Page 87 of Make You Mine

“Well, I appreciate it. And I’m really grateful you didn’t yell surprise at me,” I joked.

“We knew you’d hate that,” she nudged my side and held her glass up for a toast and mouthed the word “surprise”.

I clinked my glass to hers with a smile while trying not to scan the space for Piper.

“She’ll be here any minute,” Violet leaned in to whisper. “Don’t you worry.”

“How is she?” I asked.

“She’s great,” Jake answered. “She’s now the official sole owner of Something Sweet—Dana signed the papers. And so far, Richard is staying out of the picture.”

“Good.” I nodded in relief.

“More importantly,” Violet said, “she's better now. You'll see for yourself once she gets here.”

Jake’s phone went off with a text message alert. “Speaking of…”

He got up and headed for the employee door in the back of the room.

Moments later, I saw Jake emerge from the back door, this time with Piper by his side. She was pushing a massive cake on a wheeled tray, her face glowing with pride and excitement. Jake was helping guide the tray, his hands steadying the sides to ensure it didn't topple over.

The cake was a replica of her house.

It was white, with a bright pink door just like hers.

They stopped at the edge of the table. She flipped a little switch, and the windows lit up.

I took it in.

In shock.

In awe.

And in love with her more than I could ever hope to express in words.

Raccoons dashed across the roof, climbing down the side of the house and out the windows. Her roses bloomed brightly on the trellis, while her hummingbird feeder hung delicately from the roof line.

Tiny versions of Smog and Nimbus were perched on the porch steps while a miniature Cody sprawled in the doorway. There was even a little ball of yarn on the chair I had sat in when I first spoke to her the day I moved in.

I blinked back tears when I saw tiny models of the two of us sitting on her porch swing, she in the same caftan and ratty robe she had worn that first day, complete with green cheeks and me in my jogging clothes.

“Piper.” I let out a breath. “This is amazing.”

“Wait.” She flipped another switch, and smoke drifted out of the chimney. “We haven’t had a chance for a fire in the fireplace yet, but we will.” Her eyes met mine as a tremulous smile unfurled across her beautiful face.

“I love it.”I love you.

“Let’s give them a minute,” Jake said, taking Violet’s hand to guide her to the arched entrance leading to the central part of the bar. “I want to dance with you, gorgeous.”

I waited until they were out of earshot before speaking. My heart was full.

I pulled her close, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.

The intricate details of the miniature house she had crafted, each element so thoughtfully chosen, mirrored the love and care I wanted to pour into her.

“Piper, you have no idea how much this means to me,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

She smiled softly, her hand gently caressing my cheek. “I wanted to create something special for you, Ren. My house is a place where our memories will live, and it’s a reminder of how far we've come and how much more we have to look forward to.” Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she rested her forehead against my chest. “I guess I wanted to show you what you mean to me. Happy Birthday. This is where I fell in love with you, Ren. I love you.”

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