My chest squeezed.
Nyah smiled at us, soft and proud, then tucked him into bed before coming back to me. “Happy birthday,” she said, handing me a small box.
I opened it.
AMontblancwatch lay nestled inside, elegant and impossibly perfect. Engraved on the back were the wordsYours, always, followed by the date.
For a moment, I couldn’t speak. “This is… incredible,” I finally managed. “It must have cost you a fortune. Are you sure?”
She crossed her arms, one eyebrow lifting in mock reprimand. “What was it Lucas said about gifts—and what you agreed with?”
I sighed, already smiling. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” I met her eyes. “Thank you. I love it.”
And God, I really did.
She went to the kitchen to make green tea, and I carried the gifts into her bedroom, placing them carefully on the dresser. I rubbed my temple, unease threading through the warmth.How did she pay for this?She never asked me for anything, never let me cover more than my share. The thought that she might have put herself out for me sat heavily in my chest. I told myself I’d ask her later.
For now, I wanted her.
I found her in the kitchen, steam rising softly from the kettle. Mygaze traced her face without permission, lingered on her mouth. I stepped closer, slid my fingers into her hair, and before either of us could think better of it, my lips were on hers. She melted into me like she always did.
I lifted her into my arms and carried her to the bedroom, where the world narrowed to warmth, breath, and the quiet certainty of us. We fell asleep tangled together, the night wrapping around us like a promise.
Morning came with chaos and laughter.
Lucas bounced onto the bed with Oreo, wishing me happy birthday all over again. Nyah scooped him up, laughing, and took him to make breakfast while I pulled on my clothes.
That’s when I found the receipt.
It had slipped under the bed near the nightstand.
A trade-in receipt. A gold set. A credit card.
Why the hell did she do that?I didn’t need this watch. I didn’t want her to sacrifice anything for me. Not like this.
I stared at the paper for a long moment, then slid it back exactly where I’d found it. This wasn’t the moment.
In the kitchen, I wrapped an arm around her waist, pressed a kiss to her lips, and said the words that felt truest in my chest. “I love you to infinity and beyond. I hope you know that.”
“Hey! About time.”I bent and kissed Nyah, my hand settling instinctively at the small of her back. “What took you guys so long?”
“Blame it on Karl’s driving and the fact that he doesn’t like to ask directions,” Elle laughed, rolling her eyes.
Karl apologized immediately.
“No problem at all,” I said easily. “Enjoy the birthday party… not my idea, trust me.” I couldn’t help adding that last part, wanting—maybe needing—to distance myself from the setting.
Cocktail tables dressed in white linen, flowers arranged with surgical precision, candles casting a careful, curated glow.
It felt more like a corporate networking event than a birthday celebration, and I’d already decided I was only enduring it for appearances…for my mother.
From the corner of my eye, I saw my mother approaching, Caroline in tow.
“Darling,” my mother said smoothly, her voice polished and deliberate, “Caroline is here and hasn’t had a chance to wish you yet. Apparently, you’ve been busy with other guests.” Her gaze flicked to Nyah.
I felt the disapproval land where she intended it, and I knew I was the only one who could redirect it.
Caroline smiled and wished me a happy birthday, then turned her attention to Nyah. “It’s so lovely to see you again,” she said. “How long have you two been together? You make such a lovely couple.”
