AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, it feels swollen. But I heal fast. I’m almost as good as new. I’ll be back on my feet in no time.”
“The only thing that’s puffy is this shirt of yours.”
“Ha ha. We’ll put your cooking skills to the test tomorrow. I’m certain your gourmet monkey cheese is superb.”
Scratching my head, I mutter, “Monkey cheese.”
Her gaze shifts to her house. “Just, um, we have to make it to the bungalow.”
I make a mental note to add the construction of a well-lit path between our places.
“But the cottages are closer.”
“I should probably change out of this costume.”
Letting out a slight sigh of defeat, I take her hand and we walk over to the beach bungalow.
“Oh, good. We made it,” she says loudly.
The inside corners of my eyebrows squeeze together. “Is your blood sugar low?”
“Yeah, I could really go for some cake.”
“Can’t help you there. Not a fan.”
“Not even chocolate with vanilla frosting?”
I shrug. “Not especially.”
She bites her lip. “Well, I’m so glad you walked me home. I’m going to open the door now.” Again, her voice is unnecessarily loud. I’m shocked the dogs aren’t barking up a storm.
She opens the door, the lights flick on, and confetti goes everywhere as everyone I know in Coco Key shouts, “Surprise!”
My first reaction is to grumble. I’m not a fan of surprises and am somewhat concerned that she pulled this off without my realizing. My job is to notice things.
She pokes my cheek and whispers, “You’re supposed to smile.”
Friends and family greet me, wishing me a happy birthday. Balloons and streamers decorate the room along with a big happy birthday sign.
With my pirate woman still by my side, through clenched teeth, I say, “I’m not big on birthday parties.”
“Then just tell yourself it’s for the dogs. Happy Boo-day.” She’s glowing, pleased with herself as she pets the shepherd.
It’s then I realize how petty I’m being, and in front of everyone, I toss Lally’s pirate hat across the room, sweep her into my arms, and plant a kiss on her lips. “Thank you for planning this, cake and all.”
She beams and seeing her smile like that is one of my greatest joys, the perfect birthday gift.
“I got you a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake with a brownie base since you said you don’t like cake.”
Just then I spot Nora and Alex, standing by the counter with Boo by their side.
Lally winks. “And of course, a regular cake for him.”
“Not only did you remember my birthday, but you invited them to be here for tomorrow’s grand opening? I’ve been so wrapped up in getting the business off the ground, I forgot to let Nora know tomorrow is the big day.” Granted, we won’t yet have guests and our first dogs won’t arrive for another week, but we’ll officially be on the map and spreading the word.
Lally smiles sweetly and then says, “Now, go say hi to all your guests while Alex helps me put thirty-nine candles in the cake before it melts.”
I give them both a high five and talk to Nora about how much it means that she’s here, and about the plans for Boo’s Battle Bros.
