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Dani nodded. “Sounds good to me.”
Aaron cast an appreciative glance towards his mother before he carried the tray back up the stairs to his bedroom.
Brynn exited the bathroom as he walked in, her hand covering her blushing cheeks. “What is this?”
“I thought I told you to wait in bed?”
“I had to use the bathroom.”
“Well, get that fine ass back under the covers. You’re ruining your birthday surprise.”
She blinked and then obeyed, climbing back onto the mattress. “How did you know it was my birthday?”
“Shouldn’t I know my wife’s birthday?” He sat next to her, placing the wooden tray over her lap, extending the legs so that it balanced on the bed on either side of her. “A little bird told me.”
“Dani.” Brynn shook her head. Her eyes stayed glued to the tray, the flames of the candle flickering against the soft planes of her face.
“Make a wish and blow it out.”
She peeked up at him, then closed her eyes before filling her lungs with air and blowing out the candle. Smoke danced where the flames used to be.
“This is my ma’s special recipe. One of my favorites. I know I promised Dani birthday pancakes with sprinkles, I thought maybe you’d like these better.”
Brynn remained quiet, still staring at the tray in front of her.
“Brynn?”
A single tear tracked down her cheek and he’d bet it was the same for the other side. His heart lurched. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her against his chest. “What did I do? Are you okay?”
She nodded against his pecs, then pulled back, wiping the evidence away. “Nothing. You didn’t do anything. This—” She motioned to the array in front of her. “—it’s all so perfect. I’ve never really done much to celebrate my birthday before. I just . . . Thank you.”
She’d never celebrated her birthday before? Surprise slammed into him, then anger heated his veins.
He placed his hand on her cheek, drawing her face up to his. “You deserve to be celebrated. Seems like we have a lot of birthdays to make up for. From this one on, I promise to make each better than the last.”
Her gaze shuttered. “Aaron, you can’t promise me things like that.”
“I can if I mean it.”
She stared at him, searching his eyes, as if she could see to the depths of his soul. He’d gladly let her, because all she would find there was a fierce love like he’d never known rising for her.
“About the other day—”
“Shh, there’ll be plenty of time to talk about that later. Today is about you. Celebrating your existence and kick-starting a new year on this planet. We’re beginning with breakfast and then you have to get ready to go out.”
“Out?”
“Yup.”
Her lips tipped up at the corners. “No hints?”
He shook his head. “Nope.”
“You spoil me so much I may never want to leave.” She chuckled.
“That’s the idea, sunshine.”He slanted his mouth over hers, lingering this time before he nuzzled her nose with his. That’s the whole idea.
