An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Her Birthday

STEF POV

FLASHBACK

As I stepped into my hot New York City apartment after a long day of work, I hated the fact that I had gotten stuck yet again. I was supposed to be home at four and of course that didn't happen because people decided to be even more stupid than just a few days ago on the fourth. Plus with the shortage of NYPD cops it was almost written on the wall that we would be working extra shifts, no questions asked. I was hoping it would be different today especially since it was Lena's birthday, and the first one where we were actually together as a couple. I had really wanted to do something special for her today and I was hoping to do just that on my day off as the apartment is quiet considering it is past 11.

Setting her favorite cheesecake down on the table that I had gotten from Juniors, I see balloons and cards on the table. I smile as I set my own card down, one I had wanted to give to Lena in person as the small hall light flicks on and I turn around to see her in nothing but my tee shirt.

"Hey, I'm so sorry I got caught up, baby."

"It's okay. I know how your job is." She says as she walks over to me as her beautiful curls are out and I pull her closer to me kissing her on her lips.

"Happy Birthday, baby. To my world, my Queen, the absolute love of life. I love you so much, Lena. I do."

"I love you too, babe." She smiles as I pull a small present out the chest pocket of my uniform shirt and place it in her hand as she looks into my eyes smiling.

"Happy Birthday. I hope you like it, my love."

"When did you have time to get me anything, silly?"

"I always have time for you, my love." I say as she happily opens it and pulls out the little necklace I got her that has the letter S and L attached as she looks back into my eyes and I can see hers are starting to water.

"It symbolizes us, love. That our love is forever and will stand the test of time. There's no other option for me, baby, and I know I'm not always easy to live with but it's only you for me. And I know that I have my days, but please know that I love you. Because if it's not you it's no one for me. I hope you know how much I love having you here, and us finally being together. It's...it's all I ever wanted. Please know that, sweetheart." She smiles wiping her tears as I lean in kissing her soft lips as she looks back into my eyes.

"It's beautiful, Stef. It is and I love you too. And I love being here with you, and it's all I ever wanted myself. Just to finally be with you and tell you that I love you everyday, and to make love everyday and well...this means a lot. It really does, baby." She cups my cheek now as I smile widely at her and place the necklace around her neck grabbing her hand and softly kissing it.

"Come here, baby. Come dance with me." Holding her by her waist she presses her forehead on mine as I softly sing to her.

I believe in you
You know the door to my very soul
You're the light in my deepest, darkest hour
You're my savior when I fall
And you may not think I care for you
When you know down inside that I really do
And it's me you need to show

How deep is your love?
How deep is your love?
How deep is your love?
I really mean to learn
'Cause we're living in a world of fools
Breaking us down when they all should let us be
We belong to you and me...

I sing as we sway back and forth together, and I find my hands moving slowly up her backside and under the tee she is wearing as I touch her smooth, warm skin and she pulls back as she smiles widely at me as she begins to unbutton my uniform shirt.