Chapter Three
Another month and a half passed. The dawn of my birthday was crisp and clean with fall frost covering every surface outside of my window. The urge to stay in bed was overwhelming, and I almost fell back asleep before I heard a giggle from the baby monitor.
“Happy Birthday,” I whispered to myself as I stared at the ceiling. The cold floor numbed my feet as I padded to Chase’s room. The stink of a well-soiled diaper greeted me as I opened the door.
“Hi baby. You couldn’t resist giving mommy a present could you?” I joked as I lifted him from his crib and placed him on the changing table. Once finished, I heard a thump on the wall that let me know Javan had also woken up.
“You can get up buddy!” I called and was awarded with the thump of little feet hitting the ground and running.
Breakfast was simple and finished quickly. The TV was turned to PBS, and I sat Javan in front of it while I took the carrier to the bathroom so I could shower. I stayed too long in the warm water but decided I was entitled to it. After all, it was my birthday.
A few minutes later, a knock on the door interrupted my makeup routine. I dressed quickly. With Chase in my arms and a quick peek at Javan, gazing intently at Curious George, I went to the door.
“Surprise!”
Chase huffed as I jumped and gripped him tightly in shock before it was quickly replaced with joy.
“Samantha!” I cried and wrapped one arm around my wonderful friend, and then I proceeded to hug all eight of her children waiting on my doorstep.
“Come in! It’s freezing! Do you want some coffee?” I spoke with a huge grin.
“Of course, we need coffee if we’re going to eat this!” With a flourish, one of her oldest daughters presented a nine by thirteen pan with a decorated cake.
“Oh, Emily! Did you do this by yourself?” I asked the blonde girl with bashful eyes.
“Yes ma’am.”
“It’s beautiful! Thank you so much!” I hugged her again and led them all to the kitchen.
“Where’s Javan?” Michael asked.
“He’s watching Curious George.”
“Cool!” The little boy ran into the living room and slid on the carpet, only to stop
inches from where Javan sat. “Mike!” Javan called joyfully.
I smiled as I walked the rest of the way into the kitchen. Samantha was already helping herself to my cupboards and pulling down glasses and plates. I walked in and smiled as I leaned against the wall.
“Need any help?” I offered after a moment.
“Nope, it’s your birthday. It’s against the rules to work on such a special day! You.” She pointed to one of her little girls and smiled at her. “Take Mrs. Wains’ hand and have her sit in that chair over there. And you keep her there. Make sure you tell her about Sassy.” She winked at her little girl, and the beautiful pixy bobbed her head, bouncing her pigtails all over. With a tenacious grip, she took my hand and led me to the chair all the while chattering about Sassy’s kittens.
“Here you go!” A piece of chocolate cake was placed in front of me, and I inhaled deeply the rich scent of buttercream frosting and devil’s food bliss.
“Emily, if you ever open up a bakery, I will be your number one customer.” The words were spoken in reverence as I took a bite. Heavenly.
“I’m glad you like it Mrs. Wains.” A blush covered her face at my compliment. Samantha beamed with pride at her oldest daughter.
