Page 153 of Stuck with my Boss Daddies

Sadie’s hands flew to her mouth the second she saw it.

“Oh my god.”

Her eyes shimmered, her gaze darting over the details: the hand-tied bow on the basket, the hardcover books stacked neatly inside, the little bundle of cozy socks and chocolate tucked beside them.

Aurora had outdone herself.

“Go ahead,” I said, nudging her toward it. “Open it.”

She stepped forward, hesitating like she wasn’t sure this was real, before finally reaching for the card tucked into the ribbon. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened it, and I watched her expression soften as she read Aurora’s familiar handwriting.

You deserve to be celebrated, Sadie. Enjoy every second of it.

She swallowed hard, pressing the card to her chest. “You guys…”

Adam wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pressing a kiss against her temple. “You’re loved, sugar. You better get used to it.”

She let out a watery laugh, then turned to Samuel and me, her eyes bright. “I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Samuel said. “Just enjoy it.”

She did.

We settled into our usual corner, the one near the window where we could watch the stars twinkling over Maple Avenue. Sadie curled up in the chair, her fingers tracing over the spines of the books Aurora had chosen for her.

“You did good,” she murmured after a moment, her gaze flicking between the three of us.

I smirked. “We always do.”

Adam leaned back in his chair, his hands laced behind his head. “Yeah, we kinda nailed this.”

Sadie rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

Just then, the bell over the door jingled and Harriet Cooper strolled in, carrying a tray with a covered plate and a steaming mug.

“Well, well,” she teased, grinning at us. “Look at this cozy little bunch.”

Sadie straightened, smiling at her. “Harriet, what are you doing here?”

Harriet set the tray down in front of Sadie with a wink. “Couldn’t let the night pass without bringing you the real ‘Sadie and Kai Special.’”

Sadie’s eyes popped wide. “The ‘Sadie and Kai Special’?”

I chuckled. “You know it!”

Harriet uncovered the plate with a flourish, revealing the famous maple donut, piled high with glossy icing and a generous scattering of bright sprinkles.

Sadie’s mouth dropped open. “No way.”

“Oh, yes.” Harriet patted her shoulder. “I think it’s time we put it on the menu… even if only for a night!”

Sadie looked between us, her throat working as she blinked rapidly.

“Harriet…” she started, her voice a little wobbly.

“Now, now,” Harriet said, squeezing her shoulder. “No tears tonight, sweetheart. Just smiles.”

Sadie inhaled deeply, then let out a shaky laugh. “I love you guys.”

---