Page 77 of Defensive Zone

It might not be an all-out wild party for the history books, but it will still be a good time because we have eight different pasta dishes available.

Amazing, I know.

Peyton rips open the last bag of balloons, and they float up toward the ceiling, joining the other two dozen.

“So, do you have a plan to get them down?” I point up to the high ceilings. Even if I stand on a table, I can’t reach them, and I’m the tallest one out of us all.

He gives a careless shrug. “I dunno. I guess I’ll just wait for them to deflate and start to sag down to the floor.”

I arch a brow, pressing my lips together to avoid making an inappropriate joke.

Ethan and Jacob arrive with the cakes as we’re pinning the last banner up. Knowing Jacob promised to bring some donuts, I follow them into the kitchen.

Ethan carefully places several boxes down on the kitchen counter before turning to us. “Is there anything you need me to do?”

My stomach grumbles at the sight of the familiar boxes, and it gets worse as the sweet smell of baked goods fills my nose. I’m pretty sure they are the to-go boxes that Jacob uses to transport cupcakes at the bakery or when someone orders a dozen donuts—something I know firsthand because I’ve ordered them on a few occasions.

Rounding the corner, I carefully lift the lid of the top box, wanting to take a sneak peek to see what delights we have today, but Ethan slaps my hand away before I can get a look.

“Hey, get your paws out of there. You can’t eat them yet, not until the birthday boys get here at least.”

“Ugh, fine.” I sigh defeatedly, dropping my hands onto the counter. “And no, I think we’re good. The caterer came earlier, so it’s a case of warming up the food when everyone’s here. Decorations are done, and the fridge is stocked with drinks. Last thing is putting the snacks out.” I wave my hand in the direction of the pile of chips, pretzels, crackers, and other quick snacks.

“It looks amazing. You’ve done a great job.” Jacob beams. “They’re going to love it.”

My chest warms at his compliment. “I hope so.”

It took a lot of convincing to get Carter to stay home while I helped Peyton get his house ready, but once I made him see stars with a blow job, he caved. He even promised he would stay there until three before driving up to Peyton’s house in Lakeview with Elliot.

The house slowly fills as the others turn up. Jackson, Ryan and Isabela are the first to arrive, soon followed by Kendrick and his wife Maria, who’s about to give birth any day now.

We’ve joked that he could have timed it better, considering we’re in the middle of playoffs, and he may even miss the birth oftheir first child, but he just shrugged and said he couldn’t control his swimmers. Luckily, Maria has both his and her parents to help her out.

Two of Alex and Jacob’s co-workers, Daniel and Aria, are next to turn up, along with Alex’s best friend Nate, before a few more of the Thunder guys make an appearance.

The living room is bustling with activity by the time Blaine and Alex arrive, and the second Alex steps through the door, we release confetti poppers, showering him in colorful paper.

“Oh my god!” Alex squawks, raising his hands in surprise as it rains down over him.

“Happy birthday!” we all shout in unison.

Alex laughs, shaking the confetti out of his hair before Blaine hauls him into a tight embrace and slams his mouth over his.

“Okay, okay. Enough of that, there’s children present, Olsen.” Kendrick walks over to the couple and pushes them apart. “It isn’t that kind of party.”

When they step apart, Alex’s cheeks turn a deep shade of red, and we all burst into laughter. It’s not long until the door opens again, and I turn, hoping it’s my man. And despite the ribbing I’m bound to get from the guys, I’m not ashamed of the wide grin that spreads across my face at the sight of Carter. His dark eyes bounce around the hallway before lighting up when they land on me, and his equally bright smile hits me square in the chest.

Fuck, he’s so fucking handsome it hurts. It doesn’t matter that I’ve known him almost my entire life, every time I see him takes my breath away.

I close the distance and wrap my arms around his waist, greeting him with a kiss. It’s not as ravenous as Blaine’s claim on Alex, though. It’s a gentle peck to his lips, just as another wave of confetti is let loose, covering both of us.

“Wow, look at this place,” Carter praises, looking around the decorated room in amazement. “Whoa, Peyton, did you get aspecial deal on the balloons or something? Hell, did you leave any in the store for other people to buy?”

Peyton flips him the bird, then his eyes widen slightly as Isabela runs up beside him and tries to copy him.

“No, don’t do that! Oh fuck. I mean shit. Ahh, someone help me!” He grimaces.

Jackson chuckles, swooping his daughter up into his arms and gently pushing her middle finger back into her tiny fist. “Stop corrupting my kids, Peyton.”

---