Jim Taylor | COMPLETED

Chapter seventeen - "A birthday party"

"What's wrong?" Sarah looked at Peter.

"Police got the man who is accused kidnapping Jim,".

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Peter. Happy Birthday to you!" Peter woke up to a birthday song. It was sung by her wife Sarah, of course. Leslie was sitting on her lap while she was on the edge of the bed.

Sarah held a beautiful middle-sized cake. 42 candles dipped into it. It was the number how old Peter was going to be on that day.

"Please, don't fall asleep, Peter," Sarah smiled.

Peter moved into comfortable position and blew out the candles.

"It is really pretty,".

"Did you make a wish as well?" the woman asked.

"I have everything I need. There's nothing more I could wish for," Peter kissed her wife on the lips.

"Get ready and come to the kitchen," Sarah said and walked towards the kitchen with the cake carefully.

Peter sighed and looked out the window.

"42...". "I'm getting old,".

Peter and Sarah didn't plan a big party. Just three of them. No guests invited. The woman made the delicious salad and ordered another cake from her friend. Peter, though, was working on the computer. Kept emailing Jim's doctor to be sure everything is okay out there.

Even Mac and Joe weren't invited to Wilmette. They were like a golden triple but sooner or later, the boys were going to wish him a happy birthday. Guys never forgot Peter's birthday, neither did Peter forget theirs.

About 5 o'clock pm, Sarah started setting the table with all kind of delicious food. She asked Peter to help her out. He enjoyed helping his wife but never had that kind time to do it. Now, when the man was removed from work temporarily, Peter wanted to enjoy all moments with his little family.

The table was served modestly. Just like Peter wished for. A salad, middle-sized cakes and some snacks. Leslie was too little to get different food to eat; he had to accept the milk and puree. A quantity of alcohol was just like romantic people usually have on their table. A bottle of red and sparkling wine. There was always more in the basement but the family wasn't really fond of it. Mostly, the alcohol was kept for bigger parties or when Sarah and Peter planned to have a romantic night together.

"I wish all good for you, baby. Happy Birthday!" Sarah toasted.

Peter smiled widely. He hadn't been so happy for a long time. Of course, news about Jim healing was also a great one.

"Thank you, Sarah. You are the love of my life!" Peter kissed his wife.

"Let's eat and then... We are going to lay down on the couch, and watch a good movie,".

"Wonderful idea, my love!" Peter nodded.

The family of Taylor enjoyed each other' company for a while.

"Your parents haven't called to wish you all the best for you!" Sarah said.

"I don't mind. I'm not like a seven-year-old anymore to be wished happy birthday at 7 o'clock in the morning," Peter laughed.

"Still... Does the hospital know that you celebrate your birthday today? In a case of inviting you there,".

"They do. Doctor Hernandez already wished me a happy birthday. We are keeping a touch by the email,".

"Good! Are you finished?" Sarah asked, looking at Peter's empty plate.

"Yeah! It was really delicious. Thank you!" Peter smirked.

Sarah stood and picked Leslie up of the floor. Peter followed her to the living room with a bottle of wine and wine glasses.

They got comfortable on the couch and Peter turned the TV on.

"It's going to be a good night!" Sarah looked deeply into Peter's eyes.

"Every night with you is wonderful. You have given me a reason to breathe. To live. To love again. Everything good is happening because of you. You have given me a life that I've always wanted. Children included," Peter poured wine into their glasses.

"Toast to the best husband!".

"And toast to the best wife in the world!".

They took a sip of their wine and Peter put theirs back on the table. He took Sarah into her chest and watched different movies and shows that came from the TV.

Minutes became hours. Deep romantic conversations. Unforgettable moments.

A phone ring.

"It must be your parents, baby,".

"Actually, no. It's an unknown number,". Peter answered the call. "Hello? It's Peter you are calling!".

"Peter?" a woman's voice was the one he heard.

"Rachel?".

Peter's face turned pale white. It's was really her. It was Rachel's voice from the phone. Nervously, he walked to the window.

"What do you want, Rachel?".

"To hear your voice, Peter, my love. Please, don't hang up. It's your day. Happy Birthday! An age of 42. I never forgot,".

"Bitch, where the fuck are you?".

"I'm going to tell you everything. Please, don't hang up. We need to meet. Right now. Hear me out!".

"What? Are you spying near my house?".

"I didn't have another choice, Peter..."

Without saying a word to his wife, Peter put on his flip-flops and ran outside with the phone. By that time, the call was ended.

Looking around in the neighbor hood, Rachel wasn't near. No strange women. Nothing.

A phone rang again. From unknown number.

"Rachel?". "You were supposed to be here!".

"I am. I still am. Happy Birthday, Peter! I have always loved you and I always will..."

Call ended.

Still nothing. The people walking down the streets didn't seem Rachel to Peter. Until there was a dark-headed woman near the tree at the other side of the road. Dark sunglasses covering his eyes. She was so far away, Peter couldn't see clearly if it was Rachel or not.

But she clearly was staring at him. Putting phone back to the pocket of jeans.