Page 72 of Merry Little Hate Notes

“Well, it worked.”

“For that, we have my wingman to thank.”

Believe me, I would thank Lauren Cassidy for the rest of my life. But first, I took a moment to stare at the Cassidys’ house. I’d always loved it, especially the wraparound porch. I had to remind myself that despite all the good—and even the terrible—memories that had happened there, it was the people inside who mattered. They were the magic. So was the man who held my hand and loved me.

Brandon led us up the snow-shoveled path lined with glowing lanterns and holly. It was festive and beautiful and reminded me of belonging and home.

We paused at the door, and Brandon gave me a devious grin. “Are you ready for this?”

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Just that I love you.”

He was the cheesiest, and I loved it.

Brandon threw open the door before I could respond. A huge chorus of “Surprise!” greeted us before we even entered the foyer.

I was certainly surprised. A sea of people, like an immense wave, moved toward me. Lauren, of course, led the charge, pushing her son out of the way. “Happy birthday, Holly, our darling girl.” She pulled me into the house and wrapped me up tight.

It was then I realized she had a whole Julia-Roberts-from-the-nineties vibe going, with her baggy jeans and long, chunky cardigan. In fact, everyone was dressed like the nineties had come calling and wanted its Doc Martens and plaid skirts back.

Carmen pushed her way to the front, dressed like she’d stepped straight out of the movieCluelessin her yellow plaid outfit. I felt clueless, like I’d missed the memo about what to wear to the party. I thought I was being semi chic in my long red sports coat over a black turtleneck and body-hugging jeans. The turtleneck and jeans were from Costco, thank you very much.

“We thought it would be so fun to have everyone come dressed from the decade you were born,” Lauren clued me in.

I didn’t know what to say. I’d never had a surprise party before, much less a nineties-themed one. “Wow. Thank you.” My emotions were running high—it had been quite the night already. It got even more emotional when I spotted my dad in the crowd among old friends and neighbors, giving me a knowing smile that said,See? Magic still exists.Seeing him there and healthy was the most magical. It meant a lot to me that he would bravely come, knowing almost every person in the room had seen him fall from the highest heights. Yet no one seemed to shun him. As far as I could tell, they were happy to see us.

“We love you, beautiful girl.” Lauren gave me one more squeeze before taking my hand and leading me through the crowd as if I were on display. I supposed I was. So many old friends and neighbors offered me birthday wishes along the way. Even some kids I used to babysit—all grown up now—were in attendance. Brandon and Carmen faithfully followed us to the main area of the house where the kitchen and large great room were located. Lauren had gone all out on the birthday decorations. Gorgeous LED balloons and white roses accented her evergreen-and-gold Christmas decorations. The place glowed, making me feel as if I were in a fairy-tale dream.

Dad made his way to us and pulled out a crown made of holly from behind him. “To the girl, now a woman, who has brought me peace and refuge.” He placed the crown on my head like I was sixteen again. “I love you, dear daughter. Happy birthday.”

“I love you, Dad,” I could barely say for being so choked up.

“That’s just precious,” Lauren exclaimed. “Bring out the cake, Bertram. Let’s sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to our favorite girl.”

Bertram appeared, carrying a large cake lit with thirty sparkling candles on a wooden pedestal. The cake was gorgeously decorated with raspberries, currants, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary. I knew instantly it was one of my dad’s creations. He hadn’t made me such a cake in years.

Brandon took my hand as the crowd began to sing “Happy Birthday.”

The crowd parted and gave way for Bertram to stand in front of me with the blazing cake. The heat of the candles made me feel almost as warm as the company I was in. As soon as the crowd finished singing, Brandon whispered in my ear, “Make a wish.”

I looked around at every person beaming at me and realized my wish had already come true. There was no doubt magic existed. As scary as it might sometimes be, it’s what made life worth living.

“Help me blow out the candles,” I implored Brandon. “Let’s wish together.”

Brandon kissed my cheek before we huffed and puffed and blew all the candles out. The cheers and applause were almost deafening. They got even louder when Brandon’s lips landed on mine for a soul-stirring kiss, leaving no doubt in my—or anyone else’s—mind that we were a couple.

“I love you, Holly,” he spoke against my lips.

Before I could tell him how much I loved him, I found myself being swept away into the crowd by Carmen, who apparently could wait no longer for me to see her parents cringing in the corner while Marco expressed his light and love for them and all people. I should also mention Marco was wearing overalls with one half of the bib down and no shirt. It put all the tattoos on his arms and chest on display.

“Isn’t this the best?” Carmen giggled near my side.

“You’re evil,” I teased her.

“One day, I’m going to settle down with some man I’m sure will thrill my parents, but I want it to be when the time is right.”

“Huh.”

---