“Help me!” Sara finally pleaded, and before anyone else could lean in and spit all over the cake, Douglass licked his fingers and snuffed out the candles, one after another, sort of killing the vibe.
“Doug,” Jules complained in shock. “Now her wish isn’t going to come true.”
“It wasn’t going to come true anyway.” He shrugged indifferently.
Jules made a frustrated noise, but pulled the cake towards herself and started cutting slices for everyone, muttering quietly.
The first plate was, of course, passed down to Sara, who continued to wiggle in my lap as she leaned forward and started eating. “Look who finally has an appetite.” I murmured, suppressing a smile.
“I got your note,” Sara said, even quieter, as I popped one of the birthday hats onto her head with a chuckle.
Sloane announced to the table, “I got us all tickets to Rattlesnake Ranch. They have an epic corn maze, and the most insane haunted house, it’s so fucked up.” She grinned. “So finish your cake and have another drink if you need a liquid jacket because it’s going to be chilly out there.”
“I’m so sorry, but I’m going to have to head out after this,” Ariana called across the table to Sara. “I have an early morning at the embassy tomorrow.”
“Oh my gosh, don’t even worry about it. I’m just so glad I got to see you at all.” Sara grabbed Ariana’s hand across the table, and they did a girly, whatever kind of thing that made me chuckle. It was cute.Sara was cute.“You’re here for the cake. That’s the most important part anyway.” Sara winked, and I was so glad to see the old Sara back, and happier than ever. Everything felt right. Better than right, actually.
The table broke into chatter, and while Liam was waiting for his piece of cake, he leaned in. “Hey, did you ever figure out who left the dildo in your bed?”
Sara immediately choked, and Cade looked between us and sucked his teeth. “I could take a wild guess.” Asshole.
“Sorry.” Liam chuckled to Sara. “Guy talk.” If only Liam knew.
Sara shoved a massive piece of cake into her mouth, chewing furiously, and I pushed her water cup towards her, doing my best to keep a straight face while I talked to Liam.
Suddenly, Theo appeared out of thin air, looking like a bull ready to charge. “What in the ever-living fuck are you doing here, Riley?” Theo thundered, and the table froze.
“Oh, shit.” Riley hissed and quickly knocked back her drink, quickly shoving the last bite of cake into her mouth.
“Andyou.” Theo pointed a finger at Ariana. “You are in deep shit, princess.”
“Don’t you dare speak that way to me,” Ariana bit out harshly.
“We had an agreement.” Theo snarled.
“Youhad an agreement.” Ariana crossed her arms in defiance.
Everyone’s eyes ping-ponged between Theo and Arianaas they argued.
“I should have known I couldn’t trust you with anyone else.”
“I. Don’t. Need. A grumpy beefcake, following me around everywhere I go!” Ariana gritted out angrily.
“Tell that to your fucking father.”
“I did.” Ariana practically screamed.
Meanwhile, Riley was quietly sliding over everyone, trying to avoid the crossfire. “Sorry.” She grimaced, literally climbing over Jules and Douglass. “So sorry.”
“If your brothers find out about this,” Theo grumbled, grabbing Riley and hauling her over the table entirely.
“You’re not going to say a damn word.” Ariana threatened Theo from the back of the booth. “Otherwise, I’ll tell my father whatyoudid!”
Theo barked a sardonic laugh. “You go right ahead and do that, cupcake!” Everyone gasped as Theo ripped the table out from the booth, sending cake and drinks flying everywhere.
Ariana’s eyes went wide. “What are you doing?” She tried to scramble away as he closed in, but there was nowhere to go, we were packed in like sardines, and he was blocking the only path out. “Theo—Theodore! Don’t you fucking dare.” Ariana cried, scrambling up.
Theo grabbed an arm, bent low, and in one motion he hauled Ariana over his shoulder, as if she’d even had a chance.
