Page 115 of The Closed Off Captain

I open the door. “I’ll just wait here.”

“No. It’s too cold. Come on.” He takes my hand and makes the decision for me. I’m thankful I wore boots today with my jeans. They have heels on them, but at least they’re warm. I shiver in the cold.

“Man, it got cold.”

Gunner tows me forward, and we climb the steps to Aiden and Brielle’s house. He knocks on the front door. When nobody answers, he turns the knob and walks right in. “Hopefully, they know it’s us,” I tell him with a grin. He closes the front door and tugs me forward. We round the corner that opens into the living room.

“Surprise! Happy Birthday!”

Chapter 50

Chloe

I nearly stumble back in shock as I take in the group gathered. It looks like the entire Green Thunder team is present, as well as wives and some of the staff. Gunner wraps an arm around my waist steadying me. I narrow my eyes at him. “You did this.”

“Actually, it was Brielle’s idea,” he says with a nod at Brielle. “But I got on board pretty fast.”

“How did you know today is my birthday?” I hadn’t told anybody. Grandma May had called to wish me happy birthday, but that was it. I didn’t really do anything these days to celebrate my birthday.

Gunner smiles as he pulls me closer to his side. “I know a lot about you, Chloe.” I shake my head, still trying to wrap my mind around this.

“Thank you,” I tell him softly.

He leans down and kisses me softly on the lips. “Happy birthday.”

“No hogging the birthday girl,” Brielle calls out loudly as she steps up next to us. “Were you surprised?” she asks me.

“Yes. Totally.”

She pumps her fist. “Good.” She high fives Gunner, and I look on in amusement.

“That’s why I came to your office that day to talk about Aiden’s schedule. It wasn’t really a birthday party for Aiden; it was for you. I figure your schedule would line up mostly with his.” Realization dawns on me at her words.

“I really thought you and Aiden were having marriage problems,” I admit.

Aiden joins us and wraps an arm around Brielle. I smile at the sight of him holding the tiny bundle in his arms. “Shouldn’t you be resting and recovering, not planning birthday parties?” I scold lightly.

“I didn’t have to do much; I had lots of help.”

“Thank you,” I tell her earnestly. “This was really kind.”

“Like I said, I had lots of help. Now go eat before the hockey boys eat it all.”

I turn towards the table loaded with food, and my eyes widen. Gunner puts his hand on my back and leads me towards the food. “Wait, not so fast,” Amber says, appearing in front of us. She reaches toward me. “Lower your head.” I do as she says, and she places something over my head. I look down and laugh at the Happy Birthday sash.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she says, eyes twinkling.

Gunner leads me towards the table, and we load plates of every kind of food imaginable. At first, I think it’s way too much food, but then I remember how much these guys eat after a game. We settle into the crowded living room. A few of the guys move, making room for their captain and me on the couch.

The night is going really well until Sebastian takes a huge bite of the gluten and dairy free cake and then promptly spits it back out. “What is that?” he nearly shouts at the offending cake.

Brielle faces Gunner with wide eyes. Gunner shrugs. “It’s gluten free and dairy free.”

“It tastes like sawdust,” Sebastain says, still trying to clear out his mouth.

Stephanie elbows him. “It can’t be that bad.” She reaches for a piece, but Sebastian stops her.

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