Page 114 of Truth

Brianna was still asleep when I returned. After carefully setting her presents on the floor on the other side of the nightstand, I slipped back in bed and began my efforts to wake her.

I started by barely touching her pale skin with my fingers. Soon after, I added my mouth, placing featherlight kisses along her neck and jaw. She stirred, and I increased my efforts. Before long, she opened her eyes. “Good morning, Brianna. Happy birthday.”

She blinked. “Good morning.”

I leaned down and gave her a gentle but thorough kiss, tangling my tongue with hers. When I pulled away, I didn’t go far. “I’m taking you out to dinner tonight, but I wanted to go ahead and give you your presents.”

“You got me presents?”

I looked at her, a bit dumbfounded. “Of course I got you something. It’s your birthday.”

Moisture welled in her eyes, and I quickly pulled her into my arms. “Shh. Why are you crying?”

She shook her head, but I wouldn’t let her dismiss this. I needed to know the reason behind her tears.

“Tell me, sweetheart.”

“You took me to see my mom.”

“And you thought that was your present?”

She nodded.

“Brianna, I would give you the world if I could. I’d take you to see your mom every weekend if that’s what you wanted. This is your birthday, though, and birthdays mean presents.”

I smiled at her, hoping to lighten the mood, and it worked. She glanced up at me through wet lashes and smiled.

After a quick peck on the lips, I went to retrieve her presents. Both were wrapped, and I sat patiently as she tore the paper off her book. As soon as she saw it, her eyes lit up.

“It’s a first edition. I know how much you love the story. Now you don’t have to borrow my copy. You have one of your own.”

She cradled the book to her chest. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Brianna removed the wrapping paper from the laptop. It was still in the box, but it didn’t take her long to open that, too. “This is mine?” she asked reverently.

“It’s yours. I figured you’d need a computer if you’re going back to school. Besides, computers can be loads of fun. You can play games and look up all sorts of information. Talk to people halfway around the world...”

She was still looking at the computer in awe.

“I’m going to go make us breakfast. Come out when you’re ready.”

As I turned to leave, I heard movement behind me and knew she was already getting out of bed. She reached for the robe Lily had gotten her, and followed me out into the main room and then into the kitchen, where I began digging out the pots and pans I would need. “Can I help?”

I smiled and pointed to one of the stools. “Sit. It’s your birthday. I’m cooking. You can keep me company.”

“Okay.” She looked disappointed, but she sat down.

As I worked to make our breakfast, we talked more about the books we were both reading. I also told her about the restaurant I was taking her to later that evening. It was a pleasant start to the day. Much better than the one previous. With any luck, that meant we could put what had happened on Saturday at Logan and Lily’s behind us and move forward. That was what I was hoping anyway.

I gave her a long kiss good-bye before I left for work, promising to be home by four so we could head to the restaurant. Brianna appeared as reluctant to see me go as I was to leave. Leaving her was not something I wanted to do. If Michael hadn’t promised to have something for me today, I would probably have taken the day off, or at the very least, worked from home. As it was, I needed to be there.

Jamie greeted me as I stepped off the elevator. “Good morning, Mr. Coleman.”

“Morning, Jamie. How was your weekend?”

“Good. How was your flight?”

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