Page 82 of Everlasting Love

“Yeah, well. It was rude and unnecessary. He’s been like that most of my life.” I run my hand across the top of my hair. “It’s why I spent most of my time with Toby’s family.”

She links our hands together and brings them up to her mouth, brushing a soft kiss across my knuckles as we walk through the back door and my stomach flips with her quiet support. Mom’s frozen in the doorway to the kitchen and when I come up behind her I see the reason why.

Dad looks up from lighting the candles on my cake; his eyes red-rimmed. “Happy birthday, Son,” he says in a ragged voice. His gaze skates from Vi to Jas. “I’m sorry I was so rude earlier. Please accept my apology.”

I turn to look at Vi and she gives my dad a soft smile. “Apology accepted. We all have bad days.” That’s a freaking understatement. She steps fully into the kitchen once Mom steps forward, tugging me along with her and I feel like I’ve just walked into theUpside DownfromStranger Things.

Dad nods stiffly, then grins at Jas. “Shall we sing ‘Happy Birthday?’”

Jas smiles back. “‘Happy Birthday’ is one of my favorite songs!” she says, then skips over to Dad to stand beside him, and I watch his entire demeanor soften. I think I’ll call it the Jas effect because she does the same for me.

For the first time since I was a young boy, my father sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to me along with Mom, Vi, and Jas. It’s a surreal moment and hope blooms bright that maybe my chat with Dad will have a positive impact on our family. Mom cuts the cake after I make my wish and we all enjoy the birthday cake she baked for me. Dad doesn’t join in with the conversation but he’s sitting at the table with us so I’ll take it.

Blue

Jas wanted to play at the park after school today

Meet us there?

Me

Sure

See you in five

A smile creepsacross my lips remembering the birthday present Vi gave me this morning. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of having her mouth on me but this morning was something else. Waking up to her tasting my lips was awesome, but when she dropped to her knees and handed me a silk sash then held out her wrists, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I don’t think I’ve ever acted as quickly as I did this morning. Tying that silk around her slender wrists almost had me coming in my sweats but I really had to hold back when I finally slid down her gorgeous throat.The heat and warmth … her swallowing around my length … the moans that vibrated around my cock … fuck! The woman is a goddess.

I adjust myself as I flick the indicator for the parking lot and find a place to park. I’m familiar with this park after spending several afternoons here with Poppy and Jasmine when I was driving Poppy to and from school. I climb out of my car and narrow my eyes when I spot Toby’s car in the parking lot alongside Hope’s car.

Scanning the park, I find my friends chatting among themselves next to a table with party decorations, waiting forme. I’ve avoided birthdays like the plague since I returned … out of guilt mostly but also because I didn’t feel my life was worth celebrating. There have been so many times over the years that I’ve wished I was the one who didn’t survive the blast. But now, looking at everyone here …

A large hand lands on my shoulder, and I tense, ready to twist and punch. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

When I turn my head toward Nix’s familiar voice, a wide grin greets me and the tension evaporates from my muscles. “You didn’t say a word about this when I left you atThe Bunkertwenty minutes ago.”

He laughs. “That would have ruined the surprise.” He pats my back. “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.” Something happens inside my chest that these people are here forme. I guess they’ve always been here for me, but now I’m finally prepared to let them in.

Together, we walk toward the most important people in my life, and as I get closer, I notice Mr. and Mrs. S among the group as well as Kate and Oliver—my surrogate family. The girls break away from the group and run toward me, Poppy in the lead, closely followed by Jasmine with Daisy trailing behind, giggling her head off. Poppy plows into me, wrapping her arms aroundmy torso then Jas comes at me from the side. “Happy birthday, Shane!”

I lift her with both arms, kiss her forehead, and swing her up onto my shoulders. “Thank you, Angel.”

Daisy finally makes it to me and wraps her arms around my leg, looking up at me with her six teeth proudly on display. “Birf-day!”

I chuckle and scoop her up, careful of Jas on my shoulders. “Thank you, Daisy.”

Poppy releases me, steps back, and brushes her flat hand over her heart a couple of times, then touches her middle finger to her chin and down to her chest.

“Thank you,” I say as I sign.

Wearing his soccer uniform, Evan steps away from the group and walks toward me with his hands buried in his pockets. “Happy birthday, Shane.”

“Thanks, Ev. I’m surprised to see you and your mom here.”

He shrugs. “We’re just stopping by quickly before we go to soccer. I don’t want to be late and get in trouble with Coach Mathers. I’ve been in enough trouble lately.” He looks up at me sheepishly.

“Well, thanks for coming. I appreciate it.”

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