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“Birthdays are a big deal around here, too, darlin’,” he says. “This pack would throw a party to celebrate a two-for-one sale on chocolate bars at Cicely’s store if they could.”
I laugh.
“Not jokin’,” he says.
“That’s amazing. Would you attend that party?” I ask.
“Absolutely. Love chocolate bars.”
I laugh. “Yet another shining example of you and this place being the perfect man in the perfect place for me.”
He has a gorgeous smile on his face as he parks.
My mood fades just slightly for a bit because eesh… this town hall has been a source of anxiety for me the past few days.
Riley turns the truck off.
“They’ve been running around cobbling this together today. But they asked yesterday mornin’ if they could. So they didn’t forget your birthday, Rikki. It’s just that we’ve had shit happening, so they rushed to make it all happen after the meeting this morning. Sorry to ruin the surprise, but I couldn’t stand another minute of watching you worry. It was fuckin’ gutting me.”
He leans in and kisses my neck. “You mad at me?” he asks.
“Not at all,” I tell him and then kiss him, holding his neck while I do. “Let’s go in. I’ll act surprised.”
When we get inside, I’m not remotely prepared for what happens.
I expected a little surprise shindig with my sisters, Riley’s pack mates, pretty much the same people who were at his house for dinner the other night. But I’m greeted with many more faces than that.
Young faces. Old faces. And balloons. So. Many. Balloons.
“Surprise!” is a collective loud greeting.
I squeal and jump up and down with glee.
51
Erica
There was not a better way for me to meet Riley’s pack than this. I thought they’d hate me. I thought it’d be awkward for the first few months while they warily moved out of the way whenever they saw me coming. I figured I’d have to work for it, and I was fully prepared to put in the work.
But I’ve been genuinely surprised by many, many open, happy, welcoming new faces. Dozens and dozens of them. And I feel nothing but positive energy coming at me.
“Is this the whole pack?” I ask Riley.
“Good chunk of it, but not all of ‘em. I’m impressed at these numbers though, considering the short notice. This is the bulk of the twenty-five-year-olds through sixty-year-olds. There are a few seniors here, too. Mostly my relatives.”
A female voice calls out, “Happy…”
And then the rest of them join in to sing Happy Birthday to me while Riley’s mom carries a large, pink candle-lit cake toward me while singing.
***
It’s a party for a few hundred. And it’s amazing. My sisters and Aunt Mimi are being treated like VIPs. I was immediately outfitted with a golden tiara, a white and gold birthday girl pageant sash, and put on a chair festooned to look like a throne. There are giant, beautiful, colorful bouquets on either side of my ‘throne’, and I’ve been greeted by a seemingly endless reception line of people who want to welcome me to the pack and wish me a happy birthday.
When I remarked that my man wasn’t given a king’s throne, he took my throne himself, and planted me on his lap.
Mitch from the SCC is back from taking Lucinda to the airport and is enjoying the party. Riley told me he’s not very happy that Mitch is here, but he is here until tomorrow and since he’s a doctor who specializes in shifter illnesses, he has a collaborative relationship with Cat Savage. I guess my man decided it was impractical to ban him from my party.
Mitch is within the first dozen of the long line-up of people looking to wish me a happy birthday. When it’s his turn, he hands me a birthday card.
“Little local spa trip on me and my missus. Happy birthday and sorry for all you’ve been through, lass. Truly.”
I stand and give him a hug. “Thank you so much.”
“Enough of that,” Riley says and pulls me back onto his lap. He only seems like he’s half-joking, either being possessive, holding a grudge, or maybe both.
Mitch laughs it off.
I’m greeted by some with handshakes. Some with waves. Some people bring me cards and others set gifts on the table beside us. Some are just here to meet me and extend best wishes and I’m overwhelmed by the kindness I’m getting.
I get hugs from Riley’s parents. Riley’s mom tells me softly that Carrie and Graydon couldn’t make it. And then Bailey tells me her parents can’t make it but that her mom sent a gift, which is set on the table. I notice she didn’t say it’s from her mom and her dad but figure I’ll work on Graydon Blackwood later on.
After Cicely sets down a bottle of ice wine as my gift, I tell her we’re going to drink it together one night soon. And then Lincoln steps up.
