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The next fivemonths pass by as I grow into my new routine where I go to work three days out of the week, night classes and weekend classes the other days, and spend my nights split at home with Dalia and staying with Declan.
As it turns out, the ruining is what I did to him. We laugh about it often and even tonight as I get ready for my birthday celebration. 21 on the 21st has to be good luck. Dalia’s making it her business to make sure I’m in the finest attire for our girls night out.
She’s laughing as she puts together an outfit for me. “We’re going to get you drunk drunk like black out drunk, like walking from Times Square to the Ferry barefoot drunk.”
“Eww. What about pee?” I ask her with a laugh.
“I mean that’s between you and Declan,” she quips.
I throw a pillow at her. “I don’t do that.”
“Yet.” She shrugs. “Like I always tell you. I don’t judge-”
I cut her off to finish her favorite statement. “As long as everyone’s a consenting adult.”
“I’m glad you know this. So throw this on and meet me downstairs in like an hour.”
“Where are you going?” I ask her. She should be getting ready too.
“I’m going to finish putting together the most epic birthday surprise you’re never going to forget!” She dashes off before I can ask any more questions.
By the time I slip on the floor length black gown and pin my hair up, I look way too nice for Dalia’s drunken escapades. Still, I put myself together and head downstairs where a trail of flower petals dance across the sidewalk leading to a stretch limo with Declan standing in front of it.
My gaze looks around, waiting for Dalia to pop out somewhere, but it’s just Declan. I’m not mad, but my heart is pounding as it does every time he gets near me. His stride is powerful and confident as he walks toward me to escort me into the waiting car.
“Little girl, you’re stunning. Happy birthday, Denise.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
He growls in my ear. “Be careful or we might not make it to the rest of our plans.”
“I might be okay with that. I don’t think we’ve done it in a limo before.”
“I will ruin your dress.” He laughs as we drive through the city and end up in a secluded area of Central Park.
I can’t believe my eyes as a dozen lanterns are arranged in a heart with a few tables and chairs set up for a candlelit dinner where I see all of the friends I’ve chosen as family mingling with a few of Declan’s close friends.
Their eyes tell me what I don’t think I’m ready to accept. The beauty of this evening, so peaceful, serene, beautiful and full of love makes me want to cry.
Declan clears his throat to get everyone’s attention. “Excuse me everyone. Please gather around.”
“What are you doing?”
“Just wait and see.” His smile spreads cheek to cheek as everyone we love and care about surrounds us.
My heart is beating so hard I can hear my pulse in my ears.
“Breathe, babe,” Declan whispers before he starts speaking loudly. “Thank you all for coming out to celebrate this amazing woman, Denise Meyers.”
“WOOOOO!” Dalia cheers from somewhere behind me.
I can’t help but laugh as Declan shakes his head to continue. “Clearly, Doll’s starting before us. Uh, anyway, I met Denise when she introduced herself as a proxy for her friend. She helped me catch a corporate spy and, in turn, stole my heart.”
A crowd ofawwsecho around us, and I shove him playfully for being so cheesy.
“I love you, Denise.”
