Forty-Six

E

Bella has been hounding me about my thirty-eighth birthday. She wants to throw a small get together and is constantly asking me what I want. I'm not really interested in a party, but I can tell she wants to plan something. I love her so I give her the go-ahead with the stipulation that she keep it low key. As for what I want. That's a little more tricky.

When I ask her to hold down the fort on her own for a couple hours, she assures me that she'll be fine. It's Wednesday, so I'm sure she can handle it on her own until I get back from running my errand.

It's weird, going behind Bella's back and meeting up with another woman, but if I want the perfect birthday gift, this is necessary.

I order a coffee, find an open table in the busy cafe, and wait for her to arrive.

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to say when she comes bustling in, shaking her umbrella and scanning the room until she spots me.

She holds up a finger and walks to the counter, ordering a drink before joining me.

"It's raining cats and dogs out there," she says, shucking out of her coat and taking a seat.

"Thank you for meeting with me today."

Rose nods. "Of course. Any friend of Bella's is a friend of mine." She smiles behind her mug. "How can I help you ... friend?"

I sip my coffee and sit back. "My birthday is coming up."

"I know. I'm making your cake."

Of course, she is.

"Bella keeps asking me what I want, and there's really only one thing I can come up with."

Rose's smile grows wider. "I think I know exactly what you want."

…

Bella actually listened when I asked that she keep the party low key, but I'm still surprised to see that my parents are here to celebrate.

They've met Bella via Zoom while they were at their beach house in Florida for the past couple months to celebrate my father's recent retirement. It's obvious my sneaky girlfriend has been talking to them behind my back. This is the first time they've met her in person. They both cling to Bella, and it makes me so happy that they approve of her, of us.

They were never fans of Jess, and the feeling was mutual. Mom and Dad thought she was using me. If only I'd listened to them when I told them I was marrying her.

Then again, if I had, I probably never would have met the love of my life.

"Are you surprised?" She grins, wrapping her arms around me and squeezing tight. "You refused to tell me what you wanted, so I called Esme, and we arranged for them to visit."

I press a kiss in her sweet-smelling hair. "I'm very surprised, baby. I've missed them. Thank you."

She pulls back and leans on her tiptoes, kissing me softly. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"My parents are coming as well. They got stuck behind an accident, but they'll be here soon."

My stomach clenches with nerves, thinking about the conversation I had with Renee and Charlie a couple weeks ago. After talking with Rose, she told me I should call them.

I'm sure our talk is one of the reasons they're coming.

"They're excited to meet your parents," Bella says, dragging me to the bar where Ben's slinging drinks.

"What's up, birthday boy? What can I get you to drink?"

l order two beers, one for me and one for Bella. She asks for a vodka cranberry and a top-shelf Scotch for my parents, and we sit with them for a few minutes while the other guests mingle.

Mom has kidnapped Jackson and dotes on him while Alice and Jasper enjoy the open bar and free childcare.

I know my mother is dying for grandbabies, but she keeps her thoughts to herself, and I'm glad.

Sure, I want kids with Bella, but there are things I'd like to do first. Starting with tonight.

If she agrees that is. I really hope she does.

We wait for Renee and Charlie to arrive before I'm presented with a beautiful cake that tastes as good as it looks. Rose really is a master at her craft, and I eat two big pieces of the carrot cake and quietly ask Bella to save some for later.

Her face flushes because she knows exactly what I plan to do with the leftovers. I watch her cut three big pieces and take them to the kitchen with red cheeks.

Drinks flow and I receive a few gifts from friends and my family.

Nerves settle in as I stand to make a speech. I run my hand through my hair and clear my throat. "Thank you, everyone. I appreciate you all being here to celebrate how old I'm getting—"

Everyone laughs.

"—I'm kidding. This has been an amazing day, and I want to thank Rose for making my favorite cake."

Rose raises her glass and shoots me a thumbs up.

"And my beautiful girlfriend for throwing me the best birthday party." I grab Bella's hand and pull her to her feet. "I'd like to finish this perfect night on an even better note." I kiss her perfect mouth. "Baby, you are the love of my life, and I want to take the next step in our story. I love having you stay with me but I hate seeing you go. Move in with me?"

Her lip wobbles but her smile is blinding. "I thought you'd never ask."

…

Thankfully, my parents decided to stay in a hotel because I get to enjoy my new roommate and the leftover birthday cake. And Bella is loud.

After I've made her come, multiple times and have left her in a boneless state, I drag her to the shower because we're both covered in cake and icing. The shower is just that, getting clean because she tells me she's too sensitive for more loving.

Bella sends me downstairs for water while she changes the sheets on the bed. I offer to help but she points out that it's still my birthday and I'm not to lift a finger.

I could argue that I did plenty of lifting when she was riding my face an hour ago, but it would be futile.

She's finished by the time I return, and I'm happy to see that she's still naked as she slips under the covers with an exhausted smile.

"Come to bed, my love."

I strip out of my pajama pants and climb into bed, pulling her into my arms with a deep sigh.

"Tonight was fun," she murmurs against my chest. "Did you have a good time?"

I nod. "The best part was when you agreed to move in with me."

Bella looks up and her eyes are glistening. "That was my favorite part too."

I kiss her softly.

"My mom said you asked for my dad's and her permission. That was sweet of you."

"I wanted everyone's full support. Including Rose's."

She sits up with a gasp. "Oh my god. I didn't even think about that. We just signed a year lease a couple months ago. I can't leave her to pay—"

"It's fine, baby. We talked about that, and Emmett's going to move in. She said he's practically living there already."

Bella lays back down with a heavy sigh. "You really thought of everything."

I nod. "Like I said, I wanted everyone's support before I asked you."

"I really love you."

I smile. "Well, I'm glad you do or the whole living arrangement would be awkward as hell."

She laughs. "You do have a very nice guest bedroom."

I kiss her stupid and finish my birthday inside her.