“Sounds good, Pixie,” he responds as I pull out what I’ll need to make our lunch.
Kreed helps me put everything together and we take a seat at one of the tables in the kitchen while we enjoy our meal.I still have a hard time eating in front of others at times.Everyone knows this and gives me the space I need.There are only a select few who sit at a table with me and none of them ever comment when I struggle.They simply help me quietly and don’t make me feel horrible about my situation.
***
Everyone has been atthe clubhouse for hours now.I’ve taken so many pictures of everyone and captured a few moments I’m sure people won’t want to remember.These guys are funny as hell when they get a few drinks in them and they believe they’re above getting hurt.I literally watched two guys light a bonfire early just so they could see who could jump through the flames.Thankfully, neither one of them needed to go to the hospital for injuries and both were successful in jumping over the fire before being led inside and away from anything else that could hurt them.
“Need you to come over here for a minute,” Cali says right after I take a picture of Reckless and Kreed playing with the kids.
“Okay.What’s going on?”I ask her, my voice almost hoarse because of the amount of laughter I’ve done today.It’s not something I’m used to doing and sometimes my voice becomes strained and I lose it.
“Take a seat right here,” Cali says, pointing at a chair that’s all alone in the middle of everything.“Please don’t freak out.I know you hate being the center of attention, but today is special.You should be the center of attention.”
I’m confused as hell because there’s no reason I should ever be the center of attention.The last time I was the center of anyone’s world was when my parents were alive.I found a journal that belonged to my mom and she wrote about how she changed her entire life because I deserved to have her full attention and her world now revolved around me and ensuring my happiness.My dad rearranged his life too.They quit going out with friends every week and started taking me places like the zoo, playgrounds, and everywhere else kids love going.I only just found the journal in a box of things Roger gave me.He found it when he was cleaning out the attic of the house on the ranch.We were both surprised as hell because he didn’t realize my parents were ever on the ranch.
I take the seat Cali pointed out and wait to see what’s about to happen.Kreed’s mom, I have a hard time calling her Mom still, takes my camera and holds it close to her chest as if she’s protecting something precious.To me, it is.It’s one of the few possessions I have and use every day.
Before long, I hear everyone start singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and look around to figure out who’s birthday it is today.It makes sense everyone is here to celebrate a family member.These men and women go big and party hard after a week of work.Kreed and Reckless are carrying a cake between them.It’s the largest one I’ve ever seen in my life and they’re heading straight for me.
“What is all of this?”I ask, not knowing what to think because I don’t remember when my birthday is, but I’m not sure it’s today.
“Today’s your birthday, Pixie.We weren’t gonna do anythin’ because we weren’t sure how you’d react.However, today you’re twenty-five and it’s a big birthday.You deserve to be celebrated by everyone who cares about you,” Kreed says as Tank and Playboy place a table in front of me so the cake can be set down.
Reckless lights the candles on the cake while Kreed moves to stand behind me and places his hands on my shoulders.I can’t stop the tears from falling because this is the first birthday I’ve had since my parents died.
“We didn’t mean to make you cry, Sweetheart.This is supposed to be a happy moment,” Kreed’s mom says as Sam walks up next to her.
“These are happy tears.I promise,” I say as Kreed rubs my shoulders and leans down to press a kiss against the top of my head.“I’ve never had anyone celebrate my birthday since the accident that changed my entire life.”
“Sweetheart,” Sam says, covering her own mouth as tears fill her eyes and I look around to see all of the women with the same reaction while the men have clear outrage filling their faces.
“We’re gonna change everythin’ for you, Annistyn.Treat you how a real family treats a loved one.You won’t ever have to go without again.And if this asshole ever hurts you, call me and I’ll put him in his place,” Tank says with a smile on his face as he looks at me with pure tenderness.
“We’ll take you home with us without hesitation,” Tank’s wife Maddie says, stepping up and standing next to her husband.“I’ll prepare a room at the house just for you, Annistyn.You’re welcome with us anytime without question.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I say, trying to stop the flow of tears as Kreed pulls me up and wraps me in his arms.
“You’re right, we don’t.We want to because regardless of what you might think, you mean somethin’ to everyone here.We know you’ll make one of the best ol’ ladies here and Kreed doesn’t deserve you.You’re way too good for him, but we can’t help what the heart wants,” Tank says as everyone starts laughing while Kreed flips him off.
“You’re not goin’ anywhere, Pixie.Your place is by my side and nowhere else.You leave here, I’ll be goin’ with you,” Kreed states loud enough for everyone to hear.“Now, go ahead and blow out your candles.Skylar made the cake so we know it’s the best thing you’ll taste.”
“Don’t forget to make a wish,” Cali calls out as she lifts Dakota in her arms.
Closing my eyes, I make a wish that I can be as happy as I am in this moment.Surrounded by people who choose to keep me in their life every single day when they could easily overlook me.Kreed loosens his hold on me when I lean forward to blow out the candles.I hear the click of several cameras but I don’t look up.Instead, I keep my eyes closed for a minute and just savor the moment.
