My eyes are welling up too now. “She was everything to me. You guys were all I had.”
She squeezes my hand. “I know. I wished you were mine sometimes.”
I smile through my tears. “Same.”
“I was so upset when she told me you two had parted ways. She never wanted to tell me why.”
My heart sinks as I’m brought back to all those years ago. “It was stupid stuff. Boy stuff,” I clarify. “Every day, I regret not trying harder. If we’d remained friends, then maybe…” my words trail off.
“No, Abby. There’s nothing you could have done. There’s no use living in the past, sweetie.”
I blow out a breath. “You’re right. I’m so sorry.” I shoot her a smile. “It’s my birthday. I should act like it.”
I want to go on catching up all night but Abe interrupts us. He grabs my hand and pulls me from the couch. “It’s cake and presents time, birthday girl.”
I smile, eager. I’ve eaten tons of lasagna, but funny enough, I still have plenty of space for cake.
The lights are dimmed, and the room falls suddenly silent. Gretchen walks in from the kitchen, holding a beautiful cake, and singingHappy Birthday. Claudia and Mischa are right behind her, singing along. Everyone soon joins in.
The cake is beautiful, most likely bought from the bakery down the street, a white fondant cake covered in pretty pink and coral roses.
“Make a wish,” Claudia urges. “Make it something good.”
I do. This time, I wish for a beautiful baby. Preferably one with Abe’s eyes, sweet smile and musical talent.
I blow out the many candles, and laugh when I miss a few. On my second attempt, I succeed, and everyone claps and cheers.
Cake is served, and we all stuff our faces. I’m feeling a little too full as I sit down on the sectional and ready myself for opening gifts. Claudia and Gretchen squeeze in on either side of me.
Everyone settles in, eager to see. Some sit on the area rug, others on the sofa and on chairs. I tear into my gifts; chocolate, wine, tea, a cozy pajama, comic books and funny socks. Adele gives me a beautiful decorative box. I thank her profusely. The girls have gone in together to buy me a pretty pink Kate Spade bag. I haven’t opened one from Abe, and I’m curious to see what he got me. The last gift, a very tastefully wrapped box adorned with pink ribbon, practically sings to me,Open me. I’m special.
When Mischa hands it to me, I eagerly read the card attached, and I’m surprised to see it’s not from Abe. It’s from Melanie. She smiles sweetly at me. I rip off the paper to discover a tin of teas and biscuits. She knows how I love my tea and snacks in the afternoon. “Thanks so much. I love it.”
“I thought you would.” She grins. “Hopefully you’ll share.”
I smile back at her wondering why Abe hasn’t given me anything. Just as I’m about to thank everyone, Abe closes the distance between us and pulls out a small red velvet box from his pocket. As soon as he kneels at my feet, I know what’s happening. It’s not a complete surprise, but I’m still a little stunned.
He flips open the box. A gorgeous white gold ring stares back at me; a traditional diamond sandwiched between six smaller ones. The design is classic and very me. I love it.
The crowd claps and hollers, and my jaw is on the floor as he smiles sweetly at me. “What do you say? Will you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me, Abby?”
I’m speechless with joy. I throw myself at him, and wrap my arms around his shoulders.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
When I finally pull away, he takes my hand and gently slides the ring on my finger. Thankfully, I finally moved Gavin’s ring to my right hand a few weeks ago, anticipating this moment.
I stare down at the stunning ring, and then up at him, even more beautiful. Then I glance over at Adele who is crying happy tears. I’d always wanted to be her daughter, to be part of their family, and now it’s finally happening.
The room erupts into another round of cheers of celebration.
Everyone is cheering and clapping so hard, we almost don’t hear the doorbell. Mischa presses a finger to her lips and shushes everyone. The familiar buzz of the doorbell cannot be mistaken.
Claudia and I are quick to run to the door to see who has shown up so late. Claudia checks her watch. “Kind of rude,” she mutters. “I hope they have a good excuse.”
I’m frowning as I swing the door open. To my surprise, it’s the last person I could have expected at my door. Mr. Dark & Mysterious. I’m speechless. Jaw on the floor, I turn to Claudia who is standing next to me, equally shocked.
“I’m so sorry,” Mr. Dark & Mysterious says apologetically. “I had a family emergency.”
