I pace the cabin’s living room, my stomach in knots. It’s early morning, and I haven’t slept a wink. I’ve been running around, arranging everything.
The early morning light filters through the windows, casting long shadows across the rustic space. Doubt gnaws at me. Is it too much? Not enough? My hands shake as I adjust a balloon for the hundredth time.
“Good morning, beautiful,” I say, my heart racing as Cora emerges from the bedroom. She’s wearing my t-shirt, the hem barely skimming her thighs. A yawn escapes her lips as she stretches, her hair a wild halo framing her face. In this moment, she’s breathtaking—not dolled up in fancy evening gowns, but in my shirt, soft and vulnerable in the morning light.
“Good morning,” she mumbles, voice husky with sleep. Then she freezes, her gaze sweeping across the transformed room.
I cross to her, cupping her face in my hands. “It’s your birthday,” I murmur, drinking in her surprised expression. Mythumb traces her lower lip, and she shivers. “I know you wanted a party. I’m sorry I can’t give you that, but I wanted you to have a special day. Happy birthday, beautiful.”
“This is beyond special.” She looks around, her eyes drinking in the room. “It’s amazing.” Her hands slide up my chest, fingertips teasing. “And so are you.”
My gaze follows hers, taking in the balloons, the homemade chocolate cake, and the wrapped gift.
I chuckle. “You don’t have to lie. I’ve been to your events. I know I have no future in design.”
Cora turns to me, tears welling in her eyes. “It’s perfect,” she insists. “It’s the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
I smile and extend my hand, palm up. “Dance with me?”
She nods and takes my hand. I pull her close, savoring the warmth of her body against mine, and press play on my phone. The room fills with the soft strains of Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love.”
We sway slowly, Cora’s head on my chest. I whisper the lyrics in her ear, meaning every word. The moment feels perfect, suspended in time, and I know I can’t hold back anymore.
“I love you, Cora.”
She gasps, stiffening in my arms. “Ryder?”
The words pour out of me. “I love you, baby. I can’t hold it in anymore. I know I have nothing to offer you but my heart, that I’m not what you’re looking for. That I don’t fit your lifestyle, but I want you to know anyway. I want you to know how much I love you.”
Cora stops dancing and looks up at me, her face a kaleidoscope of emotions. Shock. Surprise. Excitement. And something else... could it be love?
“You have everything to offer me, Ryder,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “You have everything I want. You have the biggest heart, and I love you.”
I gaze into her tear-filled eyes, my vision blurring as I lean in to kiss her. It’s our gentlest kiss yet, filled with all the emotions we’ve held back for so long. When the song ends, we break apart, both breathless and overwhelmed.
“Wait,” I say, remembering the gift. “I bought you something. I want you to open it.”
“You didn’t have to buy me anything. I don’t even like gifts.”
“Oh, hush. I don’t care what you need. I want to give you a gift and you’ll accept it. Understood?” I narrow my eyes at her.
“Yes, commander.” She salutes me, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I love it when you get all bossy.”
“I’m going to fuck you so good later,” I growl, smacking her ass. “So good you’ll forget your name.”
Her lips part, a soft moan escaping. “Promise?”
“Oh, I promise. My woman deserves the best birthday ever. But first, the gift.” I point to the large box on the table.
She opens the wrapping with trembling fingers, slowly, careful not to tear it. “What is it?” Her eyes sparkle as she looks at me.
“If you open it, you’ll find out, but at this rate, your next birthday might arrive first,” I tease.
“Stop it,” she laughs, speeding up a bit.
The silver box reveals nothing of the surprise inside.
She lifts the lid and sets it on the table. “You didn’t put a snake or a cockroach in there to hear me scream, right?” She looks at the pile of styrofoam filling the box.
