Page 195 of Rebound

I close my eyes and do as she commands before blowing out the candle. Lavinia claps as I slice the cake and feed her a piece before licking the frosting off her lips.

“It’s delicious, baby. Thank you.”

Wrapping her arms around my shoulders, she kisses me deeply. “Happy birthday. I hope your wish comes true.”

As I kiss her again, I think to myself that it already did.

Lavinia reminds me to get dressed because everyone is coming over for brunch. It’s quickly become a regular thing, and it doesn’t feel so odd anymore, having people in our apartment. Kai and I are often up here talking, playing video games, or reading whenever Lavinia is out with the girls.

Her parents are the first to arrive and when Melanie hugs me now, I don’t hesitate. I even look forward to it.

“Roman, I tried that recipe you gave me, and it turned out perfectly,” Melanie says. “I brought it for you and Lavinia.”

“I’m glad you liked it,” I say, following her into the kitchen. “I can make something else for family dinner this week.”

“I hope you don’t mind Melanie and I tagging along on your Italy trip,” Aiden says.

“It was Roman’s idea, Dad.” Lavinia beams at me. It was my idea to invite her parents on our trip to Italy. I like spending time with them, and I’ve never travelled with anyone before.

“Do you think we should invite Jules and Drew as well?” Melanie asks.

Lavinia shrugs. “I’m going to leave that up to Roman. He’s the one who’s planning everything.”

We rarely cook for these brunches because it’s a lot of people, so food is often delivered from our favorite restaurant, unless we’re going out. As Lavinia and I set the table, everyone else starts to fill the apartment.

We’ve looked at a few houses we like, but none of them feel right to Lavinia. I’ll live anywhere she is. All I want is for her to have the house of her dreams. Lavinia rushes over to greet her Snack Pack as Coach walks into the kitchen.

“Being part of a team isn’t so bad, is it?” He smirks.

“Coach, it’s my birthday. You don’t have to tell me I told you so today.”

He laughs easily. “I like to say I told you so whenever I can.”

I don’t want to tell him that his I told you so is well deserved. If he hadn’t pushed me, I wouldn’t have asked Lavinia to stay married. As Lavinia walks into the kitchen and stops to give me a kiss on the cheek, I grab her hand and pull her against me.

I’m overwhelmed with the family she’s given me. It’s more than I’ve ever imagined for my life and more than I dreamed in the years when I was all alone.

“Are you happy?” She asks, looking up at me with shining eyes.

“Yeah, Blossom, I am,” I say, as we go join our family and friends.