As she wrapped up, she said, “Two more nights, and then we get off this crazy ride.”
They laughed.
“But it’s been a blast,” her drummer hollered.
She grinned. “Yes, it has. Well, we hit the road early tomorrow, so let’s?—”
“Excuse me.” Ignacio spoke up.
Everyone turned to look at him.
“Before you all leave, I have something to say.”
“Uh, okay.” Delta eyed him with confusion.
Everyone knew he was her fiancé, but this was the first time Ignacio had spoken in front of the whole group.
“I’ll be right back,” he said, hurrying from the room.
When he returned, he walked in slowly, wheeling in a huge rectangular cake covered in buttercream frosting, with candlesshaped like the number thirty-three flickering on top. The crowd parted to let him through, and Delta’s mouth fell open in surprise. Almost everyone there knew about the plan and had kept his secret.
At Ignacio’s cue, the room burst into song.
“Happy birthday to you…”
Standing before her, he sang right along with them. They finished with, “Happy birthday dear Delta… happy birthday to you!”
“And many more!” Vivian added.
The entire room burst into laughter. Seconds later, they were all silent.
“Make a wish,mi amor,” Ignacio whispered.
“I already have everything I want,” she said softly, her gaze never leaving his face.
“Then make a wish for the future,” Ignacio encouraged.
He knew what he looked forward to—getting married, having kids, celebrating each other’s future successes, and spending their lives together.
Delta closed her eyes, and when she opened them, she blew out the flames. The group cheered, and she clasped Ignacio’s face and gave him a quick kiss. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Aww,” the group said.
“You guys, stop,” Delta said, wiping her lipstick from his mouth with her thumb.
Ignacio stole another kiss from the corner of her mouth before turning to the group. “Who wants cake?”
Raucous cheering filled the room. An assistant wheeled in a smaller tray with plates, champagne, glasses, and utensils.
Ignacio cut a hunk of cake for the birthday girl and sat on the leather sofa with her curled up beside him. The Green Room hummed with celebration, warm laughter, and champagnebubbles. The entire team had to get on the road early tomorrow, but for now, they were going to enjoy spending time together.
“This is so good,” Delta said, sighing as she cut into the moist dessert with her fork.
Across the room, the dancers playfully recreated their choreography from one of her up-tempo songs, and the bassist, Marcus, had everyone in stitches with his impression of their stern-faced sound engineer. Vivian watched the shenanigans from her wheelchair, her face bright with joy as she chatted with one of the backup singers.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been happier,” Delta said huskily. Her eyes met his, filled with contentment.
Ignacio’s heart swelled as he gazed at her. “Me either. And just think, this is only the beginning.”
A beautiful smile stretched across her lips. Unable to help himself, he leaned in, his hand cupping the back of her head as he pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was soft, tender, and a promise of all the tomorrows stretching before them.
Someone whistled playfully in their direction, and Delta laughed against his mouth. Settling more comfortably against him, she rested her head on his shoulder.
After the last show, Ignacio had an additional birthday surprise. He planned to whisk her away to Isla Barú, south of Cartagena, Colombia, where he had rented a beachfront villa with a private pool. They would be there for a week before they had to return to their demanding lives.
He planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
The pain and darkness of the past were long gone. All he saw was a bright, happy future—with the woman he loved.
