Page 103 of Sweet Madness

“I think that kid hustled you,” Shaw says with a chuckle, holding a single balloon after handing the rest to the kids.

I look over to where Noah is, covered in chocolate and happily playing with his rocket after devouring six cupcakes.

Standing up straight, I turn to face Shaw. His brown eyes sparkle with amusement as he looks down at me.

Settle down, heart. He’s here now.

I take the remaining pink balloon from Shaw and tease, “He looks like trouble—the good kind of trouble.” I whisper, noticing how much Noah reminds me of Shaw, not just in appearance but in his smart demeanor and mischievous smile.

Shaw smiles down at me, and my heart skips a beat. He then glances over my shoulder. “I think we missed one.” He picks up a stuffed bear from the pile of toys on top of the table and hands it to me.

Frowning, I turn to where the kids are gathered, playing and coloring. My attention is drawn to a little girl with blonde hair and bright eyes, who seems both shy and curious.

She looks so sad and alone.

Leaving Shaw’s side, I walk towards the girl with the balloon, stuffed bear, and cupcake in hand.

“Hi there, sweetie,” I say softly, smiling warmly at her. She responds with a shy smile, revealing a hint of dimples on her cheeks. Those dimples remind me so much of the silent man at my back.

“What’s your name?” I ask.

She looks at me for a minute before finally replying, “Cleo.”

“Here you go, Cleo.” I hand her the stuffed bear and balloon, which she takes hesitantly. “Would you like a magical cupcake?”

She shakes her head.

“Don’t you like cupcakes?” I ask.

She nods.

“Then why won’t you take it?” I ask, puzzled.

“I don’t believe in magic,” she whispers sadly, making my heart ache.

It’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard. I understand that these children might not have experienced much joy and could find it hard to believe in magic, but with a little love and understanding, perhaps one day they might.

“One day you will, sweetheart,” I promise. “One day you’ll wake up surrounded by only love and magic.” I say, sounding sad myself but masking it with enthusiasm.

Cleo tugs at the string of the balloon, seeming deep in thought.

“Do you believe?” she asks softly.

I nod. “I do.”

“Why?”

“Because life is more fun when you believe anything is possible,” I explain. I offer her the cupcake again. “And want to know more?”

She nods.

“Just the fact that your heart is beating is reason enough to believe in magic. Your very existence on this planet is pure magic, and so are you.”

She considers my words, hesitating for a moment before taking the cupcake from my hands.

“Thank you,” she smiles so prettily.

“You’re very welcome, Cleo.”

---