Page 7 of Words We Didn't Say

He didn’t forget.Warm tingles filled my chest. “You sure there’s just one cake in there?”

“Oh, uh.” His head tipped back with a nervous laugh. “I guess we did go a little overboard.”

“We?”

“Me and Mum. Actually, one hundred percent my mum. I’m just the delivery boy.” His gaze roamed for a safe place to deposit the cake. “Where should I, um…?” Another helpless look turned around the room.

I pointed to the empty stand. Zach flashed me a relieved smile and headed for the table. He slipped the box from his arms, and with trembling fingers, he stripped off the sticky tape, lifted the lid, and folded down the sides.

He stood back and stuck out his hand.“Voila!”A proud smile lit up his face.

My hand fluttered to my mouth, a tear threatening to spill down my cheek. Oh, that cake, it was the stuff of dreams—three tiers of white frosting decorated with elegant black and gold Art Deco trim, feathers, pearls, and a beaded edge identical to my dress.

“It’s aGreat Gatsbycake to match your theme!” he said. “It’s all edible, even the feathers. Crazy, huh?”

My chin wobbled.

Zach’s face fell. “You don’t like it?”

I clutched his arm and pulled him close, hiding my tears in the safety of his chest. “I love it. But I—” I swallowed the shame blocking my throat. “I didn’t invite your parents.”

Forget a party invitation; I hadn’t evenmetZach’s parents yet. They’d asked us over plenty of times since I’d moved in with him, but I’d always found an excuse to weasel out of more rejection.

“Next birthday.” He booped me on the tip of my nose.

“Yeah.” The smile on my face was shaky. “Next birthday.”

I buried my emotions by tidying Zach up. He smiled, head lolling to the side, as I straightened his bowtie and his collar and then ran a fingertip along the sharp lapel of his tuxedo jacket. My touch on his cheek finished the routine. He shaved every morning, but when evening rolled around, delicious dark stubble contoured his jaw.

“We’re the perfect couple,” I said, beaming. “You looking handsome in your tux. Me in my gown. Can you believe I got my little paws on this vintage piece? It’s one of a kind. Handmade in Milan.” I twirled so the beads fanned out. “I thought for sure someone would’ve already rented it for the weekend.”

Zach’s lips flattened into a grim line. He was weighing up whether to say something difficult. Something I wouldn’t like.

I bit my lip.

He probably thought I should’ve chosen something less fancy. But an event like this called for a special dress, and this one hadn’t cost much. I spent my money on shoes and timeless accessories that could be mixed and matched for every occasion. One-off dresses for a party? Rented only. Frugally chic.

I kissed Zach’s cheek. “I’m going to snap some piccies of my cake.”

Light bouncing from the chandeliers made the cake sparkle in every direction. I scrolled through the photos, selected myfavourite, and whipped up a quick post for my social media. Nibbling my lip, I read over it three times.

Thank you to the most talented mama in the world for my beautiful birthday cake. Maree, you’re the best!

My stomach knotted.

A stupid post wasn’t enough to say thanks—even if I did have half a million followers. I smacked a few heart emojis after the message. Still not enough.I’d have to make Zach’s mother one of my famous gift baskets. Maybe I should buy her a car. Anything was easier than disappointing that woman in the flesh.

Zach stole a kiss on my cheek. “You’re quiet tonight.”

Lips pressed together, I avoided his eyes. My palms beaded with sweat in my gloves.

“Denny Dee?” he gently urged. “What is it?”

“I just—” I cleared my throat, forcing a smile. “I thought you’d forgotten.” I stopped myself from adding ‘again.’

His smile was confused. “I wouldn’t forget your birthday. Why would you—” He glanced at his watch, and his eyes widened. “Shit!I didn’t—the time—I just—” His failed excuses ended with a frustrated breath.

“I wish you’d called,” I whispered.

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