Page 37

Chapter

Thirty-Six

MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT

Willow

New Year’s Eve

A fter a long day of work and missing Madden, I finally settle onto the sofa, phone in hand. The only light in the room comes from the soft glow of the Christmas tree and the twinkling decorations, cutting through the darkness of the suite. It’s quiet now that Uncle Cianne has been gone for hours. He mentioned something about a New Year’s Eve beach party, but I wasn’t in the mood to join. Not without Madden.

He’s still away, and I’ll be ringing in the new year alone. Although, he promised he’d call so we could celebrate together. That’s why I turned down my team’s invitation to dinner— because I’d rather spend the last day of the year with my grinch, even if it’s just over the phone.

I open my social media, my thumbs move automatically as I scroll through my feed, as checking in on all my cousins. It’s become a ritual, something I do every day— a way to stay connected with all of them even when we’re scattered across different cities, living different lives.

The first post that catches my eye is from Artemis. It’s a backstage shot from a concert, the lighting all dark and intimate. She’s wearing ripped baggy jeans and a black tube top, her long blonde hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. Her makeup, as always, is flawless—smoky eyes and plump, salmon-colored lips, her signature lip color.

A tattooed hand is wrapped around her waist. I frown. Huh. I didn’t know she was seeing someone.

When did that happen? After everything she’s gone through? Still, if she’s happy, I’m happy for her.

She’s glowing even in the dim backstage lights.

I smile, hearting the picture before typing: Stunning. I miss you.

Next, I see Ambrose’s post. In the photo, she’s sitting front-row at a fashion show, her confidence radiating off her like she belongs there, even though she’s still so young. Ambrose was born to model. She has the face and the attitude for it even if Aunt Arianna hates the industry she chose.

I like the post and type: Look at you, supermodel! I love you forever!

I keep scrolling, liking posts and leaving comments for everyone, until a knock at the door jolts me from my thoughts. My phone slips from my fingers as I stand, curious to see who is at the door. Maybe Uncle Cianne forgot his key card again.

I rise and make my way to the door, peeking through the peephole. My frown deepens when I see Lincoln standing there, his broad frame filling the doorway.

I open the door, and he stands there, balancing three boxes stacked precariously in his arms. His eyes flicker to mine, a mischievous glint lighting up his face. “ Special delivery from my asshole boss ,” he says cheerfully, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. He shifts the boxes to one hand and lifts the edge of a black cover with the other.

“ What is all this ?” I sign, glancing from the boxes to him.

“ Can I come in ?” he asks, nodding toward the stack of packages in his hands.

I step back to let him through, nodding. He enters the suite, carefully setting the boxes and dress down on the small table.

Lincoln reaches into his pocket, pulling out a folded note. He hands it to me with a knowing smile. “ Fucked up Romeo also sends a letter,” he signs.

I give him a dull look, not liking the way he’s referring to Madden, but it only makes his smile widen. Those two have a weird relationship.

I unfolded the note and read the elegant handwriting:

You’ve been the best thing to happen to me this year.

Wild One, will you meet me at the beach at midnight?

I look up, my heart racing. “ The beach? He’s back ?” I sign, excitement flooding my chest.

Lincoln nods. Then, with a small shrug, he signs back, “ You’ve changed him.”

With another grin, he turns to leave, and I’m left standing there, breathless. Butterflies flutter in my stomach at the thought of what Madden has planned for tonight.

Giddy anticipation bubbles inside me as I rush over to the boxes, my fingers trembling with excitement as I lift the lid of the first one. My breath catches when I see the pastel green clutch inside, sparkling faintly under the light. It is gorgeous—elegant and chic—something my cousins would fawn over.

“This is stunning,” I whisper, running my fingers over the smooth fabric, unable to stop smiling.

I eagerly move to the second box and open it, my heart skipping a beat as a delicate diamond necklace glimmers inside. The diamonds are set perfectly, catching the light in a way that makes my breath hitch. It’s so breathtakingly beautiful, I feel like I might faint just from staring at it.

My hands tremble as I open the final box, revealing a matching bracelet and ring, both equally as exquisite and unreal. The weight of the jewelry grounds me, anchoring me in the moment, even though everything feels like a dream I don’t ever want to wake up from.

Finally, I turn my attention to the black cover, my pulse quickening as I lift it to reveal the dress. It is a long, sheer pastel green gown that hugs to the curves of the mannequin, almost see-through in parts. The soft fabric shimmers like ocean waves, catching the Christmas lights in a way that makes it seem otherworldly. I run my fingers over the delicate material, my heart fluttering. I can already imagine how it will feel against my skin.

“Oh, wow,” I breathe, mesmerized by the beauty before me. It feels like something out of a fairytale.

Overwhelmed by emotion, I grab my phone and open a video call with my mom. When her face appears on the screen, I can’t help but grin. “Mom! Guess what!” I beam, excited to share the incredible surprise Madden has sent.

He’s back.

Meet me at midnight…

My heart swells with a love so pure, so deep, that I can’t contain it. The idea of ringing in the new year with him—finally together—fills me with an indescribable joy.

Mom’s smile widens, her eyes sparkling with joy. “What is it, sweetheart?”

I turn the camera around to show her the boxes and the dress, sparkling under the Christmas lights. “Look at all this! Madden sent me all of it!”

Her eyes widen in excitement, matching my own. “Oh my goodness! That dress is gorgeous! And the jewelry! You’ll look like a real-life princess, my baby!” She leans closer to the screen. “That boy is just like the ones we read about in books, Willow. Just like your father. He’s a keeper!”

A keeper…

“I—I love him, Mom,” I whisper, feeling my heart swelling with so much love and warmth I can’t even begin to describe.

“And he loves you too, my girl.” Her voice softens. “He loves you too.”

I frown, a puzzled thought crossing my mind. “Wait… how do you know?”

Mom’s smirk is knowing. “Only a man in love does the things he does. Trust me, Willow.” She taps her chest with a wink. “Now, go get him, baby girl. Write your own happily ever after.”

Happily Ever After with Madden? I can almost feel the magic of a life with him in my bones. Nothing has ever sounded so perfect, so right.

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 path beneath 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.

This man is so sweet. How did I get so lucky?

The whole setup is so magical, it feels like a dream—a dream he’s made come true just for me

Madden straightens up, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. The ocean hums softly behind him, and I can’t help but think how perfectly he belongs in this moment.

He’s a dream come true.

My dream.

“Baby,” he says, his voice rough and smooth, pulling me closer. “You came.”

Of course, I did, sweet grinch.

“You came back,” I whisper in awe. A smile spreads across my face, and I feel a shiver of anticipation as I take another step toward him.

“Of course, I did,” he says, frowning as if my words bother him. “You’re mine.”

I bite my lip, trying to hide the smile tugging at my lips, my heart soaring at the weight of his words.

He steps closer, his gaze intense, making my heart beat wildly. Without a word, he kneels before me, his hands slipping beneath my heels, gently taking them off. The cool sand greets my bare feet, sending a thrill through my body, and for a moment, I feel like we’re in our own little world where nothing and no one can touch us.

When he rises, a smirk tugs at the corner of his full lips. Before I can react, he pulls me toward him, his fingers cradling the back of my neck, and leans down to kiss me. Time stands still. His kiss—his love—his devotion. I feel it all the way down to my bones.

His kiss ignites a spark that feels as though it could light the whole beach on fire. When Madden pulls back, his eyes linger on mine, and I’m unable to catch my breath, my heart racing in my chest.

“You’re so beautiful, Willow and this dress… fuck,” he says, his voice low, sending a flutter through my heart. “I can’t wait to get it off you.”

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, he lifts me off the ground with ease, his arms strong around my waist as he carries me toward the table. I hold onto his shoulders, still feeling butterflies in my stomach. The soft breeze tousles my hair, and for a moment, I feel weightless. That’s what it’s like in his arms—like flying, soaring high on cloud nine.

When we reach the table, Madden gently sets me down, helping me into my seat. The soft linen of the tablecloth brushes against my skin, and I look around, trying to see if there are any more people here to join us. “Why such a big table, Madden? Will more people be joining us?”

He settles across from me, his eyes sparkling making my heart flip. “Not yet.”

Not yet?

Just as I’m about to speak, a group of waiters appear, gliding over with trays of drinks and appetizers that smell divine and it makes my belly grumble.

“Happy New Year’s Eve!” one of them chimes, placing a cocktail in front of me. The drink is a beautiful mix, garnished with slices of apples, oranges and a tiny yellow umbrella perched on top. It makes me smile. Madden raises his glass, and I follow suit, clinking it lightly against his.

“Cheers to many nights like this one with you, my fairy,” he whispers, his gaze tender, yet intense, falling on me as if I’m as if I’m the only thing that matters.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

“Cheers, my sweet grinch,” I say, raising my glass.

He rolls his eyes playfully at my nickname for him and smiles.

Waiters begin to serve an array of appetizers, each one more tempting than the last. Tiny tartlets filled with creamy goat cheese and herbs, roasted vegetable skewers glazed with balsamic, and delicate spring rolls stuffed with fresh greens and creamy avocado.

My stomach grumbles, and I swear Madden hears because his smile widens. Without missing a beat, he reaches for a spring roll and feeds it to me.

Now, I used to cringe at the thought of grown people feeding each other, but with Madden, I can’t help but melt at the gesture.

The flavors explode in my mouth with each bite, and I beam at him. “So tasty!” I exclaim, savoring the creamy avocado and crisp greens. “But why no meats?”

I glance down at the plates, half expecting some steak or something hearty. “You love that fresh shit so…” he shrugs, as if it’s no big deal.

I feel a warmth spread through me, my heart pumping faster than before. The man hates vegetables. I’ve seen him pick at them while we had dinner but for me he’s willing to try.

“Hey, Madden…”

“Yes, Wild One?”

“Thank you.”

He looks at me, genuinely puzzled. “For?”

“For being you.”

His black eyes soften, and he swears softly under his breath, his voice low and full of emotion. “Fuck, baby. The things you say…”

I shrug, my heart full. “You make it easy loving you.”

Something flashes in his eyes, something like surprise.

He reaches forward, tucking a curl behind my ear, melting me completely.

“And you, my dearest Willow…” His finger traces my lips gently, sending a shiver down my spine. “Make loving you feel like breathing.”

A smile—radiant and pure as the stars twinkling above us—spreads across my face, and I see his own smile widen in response.

God, that smile.

With that, we continue to share appetizers, conversation flowing effortlessly, our laughter blending with the sound of the waves crashing the distance. As the meal arrives, we continue sharing stories, opening up about things we hadn’t discussed before. He tells me about the rush he felt when he won the F1 championship here in Brazil, and I share memories from my time at college. We talk about everything—our jobs, our dreams, and the moments that shaped us—until the minutes start to tick down to midnight.

The air hums with anticipation for the brand-new year, the beach is alive with energy, but all I can focus on is the beautiful man sitting across from me.

“It’s almost midnight…” I whisper.

He leans in, his expression shifting to something more serious, and I feel my heart skips a thousand beats.

“I need to ask you something, Willow,” he says, his voice low and steady, cutting through the festive noise around us. My heart quickens, nerves and excitement swirling in my chest. The look on his eyes tells me that whatever he’s about to say is something important.

“What is it?” I whisper back, my eyes locking onto his, trying to read the emotion dancing in his gaze. “What do you want to know?”

Madden shifts, his voice rough but still steady, filled with sincerity. “I want to know if you’ll make me the luckiest fucker on earth by marrying me.”

His words hang in the air, surreal and heart-stopping. Time seems to slow, and I feel the world around us fade into the background, leaving only him, the moonlight, the ocean, and the soft flicker of white lights around us. My heart races, a rush of disbelief, joy, and love flooding my chest.

“Is this really happening?” I whisper, my voice barely a breath, searching his eyes for any sign of doubt. But there is none— just unwavering sincerity and love.

He nods, his expression soft yet resolute. “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life. Before you, I never looked forward to tomorrow. But with you, Willow… I look forward to forever. You make me happier than I ever thought possible. You chase away the bad thoughts with just one smile, and I can’t imagine my future without you. I can’t imagine a day where I don’t get to kiss you. To love you.”

Tears prickle at my eyes, the reality of this moment settling into my soul. I think back to every moment that brought us here—every laugh, every touch, every sweet and magical moment.

This is the moment — the one I’ve dreamed of since the very first time I laid eyes on him.

As the countdown to midnight echoes in the distance, my heart feels like it’s about to explode. I realize this is the perfect way to usher in the new year—by stepping into one magical future with the love of my existence. I smile through my tears, the joy bubbling up inside me.

“Y-yes,” I whisper, trembling. “A thousand times yes!”

As soon as the words leave my mouth, Madden’s eyes light up, and he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. My breath catches in my throat as he opens it, revealing a stunning ring—a large green diamond, its brilliant cut shimmering as if Madden had a star pulled from the night sky just for me.

Green.

Green has always been my favorite color.

Green is him.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, gazing at the ring. This moment feels like my very own fairytale come to life, with his as my prince.

Madden carefully takes the ring from the box and slides it onto my finger. The weight of it a symbol of the bittersweet road we’ve traveled to get here and a promise of the future we’re about to build together. “Now…” he whispers, his rough voice filled with love. “It’s official. You’re mine, Wild One.”

“You’re… only ever yours,” I whisper, my heart full.

“Fuck yeah,” he grins, his joy matching mine.

And as the fireworks explode above us, lighting up the sky in vibrant bursts of green— only green, I feel overwhelmed with joy and love. I’ve never been this happy. Only ever with him.

I look at him now smiling so bright that I can’t help but think that his smile outshines every firework, and at this moment, with a million stars above looking down at us, I know this is just the beginning of a big great adventure with the man I love.

Just as more fireworks burst in the sky, familiar voices fill the air.

No way…

“W-what?” I whisper in disbelief.

My family appears from the shadows, their faces glowing under the green explosions in the sky. My mother leads the way, her eyes shining with happy tears. She’s flanked by my father, who looks at me with so much pride and love. Behind them, my uncles, aunts, their husbands, and my grandpa Cathan with his wife, my aunt Maeve all emerge, their laughter and cheers blending with the sounds of the night.

“Happy New Year!”

Congratulations, sweet girl!”

“Cheers!”

I see my Ella, holding baby Jax in her arms, while her husband Shaw has Halley on his shoulders. Both my cousin and her husband are grinning ear to ear. I spot Aza walking hand in hand with his blue haired dream and my cousin Artemis glowing beside a man I’ve only ever seen on the TV.

Wow…

That’s…new.

“Surprise!” they shout in unison, their voices ringing out, blending with the fireworks above.

I beam at all of them, so happy they’re here, and they get to spend this monumental and special moment with us.

God, I’ve missed them so much.

Tears of happiness well up in my eyes as I laugh, the warmth of their presence making everything feel even more magical. What a beautiful surprise.

Madden—my fiancé— throws his arms around me, pulling me close with a wide grin, and together, we look at every one of my family members, their faces glowing with joy. “Are you happy, fairy?” he asks softly.

I nod, my heart full to the brim. The moment feels too perfect to be real.

I lift my gaze to the black eyes I love more than science and whisper, my voice thick with emotion, “The happiest I’ve ever been, Madden. Because my happiness is you.”

And just like that, the countdown hits zero, the New Year begins— and with it, a new and magical life with the man who painted the world green for me and made me believe in happily ever after.

My champion.

My grinch.

My heart.

My Madden.