She quickly hurried over. “Just in time. We already have a few orders for cheesecakes.”
“Sorry I was running late. It took way longer to sign everything than I thought.”
She smiled. “No problem at all, Jane. Oh and I have last week’s payment.” She pulled out an envelope full of money from her apron and handed it to me. I always felt awkward taking money from her. I loved baking. And Miller was making enough money now after his recent promotion to head chef that we didn’t really need it. But it was good to have money tucked away for a rainy day. After all, I’d just put a huge dent in my limited savings. I quickly shoved the envelope into my purse. “Does he suspect anything?” I asked.
“Not a thing. Let me go tell him you’re here. He’s all yours for the rest of the day.”
“Thanks, Alice.”
She disappeared into the kitchen.
God, I really hoped he liked his surprise. I’d pretended to still be asleep when he left for work today. So as far as he knew I’d completely forgotten his birthday. Which wasn’t true. How could I possibly? I looked forward to it every year. I didn’t like surprises, but Miller loved them. And I always surprised him. I was pretty sure this would top all his other birthdays though.
Miller came out with a big smile on his face. “Are you staying for lunch today?” he asked and swept me up into his arms.
“Not exactly.” I wrapped my arms behind his neck. “I’m here because you’re playing hooky.”
“Oh, so you did remember my birthday?” He was smiling down at me.
“Of course I remembered your birthday. It’s my favorite day of the year.”
He didn’t care that the restaurant was crowded as he leaned down and kissed me.
“I already talked to Alice,” I whispered against his lips. “Come on.” I grabbed his hand. “You’re coming with me.”
He laughed as I pulled him out of the restaurant. He went to the driver’s side door, but I stopped him.
“No way, mister. I’m on a top-secret mission. I’m driving.”
Miller always drove whenever we went anywhere. I swore he didn’t trust my driving. But he should have. He was the one that taught me.
He closed the driver side door behind me and then climbed into the passenger seat. “So where exactly are we going?”
“That’s for me to know and for you to be surprised about.” I pulled out one of his ties from when he used to work for my dad and lifted it up. “Close your eyes.”
“I don’t like being blindfolded, kid.”
I laughed. “You’ll like this. I promise.”
He reluctantly closed his eyes. I tied the tie in a tight knot behind his head and my eyes trailed to his lips. I leaned over the center console and gently pressed my lips against his.
He groaned. “Okay, maybe I like being blindfolded a little bit.” He grabbed my waist to try and pull me closer.
“Don’t you want your surprise?”
“Is this not my surprise?” he said with a smile.
I laughed. “Nope. Well, maybe later if you want. But I need to show you something.” I slid back into my seat.
Miller and I never gave each other extravagant gifts. They were more thoughtful. Or gifts that we spent time making or preparing. Like when he put the fairy lights through the trees in our backyard. Or when he made me the elevated planters. I wasn’t nearly as handy as him. He loved my cooking, especially my desserts. But this was a big birthday. So I’d pulled out all the stops.
I drove slowly on the road back to our house. I knew he probably thought we were going somewhere as the surprise. That was half the fun of it. Besides, where would we go? I only felt safe at home. With his arms wrapped around me.
I pulled into our driveway and cut the engine.
He went to take the blindfold off but I caught his hand.
“Not so fast.” I climbed out of the car and hurried around to his side to help him out. I slowly guided him a few feet to the right and held my breath.
