Page 148 of Rose
“Thank you, and same to you,” Ahzii said with a soft laugh.
As they embraced, Aunt Marley leaned in and whispered, “My nephew really likes you. He don’t kill for just anybody.”
Ahzii laughed, low and sweet. “I’m honored.”
Bianca approached next, already grinning. “So, you’re the one responsible for that smile my daughter been wearing lately?”
Ahzii rolled her eyes, trying not to blush, while Savior turned to look at her, smiling in a way that answered everything.
“Nah,” he said, “all the responsibility belongs to her. I just make sure she keeps smiling.”
Bianca lit up. “Ouu, I really like him.”
“Ma, please,” Ahzii groaned, laughing in spite of herself.
“Bianca,” she introduced, holding out her hand.
“Savior. Nice to meet you, mother-in-law,” he said with a grin, shaking her hand as Bianca laughed and clapped her hands together.
“Better claim it,” she winked.
“Okay, let’s eat before y’all start planning a wedding,” Ahzii interrupted, pulling Savior further into the room.
Savior finally slowed, eyes sweeping across the blue and white décor glinting off the glass tables and chairs. Everything looked perfect. Everyone he loved was here, laughing, talking, alive, but the two people he hadn’t stopped searching for were still missing.
Two empty seats sat beside Aunt Marley, untouched.
He sat down slowly, eyes still glancing toward those seats like a boy hoping his parents would finally show up to his game. Maybe they’d surprise him. Maybe they’d walk through the door any second.
But they didn’t.
“They couldn’t make it,” Aunt Marley said softly beside him.
Savior nodded. Hurt settled in his chest like stone, but it wasn’t unfamiliar. It never was. He stared down at his plate, the warmth in the room dimming just slightly until a hand slid over his. Gentle. Grounding.
Ahzii.
“The people who truly love you are here,” she said softly, her eyes locking with his.
He nodded again, slower this time, then looked around at the people surrounding him. Sarai and Sincere arguing playfully. A’Mazi cracking jokes. Bianca sipping her wine, proud and peaceful. Everyone laughing. Full. Present.
And still, all he could really see—was her.
The waiter came out with the food. Plates were passed, stories were told, and the room swelled with laughter. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t on edge. He didn’t feel like prey or predator. He felt like a man surrounded by people who gave a damn. And that feeling? It was a gift more valuable than anything he could unwrap.
He leaned slightly into Ahzii, his hand still under hers.
This was the best birthday he ever had.
And he owed it all to her.
Ahzii stood and lightly clinked her glass with a butter knife, drawing everyone’s attention. “Okay, I know everyone’s stuffed and probably lit off the drinks,” she grinned as laughter bubbled, “but the party’s not over yet.” Conversations quieted as eyes turned to her. “I had everyone fill out a card when they arrived,” she said, her tone soft but steady, “so can y’all pull those out for me.” Chairs shifted and papers rustled as each person pulled a small white card from their pocket or purse. “Sav, I had everyone write down what they love and appreciate about you,” she continued, turning to him as his brow lifted in surprise. “It’s a way of giving you your flowers. Letting you know—without a doubt—that you got people in your life who truly love and value you.”
Savior didn’t say a word, just smiled, slow and deep, as if trying to keep that gratitude from spilling out all at once.
“Gold, you first,” Ahzii said, sitting back down as Sarai rose with her card.
“My oldest brother. My protector. My savior.” Her voice cracked slightly, her words soft but strong. “You’re more than a brother to me—you’re my superhero. Since we was little, you always caught me when I fell, held me when I cried, made me laugh until my stomach hurt. I know you didn’t get the same childhood as me and Sin—really not one at all—but I want you to know I love and appreciate every single sacrifice you made for me… and this family. Happy birthday, Savvy. I love you.” She walked over and hugged him, and he kissed her forehead like he’d done since they were kids.
