I nudge her inside. “Yeah, I don’t-”
“Surprise!”
“What the…?” I trail off.
All our close friends and family are spread out around the living room and smiling at me. Hundreds of balloons bounce on the floor that you can’t even see the white tiles. Rosalie’s pet dogs and Pihu playing around with them. Colorful streamers adorn the walls.
I peer at a grinning Arya.
“Happy Birthday, Nathan,” she sweetly utters.
Fuck! I completely forgot.
I stare, starstruck and stunned, at Arya. Too overwrought with emotions to form a response. She planned a surprise party for me. No one’s ever done that.
“For fucks sake, did you forget your own goddamn birthday, Nathan?” Nova scoffs in disbelief.
“Hey, no teasing the birthday boy, hubby,” scolds Rosalie.
“Not if he’s my best friend.”
It snaps me out of my stupor.
“I can’t believe you remembered it,” I gasp at Arya.
“Of course, I did.” Looping her arms around my neck, she goes up on her toes and kisses me. “I wanted to make your birthday special and celebrate it with the people who love you.”
Our foreheads touch as I pant, “Thank you, angel.”
“I love you.”
I’ll never get tired of hearing these three little words. “I love you more.”
We’re broken apart by Nova popping a balloon. I turn and glare at him. He merely shrugs. Crossing over to me, he slaps my back. “Happy birthday, motherfucker!”
“I’m shocked you’re up past ten.” Nova is an early bird.
“This should tell you how much I love you.”
I pull him into a hug.
He tightens his hold, whispering in my ear, “Don’t ever shut me out again. I’m your brother and I’m always here for you. Got it?”
“Yeah.” I fight the burn in my eyes. “I do.”
“Okay, bromance over,” teases Iris. “Move aside.”
Nova rolls his eyes and gives space for Iris and Kian.
“Happy Birthday!” She throws her arms around my waist.
I caress her back. “Thank you, Iris.”
Kian watches us quietly. His gaze sliding to mine, he gives a grateful smile. Revealing he’s happy that she and I have made up.
Pulling back, Iris shifts to Arya and hugs her. “Hey. This was such a cool idea. Sorry about the decorations. I might’ve gone a little overboard.”
“Oh no, I love them,” Arya grins. “Thanks for helping out.”
