Page 45 of Your Love is Enough

Stacey nodded as Jacob, Chad, and Tristan joined them.

“What did we miss? I hear you making fun of my girl again.” Chad wrapped his arms around Jessica.

Kristen spoke up. “We weren’t making fun of her, just talking about a doctor Elizabeth’s been dealing with at work. She calls her Doctor Bitchy, and Jessica wouldn’t say her name.”

Tristan wrapped his arm around Stacey. “Are you talking about that doctor or, as you say, not-doctor you’ve been dealing with at the hospital?”

She contained a smile. “Yes. I call her Doctor Bitchy because she walks around and conducts business like she’s better than everyone else, but she isn’t even a medical doctor. I’m not really sure what she has a doctorate in, but it could be bitchiness. Do they give doctorates in that?”

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” said Kristen. “What’s her real name, anyway? Doctor what?”

“Dr. Elisha Hensley.” Stacey felt Tristan’s arms tighten around her and turned to face him. His face was blank. “Hey, what’s wrong?” She placed her hand against his cheek, forcing his gaze on hers.

He shook his head. “Nothing. Just tired.” A small smile crept up his face, and he touched his lips to hers.

When the last of the group left, Stacey stood looking around at the mess. It was a long day, and she was exhausted. Ugg. There was so much to clean up. Looking across the yard at Tristan, Stacey could think of only one thing she wanted to do now, and it was in her bed with that handsome man over there.

Kristen pulled her into a hug. “Happy birthday, bestie.”

Stacey pulled her eyes away from the Adonis across the yard. “Thank you so much for all this. It was amazing. The food was delicious, and the cake was the best. It was a great night.”

Their arms stayed around each other as they watched their guys working together to take down tables and chairs. “Don’t thank me. Tristan planned most of this. The flowers and color scheme were all him. He said these colors reminded him of your eyes.” Kristen arranged herself to really look at Stacey. “He is so sweet. And he’s crazy about you.”

Yeah, she knew that. There was no doubt.

“You deserve him, Stace. You deserve to be happy, with Tristan.” She hip-bumped Stacey. “You know that, right?”

Stacey felt her hands sweat and wiped them on her pants. But she nodded. “I know.” She watched him across the yard again. “I was thinking a lot about us on my drive here today.” She met Kristen’s eyes. “I really like him. Likereally like him. Maybe more than like?”

Kristen’s face softened, and her arm squeezed Stacey’s side. “Yay, for you. Finally putting your feelings first.”

“Yeah, I guess I am. I thought I’d tell him tonight. So, let’s get this cleaned up.”

Kristen stopped Stacey and called across the yard. “Tristan!”

He looked up.

“Take this woman inside and give her a proper present. Jacob and I will finish up out here.”

“What?” Stacey’s mouth dropped.

Kristen whispered. “You heard me. Go get yourself an amazing gift. I’m sure there’s something he hasn’t given you yet.”

Tristan grabbed Stacey’s hand. “I’m not gonna argue. Come on, gorgeous. Let’s make this great day better.”

Stacey’s stomach flipped, and her heart melted.

Tristan closed Stacey’s bedroom door and led her to sit down in the chair by her window. He closed the blinds and pulled a duffel bag from under her bed.

“Tristan, what are you doing?”

Opening the bag, he pulled out a large box wrapped in pretty paper with a nice fancy bow. “I haven’t given you anything yet. So, happy birthday.”

“Not true. You decorated, bought all the flowers, and the cake and food. It was amazing and already too much.”

He brushed away her complaints. “Not enough.”

Stacey felt the heat rising. Gifts made her uncomfortable, like she would upset the giver if she didn’t act thankful enough. But this… from him… so much different. Her heart thundered in her chest. She had no clue what could be in the box, but many things crossed her mind.

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