Page 102 of Almost Paradise

“Drake, we want to wish you a happy birthday too,” my mother says to my husband. My dad grunts and Audrey purses her lips. “We got you both a little something. Did Nia tell you about the tradition she has with Ray and Audrey?”

“She did,” Drake says. “And thank you. I’m looking forward to it.” Audrey groans, but she doesn’t say a word.

Each year, my parents give me, Audrey, and Ray one hundred dollars each for our birthdays, which are all within a month of each other. The tradition is that we take that money and the three of us splurge on dinner and drinks. I haven’t had the opportunity to tell Audrey that Drake will be joining us from now on.

“Oh, yes,” Wyatt says as he joins our little group. “Drake told me about the birthday tradition. My birthday’s next week, so can I join?” He grins when he asks.

“Sure—” I begin but Audrey cuts me off.

“It’s for family only.”

“Audrey, I’m flattered,” Drake says. “Or should I say cousin?”

“I think it’s Ms. Nash,” Wyatt says.

“It is,” Audrey responds.

“Drake’s like a brother to me,” Wyatt says. “So, that makes Nia my sister, which makes me family.”

“Yeah, but you need a hundred dollars,” Audrey says as if that’s a hardship for anyone here.

“I don’t think that will be a problem,” Wyatt responds.

“The hundred dollars has to be a gift. It can’t be your own money,” Audrey says to Wyatt.

“Done. I’ll give it to him,” Drake says.

“I’ll see you at our birthday dinner,” Wyatt throws in. Audrey huffs but doesn’t offer any more excuses.

“How about a drink?” Drake says. He flags the servers, and they bring trays of champagne. He gestures for his family to join the rest of the adults while the kids run to the corner to go through a stack of presents that Drake’s family brought over for Carter.

“I’d like to say something,” Drake says, and the room quiets down. “I want to wish my beautiful wife a happy birthday.” I feel a blush start from my neck up into my face. “And I’m so grateful that not only is she my wife, but she’s the mother of our son. So, to Nia on our first shared birthday as husband and wife. I want you to know how much I love you. How much I’ve always loved you and will always love you. And I want to take this moment to introduce our families.”

The staff offers champagne to the adults and ginger ale to the kids.

“To Drake and Nia,” Maggie says. Her voice trembles, and I know she’s fighting back tears. “I didn’t say it before, but I want to officially welcome Nia into the family. We’ve had a lot of sadness lately.” She looks from me to her son, and I pray she does not bring up Donald Paradise right now. “But Carter and Nia have been a source of joy. Finding out that I have a grandson and daughter-in-law was the gift our family didn’t know it needed.” She turns to Drake and takes his hand in hers. “I’m glad for you, Son. I’ve never seen you so happy, and that makes this mother happy too because that’s what I’ve always wanted for you.” Her tears don’t stay at bay. She angrily swipes them away and says, “Happy birthday to you both.”

We all clink our glasses together.

“This is a party, so let’s have some fun,” I announce.

An hour later, we take the party to the rooftop deck. It’s a big space with couches and a long table that’s been set. The place is set up with four mock food trucks, including tacos, burgers and fries, barbeque, and a pizza truck. There’s an open bar, so I get a margarita for me and Drake.

My father is still distant, but when Maggie starts a conversation with him, he suddenly becomes charming and friendly. I don’t buy it. It’s his good cop persona that he uses when he’s trying to get information.

The boys monopolize Wyatt and Langley, and Ray and Hannah talk in the corner. Audrey finally comes to the rooftop, holding hands with a man.

She walks over to me and Drake and says, “This is Justin. Justin, this is my cousin Nia and her husband Drake Paradise.” She still manages to give him the side eye, but he doesn’t react. In fact, he smiles at her.

“Welcome to the party, Justin,” Drake says.

After wishing us a happy birthday, Justin and Audrey go to the bar. Drake pulls me into his arms and whispers, “Best birthday ever.”

Chapter 57

Drake

“This is the fourth Mariah Carey song in a row,” Langley whispers to me.

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