Page 59 of Chasing Forever

“Not that we’d know for sure since she wouldn’t let anyone taste it,” Trick grumbled as he dropped a huge present wrapped in wrestling-themed wrapping paper on the dining room table with all the other presents. I didn’t know what they got him, but I knew it was going to be good. They’d really taken to spoiling him over the past few months, treating Levi the exact same as they did Blythe’s kids. It was as if Nona and Trick had decided to step into the role of grandparents, while Blythe and Rhodes were a sort of surrogate aunt and uncle.

Tristan’s mom shot him a dull look. “First taste goes to the birthday boy. You know that.” Her eyes darted around the room as I lifted the lid to the cake box and took a peek. She was right. It was perfection.

“Speaking of the birthday boy, where is he?” Nona asked, her excitement to see Levi clear as day.

“Blythe and Rhodes took him and the kids for a birthday breakfast and to ride go-carts so we’d have time to set up everything before guests arrive.”

I’d taken invitations to the school and given them to his teacher, asking that she give one to every classmate. I hadn’t expected they’d all come, of course. But when the RSVPs started rolling in, it became clear that Levi really was as popular as he claimed.

At least fifteen kids and their parents stuffed into our backyard then, along with the rest of our friends and loved ones, all waiting to surprise the boy of the hour.

It was on that thought that the front door opened again, and what sounded like a herd of elephants came racing through.

Levi skidded to a stop, his eyes bulging and mouth hanging open. “Wow!” he practically shouted. “This is the coolest thingever!”

“Happy Birthday, buddy,” I said, reaching out to pull him into a hug. He told me a few weeks ago he’d officially outgrown me picking him up, and I was very proud of myself for making it until he left for school before breaking down in ugly, sobbing tears.

“This is all for me?”

Tristan ruffled his hair. “Sure is, kiddo. A boy only turns eight once, and that day has to be celebrated.” A smile curled my lips up. “Why don’t you go out back and see what else we’ve done.”

He raced for the back door, the rest of us following closely behind. The instant he blasted through, everyone shouted, “Happy Birthday!”

My little guy froze, his eyes scanning over everyone crowded around the yard. As his eyes tracked over every person, his little chin began to tremble and his eyes filled with tears.

Tristan and I crouched down in front of him.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” I asked quietly, reaching out to brush back the flop of hair that was always falling into his eyes. At the contact, he lunged, wrapping his arms around my neck and squeezing.

“I’ve never had a birthday party before,” he rasped against my skin. Before his words had a chance to penetrate, he released me and lunged for Tristan, giving him the same treatment, and I heard his emotion-clogged voice croak, “This is the best day of my life.”

It only took another second for him to regain his composure, but once he did, he practically forgot all about us as he charged toward his friends.

I sniffled, doing my best not to cry as Tristan pulled me into his side. Together, we watched as Levi was showered with more love.

“I can’t believe he’s already eight,” I lamented. I didn’t want to feel sad on such a joyous day, but it was hard not to think about how fast my little guy was growing up. “I’m not ready for him to get older.”

Tristan leaned down and pressed a kiss to my temple. “You know, if you wanted, we could always start from scratch.”

My eyes shot up to his. “Are you saying you want to have kids?”

“With you, Dandelion, I want to have everything.”

Epilogue

Tristan

One month later

“Is the blindfold really necessary?”Merritt asked from the passenger seat for the fifth time in less than fifteen minutes.

“For the fifth time, yes,” I answered, humor laced through my words as I pulled my Suburban into the parking spot and shifted into park.

“Aunt Merri, you’re gonna besosurprised,” Levi said on a giddy little laugh.

I turned to the back seat and shot him a wink. He attempted to return it, but ended up blinking both of his eyes.

“You ready, buddy?”

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