Summer Nights

66: 'Happy Birthday Angel...'

I grin wildly as I clutch Violet close to my chest, Sammy and Luke were putting up the specially designed 'Happy Birthday' banner while Autumn sits on the floor blowing up white, gold and black balloons.

'So how many people are coming tonight?' Sammy asks.

'Around twenty, I already had one of Rocky's friends number from his boxing match and he helped me organise it.'

'Is he single?' Sammy quickly asks.

I laugh softly, 'I have no idea, I didn't ask.'

'Well you should have this man has needs.'

'So what did you get him for his birthday?' Autumn asks slightly breathless as she holds up a poorly inflated balloon.

Luke looks over at me before winking, I scrunch my nose up at him, 'It's a surprise, do you guys remember the dress code?'

Sammy tilts his head as he nods, 'Yeah but what I don't understand is that we're having this at your mom's house, why is it black-tie?'

My eyes widen for a brief second, 'B-Because I like to be fancy.'

'Hmm...'

'Don't hmm me!'

'Too late I already did.'

I turn my head when I see Brooke walk into the room holding two bottles of champagne in her hands, 'Are you sure that you want me here tonight sweetie? Isn't it more of a younger people's party?'

I shake my head, 'No Rocky's grandad and brother are coming as well, speaking of his grandad I need to pick him up soon.'

'Has he met Vi yet?'

I frown slightly, 'No his health has really deteriorated, the doctors think it's only a matter of weeks he has left.'

'Aw I'm sorry honey.' Brooke whispers as she wraps an arm around me tightly, 'I know how much you care for him.'

Hot tears burn my eyes, 'I just need to be strong for Rocky.'

'You don't have to be strong all the time, everyone in this room is here to help you pick up the pieces.'

A smile of pure gratitude explodes onto my lips as my heart squeezes tightly, 'I know, you're the best people I know.'

...

I smooth down my white flowy dress before I push Violet's pram into Arlo's room, my heart aches when I notice how hallow his cheeks on and how the light in his eyes has dimmed every so slightly.

I force a bright grin onto my face, 'I always said you'd look handsome in a suit.'

Arlo's entire face lights up as he wobbles over to us, 'My two girls have arrived!' 

My heart aches wildly as I wrap my arms around the older man, 'I've missed you.'

'I've missed you more kid. Is this my great-granddaughter?' He asks as he peers around to see the pram.

'It is, Violet meet your great-pops.' I say softly.

'She's absolutely beautiful.' He whispers as his eyes begin to gloss over, 'I'm so glad that I've got to see her.'

I strangle the sob that's threatening to escape, 'Me too.'

'Does Robert know I'm coming?'

'It's a surprise.'

'Well he best be grateful, I know I still look handsome and fit, I'm actually getting terribly old.'

...