His Little Amelia

|89| • Amelia

They were all here.

The more I looked around, the more tears welled up in my eyes.

Papa was here, Abel and Ramona too! Binta and Kaji were grinning from ear to ear while Arnold stood in between them. Gabe — Evie's friend was also here with the pretty lady I'd met. Willow Rue and some of Evie's friends from the workshop were also here!

They came all the way here for me?!

How? I couldn't even begin to imagine the journey they had to make to come here!

Why?! Was this all for me? Little old me?! It was just my birthday! Oh my, I didn't even know what to say, or what to think! My face was wet, thank God the makeup I had on was waterproof.

I hiccuped, sobbing into my palms.

"I told you she'd cry," Abel said and the rest laughed. Embarrassed, I hid my head in Evie's chest. Everest...he planned this all along? So he proposed going to the beach when they were already here? Evie put his hands around me, rubbing my head.

"Don't cry, baby." He cooed, rubbing my head. How couldn't I cry? They all came from God knows where all because of my birthday! This was one of the best birthdays I'd had and we hadn't even started the party! "C'mon, baby." Everest mused, holding my waist.

Sniffling, I nodded; turning back to face them. My hand clasped my mouth. "You guys! Thank you so much! I...I don't even know what to say! When did you all get here? And all of you! For me?"

I was rambling, not being able to form words. But how could I not?

"And Papa! You came all the way! I can't believe it! Abel too!" I ran words them. Papa steadied me in his arms, hugging me. "Happy birthday my girl." He said, kissing my forehead. I almost started bawling again. Seeing his smile warmed my heart. I hugged Abel as well, then Ramona.

"You came!"

"Of course I did, your man invited us." I blushed at her words. So Evie planned this entire thing? I couldn't imagine how long it took him to plan this entire thing. When I was done hugging Ramona, I went to Gabe and Penelope who wore beautiful smiles. Gosh, how long had it been since I'd seen them? "Gabe! Penelope! It's so lovely to see you both!" I squealed as they both hugged me.

"How's my sister-in-law doing?" Gabe teased and Penelope nudged him with an eye roll. My eyes trailed over the glistening diamond ring on her finger. Oh, they were engaged now? And sister-in-law? I blushed, admittedly taking in the thought. "I'm doing great! Thank you so much for coming!"

"Saving the best for last!" Binta uttered, giggling with Kaji and Willow Rue. Of course, how could I forget them? Skipping over to them with a big smile, I practically jumped on Binta who would be able to carry my weight which she did, twirling me around. "I didn't get any message from you all so I thought you forgot!" I admit, getting down to hug the rest. Kaji snorted, "Forget? How would we?" I hugged Arnold as well, thanking them all.

I couldn't imagine how far they had to drive because of this.

"Again, thank you all for coming. I appreciate it!" I said after going to stand behind Everest. They nodded and we all made our way to what seemed like a large set-up. It was a round table, along with a large umbrella giving us shade.

Still in awe, Evie intertwined our hands, smiling cheekily. "I can't believe you did all this!" I whispered to him and he snickered. "I hid it well, didn't I?" He said triumphantly and I nodded eagerly. He did! At most, I thought it would be a cute dinner but this was far better! All my closest people were with me. I couldn't ask for anything better.

"I'm pretty sure the birthday girl is still starstruck so how about we start with something light?" Ramona said, leaning in with a smirk. "I'm thinking we order some drinks and play a game!" Abel nodded in agreement.