifts the sunflower, wishing his wish so quietly I can’t hear it. But I know the fairies do.

Then he looks at me. “Your turn.”

Dear Wish Fairy, it’s me, Quill. I’m not here for a new wish today because you already gave me everything I ever wanted. Today, my dad and Willow are getting married. We get to be a real family forever. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for listening to me and my dad. Thank you for Willow. Thank you for making everything better. Please don’t let anything take my dad and Willow away from me. And please, please keep them happy forever. I’m sorry I’m not saying my wish out loud today, but you know I can only talk in front of my dad and Willow.

I close my eyes and blow softly on the sunflower.

When we get back into the car, I turn to Grandpa Will, my hands wiggling with excitement. “I think today is going to be the best day ever.”

“I think so too, Bug.”

* * *

Dad and Willowgot married today.

They stood under a big flower-covered arch, holding hands, kissing, and saying words that made everyone smileandcry a little. Then there was cake.So much cake.

As I sit at this big table with my big family, I feel the same feeling when Dad reads me the very last chapter of my favorite bedtime stories, the ones where everyone gets to be happy in the end.

Someone taps my hand, and I turn to see Uncle Rowan. “Someone looks very happy,” he signs.

Out of all my uncles and aunts, Uncle Ro is the only one who talks to me in sign language. He’s like me; he knows what it feels like when words get stuck inside you.

I wiggle in my chair and sign back. “I am. Uncle Ro, I want you to find someone for yourself, like Dad found Willow.”

“Maybe I did already, Bug.”

I sit up straight. “Really? What’s her name?”

He laughs, his shoulder shaking. “No clue.”

I frown. “How can you have a someone but not know their name? Can I meet her?”

He ruffles my hair. “Hopefully someday, you and I both will, kiddo.”

* * *