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Her lips brush mine. She pulls away too quickly for my liking, but I’ll have all the time in the world to kiss her.
“You’re the best birthday present.” I wrap my arms around her waist and lift her off her feet, spinning her around.
Loud giggles hit my ears, and I laugh along with her.
“We still have a lot to talk about,” she says when I place her on her feet.
“Later. Right now, I want to celebrate with you. I can’t believe you planned a surprise party.”
“You deserve it, even if I don’t deserve you.” She glances down at her feet.
“Hey,” I lift her chin. “You deserve me. You deserve everything you want. My forfeiting the money had nothing to do with you and everything to do with my parents. I’m tired of their controlling ways, of being manipulated by them. Of course, it hurts, but I’d rather live happily than under pressure and constant drama. Besides, it may take longer, but I know I will open Spread Joy all on my own, even if I have to crash at Hudson’s place for longer.”
“I’m not judging you for that. I still live with my parents.” She rolls her eyes.
“I’m glad you do, so you always have someone watching out for you. At least, until I can be the one keeping you safe.” My words are full of promise for our future.
Sage bites her smile and nods.
“Let’s go party.” I grab her hand and guide her to the car, kissing her before opening the door for her to slide in.
I stare at her a moment, our eyes connecting. Reaching down, I run my fingertips along her smooth cheek. My chest fills with love for this woman. An unfamiliar yet welcome emotion surges through me, and I know I’ll do anything for her.
“I love you.” I keep our eyes locked.
“I love you, too,” she whispers.
“I’ll never get tired of hearing you say it.”
I lean down and peck her lips before closing the door. If I don’t force myself, I’m going to miss my own birthday party.
32
Sage
I walk into The Bean, and Tristan is already sitting at the counter with his laptop, the leather journal, and the mug I gave him. To say he loved his gifts is an understatement. He says he’ll never drink coffee out of another mug again.
“Hey.” I walk by him, dropping a kiss on his cheek as I round the counter.
“Is that all I’m getting?” He arches his eyebrow and leans forward on his elbows.
It’s been a month since his birthday party, and Tristan and I are going strong.
“For now, yes,” I wink.
I haven’t been this happy since . . . well, ever. He makes my world a better place, and I like to think I make his as well. So much has happened this last month, from him officially launching Spread Joy to the world, even if the process of actually helping a specific community will take longer as he receives donations.
I helped design a logo and some merchandise he’s selling to increase his funds on his brand new website, courtesy of yours truly. We make a great team.
I’m still working at The Bean, but with the coffee shop’s website already live and Hudson hiring me to help him create his app—a super cool concept for his business with 3D house showings—I am on the way to building my portfolio.
He rolls his eyes but smiles.
“I’ll catch you later,” he mumbles.
“Hey, Julie.” I greet her and walk to the kitchen to put my bag away.
“Hi,” she calls out as she finishes ringing up a customer.
