My gaze shoots to Kace, and I see the frown instantly marring his handsome face. The shift from amused parent to…worried concern. It's another blow to my already abused system, and I ignore Bronwyn and the others watching me and taking in the scene.
Inhaling, I manage to smile. I think. "That's a nice wish, Dani, but I think you'll change your mind once your dad is all better."
Dani immediately shakes her head and opens her mouth to speak, but I quickly grab a knife and the paper plates. "Let's get this cake cut for our guests so you and Madi can open presents."
Thankfully that shifts the tide, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
Bronwyn gifts Dani the beloved llama stuffy Dani wanted so badly along with a gift card so she can shop the bookstore and pick something special, and I give her the llama-sized baby doll outfits I found online, along with a few llama books. Hey, when that's all the birthday girl wants, that's all she gets. Well, that and the family trip to Bald Head Island from Kace, where Dani gets to ride the long ferry and eat wherever she wants.
As for Madi, I got her a particular accessory to go along with Kace's present, and I can't wait to see the unsuspecting girl's reaction.
Madi thanks Bronwyn several times for the book series she talks about when she does talk. Bronwyn also added a gift card from London's Lattes so Madi could get her froufrou coffee fix on her way to work.
"And now your next to last present," Kace says to his niece.
To me, he nods and I grab the oversized bag stuffed with tissue paper. Madi eyes me a little warily, like she isn't sure what to make of the words.
"Next to last?"
"This one's from me," I tell her. "But you can't open it until Kace gives you his."
She looks even more confused, which is kind of the point.
"Come on, Mads. Follow me," Kace says. "Lindsey will bring the bag."
I smile at a very curious Madi and wave my hands for her to get up and follow her uncle. Madi gives me another searching stare, but I see the spark of excitement light the girl's eyes before she curbs it and the smile trying so hard to break free. The poor girl is bracing herself, trying not to get too excited. I urge Dani and her friend out the door ahead of me.
We follow Madi out to the carport with Kace leading the charge on his crutches and waiting on us by the time we all make it out the door.
Kace's excited grin sets my heart tripping, and no matter what I say to myself to tamp it down? It doesn't work. He's so handsome and looks so happy right now as he tells Madi to close her eyes and keep them closed. Kace is so excited about this gift for his niece, and it's beyond sweet.
So, so sweet.
Once Madi does as ordered, Gabe quickly goes behind the house and wheels in a minty green Vespa with a big rose-gold bow on the front.
"Open your eyes."
"Happy birthday!" we all say at once.
Madi's expression is priceless. A mixture of shock and happiness and absolute disbelief. Maybe even…fear?
"Well?" Kace asks. "Do you like it?"
Madi struggles with visible shock. "It's mine? For real?"
"Yeah, it's yours. Well, so long as you get licensed for it and obey the rules," Kace says. "It's not new, but it's in great shape, and I thought you might like a set of wheels to get you back and forth to work. Which is another rule. You're responsible for gas money, which means you keep working."
The girl exhales like she's been holding her breath, her clasped hands rising to her mouth.
"I can't believe— Wow." She stares at Kace and then closes the distance between them, giving him a very, very rare and somewhat awkward hug. "Thank you."
"Aww, sweetheart. I hope you like it. Just promise me you'll be careful and obey the traffic laws. I couldn't stand it if you got hurt."
"I will. I mean I won't. I mean?—"
We laugh because we understand what she's saying, but the poor girl is so flustered with excitement that she's practically sputtering.
Kace releases her from his hug and goes back to clasping the rungs of the crutches. "It's good to see you happy, kiddo."
