Parker
Despite the parade of customers that come through my shop, I feel like the rest of my day drags by. I don’t see Lilah, Olive, or Julia all day and it sucks. I wish I had told them it was my birthday, but it slipped my mind with all the excitement in the last few days. It turns out Lukas can be very distracting…
My heart leaps when I see him pull up outside at six. Luckily, there’s no one in the shop, so I don’t have to shoo anyone out before grabbing my bag and locking up. Cujo is waiting in the back seat, but there’s nothing on earth that can tear my eyes away from Lukas leaning against the side of the truck. I swear to God, my heart tries to jump out of my throat every time I see him.
He’s traded his plain t-shirt for a soft black henley. He’s pushed the sleeves up so his tattooed forearms are on display. He’s so freaking sexy that I’m pretty sure he could give Jason Momoa a run for his money in that shirt. He runs his hand through this hair when he sees me, smiling smugly. “Like what you see, Freckles?”
I shrug noncommittally. “You look ok, I guess.”
He rubs his beard with one hand, pinching the front of my dress and pulling me into him, careful not to bump my hand.
“Just ok? I guess I should try harder next time,” he smirks at me like he can hear my heart thumping wildly in my chest. Then again, maybe he can. He seems to get everything about me. It doesn’t even feel like a stretch that he’d know the second my heart starts to race for him.
“Happy Birthday, Freckles,” he says before tilting his head and sealing his lips over mine. He helps me into the truck, insisting on buckling my seatbelt for me.
“I can do it,” I argue.
“Yeah, but I like taking care of you, so let me.”
I roll my eyes but let him help.
The drive to his grandmother’s house is quick. Cars are lined up around the block, not surprising given the size of his family. I follow him to the door, filled with trepidation. I’ve spent plenty of time with his family, but it’s always been as a friend of the girls. I hope it isn’t too weird for them to see me with him. I’m not too worried about Olive and Julia, but I don’t know what I’ll do if Lilah can’t come around.
The house is quiet when Lukas opens the front door, and I follow him inside. He takes Cujo’s leash, looking around. The house is empty except for the smoky smell of grilling food.
“Huh… maybe they’re all out back…” Lukas says, taking my hand and leading me through the house. He opens a door, holding it for me and gesturing for me to go ahead. Stepping out into the evening light, I freeze. The backyard is filled with people. White streamers and lanterns hang from the oak trees. A giant banner floats between the trees reading: “Happy Birthday Parker.”
Olive, Julia, and Lilah are front and center, glasses raised as they lead a cheer of “Surprise!”
I drop Cujo’s leash, overwhelmed, and cover my face with my good hand as I burst into tears.
Lukas wraps an arm around my shoulders and leans down. “Are you ok? I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have surprised you—”
“No!” I sob. “This is amazing. I just—I’ve never had a birthday party before,” I say, looking back out at his sisters. All three are staring at me, frozen and wide-eyed. I wipe the tears from my eyes, willing them to stop as I laugh and apologize.
“I’m sorry. This is just… overwhelming.”
Julia steps up, pulling me into her arms for a gentle hug. “Don’t apologize!”
I swipe at the tears again. “I’m not great with surprises.”
Lilah laughs and digs a pack of tissues out of her purse. “We should have known better. You happy-cry about everything.”
“It’s true,” I say, laughing as I dab the last of the tears from my face. “This is really nice, you guys!”
“It was all Lukas,” Lilah stage-whispers, holding a hand to her mouth conspiratorially.
I turn to glance back at him. He’s smiling softly and mouths, “I love you.”
It is by far the best birthday I’ve ever had. Lukas helps Asher grill a mountain of hamburgers, watching as his sisters drag me around to socialize. As promised, Gran fusses over my injured hand, alternately scolding me for putting myself in danger and telling me how proud she is of me for standing up for Cujo.
After dinner Olive brings out an enormous strawberry and cream cake and I blush about a dozen shades of red while everyone sings to me. Ben, Brooks and Asher build a fire in the big brick fire pit, arguing about the placement of each piece of wood, while Lilah and Olive look on, calling out suggestions and generally stirring up more trouble.
They all settle down once the fire is blazing. Brooks pulls Olive into his lap and whispers something in her ear that makes her eyebrows climb mischievously. I probably don’t want to know, but it’s still adorable.
Lilah stands up and clears her throat. Ben grins, standing behind her, arms wrapped protectively around her shoulders.
“Since we’re all here, Ben and I have an announcement,” she says loudly. Everyone shuts up so fast it’s comical. “I’m pregnant,” she says with a smile.