Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
We lay in bed on Sunday morning, the rain once again beating on the roof. I was glad I had replaced it when I did. Hannah’s head rested on my chest, and we were quiet.
“Anything special you want to do next weekend?” I asked. “For your birthday? Go into Toronto for dinner or go to a show?”
She was silent for a minute. “No. Not really. My mom always made me a cake, but birthdays weren’t really big. We couldn’t afford much. Maybe a barbecue? Mom has to work on Saturday, so it would have to be Sunday.”
“Okay. We can use the new deck—we haven’t had a crowd over yet. Have everyone here and celebrate. Maybe we can do something on Saturday. I have the day off. There’s a big yard sale—more like a town sale—over in Hedgewood. I know Charly loves going to it. She says she gets some great things.”
“That would be fun. We still need a couple of things for the house.”
I ran my fingers through her hair. “Sure. We could have lunch out and explore. Corn is in season. We’ll get some to cook on Sunday.”
“Sounds like fun,” she said. “A nice, quiet day.” She paused. “I would like a cake, though.”
I bit back my grin. “I can do that.” I already had plans, and there was nothing quiet or nice about them. I wanted to celebrate Hannah big-time, and she had said something a few weeks back that gave me an idea. I hoped she liked it as much as I did. And there would be cake. Lots of it. Lots of all her favorites.
Including me.
Hannah kicked off her sandals with a groan. “My feet are killing me.”
I chuckled and patted her leg. “Great day, though, right?”
“Yes. We got so many awesome things!”
I glanced at the rearview mirror. The back of the truck was piled high with her “awesome things.” There was a set of side tables and a coffee table she planned to restore. Baskets, pieces of crystal, plant pots, material, all sorts of crafty things. Pictures, frames, knickknacks. Homemade jams and jellies. A crock for pickles. Items I had no idea we needed or that even existed. But it kept her busy and happy. I loved to see her smile.
She scrolled through her phone. “My mom didn’t call.”
“You said she was working today. She’ll call tonight.”
“I guess.” She scrolled a little more. “A couple of texts, but that’s it.”
“I got you flowers. And some bath stuff.”
“I know and I loved them. I just thought Annette might call or, you know, Charly.”
“They know we’re having a barbecue tomorrow,” I soothed.
She nodded. “You’re right.”
She glanced out the window, and I bit back my grin. Everything was going according to plan. She was quiet for a while, and when I looked again, she was asleep. I tugged her over, and her head fell to my shoulder. She didn’t even stir. “Sleep, Cinnamon,” I murmured. “You’re gonna need it.”
She woke up as I parked the truck in the parking lot behind Zeke’s. She sat up, blinking. “What are we doing?”
“I’m craving some nachos. I thought we’d grab a bite and head home.”
“Oh. Will our stuff be okay?”
“It’ll be fine.”
I got out and went to her door. I held out my hand, and she slid from the truck. We headed toward the front, almost bumping into a girl coming around the corner. She shook her head at us. “Bar is closed,” she said. “Some private party.”
Hannah stopped. “Oh. Well, I can make us nachos at home.”
I tugged her hand. “Zeke will give us an order to go.”
She followed me reluctantly. At the door, she pulled on my hand. “Chase, it says closed.” She read the sign. “Private function.”
“It’s fine.”
I towed her behind me. “I don’t think—” she started, then gasped as everyone yelled, “Surprise!”
I grinned at her. “The party is for you, Cinnamon.” I bent and kissed her. “Happy birthday, baby.”
HANNAH
I looked around in shock and astonishment. All of our friends were there. People from work. My mom. The local band, the Frozen Tundra, we had been to see and enjoyed so much was onstage, currently playing “Happy Birthday.” The place was decorated, the air smelled incredible, and the bar was open. A table had presents piled on it. Balloons were attached to chairs and flowers everywhere. It was incredible. I was hugged and kissed, going from person to person. When I got to my mom, she hugged me fiercely.
“He did it all,” she whispered. “Organized everything. That boy is crazy about you.”
I looked over at Chase, who was watching me, his eyes soft, his smile wide. The love I felt for him filled me up totally. He was it for me. He winked, and I blew him a kiss, which made his smile even wider. I finally made my way back to him, and he pulled me close. “Hey, birthday girl.”