“Aiden!” I slapped his arm. “It’s my birthday; you’re supposed to be nice.”
“I didn’t say you did snore.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “I thought you’d stop being so annoying once we started dating.”
“Please. You love being annoyed by me,” he replied. “I could hardly stop when I know you enjoy it so much.”
“Feel free to stop whenever.”
He paused and placed his hand over his chin, pretending to consider my request before shaking his head. “Nah, it’s far too much fun.”
“So, I’m doomed.”
“Pretty much.” His cheeky smile became more reserved as he shifted slightly on the bed. He reached his hand behind his back and pulled out a small box wrapped in black and white paper. “Anyway, I got you something.”
“What? You didn’t have to do that. Coffee and balloons are more than enough.”
“I wanted to,” he said, passing me the gift.
“Thanks.” I slowly took it from him and smiled. Now that I looked at the wrapping paper closer, I could see the design had little ghosts all over it. I loved all things spooky, so it was perfect.
“Happy birthday,” he said. His voice was soft and quivered slightly as though he was nervous. “Sorry there’s no card. I ordered one online, but it didn’t come in time.”
“Oh, it’s fine,” I replied, as I focused on the gift. I always felt cards were a little bit useless anyway when you gave a gift in person. I started to ease the sticky tape off the paper, being careful not to tear it. As I pulled the paper back, a red velvet box was revealed.
I held my breath as I slowly opened the box and found a delicate silver chain necklace inside. It had two objects hanging from it. One was a small disk with my initials carved into it, and the other was a clear crystal that sparkled brightly when it caught the light. The design was simple but beautiful, and it was the kind of piece I could wear every day.
It warmed my heart that Aiden had gone to such effort for me. I think I would have loved his gift no matter what it was, but he’d done so well, and I couldn’t have chosen something better myself. I smiled up at him. “I love it.”
His cheeks turned pink as he smiled back at me. “I looked up your birthstone, and it’s a diamond. I couldn’t afford an actual diamond, so that’s only a glass crystal, but I’m hoping one day I can replace it.” He was rushing as he spoke, and it took me a second to realize what he was saying. Did he believe we’d still be together years from now? It probably should have freaked me out, but I was surprisingly happy at the idea.
His gift was so sweet, and I truly loved it. It was one of the most thoughtful presents I’d ever received. “Aiden, it’s beautiful. Will you help me put it on?”
He let out a breath he seemed to have been holding before he nodded. I pulled my hair to the side, and his hands faintly trembled as he lifted the chain and helped fasten it in place around my neck.
I looked down at the necklace and smiled as it settled against my skin. “It’s perfect.”
“Really?”
“Really.” I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around his neck before going in for a kiss. Our lips had barely met when my phone started ringing.
I let out a groan and drew back slightly to look into Aiden’s eyes. “I’ll ignore it.”
“And leave your adoring fans waiting to give you birthday wishes? I don’t think so.” Aiden’s tone sounded shocked, but his eyes were full of mischief.
“We couldn’t have that,” I agreed. I reached across the bed to pick up my phone from the side table. “It’s Zoey.”
“Okay, I’ll leave you to talk to her. Meet me downstairs when you’re done.”
I smiled at him and nodded, waiting for him to leave the room before I answered the call. Zoey’s face appeared on screen, and she immediately started to sing happy birthday to me. She really belted out the tune, not the least bit embarrassed.
“Thanks, Zo,” I said, a wide smile on my face.
“Happy birthday, girl! How does it feel to be eighteen?”
“About the same as seventeen,” I replied. “I still don’t like mornings, and my coffee addiction is as strong as ever.”
Zoey laughed but quickly narrowed her eyes on my neck. “Is that a new necklace?” she