Breathing a sigh of relief, I walked over to the water cooler and filled us each a glass. My mother joined me in taking a seat at the kitchen table. “So, I’m going to meet Evan’s organ recipients,” I blurted. This was a huge step for me. I had thought about canceling a dozen times since I had sent the email out to the coordinator, but I knew I had to do it.
“Oh.” My mother nodded, but I sensed unease in her reply as she took a sip of water.
“I want to do this. I need to see that some good came out of his death. I need to know that other people are living or have a better quality of life because of him. I look at Thomas, and I see the biggest part of Evan living inside of him. I just wish he could’ve met him.” I blinked hard, fighting back the tears. “I’m not going to cry today. I’m not.” I forced a smile. “It’s gonna be a great day with friends, family, and lots of good food!”
“And birthday cake!” my mother added with a smile.
_______________
It was so nice to be out of hibernation, socializing with people once again, instead of avoiding them like the plague. In addition to my mother and stepdad, my friend Aimee showed up with her husband and kids along with Evan’s parents, both my brothers, and their girlfriends. The only two people I was waiting on were DeAndre and Louis.
DeAndre had texted me an hour prior, letting me know they were running late, so I was waiting patiently for their arrival. It was nice to sit down and have a face-to-face talk with Evan’s mother and father. His mother had been diagnosed with lupus several months ago and had been feeling the effects of it. The doctor had adjusted her medications, which helped to alleviate some of the symptoms, but to me she still didn’t look herself. But then again, should she? She had lost a child. Something no parent should ever have to go through. The entire time I was speaking to her, my mind was in a tailspin. She had a grandson. A child she’d adore and cherish the same way she did Evan. But I couldn’t say a word, not until I knew Theo was completely on board with it. He was Thomas’ guardian, and I would comply with whatever he wanted.
The sad part was Evan’s parents wouldn’t even be here if Thomas and Theo were. It was only after Theo informed me that he wouldn’t be coming that I invited them. As much as I wanted Theo and Thomas here more than anything, Evan’s parents were a nice consolation to their absence. I ran into the kitchen to grab some more hamburger rolls for my stepfather, who was in charge of grilling, when I heard a knock. I rushed to the entryway and eagerly flung the door open expecting to find DeAndre and Louis on the other side. My heart leapt with excitement and I let out a high-pitched noise sounding something like a squeal when I laid eyes on Theo and Thomas instead.
“Oh my God!” My arms reached around them, and the happy tears flowed. “What are you doing here?”
“Did you really think I’d miss your birthday?”
I kissed Theo’s cheek over and over again, then took Thomas from his arms, resting my lips on the top of Thomas’ head.
“Gee,” Thomas said sleepily, rubbing his eyes.
“Hi, sweet boy, I’m so happy to see you,” I responded, sweeping my hand gently across his baby soft skin.
“I’d say that birthday surprise was a success,” DeAndre beamed. I was so excited, I hadn’t even noticed him and Louis standing behind Theo.
“You mean…there was no meeting you had to attend?”
Theo shook his head and grinned.
“This is truly the best birthday ever.” I pulled Thomas closer and squeezed him tightly. Opening the door farther, I ushered everyone in and led them into the kitchen.
“Jillian, were you able to find—” My mother froze when she entered. Her eyes shifting from Theo to Thomas.
“Mom, this is DeAndre and Louis. And this”—I wrapped my arm around Theo—“is Theo and Thomas.”
“Wow!” My mother’s smile grew. “It’s so nice to finally meet all of you.”
“DeAndre and Theo planned this little surprise.” I was beaming.
“Well, that was certainly a great birthday present!” My mother wasn’t able to take her eyes from Thomas. “Jillian was moping around for weeks when she thought you weren’t coming.” Her gaze shifted to Theo.
I widened my eyes at her, and she flashed me an apologetic smile.
“Well, I just came in to grab the rolls.”
I pointed to the bag on the kitchen counter.
“DeAndre and Louis, come on out and get some food and drinks, and I’ll introduce you to everyone. And, Theo, I’m looking forward to getting to know you after you get settled.” Party planner extraordinaire was at it again, allowing me a few minutes of alone time with Theo, and I was so grateful for that.
Once they all went outside, I turned to Theo, with Thomas still in my arms, and kissed him deeply. “Thank you so much for being here. I’m the happiest girl in the world right now.”
“I can’t believe you actually thought I was going to blow off your birthday.”
“I didn’t think you were blowing it off. I just thought you had work commitments.”
“If there’s one thing I learned over these past few months, it’s that life and the people we love take priority over work commitments. It took me a while to figure that out unfortunately.”
“But you did, and I’m so glad you’re here. Where are all your bags?”
“Oh, in DeAndre’s car…along with your present.”
“Theo, you didn’t have to do that. Your presence here is present enough.” I took his hand and led him to the back door, freezing when I remembered Evan’s parents. “Shit,” I whispered.
“What?”
“Evan’s mother and father are here.” My
