Chapter Twelve
The next morning, Caleb tapped on Bella’s door with his elbow because his hands were filled with the breakfast tray full of the food he’d made for her. He’d slept on her floor again the night before but didn’t know if she was getting dressed, so he called out. “Baby, are you awake?”
“Yes, Caleb, come in.”
He watched her sit up and stare at him. She looked so damn beautiful with her hair in disarray, her skin flushed from sleep, and a soft, curious look on her face.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Happy Birthday, little star.”
She gasped, and then tears came to her eyes. “You remembered?”
“Of course, I did. I’d never forget anything that has to do with you.”
“My own mom forgets my birthday all the time.”
“Hey, do I look like a crabby, scowling, rigid, old woman?” His voice slowly rose, and the pitch grew higher as he teased her.
She giggled and shook her head. “No.”
“Well, good. You had me scared for a bit.”
He loved watching her laugh. It made something inside of him all soft and squishy.
“Here you go,” he said. “Scoot up until you’re sitting against the headboard.” He waited and then set the tray on her lap.
“What’s this?” she asked with wide eyes.
“Your birthday breakfast.”
“I’ve never had one of these before.”
“Well, from now on, you will.”
He made her take the pill first and then let her dig into the scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon.
“Oh, my God. I love bacon,” she squealed, making him laugh.
“I do, too.”
“Have you had some?”
He shook his head. “Not yet.” His heart felt like it grew in his chest when she handed him one of hers, and it made him fall more in love with her. “Thank you, baby.”
His grin grew when she spotted the small box he’d hidden under a napkin.
“What’s this?”
“Really? It’s a present for your birthday.”
“You didn’t have to do this, Caleb.”
He cupped her chin in his hand. “I know that, but I wanted to. I want to make every day of your life special.”
He saw a sheen of tears swathe her eyes as she smiled.
“Go ahead and open it.”
He snorted when she carefully unwrapped the little box. “At this rate, you’re going to miss work.”
She giggled. “I can’t help it. It’s so pretty.”
He rolled his eyes.
Tears slid down her face when she saw the necklace for the first time.
His brows puckered when she didn’t say anything for a long time.
“Baby, are you happy?”
Her smile grew. “I couldn’t be happier.”
“Read the inscription on the back.”
He studied the necklace. It was the first time he saw it because it had come wrapped the night before. The star was white gold and about the size of a nickel. The chain looked delicate but went with the charm very well.
She turned the star around.
To my little star. I’ll be with you always. Love, Caleb.
Her gaze went from the charm to his face. The look of awe on it made him feel ten feet tall.
“This is the best present anyone has ever gotten me. Thank you so much.”
He grinned and wiped the tears that continued to slide down her face. “You’re very welcome. How about you eat your breakfast, and I’ll go shower and get ready for the day.”
“Okay.”