Angel wriggled in his arms, and they had already given her a quick walk before coming up.He watched as she trotted off to the small den Abigail had made her.
“It’s why I didn’t want you coming over last night,” she said.“I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“I wouldn’t have minded this being spoiled.”
Abigail laughed.“I know, but I wanted you to remember this for your birthday specifically.The last few years, you barely celebrated.Now, go and take a shower, while I get the rest of your dinner ready.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist.“Come and shower with me.”
“No, because if I get in that shower with you, we won’t be able to finish your food and your presents.Go.”She nudged him away, and he took the shortest shower on record.
He didn’t even wait for the water to warm up, and he was done and out within ten minutes.Drying his hair, he changed into a pair of pants and a shirt.
When Abigail saw him, she burst out laughing.“That was fast.”
Something smelled so good, and vaguely familiar.
“Sit, go and sit.”
He wrapped his arms around her, pressed his face against her neck, and breathed her in.“You’re the only present I need.”
Roman went and did as she asked, taking a seat at her dining room table, and he watched as she carried in a casserole dish.The moment he saw what was inside, he knew what she had made for him.This was his grandmother’s recipe.
Abigail walked away, only to return moments later carrying a cake that also looked familiar.
“Happy Birthday, Roman.”She leaned over and kissed his lips.
“This is what my grandma used to make.”
“There was a cookbook in your kitchen from your grandma, and inside, this lasagna recipe, as well as the birthday cake, were earmarked with your name on them.They’re your favorite foods, and she even made a note to cook every birthday.I hope I’ve not upset you or overstepped.”
“You’ve not overstepped.”
“I was kind of worried you might see it as an invasion of your privacy.”She nibbled her lip.
“This is not an invasion.This is perfect,” he said.
“I don’t know if it will taste likes hers, but everything else is the same.”
Roman reached out and cut into a slice of lasagna, and he served them both a large slice.He picked up his fork, slid it down one corner, scooped it up, tasted it, and yes, it was delicious.He closed his eyes and took a few seconds to enjoy it.It tasted so good.
“Perfect,” he said.
He took a second helping of lasagna, then it came time for the cake where Abigail sang to him, and Angel came to sit on his lap as he blew out his candles.It was the best birthday he had in a very long time, and it was Abigail who made it special.
She’d given him a dog, brought back so many good memories, and as part of his gift, he got to unwrap her and have his way with her.
It was the best ending to a birthday he started out not wanting to celebrate.
