Page 180 of The Bratva King

“I know. Happy birthday.”

He grins. A real smile that I can’t get enough of. “Thank you for the party.”

“You’re welcome.”

He throws his arms around my neck. The gesture is so sudden that I freeze for a second. Then I remember that this is okay. Hugs from people I love are fine. I wrap my arms around his small body and hold him.

“Love you, Nik,” he mumbles against my shoulder.

My throat closes. I look up and see Gabby watching us with tears in her eyes.

“I love you, too,” I manage to say.

Luke pulls back and runs off toward the bounce house.

I stand slowly. Gabby walks over and slides her hand into mine.

“He’s so excited,” she says.

“Good.”

She leans her head against my arm. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

I don’t tell her to stop thanking me.

“I want him to be happy.”

“He is.” She squeezes my hand. “We both are.”

The next three hours pass in a blur of final preparations. The cake arrives—a massive three-tiered creation covered in dinosaurs. The caterer finishes setting up the food stations. Kid-friendly options with clear labels for allergies. The entertainer arrives and gets into costume in one of the guest rooms.

At two o’clock sharp, the first child arrives with a very nervous mother. Gabby is right there to settle her nerves and promises her that any child who feels overwhelmed will get some time in the playroom. I’m still surprised to see the moms and dads going out of their way to help their children navigate the world.

I sometimes wonder what I would have turned out like if I’d had that support.

The other kids trickle in over the next thirty minutes. Mila arrives with Pasha. She makes a beeline for Luke. I watch him relax immediately. Having someone he knows well makes all the difference.

“Good turnout.” Pasha comes to stand beside me.

“Small group works better.”

“Smart.” He watches the kids for a moment. “My mother wanted to be here. She’s not feeling well. She sends her love.”

I know Olga has struggled for the past few months. Mila has spent more time here with Gabby while Pasha and I work. I’m not sure what he’ll do if something happens to his mother. After Pasha’s wife died, his mother took over caring for Mila so he could support me, and he’s been relying on her ever since.

“You did good, Nik. This is exactly what he needed.”

The kids bounce, play with the inflatable dinosaurs, and go crazy when the velociraptor appears. Luke is cautious at first, but when the performer gets down to his level and lets him touch the costume, he’s hooked.

I watch from the sidelines, making sure everything runs according to plan. Gabby moves through the crowd, chatting with parents and making sure the kids are happy. She’s good at this. Natural in a way I’ll never be. Her dark hair looks right. I always knew the blonde was wrong. She’s herself now. No more pretending or hiding.

When it’s time for cake, everyone gathers around the table. We sing happy birthday. Luke blows out the candles on the first try, grinning so widely that I can count his teeth.

“Make a wish!” one of the kids shouts.

Luke closes his eyes for a long moment. Then he opens them and looks at me.

I know what he wished for. And tonight, I plan to make his wish come true.