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“That wine is amazing too,” she says, reaching for her glass after eating a piece of salami.
“It’s Frascati. It’s a traditional Italian wine. When in Rome,” I say, raising my glass, proposing a toast.
She raises hers, waiting for me to speak.
“May this birthday be the start of a year that brings you the answers you seek, the love that you want, and the happiness you deserve because every day spent with you is the happiest day of my life. I wish all great things for you, Madison. Happy Birthday.”
Even though the candlelight and moonlight are our only light sources, I can clearly see the tears prick her eyes. She doesn’t bother wiping them away as she clicks glasses with me. “Thank you, Dixon. This birthday is the best one yet because I get to spend it with you.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
As we both watch one another closely over the rims of our glasses, I know something big is about to happen. I don’t know what, but as before any natural phenomenon, I can feel the earth rumbling in anticipation.
Ignoring this unexpected forewarning, I laugh when Maddy piles more food onto her plate.
“What?” she asks, stopping mid-fork load.
“We have another four courses to go,” I explain, not wanting her to fill up early.
“Four?”
I nod.
She puts down her fork, but eyes the artichoke heart on her plate.
“Go on then,” I say, shaking my head in amusement.
She happily reaches for it, sucking the juices from her fingers as she places it into her mouth. “You spoil me, Dr. Mathews.”
Ignoring what the image of her blissfully suckling her fingers is doing to my cock, I reply, “The best is yet to come.”
“I told you the best is yet to come.”
“I know, but you could have warned me the best came in the shape of a humongous tiramisu. I think I’m going to be sick.” Madison places her hands on her belly and falls back into her seat.
The food has been delicious, but although I thoroughly enjoyed it, I have enjoyed watching Maddy devour each course more.
“Please take it away from me,” she groans, eyeing her half-eaten dessert. I reach for her plate, but she shoots up and takes one final bite. “Okay, now I’m really done,” she says, her lips painted with the sweetened cake.
Laughing, I stand and take the temptation inside. It’s a great ploy to fetch the impromptu birthday gift I purchased for her today. As I step back outside, I see that Maddy is standing by the balcony, looking out at the view.
When she turns to look at me over her shoulder, I present her with the black plastic bag. “Happy Birthday.”
Her eyes widen, and she shakes her head. “Dixon, you didn’t have to get me anything. I mean, taking me to Rome is more than enough.”
“Too late.” I place the gift into her hand.
She gives me a playful, disapproving look before opening the bag. The moment she sees what’s inside, she bursts into fits of laughter. “You shouldn’t have,” she says, pulling out the selfie stick.
“Now there are no excuses not to take perfect pictures. And now you can’t call me old. I’ve been assured that’s the best selfie stick out there,” I reply, thankful I was able to find this thing while Maddy was in the bathroom.
“I love it. Thank you so much.” She wraps her arms around me and gives me a big hug. As I hug her back, I wonder if I should give her her second present, the one which means so much more than an insignificant gadget.
Deciding to go with my gut, I let her go and slowly reach into the pocket of my jeans. As my fingers brush over the box, my hesitation disappears. “Happy Birthday.”
Madison looks down at my hand and gulps when I produce the small velvet box. “I-I don’t understand. You’ve already given me so much. I can’t accept anything else. You’ve already spent too much money.”
“This didn’t cost me a thing. Please, I want you to have it.” I extend the box her way, indicating I won’t take it back.
