Page 105 of Game Change

“Tell me what you want to do for your birthday next month,” I say, eager to change the subject to something else. I catch Raven’s eye from across the room and gesture for her to come over. “I was thinking we can go out, or I can host something at the house. Let us know who you want to invite,” I say when Raven reaches us.

From the look on Amira’s face, I already know I won’t like her answer. Every year for her birthday, some drama ends up ruining her day.

“My dad’s going to handle it. He’s already made arrangements. He’s going to email you both.”

“Okay, so we’ll plan something for the following week,” Raven says, and I nod at her.

“Oh, I don’t think it will be bad this year. Dad promises it’s going to be—”

“Stop. He promises that every year,” Raven reminds her, and Amira shuts up.

“I’ll plan it,” I volunteer. I don’t ask her for a list of people to invite this time. Her mother and sister are off the list because Ashley will ruin the party. She’ll find a way to make it about her.

My mind flashes back to when my mother was alive. For a few years after she passed, I didn’t celebrate my birthday. It was always a day of sadness. It wasn’t until five years after her death that I started going out to dinner with Raven.

I look across the room and spot Colin. From the moment we arrived, Archie and Milly have been stuck to him like glue. Even Heath’s been attached to his hip.

Archie rests his head on Colin’s shoulder, and I feel something inside of me shift. My heart swells at the thought of marrying a man loved by so many and who gives so much love in return.

He sees me and winks. Little Archie waves at me. Even Heath waves. I smile but tears well up in the back of my eyes. Colin’s smile slips, and he hands Archie off to Heath before crossing the room to me. He takes my hand and pulls me out of the room.

“What’s wrong?” he asks once we’re in the empty hallway.

“Nothing,” I say, shaking my head, but the tears won’t stop filling my eyes. “I’m happy.”

“So, these are happy tears?” He doesn’t sound convinced, and I’m not about to lie to the man I’m going to marry.

“No,” I say. The tears can no longer be held at bay and fall freely. He takes me in his arms, and I weep into his chest. He tightens his arms around me and kisses the top of my head.

“Are you having second thoughts? Did I rush things?”

“No,” I say quickly. I look into his eyes. “I want to marry you. I’d do it tomorrow if we could. I would marry you right now without hesitation. It’s not that. Please don’t think that,” I say through my tears.

“Then what is it? Whatever it is, I can fix it.”

I shake my head sadly at him. “You can’t fix this. I miss my mom right now.” I bury my face in his chest again. “I called my father a few days ago and told him. He congratulated me, but when I asked him to come to this party, he said he couldn’t because I didn’t give him enough notice. Other than Raven and Amira, I don’t have anyone.”

I weep into his chest, and he runs his hands down my back.

“You have me, Honeybee.”

“I know I do, and I love you for it. My mom would have been so happy, and she would love you. I want her to be here. And I don’t have anyone to give me away.”

“Oh, baby,” he says. “I wish I could fix everything for you.” He tightens his arms around me until my tears dry up.

“Uncle Paddy,” I hear Heath’s annoying voice. “Brynne, Ernestine is here.” I hear his footsteps, which are slower than usual. The kid usually speed walks. “Are you okay, Brynne?” For once, he sounds concerned and not just nosy.

“She’s fine, Heath,” Colin says.

“Is there anything I can do?” he asks.

“No, thank you, Heath,” I say. I pull away from Colin, and he dabs my eyes with a handkerchief.

“Well, why are you crying at your engagement party? No one should cry at a party. At least not one Uncle Colin the First is throwing. That guy spares no expense. But that’s okay. I have some cucumber slices to help with that swelling around your eyes. Trust me. You want to look good because engagement party photos are forever.”

“I’m okay. I’m just missing my mom.”

“Uncle Colin the First will send someone for her, silly. Give me her name and address, and I’ll take care of it. Why are you crying about that when—”

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