Grace proceeded to the back door, flinging it open to reveal a twinkly-lit dreamworld. I gasped and moved forward, not stopping until I was outside on the patio. Gorgeous white archways led out into the yard, and a beautiful bohemian style table had been set up, complete with plush pillows for seating. Tequila sunrise roses and rose petals had been scattered around like confetti. I could smell the warm spiciness of Thai food that I instinctively knew was from Bow Thai. I could recognize the smell of those soy sauce noodles anywhere.
To my right, there was a snack table filled with goldfish crackers, an assortment of donuts, and Pop-Tarts—all callbacks to our first couple of days spent together. Soft music played through speakers I couldn’t see while the bonfire roared, waiting for people to surround it for warmth. I felt Jax’s presence next to me, and my eyes found his in the soft glow of the lights around us. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I threw my arms around him.
“Happy Birthday, Liv.” His voice was soft and low as he folded me into his arms.
“I donut believe you did this,” I said through my tears.
“Happy Birthday, honey.” Ella wrapped her arms around my shoulders, kissing me on the cheek. I pulled Grace into my arms, and everyone filed out onto the patio to give me hugs and birthday wishes.
“I don’t know about you, but I’mstarving!” Dallas pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek.
I chuckled. “How are you feeling, Dal?”
“Much better, thanks to you.” Dallas made a beeline for the Thai food that Katie was beginning to uncover. “Food line starts behind me.”
I turned my gaze back to Jax, his eyes filled with warmth as he placed an arm around me. “After you, birthday girl.”
After dinner, we lingered at the table, enjoying the light breeze of the night air. We laughed as Luca shared stories of their lives on the road and felt Dallas’s excitement when he talked about his new penthouse. Derek told us about the areas he’d been exploring the past few days. He asked Ella and I questions about cities like Leiper’s Fork, Franklin, and Spring Hill. Grace bubbled over about the Homecoming Dance she was looking forward to the following weekend. As I took in the faces around me, I couldn’t deny how beautifully we all blended together.
“I believe I heard there was some cake here.” Dallas looked pointedly at Jax.
“I believe I heard that rumor too.” Jax winked before jogging into the house. A couple of moments later, he returned carrying a beautiful cake with rich pink frosting, illuminated by the candles that flickered on top of it. He placed it in front of me. “Make a wish, birthday girl.”
I gasped, taking in the gorgeous confection and the perfect waves of the icing. “Did you make this?”
“He did.” Grace spoke up before he could even begin to discredit what he’d done. “It was all Jax.”
“Dark chocolate with raspberry buttercream.” He beamed. “I learned from the best. Now make a wish.”
As I looked at the faces around me, my wish was simple. I blew out the candles, and everyone cheered.
Jax began to expertly cut and serve the cake, giving me the first slice. I dug my fork into the decadent cake, moist with melted chocolate and the perfect amount of raspberry frosting, and took a bite. “Jax, this is divine.”
“Damn, Jax.” Derek took his first bite. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“Seriously,” Brady echoed.
“Yeah, man,” Luca agreed. “If this whole music thing doesn’t work out, I think you could have a future as a baker. This shit is amazing.”
“So Liv, I was shocked to learn you’d been holding out on us,” Cash said from across the table where he sat next to Ella.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Jax sent me some clips of the songs you two have been working on together.” He grinned. “I had no idea you were a songwriter.” I looked over at Jax, and he gave me an encouraging nod.
“She sings too.” Ella chimed in. “She’s only got the most beautiful voice on the planet.”
“That’s what I heard.” Cash nodded.
“Well, that settles that.” Luca threw his napkin down on the table. “We’re going to need a private concert.”
“Yes,” Grace chimed in. “Come on, Aunt Liv!”
“You guys—” I started, but Dallas cut me off.
“Please, Liv.” He looked over at me with what could only be described as a sad puppy dog face. “Sing for us!”
I looked at the pleading, smiling faces around me, before turning to Jax, who gazed at me with anticipation. “I already have my guitar over by the fire.”
