Happy Birthday, Dad

Jayce

A knock echoed through my office. “Come on in,” I called out.

The door swung open, revealing my fiery-haired beauty. A grin spread across my face as she shut the door behind her.

“You’re late. Do I need to spank you?” I teased.

“Try it, wise guy.”

“Don’t tempt me,” she shot back. “I’m just messing around. Come here, let me hold you.”

She rolled her eyes but moved closer, wrapping her arms around my waist. I pulled her into a tight hug. “You act like you haven’t seen me in years,” she said, her voice muffled against my chest.

I placed a hand over my heart, feigning hurt. “I’m a busy man. A few hours without you feels like a lifetime.”

She laughed, the sound vibrating against me, as I kissed the top of her head. “You’re such a drama queen.”

“You bring out the drama in me,” I confessed.

She playfully hit my arm before stepping back. “So, guess what,” she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Hmm, chicken butt.”

She gave me a stern look. “Can you be serious for once?”

“Alright, alright.” I took a deep breath, putting on my best serious face. “Go ahead.”

“Armand and I are friends again.”

Her smile was bright, but I couldn’t help the pang of jealousy that hit me. I bit my lip to hide my discomfort. “That’s…great.”

“Is it?”

“What do you want me to say?” I asked, a hint of defensiveness creeping into my voice. I forced a small smile. “I’m going to be jealous. It’s just who I am.”

She sighed. “It’s not just ~who you are~. You can work on it. There’s no reason for you to be jealous, Jayce.”

“I can’t help it.”

“Don’t you trust me?” she asked, her voice low.

“Of course I do.”

“It doesn’t sound like it.”

I sighed, reaching out to take her hand.

“Tuli, I’m sorry, okay? Cut me some slack. I haven’t been on a date since my divorce. This is all new to me.”

I cupped her chin, gently pressing my lips to hers.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too. But you need to chill out.”

“I know. I know I do.”

“Can I ask you something?”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “What’s on your mind?”

“Does it feel like you’ve known me for a long time?” she asked. “I know it sounds strange, but I swear, it feels that way to me. Or you at least remind me of someone.”

A pang of pain shot through my heart. Was I about to make a mistake?

Wouldn’t it be better to be honest now rather than later?

“Actually, I—”

The shrill ring of a cell phone cut me off.

“Hold that thought.” She held up a hand, pulling her phone from her pocket. “Hello? Oh, hey, bro.”

Her face morphed from surprise to shock.

“Oh shit! I totally forgot!”

I watched her curiously as she shot me an apologetic look, which quickly turned into annoyance.

“Just so you know, I had midterms this week, Daniel. I don’t think dad will be too upset, considering I was focusing on my grades. Chill out, I’ll be there.”

She ended the call and gave me a sheepish smile. “You have to go?” I asked.

She nodded. “I forgot it’s my dad’s birthday. I feel so dumb.”

I gave her a soft smile. “You were busy with your grades. I’m sure he’ll understand. Go have fun, don’t let me hold you back.”

“Okay,” she said, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. “I’ll see you Friday.”

“Sounds good,” I murmured as she left my office.

I couldn’t help the frown that crept onto my face. This was going to be tougher than I thought.

Tuli

“Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday, dear dad,

Happy birthday to you!”

Daniel, Megan, my sweet stepmother Kiara, and I circled around him and his red velvet cake, singing the birthday song.

“Make a wish, dad,” Daniel encouraged.

He shot me a warm smile before blowing out the candle. We all cheered.

“Thanks for reminding me I’m getting old,” he joked as I plucked the candles from the cake.

“Forty-four isn’t that old,” Megan countered with a laugh.

“Tell that to my eyes,” he grumbled. “I can’t read without glasses.”

“He’s just being dramatic,” Kiara said, wrapping her arms around him. “Wait till you hit fifty,” she teased.

He shot her a playful glare and she laughed. I joined in, “We’ll make you an over-the-hill cake.”

“You all can stay home that day,” he retorted, pretending to be grumpy.

I threw my arms around him, planting a kiss on his cheek. “We’re just teasing, dad.”

He smiled as I hugged him tightly.

“Before you get too old, Megan and I have something to tell everyone,” Daniel announced.

We all turned to him and Megan, their hands intertwined.

“We’re getting married.”