Page 71 of Sweet Madness

Damn. How could someone so sweet and kind exist? I sometimes wonder if she’s just a figment of my imagination.

But she’s not. She’s real and here with me.

As we sit quietly enjoying the cake she baked, I can't help but marvel at the way she manages to make this day—this birthday—the best I've ever had. Before today, the day would come and go each year unnoticed. Now, there’s no doubt in my mind that it will be a warm memory for the dark days ahead when she’s no longer here with me.

Looking into those blue eyes of hers that I’ve come to love, I thank her. “Thank you. For all of this.” I look around the room with a small smile on my face.

Her eyes meet mine and soften. “You never have to thank me, Shaw.”

“I do,” I whisper back.

She has given me something I thought I would never get back: laughter. Warmth. She has turned this ranch that once seemed like a prison into a warm home. It’s been a while since it has felt like that, and she did it. This sweet little thing has worked her magic not only on me but on this desolate ranch.

As we savor the last bites of birthday cake and cupcakes, I notice a subtle shift in Ella’s mood. Her relaxed posture seems slightly hesitant, and her blue eyes occasionally flicker towards me nervously, as if she has something to ask but isn’t sure if she should.

Curiosity piqued, I set down my spoon and leaned forward slightly, studying her closely. “Is everything alright, moonshine?”

Ella bites her lower lip nervously and twists a pink curl before finally meeting my gaze. “Um... there’s something I want to ask, but it’s nothing, forget it.” She laughs it off, embarrassed.

My brow furrows slightly, unsure of what’s going through her head right now. “Go ahead, Ella. You can ask me anything. You know this, darling.”

She takes a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her napkin. “Well, I was thinking... since it’s your birthday and all... would you like to go on a birthday slash friend date with me?”

I blink in surprise, my mind racing to catch up with her unexpected proposal. A mix of emotions washes over me. “A birthday slash friend date?” I mumble.

She nods, her cheeks still flushing pink with embarrassment. “I mean, just as friends, of course. I thought... It would be nice. To spend some time together outside of the ranch and... celebrate your birthday properly.”

I have never seen her this nervous, and I must confess it’s a beautiful and enchanting sight.

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips. Since she’s been under my care, she has always been direct and unapologetically herself. Yet, sometimes she lets me see her most vulnerable sides. Like now. It only makes her more endearing and addictive to me.

I remain silent for a few seconds, savoring the moment as she looks nervously yet so sweetly at me.

“If it’s a birthday slash friend date that you want, then you got it, princess.” I rise from the chair. “Go change.”

Relief washes over her lovely features, her perfect smile brightening. “Oh, yes!” She fist-pumps the air. For most people, her exuberant personality might be obnoxious, but never for her. She’s perfect just as she is.

Ella gets up and turns to head out of the kitchen, but suddenly she stops and pins me with her gaze. I stand there without saying a word, my chest tightening with each passing second.

Then she breaks the silence, and what she says not only melts the last piece of ice around my heart but also makes it beat stronger than it ever has before.

“You’re officially the best friend I’ve ever had, Shaw Banning. My lucky stars brought you back to me.” Her smile widens. “I never doubted them. Just like I never doubted you.”

Fuck.

Unable to find words, I just nod.

“I know you feel the same way. You don’t have to say it.” When she shoots me a grin over her shoulder, I once again ignore the terrifying tug in my chest.

If she only knew just how true her words are.

She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me and the best thing that will ever happen to me. Because nothing will ever compare. No one will ever compare to Ellaiza Kenton.

Nothing.

Space Note

“Shaw… did you know that the sun can tell time, the moon tells the day and the stars tell the month. We live inside the most beautiful clock ever made.” — E