Two weeks later
HAYDEN
“Happy birthday, baby,” Christopher’s soft voice whispers.
I drag my eyes open to see a white box with a red ribbon sitting in prime position on my pillow. “Huh?” I frown. “You bought me a present?”
He kisses my cheek from behind me. “Of course I bought you a present. It’s your birthday.”
“But we have no money.” I frown as I sit up in bed.
“I would sell my left nut for you.”
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” I giggle as I pick up the precious gift and shake it at my ear. “You might need that one day.”
He chuckles too. “Open it.”
I slowly unwrap the present as he watches. It’s a necklace. A fine chain and a silver disk. I smile. “It’s perfect.”
He turns it over in the box. “It’s engraved.”
I read the words:
GHW
ALWAYS
C
My eyes flick up to him. “GHW? What’s that?”
“Grumpy Hayden Whitmore.” He pulls me closer into his body and hugs me tight.
I giggle. “Or Gorgeous Hayden Whitmore.”
“Goofy Hayden Whitmore.” He pokes me in the ribs.
I laugh as I pull it out of the box. “I love it.” I hold it out. “Can you put it on me?” We sit up, and he carefully pulls my hair around my neck and puts it on me. I hold it as it sits on my chest. “Christopher, this is so special.” It is truly special. I know he can’t afford it.
He gives me a beautiful broad smile. “Only the best for my girl.”
His girl.
We stare at each other as the air swirls between us.
“You shouldn’t have spent your money on me.” I smile.
“It’s okay.” He shrugs. “I didn’t need that nut.” He hugs me tighter. “I have a full day planned for us, starting with birthday cake for breakfast. Then we are going swimming and having a picnic, followed by dancing our way around town tonight.”
I smile, excited. We always have so much fun together. “I can’t wait.”
My phone rings on the side table, and the name lights up the screen.
Regi
What?
My ex-boyfriend. What the hell is he calling me on my birthday for?
“You going to get that?” Christopher asks.
I think for a moment. Why would I want to talk to him when I have everything that makes me happy right here? I don’t feel inadequate or insecure or any of the things that Regi makes me feel.
I stare at Christopher as a new realization sets in.
I’m over Regi. I’m finally over him.
When did that happen?
“No.” I smile over at my beautiful, reliable friend, the man who’s never lied to me. The man who cares for me, day in and day out.
“No, I’m not.” I sit up in a rush. “Let’s go eat that birthday cake.”
He spins me out, and to the sound of his laughter, I twirl, and then he slams me back up against his body.
Dancing with Christopher Miles will never get old. We’re dancing our way around the world.
Christopher loves dancing, and I, I am his forever-faithful dance partner.