“Who was that?” Bluebonnet puts on her sapphire earrings as she walks into the living room.
Keeping this party a secret is testing my limits, so I really can’t hold off telling her about the call. But then my gaze drops to her blue dress, which sends my thoughts in a different direction. “Wow. You’re stunning. Absolutely beautiful.”
Her cheeks flush. “Thanks.”
“And the call was your mother. I wished her a happy birthday.”
Bluebonnet scrunches up her nose. “Was she upset?”
“A bit, but she’ll get over it. You can message her later.”
She nods. “Good idea. I’m having a really good birthday. And maybe it’s selfish of me, but talking to her would just ruin that.”
I completely agree and am cheering inside to hear Bluebonnet admit it. “Your phone is in my pocket. Want it back?”
“Nope. Just hang onto it.” She picks up her coat. “I’m ready to go.”
There might be a million missed calls by the end of the night, but I don’t care as long as my Bonny Blue has a happy birthday.
Chapter 35
Bluebonnet
Parker turns into the small lane that leads to my grandparents’ house, and memories flood back. I didn’t spend a lot of time here, but the visits were happy. And hindsight helps me understand why. Mother refused to do anything with Dad’s family, so she never came.
I rest a hand on Parker’s arm. “Thank you for intercepting that call.”
He smiles, then nods to my right.
The house is just as I remember it, maybe even in better shape. Strings of lights dance in the breeze on the porches and balconies. Cars fill the field beyond the house. And realization hits. “You threw me a party.”
“It was your dad’s idea. I just helped.” He kisses my hand. “And if being around so many people gets overwhelming, I’ll sneak you away into one of the cabins. He had those redone too.”
“I think I’ll be okay. It’s new and different, but...” If I tell Parker that the way he loves me has helped me love myself and not feel like I don’t deserve attention and parties, I’ll be a mess when I walk inside. “I love you.”
“And because of that, I’m the happiest man alive. Happy birthday.” As he leans in to kiss me, all the lights in the house go off. “Act surprised, okay?”
“I think I might cry. Actually, I’m totally going to cry. Happy tears.”
We walk up to the door, and he pushes it open. As I step inside, the lights come on, and the crowd shouts, “Surprise!”
Dad walks up to me, arms spread open. “Happy birthday, Boo.”
“Thanks, Dad. The house looks wonderful. I can’t wait to see the rest.”
“The crew did a great job. I think I’ll like living here.”
I feel Parker behind me and lean against him. “I love that we’ll be making happy memories here again.”
“Me too.” Dad hugs me one more time. “Now, take your coat off and enjoy the party.”
Parker’s mom pulls me into a tight embrace. “Happy birthday.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I’ve felt close to the Fields for years, but now I don’t feel like I’m borrowing Paisley’s family. They’re my family, and I love that.
I’m making my way through the crowd, greeting my friends. Then Parker kisses my cheek. “I need to handle something, but I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes.” His muscles are taut, and that set jaw indicates something is bothering him.
“Everything okay?”
