arrive?"
"Your husband sent his plane, darling." She grins, impressed. And I laugh. "Thank you for coming, Mom." She wipes my nose with a tissue as only a mother would. "Mom!" I scold, composing myself.
"That's better. Happy birthday, darling." She steps aside while everyone lines up to hug me and wish me happy birthday.
"He's doing well, Ana. Dr. Sluder is the one of the best in the country. Happy birthday, Angel." Grace hugs me.
"You cry all you want to, Ana - it's your party." Jose embraces me.
"Happy birthday, darling girl." Carrick smiles, cupping my face.
"S'up babe? Your old man will be fine." Elliot enfolds me in his arms. "Happy birthday."
"Okay." Taking my hand, Christian pulls me from Elliot's embrace.
"Enough fondling my wife. Go fondle your fiancee."
Elliot grins wickedly at him and winks at Kate.
A waiter I hadn't noticed before presents Christian and me with glasses of pink champagne.
Christian clears his throat. "This would be a perfect day if Ray were here with us, but he's not far away. He's doing well, and I know he'd like you to enjoy yourself, Ana. To all of you, thank you for coming to share with me my beautiful wife's birthday, the first of many to come. Happy birthday, my love." Christian raises his glass to me amid a chorus of happy birthdays, and I have to fight again to keep my tears at bay.
I watch the animated conversations around the dinner table. It's strange to be cocooned in the bosom of my family, knowing the man I consider my father is on a life support machine in the cold clinical environs of the ICU. I'm detached from all the proceedings but grateful that they're all here. Watching the sparring between Elliot and Christian, Jose's ready warm wit, Mia's excitement and her enthusiasm for the food, Ethan slyly watching her. I think he likes her . . . though it's hard to tell. Mr. Rodriguez is sitting back, like me, enjoying the conversations. He looks better. Rested. Jose is very attentive to him, cutting his food, keeping his glass filled. Having his surviving parent come so close to death has made Jose appreciate Mr. Rodriguez more . . . I know. I gaze at Mom. She's in her element, charming, witty, and warm. I love her so much. I must remember to tell her. Life is so precious, I realize that now.
"You okay?" Kate asks in an uncharacteristically gentle voice.
I nod and clasp her hand. "Yes. Thanks for coming."
"You think Mr. Megabucks could keep me away from you on your birthday? We got to fly in the helicopter!" She grins.
"Really?"
"Yes. All of us. And to think Christian can fly it."
I nod.
"That's kinda hot."
"Yeah, I think so."
We grin.
"Are you staying here tonight?" I ask.
"Yes. We all are, I think. You knew nothing about this?"
I shake my head.
"Smooth, isn't he?"
I nod.
"What did he get you for your birthday?"
"This." I hold up my bracelet.
"Oh, cute!"
"Yes."
"London, Paris . . . ice cream?"
"You don't want to know."
"I can guess."
We laugh, and I blush, recalling Ben & Jerry's & Ana.
"Oh . . . and an R8."
Kate spits her wine rather unattractively down her chin, making us both laugh some more.
"Over the top bastard, isn't he?" She giggles.
For dessert I am presented with a sumptuous chocolate cake blazing with twenty-two silver candles, and a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday." Grace watches Christian singing with the rest of my friends and family, and her eyes shine with love. Catching my eye, she blows me a kiss.
"Make a wish," Christian whispers to me. In one breath I blow out all the candles, fervently willing my father better. Daddy, get well. Please get well. I love you so.
At midnight, Mr. Rodriguez and Jose take their leave.
"Thank you so much for coming." I hug Jose tightly.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world. Glad Ray's heading in the right direction."
"Yes. You, Mr. Rodriguez, and Ray have to come fishing with Christian in Aspen."
"Yeah? Sounds cool." Jose grins before he leaves to fetch his father's coat, and I crouch down to say goodbye to Mr. Rodriguez.
"You know Ana, there was a time . . . well, I thought you and Jose . . ." His voice fades, and he gazes at me, his dark gaze intense but loving.
Oh no.
"I'm very fond of your son, Mr. Rodriguez, but he's like a brother to me."
"You would have made one fine daughter-in-law. And you do. To the Greys." He smiles wistfully and I blush.
"I hope you'll settle for friend."
"Of course. Your husband