It sounded like heaven. “I think that’s a fantastic idea. You, me, and a beach somewhere really private.”
“Just what I was thinking.” Ash’s smile grew wistful. “I’ve never been out of the country, so anywhere would be good. But I always wanted to go to Hawaii.”
“That sounds perfect. Why don’t you plan something special for us?”
Ash slid his fingers along the nape of Drew’s neck. “I will. It will be our holiday present to each other.”
“What are you two whispering about down there?” Jordan pointed a serving fork at them. “You’re awfully secretive.”
“We’re planning on running away for a while,” Drew said. “Ash has never had a real vacation and wants to take me someplace warm to finish recovering from surgery.”
He saw his grandmother nod in agreement and wondered if she’d had anything to do with his husband’s sudden desire to travel. Whatever it was, he approved. Allowing himself to forget anything except the delicious food in front of him, he ate without speaking for several more minutes. After they were all finished and the table cleared of dirty dishes, Drew whispered in Ash’s ear.
“Could you get the necklace we got her? It’s in my night-table drawer.”
Ash squeezed his shoulder and left the table, returning only a few minutes later with the little gift box.
“Nana, can you and Rachel come here?” He hated not having the ability to stand before everyone for her. Rachel waited at his shoulder and his grandmother sat in the chair next to his. “Everyone, quiet a sec.”
“Shhhh,” Max said putting a chubby finger to his lips and they all smiled.
“What is it, sweetheart?”
He held out the small wrapped package. “We didn’t want you to think we’d forgotten. It isn’t often your birthday falls on the holiday but this year it coincided, and we got lucky. Happy Birthday, Nana.”
“We hope you like it.” Rachel hugged their grandmother, who seemed stunned.
“A present? You didn’t have to do this. Being here with all of you and having Drew come through the surgery well is all the present I need.”
“It’s not everyone who gets to reach this age.” He placed the box in her hand. “We wanted you to have something special to remember it by.”
“Would I forget I’m ninety-five?” Her eyes danced.
“Considering you act half your age, perhaps.” Ash teased.
“There were times I never thought I’d make it, but as cruel as life can be, it can be equally beautiful and full of miracles to celebrate.”
“I know the feeling, Esther,” Ash said, and Drew’s chest tightened. He wished he could take away Ash’s pain but it, like the scars on his arms, would remain forever.
“I like to think that good can conquer evil.”
Ash kissed his cheek. “In our case, it has.”
Esther opened the box and took out the diamond heart, holding it up to the light. The overhead chandelier caught its glitter and her eyes widened.
“This is too much. It’s beautiful.”
“It’s not enough to show you what you mean to us.”
“Here, let me put it on you.” Mike jumped up and, with his steady hand, placed it around her neck and secured the tiny clasp. It showed off wonderfully against her bright pink dress.
“I’ll treasure it as I treasure all of you.” Her trembling hand lifted a tissue to wipe her eyes. “Thank you.”
“Hey, Drew. Did you forget something?” Jordan’s blond brows pulled together. “What’s a birthday celebration without cake?”
“Oh, I have that taken care of. I’m waiting for a call.”
“I’ll make the coffee.” Ash pressed a kiss to the top of his head and left the room. As if on cue, his phone rang. Eight thirty. Just as he’d asked. “Hello.”
