Page 179

I turn it over and read the words printed on the back.

SAVE A HORSE.

I close my eyes as everyone starts laughing.

“Where's the rest?”

Jace winks. “Figured I'd let you decide.”

“Jesus Christ.”

“Jace,” Jude warns from somewhere behind me.

“What?” Jace holds up both hands. “It's her birthday.”

“I love it,” Chiara says.

I point at her. “Of course you do.”

Eventually, the pile of gifts disappears, and I look around at the balloons, the remains of the enormous little cake, my ridiculous new cowboy hat and the empty beer bottles scattered across the tables. Chiara is laughing with Penny as though they've known each other for years, and the Hawthornes are still talking over one another, apparently incapable of keeping a conversation between fewer than five people.

I look at all of them, feeling a sudden tightness in my throat.

“Thank you.”

Everyone quiets, and I swallow before continuing.

“Seriously. You didn't have to do any of this.”

“We know,” Lily says simply.

And that shuts me up, because that's the thing about this family. They don't do things because they have to. They just do them.

I feel a hand touch my shoulder and look up to find Jude standing beside me.

“Come outside with me.”

“Why?”

“Got something for you.”

I glance at the now-empty pile of presents before looking back at him. “You got me something too?”

“Come on.”

“Jude, you didn't have to…”

“Nora.”

Right. Arguing with him is almost as useful as arguing with his mother.

I get up with a sigh. “Fine.”

“Where are you going?” Penny asks immediately.

Jude turns his head towards her. “Outside.”

“Why?”