Today. Tomorrow. Always (Free Falling, #3.5)(16)

I hurried upstairs to change my clothes, and came back down just as my parents showed up. I heard my father’s voice before I saw him, causing me to rush down the steps even quicker.

The words “Baby Girl” accompanied my father scooping me up into his arms. A kiss went to my cheek and I did my best not to cry, but it was always like this for me. I wished my parents had taken the same plunge as AJ’s, moving here to be closer, but I couldn’t expect that. My father’s patients were too dependent on him and he was far too dedicated to ever consider it. Still, a girl can dream.

My mother consumed me in her arms next. “I know we were just here a few months ago, but I missed you like it’s been years,” she confessed with a laugh. “Just let me make a fuss over you for a little longer.”

I was content with letting her hold on as long as she wanted to, but the sight of Anthony suddenly changed her focus. I was released and shoved aside like a ragdoll. Me and Daddy burst out laughing as she nearly snatched my son from AJ’s mother’s arms. Emi was used to her by now and just smiled.

My mother kissed all over Anthony for a few seconds and then finally came to her senses and embraced Emi as well. They exchanged compliments on one another’s accessories and shoes for a while and then shifted to talk of the grandson they shared… like always.

“How much longer before my son gets here?” My father asked, referring to AJ. It never got old hearing him call him that—his son.

“Terrell sent Maisha a text and said they should be here in about twenty minutes. Did you guys park around the corner like I said?”

My father nodded. “Yeah, he won’t see the car.”

I nodded. “Good. Do you and mom mind going out onto the patio with everyone else?” I asked.

“Not as long as I can take my baby,” my mother countered, making Emi laugh again.

“Yes, Ma, you can take the baby.”

She grinned and then went willingly.

It dawned on me that I’d left my gift for AJ upstairs, buried deep within the closet. On my way up, I found myself feeling a bit nervous about giving it to him. He was an easy guy to shop for, never particular, but this year I wanted my gift to be special, something he wouldn’t expect.

I was pretty sure I’d accomplished that.

All the guests were in place and Dee and Karl finally slipped in at the last possible second. I managed to get them all in and quiet right before Terrell sent his final text: “We’re down the street.”

I glanced at my gift perched at the end of the table beside the others, and a smile crossed my face.

I hoped he’d love it.

*****

AJ

Terrell had been acting weird all day, but then again, it was hard to tell with him. I turned into the driveway and parked beside his and Maisha’s car because it didn’t make sense to pull into the garage when we all had plans to head out in a little while anyway. Sam mentioned in passing that we’d be hanging out since it was my birthday.

“I’m starving,” Terrell said as we walked toward the front of the house.

“You work up an appetite when you lose?” I asked.

He shoved me in my back. “Whatever, man. I let you win ‘cause it’s your birthday,” was his excuse.

I laughed at his never-ending stream of BS.

The lock clicked and we stepped into the silent house. It was quieter than it should’ve been—no TV, the little one wasn’t all over the place.

Quiet.

When I glanced at Terrell, he shrugged. “Maybe they’re out back”.

He was probably right. Sam liked to take Anthony in the pool on Saturdays when the weather permitted, so we headed that way.

I dropped my bag beside the living room couch and pulled back the blinds. The next second, I was nearly given a heart attack when a cloud of familiar faces and a loud “Surprise!” filled the air.

Terrell was grinning beside me, which meant he was in on it all along. Apparently him and Maisha coming this weekend wasn’t as innocent as I’d thought.

“Happy birthday, man.” His large hand hit the center of my back.

Sam yanked the sliding door open and I pulled her into my arms.

“Did we get you?” she asked.

The answer should’ve been apparent if she felt my heart beating through my shirt. I kissed her when she leaned in. “Get me? You nearly killed me.”

She laughed and stepped aside so I could greet the rest of our guests, some of which had come a pretty long way.

Karl shook my hand and gave me a rough hug. “Getting old, man.”

“You’re only a month behind me, so watch it,” I replied.

My response made him chuckle as Dee stepped from behind him. I brought her in for a hug, too.

“Happy birthday,” she sang.

“Thanks. I can’t believe you guys came all this way.”

She waved me off. “Please, as soon as Sam said the word ‘party’ we marked our calendars.”

Everyone was here. Everyone. Sam’s parents, too. I went to them next.

“Happy birthday, son.” I shook Mr. Kelley’s hand and embraced Sam’s mother when she repeated his words. It was always good to see them.

“Thank you both for coming.” I really was overwhelmed by all of this.

I looked around at all the trouble Sam had gone through. Still tucked beneath one of my arms, I glanced down at her, kissing her once again. She followed me over to where my mother and father stood beside the pool.