The sunlight poured in through the window, gently waking me up. I looked over—he was still asleep beside me, peaceful and undisturbed. I didn't want to wake him. Everything about the moment felt soft and still.
I quietly got up, trying not to make a sound, and hurried to freshen up. I needed to head to work—but just as I was about to leave, I received a message from Adam:
"Take it easy today. It's a weekend."
Relieved, I decided to make breakfast. I set the dishes neatly on the dining table. A bottle of wine stood by the window. The food smelled amazing. As I was finishing up, he came out of the room, still blinking away sleep.
"Good morning," I said with a smile.
"I'm shocked you didn't burn the place down," he teased.
I laughed. "I made a little bit of everything. Just in case I suck at cooking—you at least have options."
He tasted the salad."Wow... actually good."
"You sound surprised."
"I am surprised."
I rolled my eyes. "Eat. Or I'll make you eat burnt toast next time."
I went to change and put on a light dress, touched up my makeup just a little.
"So… where are you going all dressed up?" he asked.
I smiled and replied, "On a date."
He looked slightly taken aback. "A date? With who?"
I walked up and kissed him on the cheek. "With you, of course."
"But you didn't even ask me," he teased.
"You're coming with me. No arguments. Here, take it." I gave him a bag of clothes. "Change into them."
"At least tell me where we're going."
"I don't know. Austin gave me the address."
"So he planned this?" he asked.
"He just gave directions. I'll drive."
"Fine, my lady," he said with a playful smirk.
The car ride was quiet. Neither of us wanted to break the silence—we just enjoyed each other's presence.
Eventually, he asked, "Did Austin give you a reason for this? A heads-up?"
I looked at him. "No. Why?"
"I visit this orphanage often," he said softly.
When we arrived, I understood why.
The moment we stepped in, I was struck by the beauty of the place—the little garden, the laughter of children, the warmth. I wandered around for a while, looking up at the bright sky, painted with puffy clouds.
Then—
POP! POP!
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVERETT!!!"
I stood frozen, completely forgetting that today was my birthday.
I saw Adam, Amy, Austin… and a sweet old man surrounded by children, all smiling at me. My heart felt full.
"Today's your birthday?" Edwin asked.
"Thank you, everyone," I whispered, overwhelmed and a little teary-eyed. I hugged each of them, holding on for just a second longer.
We all cooked lunch together, laughing, joking, making memories. Later, I found myself sitting on a bench in the garden, watching everyone from a distance.
Then someone sat beside me—it was Edwin.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to wish you properly," he said quietly.
"No, don't say that. It's okay," I said gently. "Don't blame yourself for that."
Just then, a little girl ran up to him. Edwin picked her up effortlessly. She had bright eyes and the sweetest smile.
"Hi, Daddy!" she chirped.
Daddy?! My eyebrows shot up.
"Hi, sweetie," he replied, grinning. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," she said. Then pointed straight at me with her tiny finger. "Who's that lady?"
Before Edwin could answer, I walked up to her, crouched to her level, and said softly,
"If he's your daddy, then I'm your mummy, okay?"
I kissed her forehead, then Edwin's, and walked away with a smile.
I turned to see Austin, Adam, and Amy playing with the children, and I ran toward them, ready to join in the joy.