“I pay attention.” Eyes shining, Tristan nodded in approval at the fit. “I saw it on your screen.”
“Ah, sneaky.” Jax gave him another thank-you kiss, this one a little longer. “By the way? This is already the best birthday I’ve ever had, and that includes when I did that three-day festival with Mae in the middle of the desert.”
Tristan wore a bemused and slightly worried smile. “I’m honored. Howabout breakfast?”
Jax’s stomach growled, and he picked up a chocolate horn from the pastry box, biting into it. “You read my mind.”
Cleaning up the wrapping paper, they had just enough time for a leisurely meal before Jax’s alarm went off.
“Okay, I have to go.” He stood, donning his new jacket, which was perfect for the early-fall weather.
Tristan drooped. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come along?”
Jax held strong against Tristan’s sad puppy face. “I want it to be a surprise.”
“It’s your birthday, I should be the one surprising you.” Was Tristan actually pouting? Jax bit his lip, trying not to laugh, and looped his arms around Tristan’s shoulders.
“You surprised me a bunch of times already. Especially in the shower.” His snooze went off, and he pecked Tristan’s lips. “Now Ireallyneed to go. See you at The Pointe.”
TRISTAN
“I finally get to congratulate you in person on becoming our first house videographer!” Tristan exclaimed, shaking Gideon’s hand. Now, whenever a client booked, Owen, Marci, and Tristan would recommend Gideon to document the event, and in exchange, he’d make some commercials for the wedding hall.
“Thanks, friend.” Gideon pulled him in, bumping his shoulder with a quick pat on the back, and the two of them took a step back as a couple of prep cooks walked past them into the kitchen. Gideon stared after themfor a few seconds and then focused on Tristan again. “I’m already booking a ton. You’re gonna get tired of seeing my face.”
“Never,” Tristan grinned. “You’re part of The Pointe’s family now.”
“And it’s a weird and wonderful family.” Gideon squinted at him. “How are you holding up? Excited? Nervous?”
“A lot excited. A little nervous.” Tristan admitted, shifting around with a sigh.
“Why?” Gideon leaned in. “You have this in the bag.”
That made Tristan laugh. “Thanks.”
“Where’s the birthday boy?” Owen walked down the main stairs. “Is hewrappedup in something else?”
Owen’s terrible sense of humor always made Tristan chuckle, but Gideon groaned.
“That’s workplace abuse!” His gaze shifted again. “Be right back.”
Owen watched Gideon hurry into the kitchen. “What’s in there?”
“I have no idea,” Tristan replied. “Maybe he’s hungry?”
“WhereisJax?” Owen asked, glancing at his watch.
“I wish I knew. He had to do something special, but he’ll be here soon.” Tristan examined the room with his maître d’ eyes, making sure every detail was just so.
The black and silver color scheme was splashed with accents of red, and they’d used a font on theHappy Birthdaybanner that was usually reserved for serial killers. But the best decorations were the glittery gas-mask centerpieces, which complemented the darker dinnerware, and Tristan nodded with satisfaction as his phone buzzed.
“Good,” he said as he checked the notification. “The driver said he and Gianna are on their way, so she should be here in an hour.”
“You paid for a car to pick her up?” Owen chuckled. “Well done! You’re scoring points with the mother-in-law.”
“I have to. Jax means everything to me.” Tristan said seriously, not expecting Owen’s face to become somber and intense.
“I know exactly how you feel. I would be lost without Liam.” Owen brightened a little. “Sometimes I can tell exactly what he’s thinking.”
