Page 47 of Nanny for the Single Dad Cowboy
Daisy gasps. “Like a surprise?”
“Exactly like a surprise.”
She leans forward, eyes wide. “A surprise like what?”
I mull over it for a moment, then I recall a certain detail about Jace. I grin, having come up with the perfect idea. “How about a surprise for his birthday?”
Her face lights up like the Fourth of July. “Daddy’s birthday!”
“Yep, he’s turning thirty-four this weekend. We can surprise him.”
“Can we make him a cake?”
“Of course we can. But not just any cake. We’re gonna make this birthday the best one he’s ever had.”
Her eyes widen. “With balloons? And music? And everyone?”
“Of course. We’ll need reinforcements—Ella, Beck, Zane, Ava, Quinn, even Grandpa Hank.”
She gasps like I’ve handed her a secret mission. “We’re making Daddy a super-secret birthday party!”
I crouch beside her, holding out my pinky finger. “Deal?”
“Deal!” she says, hooking hers with mine.
Our fingers lock, sealing the pact, a promise to bring joy to a man who spends too much of his life carrying everyone else’s burdens.
We spend the next hour brainstorming. I sketch out a quick plan for decorations, a cake, and gifts. Daisy eagerly adds ideas: balloons, a banner, a handmade card.
Every now and then, she looks up at me, eyes sparkling. “Tessa, do you think he’ll be surprised?”
I smile, my heart warming. “Oh, he’ll be shocked, and then he’ll love it. Trust me. He may act grouchy, but he’ll be touched.”
By the end of our planning session, we’re both practically buzzing with excitement. This isn’t just about Jace’s birthday; it’s a chance for us to show him how much we care, in our own chaotic, colorful way.
Daisy leans her head against my shoulder. “Thank you, Tessa. You’re the best.”
I squeeze her hand. “Nope. You’re the best. But together? We’re unstoppable.”
So much for the agreement I had with myself to stay away from him. This is bigger than me, though; it’s for Daisy too, so I’m willing to break my own rule for her.
“Alright, Bug,” I whisper conspiratorially, “time to get the rest of the gang on board.”
Daisy nods solemnly, like we’re about to embark on a top-secret mission.
It’s right on time for dinner, so everyone is gathering at the dining table. Jace is usually the last to arrive, so we take the chance before he arrives. Daisy sits beside me, barely containing her excitement, bouncing her heels against her chair.
I nudge her gently with my elbow. “It’s now or never, kiddo.”
She grins, eyes sparkling. She stands on her chair and announces to the table, “We’re throwing Daddy a surprise party!”
The room stills for exactly three seconds, long enough for forks to freeze halfway to mouths, for Zane to choke on a laugh, and for Beck to mutter, “Oh, hell, this is gonna be good.”
Ella’s the first to recover. “You’re what?”
Daisy’s practically vibrating. “A surprise! For Daddy’s birthday! Tessa and I are planning it!”
Ava sets down her wine glass, smiling. “Well, I think that’s the best idea I’ve heard all week.”
