Ain't Nobody Like You

Chapter Forty-Two

July, 2001

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Katie!" a chorus of my loved ones sing to me, "Happy birthday to you!"

I blow out the candles on my cake and everyone cheers as it's taken away to be cut up. For my 24th birthday we're in Miami at Angie's beach house. Her, her boyfriend Trey, Marshall, the girls, Bree, Murphy and Sarah, Proof, Denaun, Bizarre, Swifty, Kuniva, Tony and Jax, Jeff and Paul, Nate, Dre, Nicole and Truice, we're all here for a pool party BBQ. 

I didn't want to do anything big. Honestly I still hate celebrating my birthday, but Hailie and Lainey wanted a party so of course we obliged. Marshall called up Angie and Bree and the five of them planned this. There's my favorite cake- yellow with chocolate frosting- an inflatable jumpy for the kids, Angie's pool to swim in- which we have been for most of the afternoon, plenty of food on the grill, and music playing on the stereo. Balloons and streamers here and there as well as a birthday sign hung up high on the balcony for everyone to see. It's very laid back and perfect.

Marshall wraps his arms around me from behind, kissing me on the top of my head, "Happy birthday baby."

"Thank you." I rub my hand up and down his arm, "For all of this."

"Anything for you." He kisses my neck, hands drifting over my bare mid-drift where it's exposed from my bikini. He couldn't care less that everyone can see us and honestly, neither could I. 

"So...what did you get me?"

He chuckles, warm air against my ear, "You'll see. There's a 'lil somethin' for you here from me and the girls. But your big present is at home."

I turn in his arms to face him with a grin, "Big present?" He nods, "What is it?"

He scoffs, "I'm not tellin' you. It's a surprise."

"Is it a puppy?" He shakes his head. I pout, "Come on. Give me a hint. Please."

"All you need to know is you're gonna love it. I promise."

I'm sure I will. I love everything he gets me. And he's always spoiling me. Whether it's making me breakfast or buying me something just because. My mind races with all the possibilities of what he could have gotten. We both know I would be happy with a card or time spent together, but when you have the means to, you spoil the one you love and that's okay too. It's not about the money being spent, it's about the thought being put in. 

Sarah comes over to us with a slice of cake each for Marshall and I, her pregnant stomach protruding out in front. At six months, her belly has really popped. It's adorable. 

"What are you doing serving Sar? Have Murphy get you some cake and relax." I tell her.

She laughs, "Don't worry about me. I already ate a huge piece. I'm just making sure everyone gets their share before Nicole and I eat the rest."

I laugh with her. The other pregnant lady Nicole is ready to pop at any moment. Like Sarah, she's been proudly showing off her bump all day. I take my plate from her, but Marshall kindly denies his. 

"I'm good. You can give the baby mine." He winks.

"You're a sweetheart Em. The baby thanks you." She says, rubbing her belly and walking away eating her slice of cake happily. 

Before I can take a bite, Marshall swipes some frosting with his finger. 

"Hey!" I complain, but he just smirks and offers his finger out to me. Without breaking eye contact, I open my mouth and- slowly, sensually- suck it clean. "Delicious."