I wish to beat this cancer.
I wish for more days like this.
I wish to keep these friendships blooming forever.
I wish to always have Donna and Rich in my life.
When I open my eyes, I see that Callum is still looking at me. His expression is full of something like admiration, as if he doesn't see me as the broken, sick woman with cancer who fell apart yesterday, cried over her ex, lost her hair, and got sick in his car.
He just sees Sophie, and that's more than enough for him.
My heart beats wildly in my chest, growing stronger and stronger, until it's pounding and I'm sure it's loud enough that everyone in this store can hear it.
I wish...
Looking back at the candles,30,I lean forward and blow them out, eliciting a cheer from my friends and family.
Laughter bubbles up inside of me as Bailey squishes me into another hug from my side that I melt into.
Stepping back, I take in the scene around this warm room.
April gets to work cutting the cake and placing them on the pink plates that Bailey no doubt brought. Callum helps pass out the pieces of cake she cuts, following her specific directions of who gets what piece.
Across the way, Tonya is mid-argument with Atticus. Her voice is fake-serious as she lightly punches his shoulder, insisting he misdiagnosed an issue with her bike. Atticus grins behind his beard, clearly enjoying the playful sparring. Jane stands beside him, content just to listen, a small smile curving her lips. I notice their hands brush. Their pinkies lock once.
Progress, I think with a smile.
Parker keeps trying to grab a piece of cake, only for his hand to be jabbed at with a plastic fork by April, who says, “Ladies first!”
Bailey giggles at them and grabs two pieces, passing them to Donna and Rich, who are chatting casually with Maeve.
This is my family.
My family. I grew up in a blood family that was cold, disinterested, and uncaring. Those birthdays I try to forget. They usually consisted of an envelope with a check left on the kitchen counter—impersonal, and so typical of my parents. I learned early that family didn't have to be blood. It could be chosen.
This wonderful, chaotic group of people is my family. Forever. I hope my wish can invoke some magic, and maybe, withMaeve's help, it can.
I just wish Tess was here too...
Callum’s walking over to me with a plate of cake in his hands, and he hands it to me with an exaggerated flourish. "Only the best slice for the birthday girl."
I take a bite of the delicious cake and hum in appreciation. I'm good at baking, but April is on another level, and I know she works all those long hours atRise N’ Grindto save up for culinary school.
"You know just the way to my heart, Mr. Rhodes,” I say, taking a bite of the cake.
He blushes at the name, and I laugh, licking the chocolate buttercream from my thumb. Callum's eyes follow that motion, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat as he swallows. I try to pretend that it doesn't please me to know that I do affect him.I mean, it's only fair.
My thoughts seem to move at half speed when I look too closely at his handsome face, or when he grins at me like he is right now.
What was I just thinking about?
I finish off the last bit of birthday cake, and he takes the empty plate from me, ignoring my protest that I'm capable of throwing out the plate myself.
"No work for the birthday girl," he grins. He tosses my plate in the trash, and we hang out by the front where it’s a little quieter. "What did you think of your birthday?"
"Best one of my life," I say honestly, and I swear he practically glows from the praise.
"I'll have to top it next year," Callum winks, and I freeze at his words.
