𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 | 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐢

H.B.D.

A few weeks after the intense fight I had with Cheryl, things were finally starting to calm down. Just in time for her birthday!

I started the day scrambling eggs as the twins gushed over their mom's birthday.

"Do old people like video games?" Casey asked with genuine curiosity.

"Guys, if we want to find the perfect gift we need to think about what your mom likes. Starting with what kind of person she is." I said gently.

"Old!" The young boy shouted.

When I shot him a blank stare, he shrugged his shoulders and continued with a sheepish, "And.. nice?"

I sighed with a soft smile, "Yes. Old and nice. But your mom is also caring and hardworking. She loves you guys so much and I'm sure she'll do anything to protect you both. What about a delicious dinner tailor-made just for her?"

"-I hope I'm not making a big deal out of another trip around the sun."

I looked up just as Cheryl entered the room, adjusting her blazer.

"Good morning, everyone." She greeted.

"Happy birthday, Cheryl. Sleep well?"

She looked at me intently before rubbing her neck. "Could've been better."

"Happy birthday, Mom!" The twins cheered. "You don't look a day over a hundred!"

I held back a laugh as Cheryl slipped onto the stool next to Casey and ruffled his hair.

"Well, that's a relief." She wiped the pretend sweat from her forehead.

"Yeah, what's your secret? For someone so ancient, you look pretty incredible." I teased.

"Drinking lots of water and.." Her eyes lingered on me for a moment. "steering clear of beautiful women."

She then cleared her throat before gathering her things for work. "I'll see you all in the evening. Case, don't burn the house down. Chels, watch your brother."

"What? But I'm older!" Casey protested.

"Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on him, Mom!" Chelsea nodded, patting her brother on the head.

Without another word, Cheryl briskly headed out the door for work.

. . .

Later that day, the twins, Marcus and I, walked through a local farmer's market looking for inspiration for Cheryl's birthday dinner.

"Alright, what should we make your mom for her birthday dinner?" I asked.

"Chicken nuggets! With a side of quesadillas!"

"And mozzarella sticks!"

"I'm not sure we'll be able to find those here." I turned to the driver. "Marcus, you know Cheryl better than I do. Any suggestions?"

"Ms. Blossom is a woman with a sophisticated palate. You can't go wrong with a gourmet meal made from fresh ingredients. But.. she's also a woman who appreciates the simple things in life. I've been through my share of drive-trus with her. You can't go wrong either way." He laughed.

"Hm.. I say let's go all out. Fancy charcuterie board to start, then a beautiful filet mignon over risotto. What do you think, guys? Can you help me with that?"

The twins looked at each other, then at me. "Uh.. okay?"

"Then let's get started."

I started putting ingredients in the basket and before I knew it, we were back in the car heading to the penthouse.