It was a chilly morning today for my morning run. I actually preferred my runs in this weather since I wouldn't work up a sweat as easily.

I tried focusing on my breathing and was careful with my footing since it was still frosty outside. It had snowed last night so I'm thankful the pavers cleared off my favorite pathway through the trees. The path was empty so I'm thankful it was a quiet morning too.

Running lately has really kept my mind clear since losing Dad. My Therapist, Mrs.Baker was incredible and insisted I started paying close attention to the things I loved in my life. This advice warmed my heart since it reminded me of advice I received not long ago from Dad when I was stressed about getting a life.

I shook my head, cracking a smile. Elijah was so concerned with me getting my own life which is funny since now he unintentionally became my life. How ironic.

I turned the corner and looked up at the bare tree branches that tunneled over top of me.

Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me. I moved to the right to make room for the oncoming runner.

Only, I didn't feel them moving over. They were running right behind me. I turned my head to see who was coming but before I could register what happened, they tackled me into the snow on the edge of the path.

"Hey!" I shouted, rolling over onto my back. It was someone I never expected to attack me. "What are you doing here, Gwen?" I laughed, wiping the snow off my face that had fallen on me during our tussle.

She smiled, mouthing an explanation, I'm sure.

"I can't hear you," I said out loud. She smiled, getting off of me and helping me up.

"Thanks." I took off my earphones and fit them back in my earphone case that I had in the back pocket of my running shorts that layered on top of my black compression tights.

She was dressed in a black hoodie and black tights with a little black beanie, as though she was really going to kidnap me or something.

"You...you run so fast." She breathed heavily, resting her hands on her hips.

"You wanted to run with me?" I smiled. The company would always be nice. They'd just have to keep up with me which by the looks of it...she wouldn't be able to.

"Of course not.." She took another big breath in, hunching over.

"Okay, no rush. Take your time." I said patting her back.

"I need to talk to you about something." She finally got out.

"What is it?" I said tilting my head to get us to start walking, at least.

"Your birthday is tomorrow," She said. I looked over at her.

"Yeah, so? I didn't think we were doing anything for my birthday." I shrugged, beginning to run.

"Why would you think that?" She started up beside me.

"Well, there's just a lot going on with Elijah and therapy and the re-opening in a week. I don't know!"

"I think you underestimate your boyfriend." She nudged my shoulder.

I looked over at her. "What does he have cooking up?" I squinted my eyes.

She looked at me with a sarcastic face. "I am under strict rules to not tell you."

"Oh, there are rules?"

"There are rules." She nodded. "Now, let's go grab a coffee, and then we're hitting the road."

I stopped in my tracks. "Wait, this is happening this morning???" I was shocked. "You're telling me he's got something planned today? This must be something special."

"Yeah, you. You're something special." She laughed.

"Look at you, charmer." I shook my head.

She smiled and rolled her eyes. "Let's get back home, get you all showered and packed and ready to go. Hey, we can even stop for your caramel macchiato on the way back."

I squinted my eyes. "You just don't want to run."

"I really don't want to run." She pouted, resting her hand on my shoulder. I laughed as we walked to my favorite local coffee shop.

☀️☀️☀️

Apparently, we had to stick to a schedule. Whatever Elijah had planned for me, he's been working on this for a while now without my knowledge. I can only guess he's been putting things together while I've been out at the restaurant holding staff meetings, cleaning up, and rolling out the new menu.

This is weird. Really weird. But I couldn't help my excitement. Maybe it was the caffeine in the macchiato or the anticipation of being blindfolded in Gwens car, but I was bouncing in my seat.

I had to pack clothes and all the necessities that I'd need for a whole week away from home which is crazy. I know Elijah has his savings that he acquired from serving and a little bit of what his Dad left him behind but otherwise, I can't imagine he's whisking me away to the Alps or something.

Honestly, wherever I go with him I'm happy. He's home to me.

Gwen excitedly blasted 2000s music in the car and talked my ear off about how her schooling has been lately and how excited she is to quit her job with her horrible boss and start looking for paralegal positions.

I'm so proud of her and I mean it.

"Seriously though, Tobias. Everything you've been doing with the restaurant...at your young age. Taking care of Elijah. It's just really amazing sometimes seeing how strong someone is." She breathed.

"Gwen," I gasped. That was insanely sweet of her to say.

"No, seriously. I need to say this." She sounded like she was getting choked up on her words. "The day Jude and I saw you in the car, we knew right there that you were supposed to come home with us. Jude knew you were destined to be a son to him...and to me." She rested her hand on the back of my neck. "You're always going to be important to me. You are so so special and you deserve to know that." She said, squeezing me softly.

I sniffled. My heart was so warm. Gwen did become such a big part of my life too. Through all of this, she's been right there for all the ups and the downs.

"Thank you so much. I'm so lucky to be a part of your life." I managed to say.

"Forever." I heard the smile on her lips.

"Forever." I nodded.

I felt the car take a turn and suddenly we were driving down a wobbly road of some sort.

It took us a few moments before we were parked.

"Don't go anywhere," Gwen said jumping out of the car. It's not like I could with my blindfold on so all I could do was laugh and shake my head.

I could tell she was taking my bags out of the trunk and getting everything sorted outside of the trunk.

"Gwen, you know I would've loved to help you with those," I said as my car door opened.

"Oh, don't worry about that." She said grabbing me by the elbow and guiding me out of the car.

I laughed as she guided me up to what felt like the bottom of a staircase. We were still outside so I can only guess it was a front porch.

"Okay, I gotta stop here or else you're going to know exactly where you are." She laughed, undoing my blindfold.

I opened my eyes and let the light adjust to take in my surroundings. I should've known.

I looked up at the gorgeous lakehouse in front of me with a beautiful boy leaning on the doorframe.

"You made it." He smiled, opening up his arms.

"You kidnapped me." I laughed, running up into his arms. He wrapped his arms around my waist while I threw my arms around his neck, peppering his face with kisses.

"I had to. There was so much to do before you got here." He laughed, accepting my kisses.

"Okay, you two. I'm out of here." Gwen laughed, walking off.

"What? You're not staying?" I gasped, looking over at her.

"My job was to be the chauffeur. I'll party with you when you get back." She winked, getting into her car.

"Thank you, Gwen!" Elijah shouted, waving her goodbye with one hand and holding on to my waist in the other.

"Bye, Love you!" I called after her.

"Love you boys!" She shouted out the car window. She beeped her horn at the end of the driveway before exiting and driving off down the road.

"You're so bad." I laughed, shaking my head and palming his face with my hand.

"I had to do it. To see this face right here." He said poking me in the cheek. I guess I was smiling like a madman. "Has anyone surprised you like that before?" He said, swaying us back and forth.

I looked into the house, taking in all the memories we had here. I remembered my 19th birthday last year when Jude and Gwen surprised me with taking me to the casino.

"Yeah. I think it runs in your blood." I answered, looking back at him.

He looked over my face. I ran my hands through his hair, pulling him gently in for a sweet kiss.

"Thank you, baby." I smiled.

His face lit up. "Thank you for...existing." He said pulling me in for another kiss. I couldn't help but laugh softly. This guy is so deeply in love and so am I.

So am I. 

☀️

Authors Note: Super happy that Elijah is able to do something nice for Tobias :) Baby boy has been working sooooo hard. 

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