I notice them before I turn, the sound distinct against the frost-dusted ground. The air feels marginally warmer as the group comes into view.
Darius walks in, his gaze sweeping the space with silent assessment. Idris walks beside him, while he waves at us with his warm smile.
Sterling follows from behind, holding Elle by the waist. She’s smiling, a little tentative, as if bracing herself for the attention she’ll be receiving soon. I can understand that sentiment.
Everyone gathers around the table, helping themselves to drinks and appetizers. Idris joins my conversation with Lix, recalling some information about Otis Dela Cruz’s research on Kys. I can tell Darius is trying to look like he’s not listening, but he’s blatantly ignoring Stan, who’s testing out birthday puns on him.
“So when it’s your birthday, Dar Bear, do you like having yourcakeand eating it too?”
Darius doesn’t dignify him with an answer.
Stan pouts. “Truly agiftto be around you, Darius.”
Only Lix snorts in response, making Stan grin proudly.
Some minutes later, Kaye reappears at a near sprint. She runs straight into Elle, wrapping her arms around her with exuberant force.
“Happy birthday!” Kaye shouts. “The happiest birthday to my bestest friend! I hope today is perfect and full of cake and everything you could ever want!”
Elle laughs softly, arms coming up to return the embrace, her facelighting up.
Damon trails behind them at an easy pace, watching them as he fixes his cufflinks.
When Kaye finally releases Elle, Damon steps closer, his hand resting on Kaye’s back.
Elle turns then, drawing in a breath before facing everyone gathered.
“Thank you all for coming,” she says, her voice as soft as her smile. “I know it’s cold, and I know the roads to get here were difficult. Despite that, you’ve made it here, and I’m incredibly grateful to share my humble birthday with you.”
Elle draws another slow breath, fingers lacing together before she turns.
Her gaze settles on Sterling. “First and foremost, thank you to my husband. You saved me from what I couldn’t survive on my own. You stayed when everything felt impossible, and you’ve helped me restore a life full of my dreams I never thought I’d get to live.”
She reaches for his hand, their fingers fitting together flawlessly.
“I can’t imagine sharing the present, or the future, with anyone else. You’re the most perfect husband I could ever dream up.”
She rests her forehead against his shoulder. Sterling smiles down at her, his silver eyes shining.
Elle turns again, barely finishing the motion before Kaye surges forward.
“And Kaye,” Elle continues, chuckling lightly through her words, “my best friend in the entire universe. You brighten my days by beingyou.”
Kaye sobs immediately, loud and uncontained, arms locking around Elle’s waist. “I love you,” she cries, voice breaking. “I love you so much.”
Elle giggles, hugging her back as much as she can manage whileshe speaks. “Thank you, Kaye, for reminding me to be brave, loud, and joyful. I don’t know who I’d be without you.”
Kaye refuses to let go. Damon steps in, taking her away while she protests weakly, wiping at her eyes.
Elle looks at Damon and Stan next.
“And to Damon and Stan, my husband’s dearest brothers,” she addresses them. “Your support has changed my life in so many ways. You gave me safety, Damon, in your impressively covert ways. And Stan, what’s there to say? We both got through what could’ve taken us down. But we got out of it with our heads held high. You helped me keep my chin up. I won’t ever forget that.”
Damon acknowledges her with a small smile. Stan presses his lips together, blinking back tears. Lix steps closer to him, caressing his back.
Elle turns to the motion, and her composure gives way.
“Calix,” she says, her voice wavering as her tears spill freely. “My baby brother. The sweetest, most caring man. I’m so glad you’re back. So glad you’rehere, with me, with family, with loved ones, with us.”
