Bonnie swallowed hard. She always hated that everyone attending felt obligated to bring a gift. Especially when most of them didn’t even know her. But took a seat on the sofa and began to open them, being sure to thank each individual for their gift.
The wrapped box from Wyatt and Chrissy contained a purple blouse Bonnie had admired the last time she and Chrissy went shopping. She ran a hand over the soft fabric. “It’s beautiful. Thank you both.”
She recognized the next gift brought to her and gave Jace a shy smile. She carefully opened the square box and then gasped in surprise when she withdrew a bracelet complete with two charms: a guinea pig and a lamb.
“This is perfect. Thank you.” She held her out her arm so that he could put the bracelet on her wrist. Remembering the guinea pig was thoughtful. And the lamb? It reminded her of helping Jace in the barn, and that brought to mind their first kiss. It was the perfect gift. Her gaze met his and she gave him a smile she hoped relayed how much she liked it.
When all of the other gifts had been opened, her parents came forward with a small, red envelope. Dad handed it to her. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
Bonnie smiled as she took it. She slid a finger underneath the flap and pulled two pieces of paper out. The first was a gift certificate to the salon and spa at the country club her family owned. The other was a check for way more money than anyone should give someone else for their birthday. She forced what she hoped looked like a genuine smile. “Thank you both so much.” She stood and gave them a hug.
Because Mom couldn’t stand others not knowing about her “generosity,” she announced, “A spa day and mad money—what more could a girl want?”
There were a lot of chuckles around the room along with a number of women who nodded enthusiastically.
Bonnie wasn’t the spa type. Instead of voicing her thoughts, she slid the papers back into the envelope and carefully placed it in another box at her feet. “You are way too kind. Thank you.”
Before she’d had a chance to do anything, her mom waved a hand and someone cleared the gifts, moving them to another room where they would be boxed up and placed in the car for her to take home. Thankfully, someone had also written everything down and who it was from like you would at a baby shower so that she could send out thank you notes. Something Bonnie would normally do anyway.
Dad stood again. “Why don’t we head out to the back patio. We have drinks and dessert waiting.”
Everyone headed that way, but Bonnie hung back until Jace paused next to her. “You really like the bracelet?”
“Yeah, I do. It’s beautiful.” She looked into his face and wished she could kiss him right then. “Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled at her. “You ready for dessert?”
Bonnie’s stomach rumbled a response. “Oh, yeah.”
He offered her an arm and she’d just slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow when Mom came up behind them. “Bonnie, dear, you should get outside and mingle with the guests. They are here for you.”
“Jace is a guest, too.” The words were out before she could stop them. She placed a smile on her face that would hopefully soften them. “I just wanted to thank him for the thoughtful birthday gift. We were on our way out.”
Mom gave Jace a long look, and it was one that Bonnie couldn’t quite decipher. “I’m glad you came today, Jace. I appreciate your willingness to escort my daughter.”
Bonnie bit back a response. That Mom insinuated Bonnie needed an escort–and only saw Jace as that–annoyed her to no end.
Bonnie snagged Jace’s arm and gently pulled him in the direction of the patio outside. When they were out of earshot, she leaned closer and whispered fiercely, “She drives me insane.”
“I have to admit that today hasn’t been as bad as I thought it could be after everything you’ve said.” When he spoke, he leaned in close enough that his breath brushed against her ear. She suppressed a shiver.
“Oh, the day isn’t over with. My parents are all smiles when guests are here. They’ll expect us to stay until everyone has left, and then it’s a whole different game.”
“So what you’re saying is we should sneak out the back door before the rest of the guests leave…”
The mischievous look on his face had her giggling. “We will definitely keep that plan in mind.”
She was glad Jace had come with her. She’d had her doubts when he’d insisted on attending her birthday party, and her parents’ behavior was on the top of that list. But standing here with him, joking about the day…it was almost scary, but she could easily get used to this.
Chapter Seventeen
Birthday dessert on the patio went well. At least Mom had arranged for chocolate cake along with several other choices. Bonnie wandered through the guests and spoke to most of them. And when it was time for everyone to leave, she made sure to stand by the front door and thank each of them for coming.
Bonnie wished Wyatt and Chrissy would stay longer, but Dad rushed them out the door shortly after Bonnie hugged them both goodbye. That left her and Jace with her parents. A situation she hadn’t been looking forward to.
Mom reached out and smoothed some of Bonnie’s hair back into place. “Come with me, Bonnie. We need to sort through your gifts and get them in the car for you.”
Bonnie looked back at Jace, hoping he would join them. The last thing she wanted to do was leave him here with Dad alone.
