“That was Adam,” Heath said, once he was off the phone.
“Your sons love you,” she said, stating the obvious.
Heath’s eyes grew wary and he looked down. “I heard how rude they were to you at the hospital, Julia, and I’m genuinely sorry. They should never have spoken to you the way they did. One day, they will apologize, that I can promise you.”
She came to him and slipped her arms around his middle, assuring him as best she could that all was forgiven. “It’s fine. I understand. Your heart attack frightened them as much as it did me. They didn’t mean it. And I refuse to take offense.”
“You’re far too generous.”
“Besides,” she said, smiling up at him, “nothing was going to keep me away from you much longer. I didn’t care if I had to sneak into the hospital in the dead of night, I was determined to be with you.” She would have if the hospital had kept him any longer than the two days. Without Heath’s texts, brief as they were, she would have surely gone mad.
“Speaking of nights, I’ve been working on a little birthday surprise for you.”
“Oh?” He certainly had piqued her curiosity. “Tell me more.”
“I’m not going to ruin the surprise. Because of my recent setback, I’ve had to delay it.”
“Just as long as we aren’t returning to the tennis court anytime soon.”
“This has nothing to do with what you wanted for your birthday, my love. This is actually something else I’d arranged earlier. I had to do a bit of rescheduling while I was in that hospital bed. We will go out for dinner the way we originally planned, just not yet.”
That he would be thinking about her birthday following heart surgery nearly brought tears back to her eyes. Knowing how badly he wanted to do something special for her, she did her best to hold the emotion in check. “You could give me a hint.”
He shook his head. “Don’t worry, you’ll find out as soon as I can get everything put in place again.”
* * *
—
Two nights later, Heath arrived to pick her up for her birthday surprise. When she reached for her purse, he stopped her. “You won’t be needing that.”
“No purse?” This was all rather mysterious. “Okay.” Unsure what to think, she followed him to the elevator.
Instead of heading to the lobby, they rode up to the rooftop. Lights were strung across the space, shading the area in warmth. Carrie stepped into view, her hands held together in front of her. She looked to Heath and said, “Everything is arranged the way you asked.”
“Thank you.” He reached for Julia’s hand.
“Heath.” Julia paused, looking around at the table set up with a bottle of champagne, crystal flutes, and a beautifully decorated birthday cake with her name written across the top.
“Are you ready for your surprise?” he asked.
“You mean the cake and champagne aren’t it?” It seemed Heath had something more up his proverbial sleeve.
Kennedy and her friend moved from the shadows in the corner. “Happy birthday, Julia,” she said.
“Thank you.” Kennedy was young, around the same age as her daughters, if Julia were to guess. She was a member of Seattle Women’s Chorus. Last Christmas Julia and Amanda had attended a performance and she’d recognized Kennedy.
Kennedy introduced her friend, and then Carrie started the music as the two women in beautiful harmony sang Julia’s favorite song from Frankie Valli, “My Eyes Adored You.” Their voices blended melodiously, clear and vibrant, wrapping their way around Julia’s heart as Heath opened his arms to her.
“Shall we dance?” he said.
“Here? Now?” she whispered, self-consciously.
“Come on, Julia. Don’t you know my eyes adore you?”
No way could she refuse him. Walking into his arms, she tucked her head beneath his chin and let him gracefully lead her around the rooftop. They danced together, as if they had spent a lifetime matching each other’s steps, not once faltering.
This was above and beyond the most romantic birthday gift Julia had ever received.
When the song ended, Heath reluctantly broke away from her. “Champagne?” he asked.
“Please.”
While he poured it into the flutes, Julia thanked Kennedy and her friend. “Frankie Valli himself couldn’t have sung that any better,” she told them. “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” Kennedy said. “Heath gave our choral group a donation. He didn’t need to do that, as we would have been happy to sing to you for free.”