Page 54 of Stephan

“I would have named him Rex, but that doesn’tfeel appropriate now.” I walked over to the big grassy area and satdown not caring about my dress.

“No. I don’t think Rex would like a dog beingnamed after him,” Lucas said.

I didn’t even realize Stephan’s parents werestill there. Lucas held the camera and he must have turned thebright flash off because I didn’t feel the blinding light.

I watched as the puppy ran around everyoneand came back and licked me. He was full of energy and the perfectpet. “Fido.” I’d always wanted a pet and I loved having the cartoondog name.

“Okay, Fido it is. We’ll go out and get him acollar and name tag before the game.”

I looked up at Stephan. “I can’t leave him togo to the game or the shops. He’s just a baby.”

Stephan’s eyes narrowed behind me and Dericklaughed. “Jade, we have things planed. Fido will be fine here. Mumand Dad are home to be with him.”

I clutched Fido to me. I didn’t want to leavehim. “You can go to rugby without me. I’ll see you when you gethome.”

“Good job, genius. You couldn’t wait untillike Christmas or something to give her a puppy?” Stephan growledat Derick.

“Hey, leave Derick alone. Fido is the bestpresent ever. Thanks, Derick.” Derick preened and I laughed whenStephan went for him wrapping his fingers around Derick’s neck andthey fell to the ground wrestling. Fido thought it was awesome andjoined in jumping on their back and nipping at them.

This was the best birthday I’d ever had.

*****

The rugby game had been embarrassing. Stephanwouldn’t let me get out of my party dress and he carried me to theseats. My friends ooh’d and ahh’d over Stephan’s behavior and allhis gifts. I told them about my car and Fido.

I’d spent the afternoon with Evelin in thefamily room with a group of beauty specialists getting a massage,my hair done, and make-up. Evelin had helped me into a sparklingcream ball gown with gorgeous matching diamante covered shoes. Ifelt like a princess.

I now sat in a limo with Stephan, who lookedscrumptious in a tux. When he’d come to get me I almost jumped himhe looked so yummy. “Are you going to tell me where we aregoing?”

“Nope. It’s a surprise.”

I sat next to him and held his arm. “Thankyou so much for today. It’s been amazing.”

He kissed my forehead. “I’m glad you’ve had agreat day.”

Tilting my head I kissed him. He looked sogood and my day had been so wonderful. I wanted to climb on him andshow him just how grateful I was. My tongue searched for his and Ileaned in closer, eager for more. I inwardly grinned when his armscame around me and held me to him. I bunched the long dress up mythighs and climbed over his lap.

He eased his mouth from mine. “Little bit, wehave to stop.”

Oh God I didn’t want to. He felt so good andmy body arched for him. I pouted and he laughed. “I never thought Iwould see you pout.”

I stuck my tongue out.

“I’d love to go home with you, but we arehere. ”

I groaned and buried my face into his neck.How had I not felt the car stop? Groaning, I eased off him. “Whereare we?” I checked my hair and knew how I must look.

“I wouldn’t bother, little bit. They’re goingto know.” His fingers came up and traced my lip. “These are puffyand your cheeks are flushed.”

“Who are ‘they’?”

“You’ll see. Let’s go.” He opened the doorand a man in suit held it open and helped us out.

I looked around to see we were at The BeachesReturned and Services League, it sat almost on the beach. Stephantook my arm and guided me into the RSL. Once inside he took me upthe stairs and to double doors. At the door he gathered me to him.“I love you.” He kissed me and I melted against him. With a moan heeased away and opened the door pushing me into the room.

The room was covered in balloons, streamers,and a huge sign that said, Happy Birthday Jade. I gazed around andsaw all my friends, Jess and all my old friends, Stephan’s guyfriends and all my new friends along with Stephan’s parents, hiscousins, Cassie’s parents, and Jess’s mother.

Emotions like I’d never felt before bombardedme: gratitude, amazement, happiness, and a deep love. I couldn’tstop the tears and I didn’t care. I turned back to Stephan. “Youdid this all for me?”

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