“Finally!” someone shouted.
Jaysen had arrived and thankfully redirected Bella and Taylor’s attention. It didn’t take long for Taylor to hustle everyone to their seats. When Xander returned, he sat two glasses on the table and pulled out a chair for Niyah.
“Thank you,” she said as she sat.
Xander took the seat next to her and handed over her glass of wine. Niyah thanked him again and tucked herself under the table. A succession of servers entered the dining room carrying pitchers of water and bottles of white and red wine. Niyah hadn’t eaten much at all at her mother’s house, so she found herself enthusiastically awaiting the first bite.
Xander leaned closer, invading her senses with a scent that she wanted to be wrapped up and rocked to sleep in. “I’m curious, Niyah. What made you want to become a medical examiner? Is that something one dreams of growing up to be?”
Niyah laughed. “I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. Being a voice for victims became a calling later in life.”
Xander smiled, gifting her perfect white teeth. “Why?” he breathed.
“I have my reasons, Mr. Creed,” Niyah assured.
“Maybe someday you’ll share them with me.”
“Maybe someday,” she softly retorted.
The sound of sterling silver tapping against fine crystal directed everyone's attention to Bella.
“I guess we oughta toast to the old man.”
After a round of soft laughter and a frown from Lucas, Bella stood and raised her glass. “What can I say about the man who put in the work and convinced me that I couldn’t live without him? The best I can come up with is, I do. And for therest of my life, I look forward to spending every birthday with you. I love you and...”
In an attempt to stifle her emotions, she forced a smile. Niyah was a bit surprised by the display. Bella had a tough exterior and wasn’t known to get choked up.
Lucas stood. He grabbed her hand and lifted it to her lips. “I love you, sweetheart.”
Bella swiped a tear from her cheek. “Happy Birthday.”
“Happy Birthday!” everyone shouted in unison.
Lucas lifted his glass toward his guests. “Thank you.”
He turned to Bella. “Thank you,” he expressed, following with a sweet kiss to her lips.
CHAPTER 5
TAYLOR
Taylor leaned over and whispered to Bella. “Thank you for dinner, but we gotta get outta here.”
“Good.” Bella raised a brow and pointed to one of the secret servicemen. "Take them with you.”
“Don’t be mean, hoe!” Taylor grumbled.
Bella threw her hands up. “Why are you leaving so early?”
“We have an early flight for a fundraiser in New Orleans tomorrow.”
“Wow, this campaign is so much,” Bella pointed out sympathetically. “The gubernatorial race was nothing like this.”
Taylor sighed. “I know. But I won’t say that I can’t wait until it’s over because if he wins, life as we know it will be over.”
“But you’ll be the first lady,” she blurted facetiously.
Taylor chuckled. “Maaan, fuck that first-lady shit!”
