Page 33 of Signs and Signals

“Just go with it, he wanted Haven to have the princess treatment. He wants her to have a good time, he means no harm. This is how he shows people he cares,” Atlas says as he grabs my hand, linking our fingers.

The driver steps out from the driver seat and opens the door, just as Zander puts Haven on her feet. Haven is living her best life right now, bouncing on her toes, eyes wide, smiling so big, all her little teeth are on display.

I was pleased to see Zander had the forethought to request a booster seat, which makes me feel a little better about everything else.

Once we are all settled into the limo and we are heading toward our destination of Butterfly House and Aquarium, I take in the interior of the luxury vehicle.

The seats are buttery soft leather, dark gray, there are lights lining the roof changing from pink to purple. I wonder if it was done purposefully, or if those are the only colors available. There is also a bucket filled with ice and juice pouches, that sight makes me giggle. Zander really did put a lot of thought into this, all because my daughter was kind enough to make him a friendship bracelet and personalized them for each person, she gave one to.

My eyes go to the bracelet on Zander’s wrist, to see which one he received; ah, now I know why he so taken by my daughter. His bracelet almost looks like the one she gave Atlas. The sign language charm is the same, the I love you sign made of a little solid metal hand, and a heart is in the middle of the two charms. His charm is a little metal baseball with the number thirty-four in the center.

I don’t know if she had Amara look up at each of the players when I wasn’t around or how she knew the pitcher of the Legends was number thirty-four. I think her heartfelt gift got him right in the feels, now he is trying to return the favor, by doing something extraordinary for Haven.

We finally arrive and I am surprised by the modern look of the exterior, the huge windows allowing the natural light to flood the interior of the building. As we walk toward the entrance, the landscape is beautiful, full of bright flowers, and lush bushes, it all feels magical, and we haven’t even seen the inside yet. The outside giving away the enchantment that awaits us beyond the doors.

Once we enter, Haven is standing between Atlas and Zander, holding each of their hands. They walk over to the ticket booth just inside the door and Atlas holds one hand up to Zander while saying something I can’t hear, and then pulls out his wallet.

The boy at the counter, who is looking at them both in awe, hands them something then they head back toward us.

“Can one of you ladies sign for me, please, I would like to talk to Haven, I want to make sure she understands what I am tryin’ to accomplish today and get her input. My signin’ is nowhere near ready to tackle a task such as a full conversation in sign language,” Zanders says, his cheeks a little pink.

“Of course. There is no need to be ashamed about how much or how little you know when it comes to signing. We all start somewhere,” I tell him. He gives me a nod in thanks and as he starts talking, I start signing to Haven.

Okay, Princess Haven, this place is called Butterfly House and Aquarium. If it is okay with you, we are going to start with the butterflies, then work our way to the aquarium, and after that we will see what the discovery den has to offer us. Before we leave, we can stop at the gift shop and grab some souvenirs to take home, so we have something to remember this magical day. Does that sound like a plan?

The more he speaks the wider her eyes get, of course she is still too young to read so she had no clue what we were doing here, she was just happy to be included in this adventure. She nods her head and starts looking around, as if the butterflies are going to come haul her away.

“I almost forgot somethin’ in the car, I will be right back, y'all,” Zander says and then rushes out the door.

Zan not staying with me, mama?

Poor girl looks heartbroken that Zander left, and when did she decide, she was going to call him Zan? I explained to her he had to go get something from the car, which is definitely not like any car I have ever seen, and he’ll be right back. She seems satisfied with that answer, and starts climbing up Atlas as though he is a tree.

“Okay, sorry, uh, is it okay that I give Haven a gift from me? If not, it’s okay, I won’t be offended. I understand if you say no, you don’t know me and your daughter doesn’t know me, so there would be no hard feelin’s,” Zanders explains.

“Of course you can. But you didn’t have to get her anything, this trip is plenty. Atlas said this was all your idea, and I appreciate you taking the time to think about something fun for my daughter to do why we are visiting. In case I forget to say it, thank you,” I tell Zander, sincerely. He asks for me to sign again, and I agree.

I got you a gift, I hope you don’t mind. Since you made me something that represents the two of us, I thought I would give you something from me that represents us.

He hands her a medium size metallic pink gift bag he must’ve had in the trunk or with the driver, because I don't remember seeing it in the back with us. Haven takes the bag and signs thank you. Zander looks a little nervous, I look to Atlas, and he smirks and jerks his head toward Haven.

She looks in the bag and her eyes widen, looking from each of us to the bag and back again. Her eyes land on Zander’s and holds. She looks as though she is about to cry, and I go to step forward to comfort her, but Amara grabs my arm and shakes her head no. I turn my attention back to Haven and Zander, only to have my heart grow triple in size.

This generous man has filled the bag with all thing's princess. But the thing that hits me the hardest is when she pulls out a familiar looking rectangle box. I hold my breath, waiting for her to open it.

She opens the box and this time the tears break through, Zander takes his big hand wiping her tears, then looks back and me and asks me to sign again.

When I was younger, I had a little sister. She loved anything and everything butterfly related. She is not with usanymore; she went to heaven when she was your age. She was really sick, and the medicine from the doctors did not help. I was with Atlas when he bought the necklace, so I decided to get you the matching bracelet. It opens, and there is a picture of me on one side and you on the other. I hope you like it and would like to be best friends with me as well as with Atlas. Now we both have bracelets.

He lifts his long sleeve showing not only the threaded bracelet, but a silver bracelet that looks just like the one he gave her. I cannot believe the reaction these super-hot super wealthy men have when it comes to Haven. What gets me the most is when Haven lifts her little arm for him to put her bracelet on next to the ones on her wrist. Then she begins to sign.

We not best friends, Zan. Atlas my best friend. You be my brother.

Not a dry eye in this fucking reception area. Zander couldn’t help but wrap his arms around her in acceptance. Taking the title of big brother with pride.

After the tears are dried, we head into the butterfly garden, which is magical, just being there. Haven feeds some of the butterflies with the help of a worker and Zander. Some even landing on her little hand as she tries to give them the special food.

The aquarium is so serene, the space washes a calm feeling over you, as if you are swimming under the water with all the marine wildlife.

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