Page 113 of Icing Hearts

Today is my birthday. My phone buzzes as I bounce down the stairs in a pink, flouncy sun dress. The chief is at work. He works almost all the time now, opting to sleep at the station most days. I open the text message, and it’s my aunt wishing me a happy birthday.

My aunt.

When the school year was wrapping up, I decided I wanted to find her. She and my mom were close. My mom would have been forty-two this year. My aunt is only twenty-eight and according to both of them, my mom practically raised her. It never made sense for her to drop off the face of the earth like she did.

Though my memory is spotty about the days surrounding my mom’s death—from the grief and accompanying despair—I remembered my aunt saying she would come visit. She was pursuing her master’s degree at the time so the visit was intended to occur after her semester ended a few weeks later. Instead, I never heard from her again.

In my quest for healing, I decided I wanted answers. So, Jack helped me find her. It was easy, but I probably could have found out a lot more if I’d gone to my boyfriend—who is actually a very skilled hacker in his own right. But I chose Jack. After we exchanged numbers and got to chatting, I found out that my father had threatened her after the funeral. He cut off all ties. Blocked her number, wouldn’t respond to emails. He doesn’t have any social media. I was only in middle school, and he was a doting husband in her eyes. She never could have dreamed what type of man he would become or else she never would have left me with him.

That’s when we began to devise a plan. Tory and I promised we wouldn’t keep secrets from one another anymore. Now that nearly all the details are solidified, I need to break the news to him. Today.

Jack has been giving me pep talks for the past two days, encouraging me to come clean to Tory. He’s expecting an update tonight after my birthday dinner. He and Tory get along well. I know Jack has always had a soft spot for him. Just like me.

I rush out of the house as soon as Tory pulls into the driveway. Though the chief isn’t home, I don’t like waiting for him to get to the door. It’s too long. Every second away from him is difficult now. Maybe it always was.

He catches my jump hug and spins me around as many times as it takes to get me dizzy. I keep my arms locked around Tory’s neck to maintain my balance as my vision swirls. This was likely his plan—to make sure I wouldn’t let go.

“Happy birthday,” Tory says, leaning us both against the car door.

The sun is delightfully warm against my shoulders and cheek.

“Thank you! Best day of the year.”

“I agree. You’re my old lady now.”

I pull him in for a kiss. It’s sweet and long, and I love it.

When we part, Tory says, “Hey, cut it out, cougar. I’m still seventeen.”

Another stolen kiss.

“Stop,” he protests teasingly. “I take the law very seriously. No more kissing until I’m eighteen.”

“So, I have to wait four months?” I giggle.

“Let’s make it five, just to be safe.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Only one hug a day. To be safe.”

“And no hand-holding.”

“Oh, absolutely not,” I agree as Tory walks me to the passenger side and opens the door. “I’ve always said hand-holding is the gateway drug of physical contact.”

“Wow, you’re so wise. Like Father Time.”

I snort a laugh as he closes the car door, and I immediately open the window.

As Tory drives, I look over at him and still can’t believe he’s mine. Some residual anger remains. But I love him—love him and I let him know it.

“So, what’s on the agenda for my birthday?” I ask.

He beams. “You’re about to find out.”

Chapter 70

Victory

For as long as I live, I won’t forget the look on Clara’s face when she walks into her surprise party. By my count, the whole school turned out to celebrate, and every detail is perfect.

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