Page 103 of Stroke of Fate

“It’s a surprise,” he says, the whites of his teeth flashing.

I bite back a smile and close my eyes, too excited to question him further.

The fridge door opens, and a faint light flickers behind my closed lids.

After a few seconds of rummaging, the distinct clink of ceramic against the counter reaches my ears.

“Okay, open them.”

My eyes peel open, and the sharp intake of my breath is the only sound in the quiet apartment. In front of me is a plate of cupcakes arranged in the shape of the number twenty.

Levi pushes it toward me. “Make a wish, Teddy Bear.”

I stare at him, the tiny flame of the candle flickering in his eyes. Is it possible to die from a happy heart? Because I’m pretty sure mine is about to fall right out of my chest with how much love just got pumped into it.

I lower my head and pucker my lips, but I don’t wish for anything because I already have everything that matters most to me in this world: my parents, friends, and a boyfriend who’s shown me that big love is made up of small moments—like cupcakes on your birthday and blanket forts.

So, instead of wishing, I silently thank the universe for bringing Levi into my life before blowing out the candle and letting the smoke take away my whispered words.

When I lift my head, tears prick my eyes. “You’re amazing.”

Levi must notice because he comes around to stand in front of me, brows knitting in concern as he catches a stray tear with his thumb.

“Please tell me these are happy tears?”

“Ecstatic tears.” I sniffle behind a smile.

“Good.” He places a gentle kiss on my forehead. “There’s one more thing.”

That’s when I notice his arm bent behind his back. Before I can ask what he’s hiding, he reveals an adorable plush teddy bear adorned with a pale pink bow—my favorite color.

That’s it. It’s all I can take. Tears spill down my cheeks, and there’s nothing I can do to stop them, not after everything he’s done tonight.

“I’m sorry,” I say between sniffles and hiccups. “I’m not sad, I promise. This is the best night anyone has ever given me.”

I wipe my eyes with the sleeve of my sweatshirt, worried my mascara is turning me into a blubbering raccoon.

Levi watches me with soft eyes. I choke out an embarrassed laugh as I pull myself together. Once I’m sure the tears are under control, I wipe under my eyes to make sure there are no mascara streaks.

“You ready to take her now?” Levi asks cautiously, worried I might start cryingagain.

I laugh, reaching for the bear. “Give it here.”

It’s so soft and has the sweetest brown eyes. I notice a date embroidered on one of the paw prints when I look closer.

“The day we met,” I murmur, running my finger over the delicate stitching.

“Yes, but also the first time I saw you.”

“Yeah, because you stole my stuff, and I was coming to collect.” I grin, thinking back to the day that set us on this crazy path.

“Well…” Levi shifts his weight awkwardly. “I might have seen you even before that. Or rather, I saw a picture of you.”

My eyes widen at his admission. “What do you mean?”

“The graduation photo with you and Pia. At the time, I didn’t know you wereyou,or Pia was Pia.” He explains, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just remember seeing your face, those blue eyes, and being hit with this wave of emotion. And then fear because I was scared shitless that it wouldn’t be you knocking on my door.”

His eyes brim with raw emotion, and I squeeze the hand holding mine.

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