Sugar Rush

09- Them Kids, Not Kids Kids

“Wait for me Liam.” I told him.

“Okay.” He nodded and trailed me going to the back of the truck.

Opening it, I prayed nothing had happened. Sure the road had no bumps and we didn’t really swivel out of the way nor did I make any sharp turns but still. Anything could happen and I could destroy Allie’s cake.

I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw everything was still intact. I mentally sent a prayer of thanks.

Fishing my phone from my jeans, I dialed Blake’s and he picked up on the third ring.

“Bethany?” his familiar voice was on the other line.

“Hi. Uh, I’m outside now.” I mutter, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. “Should I just go in or is this cake a surprise?”

“Uh,” he hesitated. “No just stay right there. I’ll go get you.”

“Mm, okay.”

I climbed inside and took out a trolley table that was tightly strapped on the sides and placed the cake on top when I was already down.

“Bethany.” A voice came from behind me.

I turned around and found Blake in a grey button down shirt and in dark charcoal jeans. His hair wasn’t the same as I saw him this morning. His usual slightly gelled back hair was now in messy but in a good way look like he had ran his fingers through them at least ten times.

“Blake.” I acknowledged him.

He raised his index finger and motioned me to follow him. Liam was in tow too.

Blake led us to the back door and stopped us from entering.

“Go in about thirty seconds after me, straight to the living room.” He ordered, his gray eyes on the white painted wooden door.

I nodded in response as Blake headed in with Liam. I was now alone outside, tapping my foot at the ground, mentally counting to thirty.

It wasn’t hot out anymore. The sun was about to set, sending beautiful colors through the horizon. Looking at the multi colored sky, I admired the different shades of purple and orange that decorated it. Birds in flocks soared through the sky making the view even more beautiful.

I frowned. It was never this beautiful at home.

Taking out a lighter from my pocket, I started igniting the makeshift fireworks.

Twenty nine.

Thirty.

I came to a stop and opened the door. Sliding my way in through the bustling kids, I finally made it to the living room where everyone’s eyes and attention were directed at me. The kindling sparks literally caught everyone’s attention, even Blake’s.

Allie who was dressed in a pink dress that somehow made her look like a Disney princess had a huge grin on her face as she stared at the cake wide eyed, her jaw dropped. Blake looked pretty impressed himself, with his arms crossed over his well-built chest, his head nodding with a small smile playing on his lips.

When I reached them, Blake announced.

“Surprise.” He picked up Allie from the ground so that she was now eye level with the cake. “Happy birthday princess. Do you like it?”

Allie opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She just nodded dynamically and threw her arms around her father’s neck.

“Thank you!” she squealed and clapped her hands excitedly.