My eyes can't believe what is around me right now and my heart is racing at the surprise I didn't see coming.

"Jaylann."

Everyone who has become some part of my life's journey here at school is here and my heart can't get any warmer at the loving gesture.

"Happy Birthday, babe." Jaylan kisses my temple.

Shutting my dislocated jaw, Lexi and Max come running up to the deck with their phones shining bright.

"Happy Birthdayyyyy!" they screech, hugging me.

That still feels weird to hear but I like it.

My birthday came up so fast, in the blink of an eye. I can't believe Jaylan and I are four months into dating, almost five because May is in two weeks, and graduation! Everything is happening so fast and it's hard to even keep my mind straight. Jaylan has made it easier with his unexpected, carefree acts I have grown accustomed to.

I didn't even have time to celebrate my favorite holiday, Easter, all the way through because I had to study. Of course, I couldn't forget Mass early in the morning. Jaylan was a bit cranky waking up for Sunday morning service, to having a small brunch with our friend, and then Jaylan's personal easter egg hunt game, leading to his room... and making love... He wasn't so cranky anymore.

"We got youuuuu!" Lexi teases.

They definitely did, considering I thought they were really going to be late for my birthday dinner because they are always late for everything... They call it fashionably late but, for me, they just don't know what to wear and like to make an appearance.

"How... How did you pull it off?" I stammer, still stunned at the music playing loudly in the backyard and at everyone dressed up.

"I would say us, but Big Head definitely wanted you to have a good birthday." Max shifts her hand off her hip and points at Jaylan with her thumb.

"Maxxx," I scold softly.

"And we couldn't let you not have a good one," Lexi chimes in.

Looking up at him, he sheepishly shrugs and I stand on my tippy toes and kiss him. Even with heels, somehow, he is still tall.

"I was not expecting this." I shake my head.

Max clasps my hand immediately, dragging me away from Jaylan. I hear him chuckle as Lexi and Max show me around the backyard.

"Woah, Max! Slow down." I giggle as she pulls me like a puppy on a leash.

We shift to the side of the deck and Max hugs me so tight I might burst into candy.

"Alright, lighten up will ya?" Lexi shoves Max off me.

"I need to show Lizzie my love and appreciation for her life," Max sasses and gives me one more sloppy kiss on my cheek. I think that one will have a lipstick stain.

"Which we are so appreciative for," Lexi assures. "Twenty-two with a new boo," she teases.

"Twenty-two and independently brand-new," Max defends her feminism.

"Okay okay okay." I laugh, shaking my head their argumentative rhymes.

"Thank you for all this." My heart is still pounding of joy as I see familiar faces socializing around for me.

"Lizzie, if it's one thing you deserve, it's a birthday party to celebrate your life." Lexi holds my hand.

"Your life has changed, not only this hopeless hoe but me too," Max whimpers and Lexi sucks her teeth.

"You taught us so much about acceptance patience, love," Lexi begins to list as her eyes shift to Stephen, who's sipping on a Dos Equis as his rings flecker through the twinkle lights of the backyard

"And trust and hope for a better future," Max ends as she looks down at her tummy for a second, then over at Marcus.

"But, most of all, you bring home and family wherever you go and I know with Jaylan he will be blessed."

My heart cries as I watch Jaylan tug in Uncle Steve as he helps him carry some food to the table. Sometimes I don't realize my life impacts others because, well, I'm just Lizzie. And for my friends to acknowledge the impact I have on their life really makes me feel special and noticed when there are times I don't feel it at all.

"Thank you," a rasp slips up my throat.

"Of course, butterball. Now let's go eat. I'm starving." Max pats her belly and snatches my hand.

"Ignore her. Happy birthday, Lizzie. I really hope you enjoy tonight and all the gifts you are blessed with tonight." Lexi tugs me in and kisses the side of my forehead.

We walk together to the center of the yard. The last time we were here, I helped Uncle Steve pick up some sticks but he must have bent down too far. He hurt his back so I couldn't really explore back here.

There is so much I could do in this backyard. For starters, I definitely want to keep this patio furniture and patio. Uncle Steve said there is an underground pool built under the deck and I would love to get that out too and I know Isabel-

My train of thoughts freeze as all these ideas sound great but this isn't even my house. I sigh, relax my shoulders, and smile at Max and Lexi. "I can't believe you guys pulled this off. Were you here all day?"

"Of course, anything to miss school." Lexi laughs as she sips her beige drink out of her cup, which makes me shift my gaze to see Elena working the bar and all the basketball guys flooding around her.

Elena catches sight of me as she mumbles and smiles big. She drops the cocktail shaker and comes running over to me with open arms and a loud squeal.

"Ooooohhh, my bebe!" she says, giving smooches all over my nose.

Out of the corner of my eye, Max rolls her eyes because she thinks she is the only one who can do this. But, for Elena, this means a lot because the last time she saw me was sobbing about Papá. So the reunion between us is important. I spot her boyfriend Antonio, plus Joshua, Ramon, Manuel, and all the rest of the kitchen crew coming over, waving. I wave.

"Feliz cumpleaños querida amiga (Happy birthday, dear friend)," she coos and gives me one last smooch.

"Gracias" I lean into her.

Her warmth spreads all over my body, feeling a sense like home as she rubs my back. Her tummy bumps into me and I pull away, peering down to see a tiny, round ba-

My eyes stretch wide and Elena smiles big. Antonio comes over, wrapping his arm around her waist and tugging her close. "Mira no más (I don't believe it!)!"

Elena's eyes brighten, nodding her head and looking at Antonio with a warm smile. "Tengo trece semanas de embarazo (I'm thirteen weeks pregnant)."

My eyes soften and my hands tremble, wanting to touch her tummy. Elena laughs and reaches over my hands to gently rub her small bump.

"That is so exciting," I murmur. Out of the corner of my eye, Max smiles but looks away at Marcus, rolling her lower lip.

"Sé que vas a ser tía. (I know you are going to be an aunt)." She beams, rubbing her tummy but then I catch a glimpse of a big oval ring on her finger. Sheesh.

Elena sheepishly shrugs up her shoulders and wiggles her hand. "You missed a lot."

"I did." I laugh and I feel Jaylan's hand wrap around my waist, making my body feel so warm.

"Well, we need to get this party started, Birthday Girl. What would you like to drink?" She motions her head to the bar. I look up at Jaylan, who smiles down at me. I sink my teeth in my lower lip and my feet go into motion as the music plays in the background.

I feel like I'm home...

It feels like home.

The atmosphere feels what I have longed for so long I'm home, with everyone around I love and appreciate. There is a missing piece but I know that gap will be filled eventually. The family I've formed here in America makes me appreciate everything I longed for.

"AYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!" The tall dinosaurs hoot, making my cheeks warm up as I approach the bar.

"Alright alright alright," Jaylan calms them down with his soft barks.

Leaning back on Antonio's chest, Elena finishes up the cocktail as the chatter begins. I could totally see Jaylan and I hosting things at our future home with our friends, once a month, just to connect and regroup over all our accomplishments.

Wishful thinking.

"Forrrrr the birthday girl." Elena reaches over all the alcohol bottles with my fancy pink cocktail with an umbrella,

I take it and stand on my tippy toes putting the umbrella behind Jaylan's ear. Giggling at him, he smiles and leans down, kissing my lips.

"Sooo corny." Jordy tease

Jaylan and I both turn furrowing our brows and Jordy continues to snicker away with the rest of the team.

"Talk about that exam today," a familiar voice says behind me.

I turn to see Jessica smiling, sipping a dark brown drink as she stands next to the physical therapy girl she has been wanting a date with for a while.

"Tell me about it! Hey, you knew about this the whole time!" I furrow my brow and Jessica laughs and looks at her friend who smiles back at me. "Oh, Lizzie, this is Becca. Becca, Lizzie."

"Nice to meet you." I shake her hand

"Happy Birthday," she says, shaking my hand back.

"Thank you," I say. "Thank you for coming."

"Of course. A party on a school night, you know I'm always down." Jessica winks and I shake my head, knowing we are breaking Maxine's number one rule... Which, I'm really surprised she is breaking right now.

I turn to look at Max, who is talking to Marcus as they are sitting at a table. She drops her head and Marcus cups her chin and looks at her intently, whispering and making me wonder what they could possibly be talking about.

Looking back at Jessica, a familiar sandy brunette guy stands behind, resting his head on top of her head. I smile faintly as my heart flutters at the fact he is even here.

"Happy Birthday, Old Lady," Spencer says with a smile.

Crinkling my nose, he breathes a chuckle. "Spencer, I-how did you even... Wow, thanks for coming."

"Of course, I wouldn't miss this in the world," he says.

Looking down at my feet and back at him, he gives a warm smile. Jaylan kisses the side of my cheek and Spencer's smile fades a little.

Spencer and I did have a long conversation the week we got back to school. We were partners in an activity. He actually apologized to me, giving the apology I was waiting for. I didn't want to sound selfish but it mattered in the moment.

I organize the papers on my desk as I see him walking close to my table. He gives me a faint smile and sits in front of me with his notebook. I clear my throat and I pick up the paper with the case study and begin to read it in silence. Spencer clears his throat. "It's weird to be back, huh?"

Pulling down the article from my face, I admit, "Yeah, feels like a vacation I needed."

Spencer chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. "I agree."

Silence takes over and I pick up the marker and write 'Assessment' on the graphic paper in front of me.

"Hey, Lizzie, I know this may not be a good time but I just wanted to let you know I'm really sorry... Like, very sorry... I know I have broken your trust and really just not been a good friend but I really was just looking out for you," he rasps out.

Twisting my lips gently, I make asterisks, not looking at him. The tug in my heart shifts my eyes back up at him. "Spencer, I'm not sure where we are going at this point, but I would like to continue our friendship in some way... I just don't understand why you were spying on me."

He nods and clears his throat. "I was just looking out for you and... And I wanted to be there for you if something happened and I already screwed up, with not talking to you completely so I took the position as Testudo's backup," he defends.

Nodding, I write down my idea of what I think the assessment will be for our patient with respiratory failure. "I appreciate that... But I wish you would have talked to me in the beginning."

"And I'm sorry, really really sorry." His eyes change from an ocean blue to sky one.

My heart softens and I sigh. "I forgive you, but I won't forget... no more secrets."

"No more secrets."

Sharing once last smile with Spencer, they walk to a table and sit down. "I'm starving. Ready, Birthday Girl?" Jaylan rubs his tummy like he hasn't eaten all day. Maybe if he didn't eat grass, he wouldn't be so hungry.

Smiling at my thoughts, we walk over to the birthday buffet line, where I meet Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve smiling away. Uncle Steve has chipmunk cheeks, chewing on something and making Jaylan cackle.

"Is it good?" Jaylan teases and I bump his arm.

"Thank you, Lizzie." Aunt Lisa gives Jaylan a firm look. "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart."

"Thank you, I really appreciate this a lot," I say, looking around again at the atmosphere

"You're absolutely welcome, our favorite," Uncle Steve assures Jaylan sucks his teeth.

I giggle. "Okay, so this is all from your boss Luis because he wanted you to have a happy birthday," Aunt Lisa chimes.

Oh brother, and probably to pick up a shift since everyone's here. He's probably paying everyone to cater.

Glancing over, I noticed a cute, big chalkboard size menu sign that says 'Menu' in Lexi's pretty handwriting. She is getting better at her calligraphy.

Build your own mini-Burger

Homemade fries

Elote

Shrimp tostadas

Ramon's famous guacamole

Interesting. I wonder what is up Luis' big sleeves?

My mouth salivates as my eyes scan down the buffet line and Uncle Steve puts his two fingers to his lips. His whistle even echoes through the music and everyone's attention draws to the table.

"Alright, everyone. I just wanted to bless the food so Birthday Girl can eat!"

Everyone gathers around and Jordy scoots close to me and I giggle as Jaylan sucks his teeth making me bump into him. Closing the circle, everyone bows their heads. My heart thuds at how close everyone is, holding hands, even Max and Jessica despite their views on Christianity, which they have every right to believe what they believe. Before I shut my eyes, I notice Stephen clasping his hands with Lexi, which makes her mouth gape and I squeeze Jaylan's tight.

"Thank you for everyone who gathers here to help put this party together for our sweet Lizzie." My eyes squeeze tight as my heart fills full as he says our blessing prayer. "It's been an honor to get to know her and be able to celebrate her special day here, in this backyard especially." His voice cracks a bit.

Jaylan squeezes my hand and I lean into him. "Bless the hands who prepared it and who has helped put together this happy celebration. Amen."

"Amen."

"Let's eat!" Jordy cheers.

We all laugh and go down the line, which is so pretty and neat with fancy menu tags and the tablecloth with balloons on the end and is baby blue, my favorite color. I have to give it to Lexi and Max. They always like to go over the top but that's who they are.

It's so lively tonight, with the music, the chatter and food, all to celebrate my birthday with me. In the past, Lexi, Max and I would dress up super fancy and do fun things I like. Last year, we went bowling in dresses for Glow Bowl, that was so fun. We even got four dozen boxes of insomnia cookies and ate them on the Lincoln Memorial steps.

Birthdays with my family in Mexico were fun too. Especially doing the piñata and getting all the candy Papa would fill up. I didn't have this back home with friends like this but it was still worth it with my family coming together.

I haven't really heard from them much Mamà did sing to me this morning, but she had to go because her and Señor Ricardo were going on a little vacation

Opening my eyes, I hum at the most whipped guacamole Ramōn has made yet. "Mmmm, this is so good," I moan. Jaylan clears his throat and wraps his arm around my chair. Wiggling my shoulders, Lexi laughs bumping into me.

"So, Lizzieeee, are there any big things you want to do now that you're twenty-twooo!" Jordy tries to sing like Taylor Swift.

Everyone laughs at the table and I dip my chin down. Jaylan laughs in the crane of my neck and presses his soft lips on my pulse.

"Umm, well, definitely graduate," I say as everyone's eyes are on me. "And pass the NCLEX... Hopefully find a place... And some fun summer things." Heat rises in my cheeks and I cover my mouth at the end.

"With me, of course," Jaylan gloats.

Max rolls her eyes. "Not everything revolves around you."

Jaylan smiles big and lands a wet kiss right on my cheek. Max huffs but Marcus relaxes her tension in her shoulders with a soft rub.

I really have a big list this summer after I take the NCLEX and pass. I mean, there is an endless list of things to do with Jaylan, despite him getting ready for the NBA.

Sell lemonade at our lemonade stand which this street would be perfect for! I'm not sure how Jaylan will squeeze in there.

Make s'mores.

Maybe go camping not sure how he would fit in a tent.

Bike riding.

Tye dye shirts.

Sun tattoos.

Go to a carnival.

Paint pottery.

A mini trip like Philadelphia or New York City

Catch fireflies.

Draw sidewalk chalk with Jaylan and trace his big body. I will need a new box of chalk for that.

Bouncing my shoulders at the thought that it would take me all day, I shake my head at the ideas. Everyone smiles at me and I look down at my plate, then at everyone all stuffed with big bellies.

"I am stuffed." Uncle Steve pats his big belly.

"Thank you all for coming." I scan my eyes to everyone at the big, long table.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Max assures as she reaches over to hold my hand.

Chatter takes over the table with the basketball guys laughing loud and happy to be together. Jaylan draws my attention tracing his finger on my shoulder. "Alright, Birthday Girl, what would you like to do first dancing, gifts, or cake?"

Tapping my chin, Lexi snickers and I bump her because she knows I probably want cake but I wouldn't mind dancing first.

"How about dancing?" I beam.

As if on cue, Ramon turns the volume up as Stand by Me by Prince Royce. I get up from the table and tug Jaylan to the middle of the backyard.

"Ready to learn, Bigfoot?" I giggle, looking up at him.

He smiles, meeting my lips.

Taking his big bear paw into mine on both sides. I hula my hips as he motions his, swaying with me. Surprisingly, Jaylan can keep up as he pushes our bodies closer, creating warmth between us. As we move, his brown eyes reflect the twinkle lights above us. He spins me and back into him.

"Are you having a good birthday so far?" He whispers.

The moment reminds me of if we would dance at our wed- nevermind

"Thank you again Jaylan." My body warms up against his as the song changes to Carite de Inocente by Prince Royce. If you couldn't tell that's Ramón's favorite artists.

Bouncing my shoulders, Jaylan plants another kiss on my forehead

"I love you know that."

I can't get tired of hearing that it always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. "I love you too, Jaylan."

I've always dreamed of dancing with a guy under the stars and I didn't think it would be just like this.

"What's one thing you would like to see change when your twenty-two."

To eat more vegetables but he doesn't need to know that.

"To spend more time with you"

"Besides meeee"

"Okay... well I want to be more bold."

"In what way?"

"Standing up for myself and speaking up."

"I think you have been doing good with that so far, so I can't wait to see what bold Lizzie will be like."

Tucking my body into his furnace chest, listening to his heart rate at his apical pulse just sounds so in rhythm and in tune with mind. I don't ever want this moment to end.

"LIMBOOO" Jordy hoots holding this big tye dye yard stick waving in the air almost hitting Marcus in the head.

Dance after dance, including the electric slide requested by Uncle Steve, we dance for a long time, reminding me of home. The thought tugs my heart of the joy released in this moment. I don't want to let go. From dancing to hitting a big daisy pinata that Marcus hit into smithereens, to doing the limbo which Lexi won and, most of all my favorite musical chairs, Uncle Steve broke the chair and hurt his conga drum. And, to my favorite part, smashing my face into my own personal cake... I think I got cake in my brain from how heavy Jaylan pushes me in there.

I would say tonight was everything I could think of, without my family being here. Jaylan and my friends did such a great job with putting this together. I couldn't thank them eno-

Leaping in the air almost out of my heels from Jaylan's big Paw. Jaylan takes the empty silver pan from my hands. "Lizzie, what did I say about helping?"

Furrowing my brows at him with a smile, I say, "It was one pan."

Jaylan arches his brow at me and I gulp as his button pops up by his dress shirt by his watch. Following behind him, I notice something that wasn't there before. A TV, a big one where Max and Marcus cuddle up along with Lexi and Stephen close but separate on the sofa. There are gift bags galore on the ottoman, but my mind still can't get over the big screen TV hanging on the wall.

"Wow, your TV is bigger than mine, Lizzie," Uncle Steve whines a bit.

Yours?

Uncle Steve covers his mouth and everyone looks at him. He sheepishly tries to sneak out but Aunt Lisa takes the collar of his shirt and Jaylan sucks his teeth. "Oops."

"Mine?"

Jaylan takes a deep breath and everyone laughs, except Uncle Steve. "Uncle Steveeee"

"I thought you told her Jaylan."

"Told me what?"

Jaylan hangs his head low like a sad puppy and runs his hand over his face. "Here."

Bouncing my shoulders, Jaylan takes my hand and we walk to the couch. He hugs me and I'm officially on his lap. His warm body feels so good and I snuggle up to him.

"This is why you shouldn't tell him secrets." Aunt Lisa shakes her head and Uncle Steve huffs.

"Lizzieeeee, we have a couple surprises for you sorry one is ruined," Aunt Lisa scolds and Uncle Steve sheepishly smiles.

"I think Jaylan should be the one to explain but I will." Uncle Steve quietly huffs.

Looking at Jaylan he smiles and pushes some loose strands out of my face. Max yawns loudly and lays on Marcus' lap, making me snicker.

"This house has a lot of history and love behind it and -" Uncle Steve clears his throat. "- We know you and Jaylan will take good care of it. So, I just want to just..." he tears up and my heart expands on my chest so big.

Everyone looks at Jaylan and I in awe. "This is my gift to you, Lizzie, to make this place a home again." He digs through his pocket and hands me the North Carolina keychain with the key. "This was Evie's key and I know she would be so thankful you take good care of this place."

Tears form in my eyes as everyone in the room seems so blurry and I swallow. "Really?"

"Really really." Jaylan kisses the side of my temple.

"But what about the foster children coming here?" I say.

I would hate to feel bad taking something so great away from children to learn, especially the beautiful garden vegetables they have out back.

"Lizzie, we trust you both, knowing that this place will be in good hands. And you are not taking anything because, well... We are in the process of adopting Malachi. With him, I think it would be best if we put a pause on fostering," Aunt Lisa says as she holds Malachi close to her. He is partied out, considering he already had two pieces of cake and got most of the candy from the pinata I gave him.

"Aa.are you sure?" I whimper.

"We are so sure," Uncle Steve assures me with a fatherly smile.

I feel like I can't speak because this was literally a burden on my shoulders for so long. To know I don't have to work a lot now really is going to help me finish out school strong.

"Now we can have sleepovers when the boys are away," Max says, wiggling into Marcus to get warm in his toned arms.

"Maxine" We all say in unison and she laughs and Marcus takes his hand and covers her face.

"Thank you" I say.

"Don't get too comfortable yet, you have one more surprise!" Lexi beams as she pairs her laptop to the TV.

Covering my mouth, it's Mamá, Mateo, Isabela, and Papá in his room.

"HOLAAAAA!" they say with a lot of feedback.

Squirming out of Jaylan's death grip, I rush up to the TV and touch the screen. "Hola, I rasp out, seeing Papá 's face muscles recovering back.

"Feliz Cumpleaños!" Mateo wiggles his tongue like a brat.

Everyone laughs in the background and I dip my chin down at his little brother tactics. Mama taps his shoulder to calm him down. Mamà and Papà smile together looking at everyone in the background and Mamà "¿Tuviste un buen cumpleaños? (Did you have a good birthday)?"

"Sí, tuve un buen cumpleaños. Te extraño (Yes, I had a good birthday. I miss you)" I sit down on the ottoman and out of the corner my eye Lexi waves goodnight, with Stephen is behind her.

"Nosotros también los extrañamos pero nos vemos en unas semanas (We miss you too but we will see you in a few weeks!)" Mamá assures, with a tender smile as she glances behind me, at Uncle Steve somewhat in the camera. Aunt Lisa moves him gently.

Smiling at my reflection, I wave them to come here so I can properly introduce them. They are going to be a part of my life... They are family to me here and I think it is a good idea.

"Mamá... Papá, estos son la tía y el tío de Jaylan. (Mama... Papá, this is Jaylan's Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve.)"

My parents smile at them as they wave back. Jaylan, of course, gets into the video, waving big and making Isabela and Mateo laugh. Surprisingly, I hear soft laughter from Papá . My heart warms up at the fact Jaylan is winning Papá 's heart from a distance.

"Hola," my parents say, waving.

"Holah!" Uncle Steve beams brightly.

We all snicker at how poorly he says it and Mamá's lips curl up into a gentle smile.

"What did you get for your birthday!" Isabela chimes.

Sinking my teeth in my lower lip, I'm not sure if I want to tell her just yet because she might go overboard and start making plans when we haven't talked to Mamá about it. I seriously need to talk to Jaylan, to make sure it's okay with him if Isabela stays here.

Everyone looks at me with a smile, probably wanting to tell them about the house but I instantly grab a powder blue birthday gift beside me, looking into a few cute rolled up graphic tees. I take one out to show everyone and it just so happens to be a cute vintage Minnie and Mickey, where Minnie is kissing him on the cheek.

Crinkling my nose, I look at Jaylan but he shrugs, hinting it wasn't him.

"It was me!" Isabela beams.

"Thank you!" Holding up to my chest, I smile. "I like it a lot."

As I make small chat with my family, everyone waves goodbye around me, leaving Jaylan and I sitting in front of our family.

"¿Puedes decirle a Jaylan que le agradecemos por celebrar tu cumpleaños? (Can you tell Jaylan, we thank him celebrating your birthday?)" Mamá says with her smile that lights up a room. She pushes some hair out of her face, flashing the engagement ring.

Nodding, I look over at Jaylan who is holding his basketball stress ball I found on Etsy. He has been using it quite religiously since he opened up about his mom. "Jaylan, Mamá said thank you for celebrating my birthday today."

Jaylan flashes a grin. "Of course, anything for Squeaker."

Mateo and Isabela snicker and I furrow my brows and look back at our family as Papa is slowly drifting to bed.

"Nos vamos a ir pero nos vemos pronto en menos de tres semanas (We are going to go but we will see you soon in less than three weeks.)."

Waving to them, I offer, "Te amo."

"Te amo," they say in unison and the screen goes dark.

Silence finally takes over the house... our house... As Jaylan scoops me up in his arms, my body trembles as tears stream down my face slowly.

"Thank you, Jaylan," I rasp.

He sighs and kisses my temple. "You and I both know we deserve something like this: a home...a stable.... loving... peaceful home," he whispers into the shell of my ear and kisses my head with every word.

Snuggling into him, his warm hand rubs down my back. "You know what?" I say, shifting my gaze at him.

"What?"

"Together... Well, this whole time since being apart... I realized that home isn't a place... because I realize with you, Jaylan, I feel at home."

Jaylan's breath hitch at my comment as his eyes move back and forth, searching mine. "Lizzie, with you I feel the most peace in my life. To me, that's home"

"We found a place of rest in each other."

"We sure did."

We take a quiet sigh as we take in silence again from partying out this evening. This is something I can get used to, resting and relaxing with Jaylan here. Maybe not on that ottoman but on the sofa, just watching TV. Old shows rather like the George Lopez's Show on Nick at Night or Chopped, no even better Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on Food Network while I sleep on his lap and he carries me right up to our bedroom.

Now that's life.

"I can't believe we are actually going to live here... are you sure you want to live with me?" I snicker, crinkling my nose. "I keep candy by the bedside."

Jaylan smiles up to a grin. "Twizzlers, right?"

About to dip my chin down, he catches it with a gentle touch "I love you so much. There is no one else I would want to live with but you."

"Even Jordy?" I cock my brow.

"Even Jordy," he whispers quietly because Jordy probably has this place bugged already.

I snicker and yawn, stretching my arms. Jaylan takes the opportunity to tickle under my arms and I curl up like an inchworm. "Jaylannn."

"You can't be tired." He bites back a smile.

Furrowing my brows at him, he should know that taking a nursing exam sucks the energy out of you like a vacuum. And to have a party, it just adds to the level of sleepiness. "Why not?" I huff.

"Because you forgot one last birthday tradition we are about to start."

"What birthday tradition? I already did the pinata, la Mordida, I taught you how to salsa. There are no more traditions." I shake my head.

Jaylan smiles with his pressing lips and his devil horns rise up. Smoke takes over the whole living room, provoking me to cough from smoke inhalation. His devil fork morphs into his hand and leans so close to me, I can feel his faint cinnamon breath on my lips. "You forgot one."

"Don't be silly, Jaylan. It's time for bed"

"Lizzie, you have five seconds to get a head start."

"For what?"

"A birthday spanki- Hey, get back here!"

SUPRISEEEEEEEEE

Special thank you to still_just_me for her great edits and taking the time for uploading

Thank you for everyone's patient's and NEW READERS I'm so shocked!

Please be patient with me considering I am in Nursing School, and I have a very hungry hungry firefighter who doesn't have a broken arm anymore! 

Thank you for prayers for my brother Jordy! He is doing much better and its basketball season!

Please continue to vote, like, comment, follow and recommend!

Goodnight, everyone!