First Crush, My Forever

Chapter 128

  Gifts happen after cake because KK cannot wait any longer. She is already tugging at mine and Taytum's hands, bouncing on her toes, crown slightly crooked.

  "Okay okay," Taytum laughs. "Birthday boss says it's time."

  We move into the living room where a small pile waits on the rug. Not huge. Just enough to feel exciting. Enough to feel loved.

  Taytum sits on the floor with KK between her legs and I lower myself onto the couch, already tired but smiling so hard my cheeks ache. Taytum scoots back so she is between my legs and leans against the couch.

  "This one is from us," Taytum says, sliding the biggest box forward.

  KK rips into it like she has been waiting her whole life for this exact moment. Wrapping paper and tissue paper flies. When the fabric finally shows, she gasps so loud everyone laughs.

  It is a princess gown. Soft pink with shimmer woven through the skirt. The cape is attached at the shoulders, sheer and glittering, long enough to trail behind her.

  "A real cape," KK whispers, like she might scare it away.

  She does not wait for help. She yanks it over her head, crown sliding off, cape bunching under her arms. Taytum fixes it gently, tying the ribbon while KK stands very still like this is serious business.

  I watch her spin once, then again, cape flaring out. She laughs so hard she almost falls.

  "I'm a real princess," she declares.

  "You always were," Taytum says softly.

  There is another box from us too. Picture books and reading books for bedtime. A small backpack with butterflies on it that I picked out thinking about kindergarten. KK hugs it to her chest like she understands it means something even if she cannot name it yet. Then a Princess and the Frog playset that KK excitedly bounces over while squealing.

  Taytum's moms go next. There are dress up shoes with little heels that click against the floor and make KK immediately start stomping. A jewelry box with plastic necklaces and rings that clatter when she opens it. A storybook with an inscription written inside that makes my chest tighten when I catch a glimpse of it.

  "You're gonna lose these by tomorrow," Taytum says, holding up a bracelet.

  KK beams. "No I won't." She absolutely will.

  My parents give her art supplies. Washable paint. Big paper. Stickers. So many stickers. KK peels one immediately and sticks it to Taytum's arm.

  "I'm decorating Mama T," she explains.

  "Honored," Taytum says seriously.

  There is a stuffed animal too. A soft bunny with long ears. KK presses her face into it and rocks a little without thinking. That small instinctive comfort hits me harder than I expect.

  Taytum's brother hands over a box that rattles. It is loud, bright and something with pieces that light up and make noise. KK squeals. "This one is awesome," Taytum says dryly, looking at her brother who just grins.

  Natalie's gift comes last. It is small and wrapped carefully. KK opens it slower this time. Inside is a picture book about sisters and a sparkly headband. "I thought she might like that," Natalie says quietly.

  KK puts the headband on immediately, crooked and proud. "I love it." Natalie's shoulders drop like she has been holding them tight for years.

  By the end, the floor is covered in paper and boxes and half the gifts are already forgotten. KK is wearing the dress, the cape, the shoes, and the headband all at once. The bunny is tucked under her arm. Stickers are everywhere.