“The hell I do,” Clayton muttered. “She wants a war? Fine. But she better be ready because I don’t lose.”
Nolan snorted. “Buddy, you already lost.”
CHAPTER 27
JAMIE
Nolan and the girls had arrived in Kansas City, so Ruth and Clayton went to meet them at the airport. Jamie had offered Ruth the bedroom for the night but she’d declined, saying she and Nolan wanted to wait. For what Jamie didn’t know, but she wasn’t about to pressure her assistant into something she wasn’t ready for.
With the bus to herself, Jamie took a taxi to the dollar store, where she loaded up on streamers, balloons, and party hats for the twins’ birthday. She wasn’t sure who was more excited—the girls or her.
Back on the bus she decorated inside and out, much to Gus’s dismay. He grumbled about it but she waved him off.They’re ten today. Deal with it.
In the fridge two cakes were already waiting—chocolate layer for Emily, lemon chiffon for Charlotte. After hanging the last streamer she sat down to wrap the presents she’d picked up in North Carolina. Thanks to Ruth they’d gotten a private tour of the Schleich horse production facility and Jamie had gone all out, buying every unreleased figurine she could get her hands on.
As she folded the last corner of the wrapping paper she took a step back and surveyed her work. The bus looked festive—maybe a little chaotic, but in the best way. She hoped the twins would love it.
Jamie kept glancing at her watch. Clayton’s daughters would be arriving soon and she couldn’t wait to see them in person. She’d popped into their FaceTime calls every day, always making a point to say hello. A few days ago they’d asked about her skincare routine so Clayton had passed her the phone, leaving them to chat about girl stuff.
Once he was out of earshot she told them about some of the pranks she’d pulled on their dad, skipping the one involving bong water. They’d laughed and promised to help with the next round of practical jokes.
Jamie heard the girls before she saw them—high-pitched giggles and excited chatter echoing outside the bus.
“Miss Jamie!” one of them called, their voices bubbling with excitement.
She swung the door open just in time for them to scramble up the steps, vibrating with energy. “Hi, girls!” She pulled them into a warm hug. “Happy birthday!”
They took one look at the decorations and started jumping up and down. Streamers crisscrossed the ceiling, twinkle lights lined the windows, and a big pink banner with their names stretched above the kitchenette.
Ruth, Clayton, and Nolan followed close behind.
“How’d you pull this off?” Clayton asked, scanning the space with something that sounded suspiciously like admiration.
Jamie shrugged. “I had some time to kill while you were out.”
Ruth grinned. “It looks amazing in here!” She reached for Nolan’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
“That’s not all.” Jamie opened the fridge and pulled out the two cakes, each with ten candles waiting to be lit.
Emily gasped. “Is that chocolate layer?”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “And lemon chiffon? That’s my favorite!”
Clayton frowned slightly, scratching his beard. “How’d you know that?”
“I have my ways.” Jamie smirked, setting down the cakes.
When Jamie called Clayton’s mother a few days ago, Birdie was all business—efficient and to the point. She asked how things were going between her and Clayton and Jamie didn’t hold back, describing their ongoing prank war. To her surprise Birdie found it hilarious, clearly believing her son had it coming.
Birdie asked if they had enough food and Jamie reassured her, going on about how incredible her cooking was. But when the conversation shifted to the twins’ upcoming birthday, Jamie hesitated for a moment before asking about their favorite cakes. She wanted to do something special for them.
The response was unexpected. Birdie grew quiet, her voice thick with emotion as she admitted their mother had never planned anything for them. The weight of those words settled heavily and Jamie felt the familiar ache of shared experience. She knew all too well what that kind of disappointment felt like.
Clayton lit the candles and told the girls, “All right, birthday girls, make a wish.”
Charlotte and Emily locked eyes with Jamie, grinned, then squeezed their eyes shut and blew out the candles. As the flames flickered out, cheers erupted around them.
“Cake first or presents?” Jamie asked, already knowing the answer.
