Insane?

Chapter 43:

*SHAWN'S POV:

"Happy birthday to you. . ."

She sat across the table from me, her eyes sparkling as she stared intensely into mine.

"Happy birthday to you. . ."

I was surrounded by friends and family, all singing that monotonous tune that celebrates birthdays. A delicious frosted cake sat in front of me with lit candles scattering the surface—19 to be exact. Still, in that moment, everything around me was a blur except for her.

"Happy birthday dear Shawn. . ."

Nothing else mattered. I had her now—forever.

"Happy birthday to you."

I blew out the candles as everyone clapped. I swiped my finger across one of the corners to get a sneak taste of the icing. Mom smacked my arm. I stood from my seat so cutting the cake would be easier for Mom. All the parents started to chatter about the cake recipe as I slid my way to Sophie. She draped her arms around my shoulders and went on tip toes to kiss me.

"Did you make a wish?" she asked softly.

"No," I answered.

She furrowed her eyebrows and frowned, "Why not?"

I turned my head to look at the group of laughing adults, bickering about anything and everything. They were all healthy and cared about one another. It was like they were already in-laws. I gazed back down at the beautiful and healthy girl holding me and gave her my reasoning.

"I already have everything I could wish for."

Her frowned raised into a smile and she understood. Her fingers tugged at the hair on the nape of my neck as her arms grew tired from being raised.

"C'mon you two. Eat your cake!" Sophia's mother exclaimed with a mouthful.

"This is really good, Karen." Morgan said.

"Thank you, dear. It's been Shawn's favorite ever since he was little." Mom replied, taking another bite. "Amanda, you'll have to take a piece home for your mother since she had that bug to take care of."

"Did you try it yet, son?" Dad asked, walking over to me.

"I'm about to," I answered, reaching for a fork and deciding on a piece.

"Here, take this one," he laughed, smashing the cake into my face. "Happy birthday!"

"Dad!" I boasted, watching the excess cake fall to the floor. "My face is covered in frosting!"

"I'll get it," Morgan volunteered, causing Sophie to laugh and choke on the bite she was already struggling to swallow.

"Don't you even think about it!" she shrieked once she was clear to speak.

"Don't worry about it, girls. His mommy dear can help." my mom smiled, pinching my cheeks and wiping some of the icing off between her fingers.

"Mom!"

"Oh, just because you're nineteen doesn't mean you aren't my baby anymore." she giggled, kissing me on the cheek as well. "Sophia, there's some left. I'll turn my back while you get the rest. . ."

"Now that's more like it." I smirked, wiggling my eyebrows as I glanced over to her.

"I'm supposed to do what now?" she questioned as she continued to eat as my hands rested on her hips.

"Get the rest of this icing off of my mouth."

"Oh," she shrugged, putting her fork on her plate, "That's easy." Sophia then proceeded to lick her entire hand and forcefully wipe the remaining frosting from my mouth. It's not exactly the method I was hoping for. "Got it!"