Lincoln has decided to throw me a big party to commemorate the occasion. When he told me he had rented out the old Fairy Bush town hall for the entire day, I told him he was doing too much. I’m not used to people making such a big fuss over me. But now that we’re here, I can admit that it’s actually kind of perfect.
The place is all high ceilings and old fashion light fixtures and squeaky hardwood floors, balloons and streamers everywhere.
Even though he warned me in advance of putting this together—he knows I hate surprises—I really hadn't expected it to come this big.
Lincoln’s family is all here. His mom and his brothers and their plus-ones. All of his new business associates and their wives also made it. While I could go another few years without having to hear those pompous men speak, it’s been really nice tocatch up with the women. Carol is thinking about getting back into nursing. Greta finally put her first few products out in her Etsy candle shop. I’m proud of them.
My mom is here, too. But not my father. He’s clearly skipped out on my big day—surprise, surprise. Can’t say I blame the guy? Why would he want to celebrate the day I took my first breath and blew up his perfect little world?
Unfortunately, Hilary, my other half-sisters and some of my cousins showed up. They’re lurking in the corner, watching me like the vultures they are, ready to swoop in and devour their prey.
Ugh. Why are they even here? How did they find out about this party? It's like they have my phone bugged or something.
Scanning the room, I watch everyone enjoying themselves as they eat, drink, and gossip. I will myself to relax.
It’s a party. I like to party. I should be enjoying myself, too.
Especially after Lincoln was sweet enough to go through all this trouble and invite all my friends. But I can’t shake the nerves.
Speaking of my hot AF husband, I feel him before I see him.
“Relax,” Lincoln whispers in my ear, sending chills down my arms as he hugs me from behind. “Everything is going to be great.”
“I can’t get my mind to stop spinning,” I murmur, leaning back against his chest.
His palms rub up and down my biceps. “Just focus on the cake I got for you for later. It’s about to be your new favorite.”
I can’t help but smile at Lincoln’s attempts to help me feel better. I’ve heard a lot about this special strawberry cake he ordered for today. “Okay, but if this goes sideways, I’m going to hide in the supply closet and you’ll have to bring me a slice.”
“Pinky promise.” He locks his little finger around mine, kissing my cheek. I draw his arms tighter around me for just a second, soaking up the solid strength of his body.
I wish I could just hit ‘pause’ on the world, and stay like this with him forever. But just then, I hear commotion at the entrance to the venue.
I look up to see Great-Grandma in a beaded royal blue dress, arriving late with Martha and Humphrey in tow.
Hand clasped tightly in Humphrey’s protective grip, Great-Grandma teeters up the steps and floats inside the party. She takes her sweet time, uncaring that everyone is waiting on her arrival. I smile at this kick-ass quality I wholeheartedly admire in her.
I rush over to greet her. “Great-Grandma. You came.” My eyes flit over the elderly lady, then her entourage. “And don’t you all look dapper!”
Martha wears a modest floral dress with her hair in a neat bun. Meanwhile Humphrey wears an important-looking blue suit. I’ve got to admit—Great-Grandma’s house staff clean up really nice.
"Julissa, my dear. Happy birthday,” she says, with a kind smile.
“Thank you, Great Grandma,” I whisper as she gently cups my cheek.
And for some reason, all the apprehension I was feeling dissipates. For a second, I forget about the evening’s high stakes. The little girl inside me is just happy that this woman—who’s approval I crave so much—took the time to come to my birthday party.
“Can I get you something? A drink maybe?” I ask, eager to please.
Her eyes twinkle over at the dance floor before she throws Humphrey a quick sidelong glance. “Perhaps a bit later, dear.For now, I’d like to dance while my knees haven’t started aching yet.”
That’s all she has to say. Humphrey is already ushering her away to where the other couples are swaying to a Bruno Mars song.
I feel Lincoln’s hand at the small of my back. His gaze sweeps up and down the low-cut black dress I’m wearing. He leans down by my ear. “You look incredible in that dress, baby. You’ve got me aching worse than your great-grandmother’s sore knees. Do I get a dance with the prettiest girl in the room?”
Chuckling, I lace my fingers through his, already walking towards the center of the room. “Only if you promise to tell me exactly which part of you is aching. Maybe you can let me kiss it better later tonight.”
He hisses through his teeth. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Mrs. Raines.”
