I wretched at the idea of eating, yet loved her bossy nature. They were such an endearing couple despite being married for so long and well into their seventies. Even as their bubbly chatter surrounded me, I floundered at the idea of a dinner with strangers. My sixth birthday was the last time I’d celebrated with more than three people and that evening I lost my mother. There was no reason to plan a big do ever again, not like I had family or friends that would warrant that kind of a celebration anyway. And having spent one with Drake, the memories would be too hard to ignore, let alone trying to act natural around him and his family.
I toyed with the food on my plate. Two bites in, and my appetite did the disappearing act. Setting my fork down, I sipped my wine, letting the smooth liquid trickled down my throat and give me some false calm.
“Why so quiet?” Rayden squeezed my hand lightly. “You okay?”
My lips broke into a small smile. Turning to him, I searched those emerald eyes looking for God knew what, and all I saw was the same easy humor I’d come to love since that blue face meeting at Trent’s home. Rayden was a one-of-a-kind type of man. Why then was his father's hold over me so intense, so captivating, so unrelenting. “I’m fine.”
“What do you want to do for your birthday?” he asked, his tone filled with undisguised affection.
“Honestly?” He nodded. “I want to bake my cake, sit around that beautiful kitchen table with just your family, and share a slice of chocolate decadence.” I laughed at the last part.
He grinned. “Then, that’s what we’ll do.”
“I like that idea.” I turned to find Kyra’s head stuck close to my shoulder, with a guilty smile having eavesdropped on our conversation. She giggled like a little girl, then shrugged. “You’re an awesome chef.”
“Not yet.” I gave Rayden’s hand a little squeeze as my gaze shifted between the two of them. “I’m an amateur at best, but one day soon, I shall have that title in front of my name.”
“That’s the spirit. Always act like something you do makes a difference, and it will. Dream big.” Their grandfather winked at me over his wine glass. I smiled at him, nodding.
“Then it’s settled,” Rayden said. “No dinner party, gramps. Sianna wants to bake her cake, and we will celebrate around the kitchen table.”
The old man eyed me for a moment before a smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. “So be it. Chocolate cake?” His brow shot up, his bright eyes hopeful.
I laughed. “Chocolate cake it is.”
“Oh, you’re going to love it, gramps. She makes a mean chocolate cake.” Rayden bumped my shoulder with his.
“I can’t wait to taste it, and I’ll help you,” Kyra piped up, then she groaned. “Oh, wait, I forgot I promised Cassie I’ll help out with catering for her parent's party.” She referred to her best friend.
“No problem.” I rubbed her shoulder lightly.
“Is there anything specific you need, Sianna?” Carol asked.
“I’m sure you have everything I need.”
“Raj and Diya did an excellent job of stocking up the kitchen before they left, but if there is anything, let me know. We’re going into the city tomorrow for some last-minute shopping and can get it before we leave. You’re still driving us, Rayden?” Carol asked. They’d also given their driver time off.
He nodded. “Maybe we can swing by Dad’s office and coerce him into coming back with us.”
Panic gripped my insides. I wasn’t ready to see Drake. “You don’t mind if I stay back, do you. Catch up on some reading?”
His eyes widened. “But you’ll be here alone.”
“I don’t mind.” I smiled, not letting on just how much I relished the idea.
“You sure?”
“Well, she won’t be alone,” Kyra said. “Aunt Tammy’s back tonight,” she explained, reminding us that Tamara had gone away yesterday evening for a girl’s trip with her friends.
I laughed. “You guys, I have stayed alone before, you know. Besides, I can bake my chocolate cake in secret.” They all laughed with me. Somehow, I felt a little better.
