Page 35

Chapter

Thirty-Four

ONE DAY

Willow

“She melted my frosty heart.” — M

I miss him.

I miss him so much but he promised that he would be back after taking care of some impromptu business.

I believe him.

After every magical second we’ve spent together, I believe him when he says he’ll be back for me.

There’s also the fact that he sent his bodyguard to get me early in the morning for a surprise.

I'm excited and I’m even more excited since he decided to include my uncle Cianne in today’s fun.

“I really do hope, the fucker is not leading us to our deaths, Orla .” My uncle whispers as he walks beside me. “I don’t want to have to unload my gun on this one.” He points to Lincoln.

I shake my head with a smile at my uncle’s shenanigans.

“I heard that,” Lincoln grumbles.

“That was the goal, love.”

Maybe this wasn’t the best idea.

As we step away from the resort grounds, the air shifts around us—fresh, alive with the scent of earth and wildflowers. The path ahead winds through a canopy of trees, their leaves whispering secrets as the breeze rustles through.

I tap Lincoln’s shoulder grabbing his attention. “ Where are we going ?” I sign.

He glances down at me, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Just a little farther. Trust me, you’re going to love it.”

I nod excited.

With each step we take away from the resort, I can hear the chirping of the birds flying overhead and the gentle rustle of leaves.

We walk a little more until the trees begin to thin, and suddenly, we emerge into another world.

A world that feels far removed from our own. One that makes me stop, my breath catching in my throat.

All around us, blue butterflies’ flit through the air, their wings shimmering like sapphires in the bright sun. The ground is dotted with mushrooms of every shape and size, some glowing softly in the dappled light. It’s a magical scene straight out of a fairy tale.

This is more than my wild imagination could muster.

“Welcome to Mila’s One Day,” Lincoln says, his voice steady and calm. I blink at him, confusion swirling in my mind.

“ Mila ?” I sign, my heart racing. That’s my mother’s name. “And ‘One Day’?” My voice is barely above a whisper, the phrase echoing in my thoughts. It’s what she would say to me whenever I felt sad, a promise of better days to come.

Lincoln nods, his gaze serious. “Yeah. The boss has countless butterfly conservatories around the world and they are all named the same.”

What?

Then it all hits me.

He did this for her.

For my mother.

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 a mesmerizing 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.”

I edge closer, my heart pounding. As my fingers brush the surface of the water, a ripple cascades outward, and I gasp again. The sensation is cool and invigorating, sending a thrill up my spine. “This is unbelievable. It’s like a hidden paradise!” I exclaim, turning to Cianne and Lincoln, my eyes wide with wonder. “ Uncle are you seeing all this?”

“I see it, sweetheart,” Cianne adds, his voice filled with awe. “Madden really knows the way to your heart.”

He sure does…

I look around, absorbing every detail. Blue butterflies flutter overhead, occasionally dipping low to skim the water’s surface. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting a magical glow on the lagoon, and I can hardly believe I’m standing here, in a place that feels so alive and vibrant.

“ This can’t be real, ” I sign, shaking my head in disbelief. “It’s too perfect.”

Lincoln steps beside me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He signs, “Dive in,” while saying the words aloud, his enthusiasm infectious.

I glance back at the lagoon, the water inviting me with its shimmering surface. My heart races with anticipation. “ Can I really?”

He nods, encouragingly, the corner of his mouth quirks up in a smile. “Yeah! It’s the best way to experience this place.”

With a burst of exhilaration, I quickly slip off my cover-up over my bikini, letting it drop to the ground. I glance back at Lincoln and Cianne, both encouraging me with soft smiles, and then I dive into the lagoon, the warm water welcoming me with open arms.

As I surface, I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, and I can't help but laugh, feeling completely free. I swim toward the edges, where vibrant flowers bloom, their petals bright against the turquoise water. I splash around, letting the water envelop me, and then I stand, my feet sinking into the soft, sandy bottom.

I look up at the sun and let it soak my skin loving the warmth on my skin.

I twirl around, dancing in the shallows, my arms stretched wide as I spin and kick, sending droplets of water flying. The colorful flowers sway gently with the movement, and I feel like right now I'm part of something truly magical. Above me the butterflies fly above as I splash water happily.

Uncle Cianne’s voice cuts through my silent laughter. I turn to see him holding up my phone, a mischievous smirk on his face. “Prince Charming is calling, sweetheart!”

I pause mid-dance, raising an eyebrow as I splash toward him, water glistening on my skin. “ Madden is calling? ” I ask, a grin breaking across my face. The thought of Madden always brings a flutter to my stomach especially after he did all of this for me— for my mom.

Uncle Cianne nods, still grinning, and gestures for me to come closer. I wade through the water, and take the phone from him.

I swipe to accept the video call, and suddenly, Madden’s face fills the screen. He looks genuinely happy to see me, his smile warm and bright. “Wild One,” he says, his voice laced with tender affection.

He looks so handsome that I can’t help but blush.

But then his eyes drift down, and I see the moment his expression shifts. They narrow slightly, and a frown begins to form on his lips. I follow his gaze and realize my bikini top has caught his attention.

“ Madden ?” I ask, a teasing smile playing on my lips. “ What’s wrong?”

He tries to mask his irritation, but I can see the grumpiness creeping in. “You’re in a lagoon… in a hot as fuck bikini. Are the nuisance and your uncle close?” he replies, crossing his arms looking all grumpy and sexy.

I turn the phone toward my uncle and Lincoln, and I whisper so only he is able to hear. “Be nice.”

“No.” he grumbles, making me laugh. I turn the phone towards me again and smile.

“For me?”

“Fine.”

I smile wide as he agrees to be nice to others for me.

I feel emotion bubbling inside as I think of everything he's done for me and now to find out about what he did for my mother it just makes me feel like I was right all along. Madden has a heart that is too big for his chest. “ You’re the most wonderful man. What you did for my mom… it was beautiful. ”

His expression shifts, a hint of surprise in his eyes. “Lincoln has a big mouth.”

I notice Lincoln rolling his eyes and I smile, I cut him off, needing him to know this. “ She would love this place. I can almost see her here, laughing and dancing among the flowers. You made this happen, and it means the world to me. ”

“Good because you mean the world to me, baby,” he replies, his tone tender.

I melt at his words and start to feel all gooey inside.

“I love you, Madden.” I whisper then my eyes grow big when I realize what just came out of my mouth. I want to slap my forehead. Did I just make this weird? What if he doesn’t feel the same. “I ah— you don’t…”

A genuine smile spread across his face, the kind that reaches his eyes and makes me fall in love over and over again. “And I you, my Wild One.”

He does?

He loves me?

Love takes over my being as I look at him through my phone.

Madden loves me…

“You do?”

“Fuck yeah, I do.”

“I miss you. When are you coming back?”

That’s when I notice he’s inside a plane.

“On my way to you now,” he says, his voice hard and at the same time tender.

My heart swells.

Although I love this magical place already, I would much rather enjoy it with him here.

“I’ll see you soon, Willow.”

“I’ll be eagerly waiting! ” I beam. “I love you!”

“I love you more, baby.” He smiles widens before his eyes turn harsh. “And put on a shirt, yeah? I don’t like anyone looking at what’s mine.”

I roll my eyes playfully.

“Willow, I’m serious.”

“ Love you too, Mad. Bye! ” I blow him a kiss and hang up with my heart full.

“Oh, you did it now.” Lincoln grumbles and holds his phone up for me to see an incoming call from Madden. He takes it and rolls his eyes and makes faces as he listens to what obviously is Madden acting all grumpy. “You’ve been threatening to fire me for years, boss. We both know you won’t do it.”

Turning around, I suddenly spot my uncle Cianne in the distance, poised at the edge of the lagoon with a childlike grin plastered across his face. He’s bouncing on his toes, his excitement palpable as he prepares to leap into the water like a little kid.

“ Uncle, what are you doin g?” I sign, unable to suppress my laughter.

He glances back at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’m about to show you how it’s down, Willow! You ready for this?” With that, he takes a deep breath, arms raised high, and jumps in, his form diving through the air looking like a little kid.

The splash echoes through the lagoon, sending waves cascading around me. I can’t help but laugh, the sound mixing with the gentle rustling of the flowers. Uncle Cianne surfaces, his hair slicked back and a huge grin on his face, water dripping from his chin.

“This place is the shit” he calls out, looking like a kid who just discovered the fun of water.

I shake my head, feeling lighter as we both float in the warm water. The moment is perfect—a reminder of the joy in simple things, and I cherish seeing my uncle so carefree. “ You’re like a big kid! ”

Cianne laughs, clearly enjoying every second. “I’ve lived a rough life, my girl. But I’ve learned from a wise woman that life’s too short to take everything so seriously.” Is he talking about mom? I think so. “Come on!” he urges, splashing me back. “Let’s see who can swim to that big ugly mushroom over there first!” He turns to Lincoln. “Are you just gonna stand there like an ugly statue?”

Lincoln takes a seat on a rock and flips my uncle off.

Uncle Cianne rolls his eyes with a smirk and then turns to me. “Do you accept the challenge, Willow?”

“ Oh, yess !” I sign with a grin, and with that, we both kick off, racing through the water, laughter filling the air as we dive into this moment of pure joy and all thanks to my handsome grinch.