“Cake!” they shouted without hesitation.
As Jamie started cutting slices Clayton stepped beside her, his voice low. “Seriously, darlin’. This means a lot.”
She glanced up, catching the sincerity in his dark eyes. “It’s just a birthday party.”
“Nah,” he said softly. “It’s more than that.”
The way he looked at her sent a slight tremor through her chest. She cleared her throat and handed him a plate. “Don’t go getting sentimental on me now, cowboy. We’ve got a party to run.”
Their fingers brushed—just for a second, but the warmth lingered. That slow burn between them was still smoldering.
“Who wants presents?” Clayton asked, holding up a large, wrapped box.
“We do!” the twins shouted, tearing off the paper.
Charlotte let out an excited squeal. “A mini karaoke machine!”
Clayton chuckled. “I’m going to regret that.”
Nolan handed each of them a small box. “I had to pack light.”
The girls shook them before opening, then gasped as they pulled out gold nameplate necklaces.
“Thank you, Uncle Nolan!” Emily rushed to hug him and Charlotte quickly followed.
“My turn!” Ruth grinned, just as excited as they were.
The twins tore into their next gifts, shrieking when they uncovered large, handled makeup cases.
“Open them,” Ruth urged
They unzipped the cases to find them packed with the skincare products Jamie had recommended.
“This is amazing!” Emily said, running her fingers over the bottles.
Charlotte beamed. “Thank you, Miss Ruth!”
Jamie smirked. “Hold on.” She disappeared into the bedroom and returned with two giant shopping bags. The twins’ eyes widened as she handed them over. “One for each of you.”
Carefully, they unwrapped the first gift.
“Oh my goodness!” Emily gasped, holding up a sleek black toy horse. “We don’t have this one!”
“I know,” Jamie said with a knowing smile. “None of your presents are available yet.”
Squeals filled the room as the girls tore through their bags, their excitement growing with every reveal. The unwrapping went on for a while, each new item met with more shrieks of delight.
When the last gift was unwrapped Emily flung her arms around Jamie. “Thank you, Miss Jamie!”
Charlotte hugged her neck, then leaned in close and whispered, “You were part of my birthday wish.”
Jamie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. A warmth spread through her chest, unexpected and a little overwhelming. She swallowed, her throat suddenly tight. “That’s sweet, honey,” she murmured, brushing a curl from Charlotte’s face.
Everyone was eating cake and laughing when Clayton motioned for Jamie to step aside, his expression serious.
She stiffened, guilt twisting in her stomach.
He’s going to yell at me. I pushed too hard.
