"It's beautiful," I gasp, and a small smile tugs at Luke's lips.
"Let me put it on you," he says.
I turn around and flip my hair to one side so that he can put the necklace around my neck. Slowly, he secures it. Then he holds my shoulders, making me face him again. I stare down at the diamond snowflake on my chest and look up at him.
"Thank you." I smile. "But how did you know that I love snow?" I ask, curiosity evident in my voice.
It's like he knows that winter is my favorite season even though I've never told anyone about this, not even the people close to me.
Winter and I are like two secret friends.
Surprisingly, a playful smirk forms on his lips. "Isn't it clear? You're too hot, so you need something cold for you to not burn."
I immediately roll my eyes. That's a typical answer from Luke. I'm stupid to think that I could get an answer that would makesense.
We stand in silence. I'm still so overwhelmed by this birthday surprise that I don't even know what else to say.
A growl from Aiden's stomach startles us, and we look down at him, only to find his face flush.
"I'm hungry," he mumbles in a low voice, making Luke and I laugh.
I take Aiden's hand in mine and lead him toward the table. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's eat dinner and the cake."
???
After the three of us finish eating our dinner and the cake, it's time for Aiden to go to bed. We're in his room, standing beside his bed as he slips under the covers.
"Have a good rest, Aiden." Luke places a kiss on Aiden's forehead, and I watch them in awe. No matter how irritating and devilish Luke can be sometimes, he always turns into an angel for Aiden. He'll be a good father. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Aiden smiles before looking at me. "Can I get a goodnight kiss from Cassie too?"
A warm smile touches my lips. Of course. He doesn't even have to ask for that.
I lean closer to him and kiss his forehead. "Goodnight, Aiden. Sweet dreams."
Aiden closes his eyes, a big smile on his face.
"Perfect," he whispers.
I brush my fingers through his hair one last time before stepping away from the bed. When Luke and I reach the door, Luke turns off the light. We step out of Aiden's bedroom, and Luke closes the door with a soft thud.
While we're walking down the hallway, Luke takes my hand in his, and surprisingly—strangely—I allow him to.
"Where are we going?" I ask as he leads the way.
A smirk forms on his lips. "I still have something else for you."
It's almost midnight when Luke and I exit Aiden's room. Luke leads me as we walk along the hallway, and it seems like we're heading to the living room.
When we step into it, I'm greeted with loud voices.
"Happy birthday, Cassie!"
My eyes widen in surprise. My jaw drops as I stare at my team gathered in the living room. Oscar, Peter, Paul and Mike are all here, wearing colorful party hats.
Even Paul and Mike have their blow ticklers. Oscar is holding a bottle of wine, and more bottles lie on the bar counter.
"Guys," I echo, dumbfounded. "You're here!" I exclaim, having not expected that they would fly all the way from LA to New York for this surprise.
