Page 155 of Scarred

FORTY-FIVE

LUNA

“Everyone gather round in our fairy circle before we leave,” I say, picking up a bakery bag and sitting cross-legged in the middle of the wooden dance floor.

Scarlett is practically vibrating beside me as she takes a seat and scoots closer, her big blue eyes brimming with excitement.

“Can we do it now?” She whispers for at least the tenth time this evening.

“As soon as everyone gets in the fairy circle,” I laugh.

Pink tutus bounce across the wood floor in a flurry of giggles and tiny ballet slippers.

“We have a special birthday coming up this weekend,” I say, getting their attention as they form a circle. “Scarlett brought you all a treat today to take home.”

Scarlett beams proudly and excitedly starts talking.

“I got to pick’em out! They’re pink and sparkle!”

The girls’ eyes light up as a rush of joy sweeps through the dance studio.

“First, let’s sing Happy Birthday,” I laugh, catching Mae’s eyes as she watches from her usual spot along the wall. She smiles at me as her warm hazel eyes silently praise me before pulling out her phone to capture the moment.

Leading them in the song, Scarlett leans further into me, and I put my arm around her to ease her sudden shyness at being the center of attention. When the song finally ends, I pull out the individual pink boxes, letting Scarlett hand them to her dance friends.

Six cupcakes with iridescent sprinkles are passed around, and the girls excitedly peer through the clear top before thanking Scarlett and wishing her a Happy Birthday one more time as they scurry up to show their parents waiting in the other room.

“I think your cupcake idea was a hit,” Mae chuckles, as I walk over to her.

“I thought Scarlett might have fun handing out cupcakes. A lot of the girls bring treats for their birthday, and I always like to celebrate each milestone I have with them while they are in my class,” I smile, watching Scarlett get a hug from one of her little classmates before they wave goodbye.

“She needs this,” Mae says quietly, her eyes focused on Scarlett as she twirls in the mirror. “They both do.”

I turn to Mae, and she covers my hand in hers. Her eyes mist over as she smiles, quickly blinking away the tears.

“I want you to know that I’m really happy you walked into their lives. I was so worried after my granddaughter died that Cayden would never let anyone in again.” Her eyes drift to Scar, and I see the love pouring off of her. “I loved my Jules with every fiber of my being and knew her heart better than anyone.”

She turns back to me and smiles softly. “She would want Cayden to find love again…to have a family again. I have no doubt in my heart that she’s smiling down on us now.”

Patting my hand, she lets go, and I immediately pull her into my arms in a hug. She smells like cinnamon and cookies and reminds me so much of my Mimi. It’s the kind of comfort only grandmothers seem to know how to give. She runs her hand down my back as I hold her tightly.

“You have no idea what that means to me,” I whisper. Knowing I have her blessing makes everything feel less heavy.

“I’m just speaking from the heart, dear.”

Letting her go, I wipe my eyes. “God, I’m a mess,” I sniff, chuckling softly.

“Still as beautiful as can be,” she smiles before giving me a knowing look. “Being in love looks good on you.”

I blink at her bold statement before turning my attention to Scarlett. She’s opened her cupcake box, and I watch her little finger take a swipe of the pink frosting before putting it in her mouth.

“Is it that obvious?” I ask, quietly, knowing if she can see it, I’m sure Cayden can as well. I’ve never been good at hiding my feelings, especially when the love is this strong.

“Almost as obvious as Cayden every time he looks at you or mentions your name.”

I whip my head in her direction, and she chuckles softly.

“I…I mean, we haven’t said it yet or anything,” I stumble with my words. “I wanted to believe he felt the same way.”