“Eden, my baby.”
That earns a groan from Eden and chuckles from everyone else.
“You entered this world without a care. No screaming, just laid-back little puffs of breath. You gave your dad and me a heart attack when you didn’t cry. It took the nurses several minutes to convince us you were okay.”
Eden is rubbing the back of her neck, which is as red as her face. Her mom continues despite the very obvious embarrassment her eldest child is feeling.
“You’ve continued breezing through life with the same amount of calm, ready to face anything with unwavering confidence and a maturity way beyond your years. You’ve known who you are since you could form thoughts, and we are so proud of you. Your passion and creativity will set thisworld alight, and we will be in your corner every step of the way.”
Jesus, I can feel the tears pooling.
“You may be a legal adult now, but you will always be our baby.”
“Mum,” Eden groans.
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, kiddo.” Her mom laughs. “We love you, and can’t wait to see what comes next. Happy birthday my love.”
The crowd hoists their glasses and a chorus of “Happy Birthday” echoes around the yard.
“Speech!” Bryce yells.
It takes a few moments for Eden to step forward. She’s not one for public speaking, so Bryce has earned the scowl she’s shooting his way. He returns with a lopsided smile.
“Right, um, thanks,” she begins. I squeeze her hand in encouragement, which seems to work. “First, I’d like to say thank you to Mrs. and Mr. Bishop. The party is beyond. I really appreciate it.”
Mom and Dad raise their flutes in silent acknowledgement.
“Next, to everyone here. Thanks for coming. It’s been a blast. You’re all good people and I’m happy to call youmy friends. Mum, Dad, thanks for, you know…making me. Pretty pleased about being alive.”
We all chuckle.
Eden turns to me. “Sloane. Thank you for everything. These past few months have been…dare I say…magical.”
“Barff,” Jenna calls out.
Eden rolls her eyes. “Whatever. Just thanks for all of this. There, can we get back to the party now?”
Deciding she’s been tortured enough, I pull her over to the pool and throw her in. That gets everyone moving. Eden resurfaces, laughing as our friends jump in after her. Mom, Dad, Liz, and Rick all laugh.
I think it’s been a successful day.
The evening draws in, and the party winds down. Everyone is still here, chatting and enjoying the copious amount of food my mom prepared. The fire pit is lit, and people are bundled under blankets with faux cocktails.
It’s nice to snuggle up to Eden. Although we’ve been around each other all day, I’ve missed the intimacy. Her arms hold me securely to her body. My back rests against her front and her thighs bracket my own closely.
“Thank you,” she whispers in my ear. Her nose nuzzles my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “This has been the best birthday.”
“You’re welcome,” I reply, turning my head enough so our lips can meet. Honestly, I’m ready for everyone to leave so I can have her to myself. In my bed.
“Has anyone gotten their acceptance letters yet?” Kiera says. There have been a few conversations about college throughout the day.
Bella raises her hand. “I’m officially going to MIT.”
Becca kisses her cheek, and I can see she’s genuinely happy for Bella even though I know she’s still worried about what it will mean for them.
Everyone offers their congratulations. Bryce gives her an enthusiastic hug, making everyone laugh. He’s like an excitable puppy.
The rest of us grumble at the lack of acceptance letters. In reality, we still have a week or so before they’ll turn up.
