by Tiffani Lynn
“I know. You make it every time we come here.” He’s right, I do. As soon as I found out that Thomas’s grandpa loves banana pudding, I called my mom for her recipe and I’ve made it for him every visit.
“Simone, you’ve already won him over. You don’t have to spoil him,” Gran chides.
“I know, but he’s so happy when I bring it, I can’t help it.”
She grabs my casserole dish carrier and follows me into the house. We’re the last ones here and the house is packed. Thomas’s sister, Valerie, her husband, Javier, and her daughter, Thea, are visiting from Colorado. There’s also Mike, Summer and their baby girl, Abigail, along with Thomas’s parents. Hudson and his girlfriend, Stacey, also made the invite list and I’ve heard that Paxton and Shay—another guy who works at Sunset Security and his fiancé—will be here later.
Thomas beat us here because he went to the airport to pick up his sister and her family and I wasn’t done cooking the casserole when it was time to leave. As I reach the door with my arms full of food, Thomas greets me and takes it all. “Don’t drop anything. I can carry something!” I bark at him, a little irritated at myself for running late and being the last one here.
“How about, thank you, honey?” he reminds me, giving me the side-eye. That’s something we’ve learned over the last eight months: how to deal with the other’s shortcomings. He completely understands that I get snippy when I’m even the slightest amount stressed, but now he just makes a comment to get my attention and I realize I’m doing it. I pause and put a hand on his elbow. “Thanks, honey, sorry.”
The side of his mouth tips up and I know I’m forgiven. “No problem. Let’s get inside. Everyone is ready to eat.”
He walks through the door before me and as I come through, the volume in the room explodes. “Surprise!”
My eyes widen and I focus on the banner stretched across the wall in the entryway; Happy Birthday, Simone! it reads. My birthday is two weeks from now so I’m more than surprised. My dad pushes his way to the front and crosses the empty space between the group and me, and my eyes burn with unshed tears. My parents are here! They never leave Land O’ Lakes. He gently grabs my face between his wrinkled old hands. “My sweet Mony. Happy birthday!”
“How did you get here?” I ask through the tears spilling down my face.
“Thomas picked us up. He didn’t want us to miss this and he knew we were nervous driving on the highway.”
“Oh, Daddy. I’m so glad you’re here.” He hugs me and I can feel the bones in his feeble frame.
“Me too, Mony.”
He steps away and my mom greets me with a warm hug and tears in her eyes. “We have another surprise for you.” My head jerks back. “Another one? I don’t need anything else. This is amazing!”
My mom doesn’t answer, instead she steps out of the way and Luci comes into view.
“Luci!” I squeal. “How? When? I—” Unable to finish my sentence, I pull her against me and hold her close. She’s been different since the event in Miami. We haven’t seen each other much and when we have, she’s been quiet and withdrawn. I’ve been worried for a while but unable to do anything about it. “Is Titus with you?” She shakes her head and her lower lip trembles. “We can talk later,” I say so she doesn’t break down in front of everyone.
She nods. “It’s a party. Go say hi to everyone.”
“Thanks for coming, Luci. I love you!” We hug each other once more and then I make my way around the room to greet everyone.
After I get hugs and thank all the guests, Thomas’s grandmother takes the ham out of the oven and tells us all to eat. We load our plates and spend the next hour eating and talking, enjoying everyone’s company. Just when I’m feeling like the luckiest woman in the world, Thomas leans over and whispers in Gavin’s ear. “Yes!” Gavin exclaims as he pumps his fist and runs from the room.
“No running inside!” I call to him and then turn to Thomas. “Where did you send him?”
“You’ll see.” He grins, clearly excited.
Gavin returns and everyone stops to watch what’s going on. He hands me a hot pink gift bag. “Hurry, Mom! Open it!”
My hands tremble a little. “Okay, okay.” I pull out an envelope and open it to find a note in Gavin’s handwriting.
Dear Mom,
Pack your bags! Me and Thomas are taking you on an Alaskan cruise in July. It’s going to be fun! Happy birthday!
Love,
Your Two Favorite Guys
I look over at Gavin, who is now bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement, and then over to Thomas, who is smiling broadly, and then back at the bag, which also includes brochures for the cruise line and plane tickets to Seattle.
I lean forward, pulling them both into an awkward but heartfelt hug and let the tears return for the second time today. Not only is Thomas giving me a gift that checks off a major bucket-list item for me, but he’s taking my son with us. Thomas knows it’s important to me to include him in as much as possible of my life so he doesn’t miss anything. This is the perfect birthday gift.
When I lean back ready to swipe the tears from my eyes and refocus on the people around us Thomas slides out of his chair and down on one knee.
“What are you—” I start to ask before Thomas cuts me off.
“Shh…” he places a finger over my lips. “Give me a second.”
I nod, my eyes filling up all over again.
“I never thought I’d find such a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman that challenges me at every turn, but now that I have I never want to let you go. Will you marry me?”
“Thomas!” I gasp and turn quickly to check Gavin’s reaction. I needn’t have worried because my son is right by my side with an enormous grin on his face. When my focus returns to Thomas he has a blue velvet box open between us. A perfect princess cut diamond sits in the middle of a circle of rubies. It’s gorgeous!
“Of course I’ll marry you!” I cry as I knock the ring box to the floor awkwardly throwing my arms around Thomas’s neck. He holds me there for a minute before pulling back and turning to focus on Gavin. “What do you think, Buddy? Can we become a family?” Gavin crashes in to us so we can fold him into our little group hug that warms me to my core.
Finally Thomas breaks away and reaches for the ring that his brother has recovered from the floor. He pulls it out of the box and slides it on my finger. “I know it’s not traditional, but I wanted it to be as unique and beautiful as you are.”
“It’s perfect. thank you,” I return as I brush my lips against his.
***
Later that night, when the apartment is quiet and Gavin has long since fallen asleep, Thomas makes love to me slowly and sweetly, touching every part of me both physically and emotionally. He’s delicate, yet passionate tonight reminding me why we fit so perfectly together. He’s brightened my life in so many ways that I can’t even begin to name them all, but it’s nights like this that remind me to be thankful that I finally have it all. Every day that he’s in my life is luckier and more amazing than the day before.
Note from Tiffani
The organization Cayla’s Coats that I mention in Chapter 7 is a real organization that’s close to my heart. Cayla’s mother is a long time friend and I remember Cayla when she was just a bump in her mother’s belly.
Although Saving Simone is a work of fiction, the Barnes’ family reality is not. They work tirelessly to make sure that no other family experiences what they have. They are saving lives and making a difference in this world and deserve more resources to help with this mission. The scene where they are presented a $10,000 check is obviously a figment of my imagination, but I hold out hope that one day soon it won’t be. I encourage everyone to take a minute and click the link or visit the website to see what they are all about and follow them on Facebook…especially if there are young children that you love in your life.
Website: http://www.caylascoats.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Caylas
Coats/?ref=br_rs
Acknowledgments
My first thanks always goes to my husband and children. Thank you for believing in me and being my biggest source of support. I love you all more than words can express.
To my TLC crew (and the honorary members) I hope we keep laughing together for many more years to come. We’ve had some great memories that I’ll cherish always. Remember…what you find is what you find.
A huge thanks to Katie MacGregor for proofing what I always hope will be the final copy (but never is). I appreciate the time you so willing give me and the use of your eagle eyes.
Special thanks to my writer babes Judy Swinson and Kat Mizera. You ladies have encouraged me and kept me going on the days when it seemed hardest to keep writing. Thank you for watching out for me and being my personal cheerleaders. I love you both.
Cheers to my friend John Crawley for sharing his personal drink concoction The Crawley. If you like mixed drinks you need to try it!
To my readers, thank you for your time and kindness. Your support means the world to me!
Also by Tiffani Lynn
Colorado Veterans Series: https://www.tiffanilynn.com/colorado-veterans-series
Betrayal to Bliss Duo: https://www.tiffanilynn.com/betrayal-to-bliss-series
MacGregor Family Novellas: https://www.tiffanilynn.com/betrayal-to-bliss-series
Eden’s Odyssey Series: https://www.tiffanilynn.com/eden-s-odyssey-series
Rescuing Reya:
https://www.tiffanilynn.com/stand-alone-s-anthologies
You can learn more about Tiffani’s books here https://www.tiffanilynn.com/books
