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“I didn't think I’d be welcome.”
“You’re welcome.”
He nods and clips his toolbox shut. His jaw working as he averts his eyes momentarily.
“Beau is going to be thrilled.”
“Maybe I can just pop by before I leave,” he suggests. His response tells me he is leaving soon. I look at the house and notice the intricate swirls in the trim along the roof and flower boxes. So much thought and time has gone into this. Too much thought. Cameron Stone loves my daughter. “If you love my daughter like I suspect you do”—I raise my brow—“then you’llcome to her party and celebrate her birthday with her.” Selfishly, I want to spend a little time with him before he disappears from our lives for good.
His head drops, and he nods, looking down at his trousers littered in dirt. “I need to clean up,” he mumbles, collecting his things up.
“Party is at four,” I inform him and check my watch. I have plenty to be getting on with. “I need to crack on.” I make my way to the back door, and he follows, walking out to his car.
Rushing inside, I open the pantry where balloons spill out. I begin kicking them into the living room and drag the bigger ones, spellingBeauso I can place them against the back wall. I’d cleared the sideboard free of photographs last night, and I plan to put Beau’s birthday cake there when Danielle arrives, which should be any minute now. I peer out the window as her car pulls up.
“It looks great in here,” Danielle tells me as she enters. “Where do you want this?” She lifts the box slowly.
“On the sideboard, please.” It's big enough I can put the party food on either side of it too.
“You can keep it in the box until people arrive, then just slide the box off.” She quickly dismantles the box and shows me before slotting it back into place.
“Great, thank you. This cake is gorgeous.” It’s a giant unicorn with clouds and rainbows round the outside. Smaller unicorns are on prongs flying mid-air and fake grass and flowers all cover the cake board. “It smells incredible.” I inhale deeply.
“It smells like love handles.” She grins and I laugh.
“It smells worth it. Beau is going to be over the moon with all of this.”
“I bet. I need to get back to the shop. Have a great afternoon.”
After she leaves,I spend the next hour putting up bunting and arranging the party food and presents. I made a party playlist on my phone and get that set up so I don't forget when people arrive. I check my watch and leave to collect Beau. She is so excited when I collect her from school. She runs towards me with her birthday badge on her uniform, Grace in tow. “Hey, boo!” I scoop her up and give her a big squeeze and a kiss. “Happy birthday again.” I laugh and kiss her little scrunched up nose.
“Grace has two parties today!” Beau tells me, wowed.
“Two parties! My word.” I grin and wink down at Grace.
“Yes, because my Uncle Cam is moving to a new house.” She rubs at her face and smears what looks like paint on her cheek.
“That's exciting,” I say around the thick ball in my throat.
“Yes. He is going far away and we won’t get to see him, but he still loves me.”
“I'm sure it isn't too far,” I dig further, smiling at Beau playing with my hair.
“He is going to the seaside tomorrow.” I blink at Grace and stare at her sad little face. Tomorrow. I’ve not had a chance to right my wrongs.
Dan approaches, pulling me from my worrying thoughts. “Happy birthday, Beau.” I ask Beau if she is ready to go home. She nods, and Dan looks at me. “We’ll be round soon, four o’clock, right?”
I give him a quick nod and find I'm repeating the same reply to other parents as they check to confirm the time.
“Yes, four. See you soon. Say bye, Beau.” I smile at another parent and buckle her in before I get in and we head home. With the school traffic, it takes a little longer to arrive home, but when I do, both my mother and Marcus are waiting on the doorstep for me. I park up, and Beau hops out as I do.
“It’s my birthday!” she squeals excitedly, running to give them both a hug. Marcus looks stiff and uncomfortable, but after a few tense phone calls, we were able to move past the awkward moment when he tried to ask me out.
“Hi!” I call, as Cameron pulls up, blocking us all in.
“Yay!” Beau jumps up and down when he exits his vehicle. My mother’s eyes bug, and Marcus sneers at him. “Cam!” Beau is like a squirrel on steroids, flitting from one place to the next. She runs at him, and he swings her up.
“Hey, boo.” He smiles softly at her, and she grasps onto his collar. She’s out of breath, but it doesn't stop her from panting that it’s her birthday. “I know, and I have a big treat for you in your garden.” Her eyes go wide, and he reciprocates.“BIG.”
