Stephan(57)

I watched as the puppy ran around everyone and came back and licked me. He was full of energy and the perfect pet. “Fido.” I’d always wanted a pet and I loved having the cartoon dog name.

“Okay, Fido it is. We’ll go out and get him a collar and name tag before the game.”

I looked up at Stephan. “I can’t leave him to go to the game or the shops. He’s just a baby.”

Stephan’s eyes narrowed behind me and Derick laughed. “Jade, we have things planed. Fido will be fine here. Mum and Dad are home to be with him.”

I clutched Fido to me. I didn’t want to leave him. “You can go to rugby without me. I’ll see you when you get home.”

“Good job, genius. You couldn’t wait until like Christmas or something to give her a puppy?” Stephan growled at Derick.

“Hey, leave Derick alone. Fido is the best present ever. Thanks, Derick.” Derick preened and I laughed when Stephan went for him wrapping his fingers around Derick’s neck and they fell to the ground wrestling. Fido thought it was awesome and joined in jumping on their back and nipping at them.

This was the best birthday I’d ever had.

*****

The rugby game had been embarrassing. Stephan wouldn’t let me get out of my party dress and he carried me to the seats. My friends ooh’d and ahh’d over Stephan’s behavior and all his gifts. I told them about my car and Fido.

I’d spent the afternoon with Evelin in the family room with a group of beauty specialists getting a massage, my hair done, and make-up. Evelin had helped me into a sparkling cream ball gown with gorgeous matching diamante covered shoes. I felt like a princess.

I now sat in a limo with Stephan, who looked scrumptious in a tux. When he’d come to get me I almost jumped him he looked so yummy. “Are you going to tell me where we are going?”

“Nope. It’s a surprise.”

I sat next to him and held his arm. “Thank you so much for today. It’s been amazing.”

He kissed my forehead. “I’m glad you’ve had a great day.”

Tilting my head I kissed him. He looked so good and my day had been so wonderful. I wanted to climb on him and show him just how grateful I was. My tongue searched for his and I leaned in closer, eager for more. I inwardly grinned when his arms came around me and held me to him. I bunched the long dress up my thighs and climbed over his lap.

He eased his mouth from mine. “Little bit, we have to stop.”

Oh God I didn’t want to. He felt so good and my body arched for him. I pouted and he laughed. “I never thought I would see you pout.”

I stuck my tongue out.

“I’d love to go home with you, but we are here. ”

I groaned and buried my face into his neck. How had I not felt the car stop? Groaning, I eased off him. “Where are we?” I checked my hair and knew how I must look.

“I wouldn’t bother, little bit. They’re going to know.” His fingers came up and traced my lip. “These are puffy and your cheeks are flushed.”

“Who are ‘they’?”

“You’ll see. Let’s go.” He opened the door and a man in suit held it open and helped us out.

I looked around to see we were at The Beaches Returned and Services League, it sat almost on the beach. Stephan took my arm and guided me into the RSL. Once inside he took me up the stairs and to double doors. At the door he gathered me to him. “I love you.” He kissed me and I melted against him. With a moan he eased away and opened the door pushing me into the room.

The room was covered in balloons, streamers, and a huge sign that said, Happy Birthday Jade. I gazed around and saw all my friends, Jess and all my old friends, Stephan’s guy friends and all my new friends along with Stephan’s parents, his cousins, Cassie’s parents, and Jess’s mother.

Emotions like I’d never felt before bombarded me: gratitude, amazement, happiness, and a deep love. I couldn’t stop the tears and I didn’t care. I turned back to Stephan. “You did this all for me?”

“Cassie helped.” He nodded over at Cassie. I didn’t turn. I didn’t care that everyone was staring at me, I was too busy gazing at the amazing man in front of me.

“Why did you do this?”

“I love you. I would do anything for you. All I ever want for you is to be safe and happy.”

There it went. My heart was now Stephan’s.





Chapter Fourteen





Jade





HSC trials started this week and all I’d done was study, walk Fido around the property, and taken driving lessons, oh and studied some more. Tonight the girls and I were going out. Stephan was due home soon and I intended to be gone before he came in.