ctive wearing it. I know Christian approves.
At first, I think we’re headed for the private dining room where we first
discussed the contract, but he leads me past that doorway and on to the far
end where he opens the door to another wood paneled room.
“Surprise! ”
Oh my. Kate and Elliot, Mia and Ethan, Carrick and Grace, Mr. Rodriguez
and José, and my mother and Bob are all there raising their glasses. I stand
gaping at them, speechless. How? When? I turn in consternation to
Christian, and he squeezes my hand. My mom steps forward and wraps her
arms around me. Oh, Mom!
“Darling, you look beautiful. Happy birthday.”
“Mom!” I sob, embracing her. Oh Mommy, Mommy, Mommy. Tears stream
down my face despite of the audience, and I bury my face in her neck.
“Honey, darling. Don’t cry. Ray will be okay. He’s such a strong man. Don’t
cry. Not on your birthday.” Her voice cracks, but she maintains her
composure. She grasps my face in her hands and with her thumbs wipes
away my tears.
“I thought you’d forgotten.”
“Oh, Ana! How could I? Seventeen hours of labor is not something you easily
forget.”
I giggle through my tears. She smiles.
“Dry your eyes, honey. Lots of people are here to share your special day.”
I sniff, not wanting to look at anyone else in the room, embarrassed and
thrilled that everyone has made such an effort to come and see me.
“How did you get here? When did you 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.
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“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.” José embraces me.
“Happy birthday, darling girl.” Carrick smiles, cupping my face.
“S’up bab
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