“It’s a surprise. I’ll give mine to him later, but you can give him yours now, if you want.”
“Deal!” She grabbed her card from the counter and raced into the living room.
I took a deep breath, letting the air fill my lungs before I let it out. I knew he wouldn’t say no, but I wanted it to be perfect and say everything I needed to say. He deserved that; we both did.
I pulled the box from my purse and laid it onto the counter before I strode into the living room. My plan was to give it to him after everyone went home.
“Bri said I can give you my gift now.” Victoria pulled her father by the hand and led him to the couch.
“Okay, I’m not one to refuse presents.” He looked over her shoulder at me.
A sheepish smile spread across her face as she handed him his card.
“Thanks, sweets.” He threw her a wink as he opened the envelope. It was a typical birthday card with big red balloons on the outside, but the inside was his real present.
The smile faded from his face as he bit his lip.
“Don’t keep us in suspense,” Reid bellowed from the corner. “What is it?”
“It’s a card. It says . . .” He locked eyes with Victoria before he continued. “‘To Dad, love Victoria.’”
“Is that okay?” Her face scrunched up as she studied his face.
His face broke out into a beaming smile as he nodded. “It’s more than okay. It’s awesome.” He pulled her into a bear hug as a tear escaped my eye. I guessed it was pointless to fight it today.
“Okay!” Victoria swiveled her head from where she sat on Josh’s lap. “Why don’t you give him yours now?”
I gazed around the room, my stomach twisting into a knot. The gift made me nervous enough, I didn’t want to have an audience to make it worse.
“Let’s eat first.” I let out a relieved sigh as I was saved by the ding on the kitchen timer. “I’ll be right back.”
I sauntered into the kitchen and scooped out the last tray in the oven.
“Now I’m curious.” Josh’s silent approach behind me almost made me drop all the food onto the floor.
I turned around with a scowl and a hand clutching my chest.
“Why do you like to sneak up on me like that?”
His mouth twisted into a smirk. “I don’t do it all the time. You’re just extra jumpy tonight, so I couldn’t resist.” He pulled the oven mitt off my hand and backed me into the counter. “Is my present dirty?”
“No,” I groaned. “Get back in the living room.”
Ignoring me, he looped his arms around my waist and pulled me flush to his body. “Come on, Cupcake. Tell me.”
I exhaled in defeat, motioning to the side counter. “The box behind you.”
His eyebrows shot up as he scooped up the package and opened it, his face scrunching up in confusion.
“Um, Bri, why is the bow on the inside of the box?”
“Turn it around,” I whispered as I held his perplexed gaze.
He narrowed his eyes as he did what he was told, looking at me and the card, then back again.
“‘Ask me again.’ Ask you what?”
I let my lips curve into a smile as I cupped his cheek.
