Harper: Then you break my father’s heart, I guess?
Aiden: And what of your heart? You’ll be free, what will you do?
Harper: Idk
Aiden: You haven’t thought about it?
Harper: No
Aiden: Well start
Harper: OR you could just not tear it down
Harper: is the resort your dream?
Aiden: Part of it, yes.
Harper: Bummer that your dream is other people’s nightmare
Harper: gtg gn
I groan and put my head in my hands.
Should’ve quit while you were ahead! Idiot!
CHAPTER 27
Aiden
“Surprise!”
I make some sort of sound in reply. A grunt, I think? I’m startled half to death.
I expected the usuals to be waiting inside for me. I thought Harper would write a birthday note on my cup, maybe stick a candle in one of the chocolate croissants I love.
I did not expect…this.
There’s a banner strung over the register, balloons, a bigger flower arrangement than usual and party blowers making quite the ruckus.
“It’s 7AM…” I mutter.
“Yeah, well, we’re early risers,” Maxine says.
“Speak for yourself,” Steven yawns. “I was promised free donuts.” I look over and he throws up his hands, “Harper said it was a private party here at the bakery!”
“That’s right, no one’s paying this morning! Happy Birthday!” She says, looking…
Wow.
She looks as adorable as always. Smudge of chocolate on her forehead I think. Hair askew, bandanna covered in toucans today. But she’s smiling, wholly, fully, blindingly. At me.
Everyone chimes in cheering and saying happy birthday. To me.
Harper must’ve gotten up even earlier than her usual ass-crack of dawn to pull this off.For me.I…this…
The angel herself lifts the partition to come out from behind the counter and hands me…
A Christmas ornament? Yes, an ornament of a tiny inflatable swan with a red ribbon tied around its neck. Or maybe just a normal swan, but it looks exactly like the one that almost bested me in that absurd race.
