When she was once more seated at the table, he moved to the other side of the kitchen.He got lost in the shadows.
“What are you doing?”she asked.
“Just give me a moment.”A minute later, he walked toward her with a cupcake with a candle in it.
He moved slowly with his hand cupped around the candle to keep the flame from going out.He placed it in front of her.“Make a wish.”
“Aren’t you supposed to sing to me?”She watched as his eyes widened with worry.
“Trust me.You don’t want that.It would ruin the whole evening.”
“You can’t sing that bad.”She had a feeling he was exaggerating, but she was having fun with him.
He nodded.“Trust me.I can.”And then he said, “Happy birthday to you.”
Her smile broadened.“I suppose that will do.”
She closed her eyes and wished they didn’t have to live so far apart.She knew it was an impossible wish, but it was her birthday wish to do with as she wanted.And then she opened her eyes and blew out the candle.
At her insistence, they split the cupcake.It was a rich, moist chocolate cake with a whipped cream frosting and chocolate sprinkles.It was delicious.
“Don’t tell me you brought the cupcake with you too.”Abby wiped off her mouth and set aside the napkin.
He shook his head.“I picked it up near the airport.”
“Between you and my friends, you planned a perfect evening.Thank you.This was the best birthday.”
“But it’s not over yet.”
She glanced at the clock.It was going on eleven, which was late for her considering she had to get up early to open the coffeeshop.Then it dawned on her that she didn’t have to work the next day.A big smile pulled at her lips.
He got up and moved to the other side of the kitchen again.Surely he didn’t have another cupcake, did he?She decided she wouldn’t even complain.They were that good.Besides, calories didn’t count on your birthday, right?
But this time he returned with a white envelope.He placed it on the table in front of her.
Her gaze moved from his to the envelope and then back again.A birthday card.Did this mean he’d put his feelings into words?
The thought had her heart beating faster.What were his feelings?What would the card say?
“Well, don’t just sit there.Open it.”There was an eagerness to his voice.
She picked up the card and opened the envelope.The front of the card had a picture of colorful balloons and said:Wishing you...
When she opened the card, a gift card slid out.She set it aside to continue reading the message.
...a birthday full of happiness.
Happy Birthday, B
P.S.I hope you’ll visit the Windy City soon.
Sheglancedupathim.“Thank you for the card.”The smile fell from her lips.“I don’t know when I’ll be able to make it to Chicago.”
“You didn’t even look at your gift card yet.”
Her gaze lowered, and she found that it was an airline gift card.Her mouth opened, but no words came out.Part of her said to be gracious and accept the gift with a thank you and a promise to visit him.The other part of her said that the gift was too generous.She wordlessly closed her mouth, not sure how to proceed.
His gaze searched hers.“I see my gift has caught you off-guard.I hope I didn’t overstep.I just wanted a chance to show you some of Chicago.I didn’t mean to upset you.”
