The sun had barely risen when your alarm blared. You groaned, groggily turning it off and rubbing your eyes. It was your birthday, but somehow, it didn’t feel much like one. Work at the hospital was bound to be hectic, as always, and you hadn’t heard so much as a “happy birthday” from anyone—no calls, no messages. It stung a little, especially since your boyfriend, Anthony, had only sent a quick Happy Birthday text. You knew he was busy with the Dodgers and their packed season schedule, but a small part of you had hoped he’d find a way to surprise you.
Still, you pushed the thought aside, grabbed your scrubs, and started your day. The day turned out to be as busy as expected, with a non-stop flood of patients and tasks that kept you on your toes. Throughout your shift, you kept glancing at your phone, hoping for a message from Anthony or anyone else. Nothing. Each time you looked, a small pang of disappointment followed.
By the time you clocked out, you felt drained—not just physically but emotionally too. You knew you should have been happy; you had people in your life who cared for you, and birthdays didn’t have to be a big deal. But it still hurt to feel forgotten.
Finally, you pulled into the parking lot of your and Anthony's apartment complex. You dragged yourself up the stairs, feeling the weight of the day pulling you down. Yournmind wandered back to Anthony, wondering if he really had forgotten or if he was simply too busy. “It’s okay,” you told yourself quietly, trying to ease your disappointment. “You knew he had a full schedule…”
As you turned your key and opened the door, your breath hitched. The lights were dimmed, and soft twinkling fairy lights were strung up around the living room. Balloons in shades of gold and blush pink floated around the room, and the faint scent of vanilla from a lit candle on the kitchen counter filled the air.
“Happy Birthday!” Anthony’s voice called out, coming from behind a wall of hanging decorations. He stepped out with a wide grin, holding a small cake with “Happy Birthday Y/N” written on it in icing.
Your hands went to your mouth as your eyes filled with surprise. “Anthony… you did all this?” your voice was barely above a whisper.
“Of course,” he said, setting the cake down on the table and walking over to you. “You didn’t think I’d actually not do anything for you, did you?”
You looked away, slightly embarrassed. “I mean… you just sent a quick text and no one else said anything, and I know you’re busy…”
Anthony gently cupped your face, his eyes soft and reassuring. “Hey, I’d never forget your birthday. I just wanted it to be a surprise. You mean the world to me, Y/N.”
Your lips curved into a smile as you took in everything he’d done. “I thought everyone had forgotten.”
He gave you a look of mock offense. “Hey, I’d never forget about my favorite person’s special day. I just needed you to not suspect anything so it’d be a real surprise.” He chuckled and pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry I made you think I’d forgotten or not cared though.”
You buried your face in his chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace. “No, I’m sorry… I should’ve known better.”
The two of you stood there for a moment before he pulled back, holding your hand. “Come on, birthday girl. I made us dinner, too. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s from the heart.”
He led you over to the dining area, where he’d set up a cozy little dinner with a few of your favorite dishes. There were candles, a small bouquet of flowers, and a playlist softly playing in the background.
“This… this is perfect,” you said, feeling her emotions rise again. “Thank you, Anthony.”
He grinned, pulling out a chair for you to sit down. “Anything for you.”
As the the two of you ate, the two if you laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed each other’s company. For the first time that day, you felt the birthday joy you’d been missing. When they finished eating, Anthony brought over the cake, lighting the small candles on top.
“Make a wish,” he whispered, his gaze soft and filled with affection.
You closed your eyes, making a simple wish for happiness and love, then blew out the candles. Anthony cheered, clapping his hands as if she’d achieved something monumental, and you smiled.
Afterward, the two of you cuddled up on the couch, your head resting against his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around you, holding you close.
“Thank you for making today so special,” you murmured, looking up at him.
He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “Thank you for being you, Y/N. I know I’m gone a lot with games and practices, but I never want you to doubt how much I love you.”
Your heart swelled as you looked into his eyes. “I love you too, Anthony. This was the best birthday surprise I could’ve asked for.”
The two of you sat there together in comfortable silence, content in each other’s presence, the disappointment of the day long forgotten.
Requested by sportyspice1524 I hope you enjoy! Thank you so much for reading and part 2 is coming out soon. Feel free to leave a request.
Also quick A/N I went to the parade yesterday and it was AMAZING! I saw everyone including Flaherty, Hernandez, Banda, Beuhler, everyone! It was Heaven!
