In the yard, Daisy and Nana played inside the fenced area Dylan had built to keep them safe and sound. The sound of the little girl’s laughter was sweet and pure.
Dylan handed Eve a glass of iced tea. Taking a seat, he put an arm around her shoulders. The kiss they shared was brief but memorable.
“Let’s plan a party,” he said without preamble.
“What kind of party?” Eve asked, resting her hand on his denim-covered thigh.
“One of the birthday variety. For you.”
“Hm.” Eve frowned. “I’ve never had a party.”
“Never?” Dylan looked shocked. “You’re joking.”
“No.” Eve shrugged. “My mother wasn’t big on celebrating anything. After I left home, I didn’t bother to tell anyone the date I was born. How do you know?
“A person’s birthday is the easiest information to uncover,” Dylan explained. “I knew yours before we ever met.”
Eve didn’t know how she felt about Dylan’s matter of fact declaration. In theory, she knew he researched her—after all, she had custody of Daisy. He would want to know as much as possible. Still…
“When is your birthday,” Eve said, needing to even the scales a bit.
“September ninth,” Dylan answered without hesitation. “I will be thirty-two years old.”
“Wow!” Eve gasped. “You’re old.”
“I’m in my prime, cookie.” Dylan lowered his voice. “Which I proved last night. And again, this morning. We can go another round when Daisy’s down for her nap. If you like.”
“We’ll see.” Eve tried to sound uninterested. She failed. Miserably.
“About the party,” Dylan said around a grin a mile wide. “I’ll have my assistant send out the invitations for next Saturday.”
“You have an assistant?” Eve frowned. “Why?”
“She takes care of my fan mail. Arranges my schedule.” Dylan ticked the items off on his fingers. “And the most important one. Sends out invitations to Eve’s birthday party.”
Eve laughed. Her heart was full. Yes, Eve was happy. And, blissfully blind to the storm clouds looming on the horizon.
▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
THE GUESTLIST FOR Eve’s party was larger than Dylan originally planned. At first, he only invited the people she knew.
Levi. Piper. Erin Ashmore. Dylan’s mother made the list, naturally. He hesitated over Tanner leaving the decision up to Eve. She hesitated. But in the end, she agreed Daisy’s father should attend.
Somewhere between a small, intimate gathering, when word spread to his teammates, the numbers grew to almost two hundred people.
“I’m sorry,” Dylan said as he watched as Eve decided what to wear. She discarded every choice, then picked a sparkly red sheath—the first dress she removed from the closet. “My assistant assumed I would want to invite all the Knights. Current and retired.”
“Will everyone bring gifts?” Eve asked.
“They better,” Dylan grumbled.
“Yay, me!” Eve laughed. “Zip me up, slick. I want to check on Daisy before we go down.”
“She’s sound asleep. Worn out from the mini-party we held with her this afternoon,” Dylan assured her. “Don’t worry. The nanny I hired to watch her arrived an hour ago. She came highly recommended. The only thing required of you is to have fun.”
As usual, Dylan had everything under control.
“You look handsome.” Eve ran a hand down the length of his gray silk tie. “You should always wear a suit.”
“Even in bed,” he asked, pulling her close.
“Wear a suit. Unless you’re naked.” Eve took his hand. “And only be naked around me.”
“I’ll do my best,” Dylan promised.
The living room was filled with people. As they descended the stairs, Eve glanced at Dylan in surprise.
“Football players love a good party,” he explained. “Free food. An open bar. We’ll be lucky if we can herd them out the door before daybreak.”
Eve wasn’t sure what to expect. She spent most of her life alone—by choice and necessity. The few times she attended a private party, she was there to serve food or mix drinks.
After an hour of meeting Dylan’s friends and eating delicious food, she decided she could get used to the novelty of not working. Especially when she was the guest of honor.
“Having fun?” Dylan asked.
“Everyone is so nice.” Eve laughed. “And big. Football players know how to fill a room.”
“Did you see the gift table?” Dylan nodded toward the corner of the room. “You made quite a haul.”
“I should feel embarrassed.” Eve thought for a second. “Nope. I don’t.”
“Good.” Dylan slid an arm around her waist. “After the way everyone shamelessly invited themselves, they better have shelled out some big bucks on you.”
“Happy birthday, Eve.” Levi brushed a kiss across her cheek. When Dylan frowned, his friend laughed. “The kiss was approved by Piper, so you can’t complain.”
“I can,” Dylan said. “But I won’t. This time.”
“While the two of you argue, I’m going to take a break.” Seeing Dylan’s questioning look, Eve sighed. “Bathroom. Sheesh. I didn’t want to be crude.”
“Saying you need to use the bathroom is crude?” Dylan asked Levi. “Since when?”
“Beats me,” Levi shrugged.
Shaking her head, Eve weaved her way through the crowd. On impulse, she decided to use the bathroom next to her room—and check on Daisy.
“How’s she doing?” Eve whispered as she closed the door to Daisy’s room.
Mrs. Peach—a great name for a nanny, Eve thought—set down her book and stood.
“Out like a light,” the older woman said.
Glancing into the crib, Eve smiled at the sight of Daisy’s sweet face. She was a bundle of energy when awake. Asleep, an earthquake couldn’t disturb her.
In the bathroom, Eve took her time. Washing her hands, she checked her makeup and hair. Rather than return to the party, she took a detour to the balcony for some fresh air.
The sky was clear, stars sparkled. For the first time in her life, Eve didn’t feel the need to wonder what adventure waited for her down the road. For once, she had someplace where she belonged.
When the sound of raised voices hit her ears, Eve frowned. Noticing the open window, she considered leaving—until she heard Dylan say her name. She moved closer.
“I won’t tell Eve. She finally can say your name without gagging.”
“You’ll have to
