I kiss Ashton’s forehead and settle down. Holden sets the tray across my lap, and I grin at him before turning my attention to the tray. I ignore the food in lieu of picking up the paper. Folded in half, it bears a scrawl of ‘Happy birthday’, and the inside is covered in a rainbow of crayon scribbles. An unevenAshtonsits at the bottom, like Holden had helped the toddler write his name. I cough quietly, smiles down at Ashton, then glances at the bowl.
“Is this your dino egg oatmeal?” I ask, and Ashton nods, reaching for the spoon.
“S’air!”
He shoves the spoon against my mouth, and I can’t stop the giggle even as I take the spoon from him. Thanking him for the assistance, I lick the oatmeal off my lips and scoop a normal-sized spoonful of the hot cereal into my mouth. I manage to quell the grimace that threatens to twist up my face; I have never liked oatmeal, but I can’t say ‘no’ to Ashton. Not when he won’t understand. So I force down bite after bite until he grows restless.
Holden smiles apologetically, lifting Ashton into his arms, and I watch them go. As soon as the door closes, I set the spoon down and shudder at the texture of creamed oats lingering on my tongue. I move the tray until it rests on the bed beside me, then I roll off the mattress. I hurry through brushing my hair and teeth, then carry the tray downstairs.
Tristan raises a mug in greeting. “Happy birthday, babe.”
“Thanks, Tris.”
Luci takes the tray from me, pushing me toward the table, and I sit in my usual spot beside Ashton’s empty high-chair. My gaze roams over the people gathered—Cheryl, Samantha, Eddie, John, Henry. I didn’t expect to see any of them, didn’t expect much for the day. Maybe spending it with Holden and Ashton, video-chatting with Tristan and Luci, calling my parents. Maybe some drinks before bed.
This is far more, and it’s just started.
Warmth swirls throughout my soul, and a heady buzzing thrums in my veins. I lean to the side to kiss Ashton’s cheek, beaming up at Holden when he sets a cup of coffee in front of me. He ducks to brush his lips against mine.
“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” he murmurs before kissing me again.
Ashton pushes against Holden’s legs, shouting, “No tiss!”
“I can’t kiss Holden?” I ask, barely managing to stifle me laugh.
“No!”
“Then can I kissyou?”
Ashton stares up at me with wide eyes then shrieks out a ‘No!’ Laughter erupts from everyone gathered as he pivots on his heel to toddle away quickly. I rise out of my seat to chase after him, but Luci sweeps him up and out of range of my reaching hands.
“Oh, darn, Aunt Luci saved you!”
“Lu save!”
Arms snake around my waist, and I turn her head to see Holden. There’s a gentleness in his eyes that makes them brighter, softer, full ofsomething. I swallow against the emotions welling up in my throat, my fingers encircling Holden’s wrist. He rests his forehead against my temple.
“Don’t antagonize the child, sweetheart.”
“Fine, if I—Wait, is someone here?”
Holden shrugs and steps back. “I don’t know. Can’t think of who it might be.”
The floor falls out from beneath my feet when I look out the front window. My loud squeak echoes, brings more chuckles from the others, but I ignore them. My feet slip on the hardwood floor, but then I yank open the door and bolt outside.
“Mom!”
My mother opens her arms as I close the gap between us. I cling to her tightly, and tears slip from the corners of my eyes. I haven’t seen her in person for an entire year; video-chats are fine, but being able to hug her tightly is so much better.
“Lemme get a look at you, baby.” She brushes a hand over my hair, her dark eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Oh, twenty-six looks good on you.”
“Don’t hog her to yourself, Rosie.”
I giggle and turn to my father father, throwing my arms around his neck. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Hey, sweetheart. Happy birthday.”
“Thanks! So, uh… How…?”
