Page 105 of Stroke of Fate

She throws her head back in laughter, and I join in.

“Three? Dammit, Bear, you’re making me think I should pack up and transfer to Huska too.”

I perk up. “You definitely should!”

My phone rings before she can respond, and I grab it from the nightstand. It’s a FaceTime request from my mom.

When I answer, my mom, dad, and childhood dog—who is fourteen and wearing a birthday hat—appear on the screen.

“Happy birthday!” They shout in unison, and the smile that’s been present since I woke up widens. My mom waves Bo’s paw in the air, but he’s over it as soon as she puts him down and trots out of frame.

“I miss you guys,” I tell them.

We’ve always been close; not seeing them has been a hard adjustment.

“We miss you, too, honey. We’ll save your birthday gift for when you visit during Thanksgiving break.” Mom says excitedly. She’s always been a big gift-giver.

“Let me know what day you want to fly out. I’ll email your ticket over to you.” Dad adds, ever the planner.

“I will, thank you.”

“Are you still planning on bringing your friend with you?” Mom asks casually, but I know better. She’s dying to talk more about it.

I never kept my relationship with Levi a secret from them. Mom knows we’re more than friends, but with my dad fidgeting beside her, she’s phrasing it like that for his sake.

Over the phone, Pia’s eyes widen. She mouths,Levi?I nod in confirmation.

“I haven’t asked him yet,” I say, and my dad’s shoulders visibly sag in relief.

It’s hard not to laugh at how protective he’s being. Even though he knows I’m an adult, he’ll always think of me as his little girl. And after the mess with Hunter, I can’t blame him for being wary about someone new. Which I love him for, but I don’t have any reservations about introducing Levi to them.

“Well, you let us know, and I can get him a ticket, too,” Dad says.

Mom pats him on the arm like she’s proud of him, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they rehearsed this part of the conversation before calling me.

“What’s the plan for today, birthday girl?” Mom asks, steering the conversation back to a more neutral topic.

We chat about my day for a few more minutes, and even Pia gets in on the conversation. When we say our goodbyes, it’s with a promise that we’ll be safe tonight.

I responded to a few happy birthday texts from family and friends. Macy and Elsie blew up the group chat at midnight last night, but I saved the best for last. Opening Levi’s text, my brows skyrocket.

Levi: Happy birthday, Teddy Bear. P.S. Check your front door.

“What?” Pia breathes over my shoulder and stares at my phone to see what’s caused the look on my face.

She’s off the bed faster than I am, but I'm right beside her when she flings open the front door.

“Are you serious?” Pia squeals when she sees what’s on my welcome mat.

The sound breaks through my momentarily stunned haze, and I carefully pick up the gorgeous bouquet of red roses, bringing them inside. There’s a card attachment, which I carefully unfold.

Happy birthday. I feel lucky to call you mine.

Always and endlessly in love with you. x

-Levi

Inside the card are two gift vouchers to a local nail salon, one for me and one for Pia.

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