Nate Bjorn

Chapter 25

Zihana hummed as she practically skipped down the stairs on her way to the kitchen. She passed multiple people on her way. They smiled and greeted her as she joyfully hummed. The kitchen staff looked up when she made her entrance. They knew she was coming and they had everything laid out for her.

"Are ye sure that we can't bake the cake for ye?"

Zihana smiled at the head cook who couldn't be much older than herself. "No thank ye. This is something that I want to do. This is the first cake that I've ever been able to bake for Nate."

The cook nodded and gave her a sweet smile. "If ye need help just let us know."

Zihana set about making Nate a triple layered cake that was going to be dyed different shades of blue with lemon frosting. It was a weird combination, but it was a cake that Nate had always wanted baked for him. Zihana had remembered that little piece of information and had waited for the perfect time to make it.

Time flew by fast as Zihana whipped up the cake and watched it bake. She spent the time in between layers talking to the kitchen staff and helping them. She had just finished frosting the cake when Birkita breezed into the kitchen.

"Good, you're done. I hope everything went smoothly."

"It did. Was Nate kept busy?"

"Arlan and Tormond kept him busy."

Zihana giggled as she poked candles in the cake and lit them one by one. Birkita helped her and in no time they were done. Nate was turning 29, but they only put a dozen candles on the cake. Zihana picked up the cake and carefully followed Birkita out of the kitchen. They made it safely to the dining hall where Nate was with his uncle and grandfather.

"Happy birthday to ye," Zihana and Birkita began singing. Nate looked up and his face broke into a big grin.

"Ye made me a cake."

"Yes," Zihana said as she sat it on the table. It's a three layer blue cake with lemon frosting."

Nate's smile grew even bigger. "Ye remembered."

"Of course I did. I thought that it would have been a cool cake to make."

Nate blew out the candles and Zihana cut the cake. Pieces were passed around and drinks were served. Nate stepped close to Zihana and kissed her. Zihana leaned into Nate and kissed him back.

"I'm glad that ye baked me a blue cake."

"Yer welcome. I plan on giving ye yer birthday gift later tonight."

Nate cocked his eyebrow and looked curious. "Oh, can ye give me a little hint."

Zihana gave him a playful smile as she shook her head. "Nuh uh. I want it to be a surprise."

"Let us go now."

Nate and Zihana were interrupted as Zihana's family suddenly appeared. Her brother's ganged up on Nate and began picking on him good naturedly. Nate picked back. Zihana stood back with her sisters and watched. Laughter flowed all around as everyone had fun with each other.

Hours passed before Zihana and Nate were able to escape. Nate pulled Zihana out into the garden. He pulled her into his arms and began to dance slowly beneath the stars. Nate kissed Zihana gently on the forehead.

"Thank ye."

Zihana rewarded Nate with a gentle smile. "Ye welcome. Are ye ready for yer gift?"

"I've been ready since ye told me ye had a gift for me."

Zihana giggled as Nate picked her up and carried her from the garden. Zihana wrapped her arms around Nate's shoulders. It didn't take long for Nate to carry them up to his room. He opened the door and kicked it shut behind him. Nate set Zihana down and shoved her gently away from him.

Zihana giggled as she playfully swatted at him. "Close yer eyes and don't open them ntil I tell ye to."

Nate gave her a hot look before he closed his eyes. "Ye better hurry because I can't wait."