Julie's
"I just got a text from Ciara. They are going to be here in ten minutes.
Everyone finished putting out food and making sure the decorations were up, then turned out the lights and waited for their arrival.
When Ben pulled up to the house, he noticed it was dark.
"Babe, I don't think they are home."
"It's ok; I have a key; we can just wait inside for them."
Ben parked the car and grabbed Bo's bag while Ciara got Bo.
When they walked in, Ciara flipped the light on everyone yelled surprise.
Ben just stood there in shock.
"Is he ok?"
When Ben didn't move, Ciara passed Bo to Julie and put; her hand on her husband's arm.
"Babe, are you ok?"
Everyone started talking while Ciara was talking to Ben.
"Ben, can you say something."
"I need a minute."
Ben walked out the front door without saying anything else.
Allie walked over to Ciara.
"Hey, is he ok?"
"I'm not sure he said he needed a minute, then walked out the door."
"I'll keep an eye on Bo; why don't you go talk to him?
"Thanks, I'll be right back."
When Ciara walked out the door, Ben was standing there staring; off into space. Ciara walked up behind Ben and wrapped her arms around him.
"Hey, baby, are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry, I just walked out."
"What's going on?"
"I just can't believe they are all here for me."
"Baby, you have come so far; you're amazing; man, your loving, you care about others; you're an amazing; husband and father to our son."
"Ciara, after everything I did, I never thought I would have people who care about me."
"Well, you do, and they are all waiting; in there for you, so why don't we go back in and celebrate with them?"
"Thank you for setting; all of this up; I love you."
Back; in the house, Marlena; was talking with John while they waited for Ben and Ciara to return.
"Do you think Ben is alright"
"I think he got; a little overwhelmed by all these people here for him."
"Why he's family now; he must know that."
"I think it's still just a lot for him."
When Ben walked back in holding Ciara's hand, he addressed everyone in the room.
"I'm sorry I walked out like that; it means a lot that you all came to celebrate with me, so I say let's get this party started."
Ben gave Ciara a quick kiss, then went to talk to Jake.
Allie walked over to Ciara.
"Hey, I just got a text from Will; his flight; was delayed, so he'll be here in about 10 minutes."
As the party continued, everyone was off talking in different groups. When there was a knock at the door, Ciara asked Ben if he would get it.
When Ben opened the door, Will was standing on the other side.
"Will?"
"Hey, man Happy Birthday."
Ben and Will shared a hug then Will walked into the house.
"I can't believe you are here."
"I was not going to miss your party."
"How long are you here for?"
"Just for tonight; I have to head back tomorrow; I'm busy at work."
"It means a lot that you were able to make it."
"It's what friends do."
Will walked off to grab a drink then Ciara joined him.
"Are you having a good party, babe?"
"I am having a great party; thank you for setting all of this up and having Will fly in; it means so much, baby."
Ben talked to Ciara for a bit, then went to; talk with Will some more.
Ciara went over and thanked John and Marlena for coming to the party.
Ben made his rounds and talked to everyone at the party.
Ciara watched as her husband made his way around to everyone, and the whole time the smile never left his face.
As the party was winding down, everyone was saying goodbye, and Ben thanked everyone for coming. The only ones left were Shawn, Belle, Rafe, Ciara, and Ben.
Ben was holding Bo, who was starting to fall asleep Ciara and Shawn helped Julie clean up the food and put things in containers. Rafe and Belle helped take down the decorations.
Once everything was cleaned up and put away, Rafe headed out, then Shawn and Belle were next; they wished Ben a Happy Birthday one more time, then left.
Ben told Ciara they should head home because Bo was starting to fall asleep.
"Why don't you put Bo in the car; I'll be right there; I just have to grab the leftovers Julie packed for us and my purse, and I'll be right behind you."
Julie passed Ciara a bag with leftovers and the cake Allie had put in the fridge.
"Thank you for letting us have Ben's party here."
"Anytime."
Ciara hugged Julie, then walked with her to the door.
Ben thanked Julie again for everything, then got in the car. Ciara put the bag in the back, then got in the front with Ben then they drove home.
When they got home, Ben went to grab the bag for Ciara.
"It's, ok babe; I've got it; can you get Bo?"
Ben got Bo out of the car seat and rested; him on his shoulder; he had fallen asleep on the way home.
Ciara grabbed the bag Julie gave her, Bo's bag, and her; purse and followed Ben into the apartment.
"I'm going to go Put Bo down."
Ciara kissed Bo, told him she loved him then watched Ben walk away.
While Ben was putting Bo down, Ciara put the leftovers in the fridge, took the cake out of the box, and put a candle in it.
Ciara set it on the table and waited for Ben to come back.
"Bo is down; he was so tired he didn't fight me when I changed him."
"He had a lot of fun at your party."
When Ben looked up from fixing his shirt sleeve, he saw Ciara sitting at the table with the cake.
"What is this?"
"This is your favorite cake."
"Ben sat down at the table and looked at Ciara."
"Make a wish."
Ben closed his eyes and then blew out the candle.
Ciara grabbed a knife and cut a piece of cake for Ben. She grabbed a fork and fed Ben some.
"Mmm, praline with buttercream frosting, just like we picked for our wedding."
"Only this time you get to enjoy it."
They took turns feeding each other until it was gone; Ben leaned over and kissed Ciara.
"This has been an amazing birthday; thank you for the party and having Will come in."
"Anything for you, Ben. Happy Birthday."
Ciara leaned in and kissed; Ben; then he stood up, took her by the hand, and; led her to the bedroom.
They spent the rest of the night making love and cuddling in bed before they drifted off to sleep.