Brandon looks at his watch. “Technically, it’s today.”
“Then today.” I’m at the point I don’t want to wait. My hand slides under the sheet and along his taut abs, but he grabs hold, stilling my exploration.
“While I would do anything for you, we have to consider if the rest of your family is ready for this.”
“By everyone, you’re referring to Byron.”
“And your father.” He holds my gaze. “While their opinions are not ours, I want them to respect us, and by doing that, we need to tread slowly, carefully, and gain their trust so they understand I’m not going away. I’m here for the long haul with you.”
While I want to state it’s formy birthday, I don’t want toforce him into an uncomfortable situation, so I lean in and kiss his lips.
I’m here for the long haul.
My gut tightens, knowing there will be a time he’ll want to return home.
And for now, I’ll cross that bridge when the problem arises.
However, at this moment, it’s the last thing I want to think about.
On Sunday,my family gathers in the living room of my parents’ home.
“Happy birthday, Lottie,” they all chant. Summer rushes over first with her handmade birthday card.
“Oh, that’s so beautiful,” I tell her and whisk her into my arms for a hug.
Mom hands me a gorgeous bunch of pink peonies already in a crystal vase. Summer slides down my legs and runs away because, obviously, something in the other room is more exciting. Slowly, my family comes to me one by one, hugging me and offering their best wishes. Penny takes their gifts and places them on the table after I open each one.
Byron and Giana gifted me fancy oils from Italy, along with some cheese. “Thank you. I know just the right wine to have with these,” I tell them.
“And I have the wine,” Jobe adds.
“Thank you,” I tell him and Zara.
I receive expensive candles and a personalized notebook from Penny and Franklin, and my favorite Hawaii Kona coffee from my parents, along withanotherdiamond bracelet. Apart from the bracelet, all safe gifts for someone single and who, let’s face it, doesn’t need for anything.
“Thank you again,” I tell my family. “I really appreciate the kindness and your thoughtful gifts.”
Everyone heads outside since the last weeks of February have seen temperatures in the seventies, so lunch is being served under the patio.
Mom helps me with my gifts. “Do you like your bracelet, Charlotte?”
“I do, Mom. It’s different from the last one.”
“They’ll sit beautifully on your wrist together. I thought you could wear them to the gala.”
The dang gala—that’s the furthest thing from my mind.
“Come, darling.” She heads outside ahead of me, and I stop dead in my tracks.
“What the?” I murmur as Summer screams in delight. Huge play equipment dominates most of the grassed area, and an enclosed trampoline is beside it. Monkey bars, a slide, double swing sets, two hoops for swinging, and a climbing section as though she is grooming little ninjas. Franklin assists Carson Jr. on the baby swing, holding onto him as he moves. Byron has Leo on the slide, holding his waist as he slides down, his little face smiling with delight.
Zara comes to stand beside me. “It’s a lot, right?”
“It sure is,” I murmur, taking it all in. “I’m not sure whose birthday we’re celebrating. We never had anything like this, and my brothers could have benefitted from releasing some of their pent-up energy instead of wrestling with each other.”
“Jobe and Byron, yes,” she whispers. “But not Franklin.”
“No. He was older, and I don’t remember Franklin as well as I do Jobe and Byron. If Jobe told Byron to go away, he would come and pick on me.”
