Just as I’m about to pull the door open, my phone notifies me that someone is at the gate. I don’t take the time to look at the cameras to see who it could be and simply let them through, then turn the knob and swing the door open, revealing exactly who I anticipated. The Storm brothers.
“Happy birthday, old man!” Jessie, the youngest, slaps me on the back as he steps in then greets my girl.
“Happy birthday, brother.” Jason, the second born, yet tallest and biggest out of the three, comes in. He gives me a hug while also slapping me on the back, just like his brother.
When Julian steps up next, he keeps his hands in his pockets as I grin widely at him. “You know I do not indulge in that preposterous behavior.”
“Ah, come on. You can’t even give your best and only friend a hug on his birthday?” I joke, knowing he won’t budge as I widen my arms for him.
“We shook hands this morning, I believe that was enough for one day.” He frowns solemnly.
Sometimes, I wonder why we’re even friends. But he’s the greatest guy I could ask for, and I wouldn’t trade him up for anyone.
“Yes, about that, you didn’t feel the need to mention this earlier?” I raise a brow at him.
“I was given strict orders against it by a certain young lady.” He scowls at Aubrey who giggles softly beside me. “And for future references, Miss Ford, I would like to inform you that I am not fond of people telling me what to do.”
“I see the ice king hasn’t changed over the years. I’m surprised you even managed to get him out of his icy fortress.” A voice I wasn’t expecting to hear comes from behind Julian as he turns his glare on my ex-wife and childhood friend.
I frown, baffled by the sight of her on my front steps. “Hailey? What are you doing here?” I then face Aubrey with worry. “This wasn’t my doing, Angel,” I clarify, not wanting her to think I invited my ex-wife over for my birthday.
Aubrey takes a step closer to me, placing her hand on my bicep as she gives me that loving smile of hers. “I know, I invited her.”
My frown deepens. “You did? Why?”
“Because she’s your friend and means something to you, Shane. I don’t care about your shared history. If she’s important to you, then she has a place in our lives, certainly on your birthday.” She leans in, pressing her lips to mine.
When she goes to pull away, I slip my fingers through her hair, refusing to let her go just yet as I slant her head to the side and deepen the kiss. My body and mind are quickly overcome with emotions at this thoughtful, selfless, beautiful woman in my arms.
“You are the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, Angel. Our baby and I are so lucky to call you ours,” I whisper against her lips as I feel her melt in my arms.
Hailey gasps at our side as I unwillingly pull away from Aubrey and find her with her hand over her mouth, Julian no longer standing beside her.He must have headed in while we were kissing.
“Oh my God! You two are having a baby!?”
Aubrey looks to the both of us with a muddled expression. “You didn’t tell her?” she asks me.
I shake my head. This baby is ours, and it simply felt wrong to call up my ex to tell her. My Angel smiles with understanding then looks at Hailey. “We are.” She places a hand over her still smooth stomach and I rest mine over hers.
“Aww! Congrats you two!” Hailey hugs Aubrey first, then does the same to me as she whispers in my ear, “I’m so happy for you, Shaney. You deserve this.”
“Thank you.” I smile, letting go of her.
My phone pings again with a new notification as Hailey finally wanders into the house.
Aubrey laughs at my puzzled expression. “You should probably just leave the gates open for now, there’s a few more people set to arrive shortly.”
I do as she says and wrap my arms around her once I’ve put my phone away. “You did all of this for me?”
“You said you don’t really celebrate your birthday except with your family. I wanted to make your day special surrounded by all our loved ones,” she says ardently. “I hope that’s okay?”
“How are you mine?” I wonder to myself in disbelief at everything she’s already done for me.
“The same way you’re mine.”
We kiss once again as four more cars that I recognize park along the rest of the stationed vehicles.
“You bitch! You didn’t tell me you lived in the fucking White House!” Veronica laughs as she comes up the steps followed by her two men. “And here I thought I was fancy with my mansion. It looks like a freaking fishbowl compared to this!” she exclaims as she throws herself in my girlfriend’s arms.
