We've been on vacation for two weeks now . Coincidentally, Alexander's 40th birthday falls while we're away from our families, so I have this idea of having a mini birthday celebration for him.

It's not everyday that one celebrates being alive for four full decades.

It's a big deal.

And being the loving girlfriend that I am, I have everything planned out. One thing that I am nervous about is how he is going to react to the surprise I have for him.

I am good at giving gifts, but what do you give the man who seems to have everything that he desires? I can't exactly go into any store and get him something. Alexander is a very complex man.

I had to liaise with Isadora about what would be the perfect, unexpected gift for him. Thankfully she gave me the best idea on what I should do for him. This is a gift from the heart.

I took note of the sentimental value, which is why I am nervous about his reaction.

Slipping away from the bed, I grab my robe and shrug it on then go brush my teeth. I then quietly tiptoe out of the room. He is still asleep so I quickly rush to the kitchen and get to work.

The sun rises while I am still busy making the best birthday breakfast. I move around the kitchen making sure that nothing is burning and that all the food that is done is plated.

"Something smells delicious", Jocelyn says as she walks in. her hair is tied up in a messy bun, also still in her pajamas.

Smiling at her, I continue stacking up the pancakes. I made two kinds, the first being birthday cake pancakes, where I added a bit of cake mix into the batter. Then drizzled frosting and sprinkles on top. Then for the second batch I made simple chocolate chip pancakes.

"Where can I help?", she asks as she rinses her hands at the sink.

I look around at what is left to be done, "You can plate up the bacon and fry up the sausages"

She nods and gets started. The bacon is also made two ways, normal crispy bacon and the other batch glazed with maple syrup and then coated with pecans.

Val and Charlotte walk in and help out where they can. Thank goodness they are here, I don't know how I thought I had the ability to make a big breakfast for fourteen people by myself.

An hour later the dining table is set and the platters of food are looking really good.

"Well done Rose", Val says as she stands next to me.

I shrug, "I could not have finished without you guys. Thank you" I say looking at each of them

"Let's go wake up everyone else", Jocelyn says.

We scatter in different directions. I open the bedroom door and find Lex on a phone call. He has a small smile on his face as he talks to the person on the other end.

"Rose is here, I've got to go", he says. His gaze sweeping over my robe covered body.

He nods, "I will. I love you too". He then ends the call,

"Isadora sends her love".

I smile at that.

Moving towards the bed , I crawl onto his lap. His hands grab hold onto my hips. "Hey".

"Hey yourself", he responds. There's a twinkle in his eye.

Leaning towards him, I capture his lips in kiss. "Happy birthday".

His smile widens as he leans his head on my shoulder. "Thank you", he says with his face hidden from me.

Is he shy?

When he looks at me again, I notice a bit of pink staining his cheeks and the tips of his ears.

"I have a surprise for you".

"Really?" he asks. I can practically feel him buzz with excitement.

I nod, "But I have to blindfold you. I don't trust you to not peek". He just gris at me.

Getting up from the bed, I get one of his ties from our luggage then try to blindfold him as he sits on the bed. Once I am certain that he cannot see anything, he stands and I hold his hand , leading him out of the bedroom.

Alexander hates losing control. The distance from the bedroom to the dining table almost seems like we're walking to China. He is impatient and wants the blindfold off.

"Just a few more steps", I say trying to calm him.

We finally get to the dining room, everyone else already in their seats, still in their sleepwear. They look at us with smiles as I tell Lex to take the tie away from his eyes.

"Surprise!", we all shout in unison.

Various emotions display themselves on his face. Shock, confusion, amusement and then happiness. He looks at me, "You did this?" he asks, pointing to the table filled with food.

"I had some help".

"Come sit down", Pierre says from where sits at the far end of the table. We sit and join everyone at the table. One by one they wish him a happy birthday.

"You're officially old now", Marco teasingly says.

Val rolls eyes at her big brother, "You're only as old as you feel Xander".

The food is a definite hit. Everyone loves it. Oliver is very impressed with the pecan bacon. "This is so good", he says right before he takes another bite.

I don't eat much, I mostly eat fruit. Strawberries and a banana. Alexander notices this and places two pancakes on my plate, "Eat" he softly commands.

I'm too happy to eat and also too anxious about tonight's plan. I keep going through the to-do list in my head. Not wanting to argue with him, I take a few bites.

His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer to his side. "Thank you", he says to me. The table is filled with conversations, so no one is paying much attention to us.

I smile at him, "You're welcome".

He places a kiss on my lips. I get lost in our bubble, until a voice brings us back to reality.

"Yuck", Anya says looking at us, her face contorted in childlike disgust.

We all laugh at her as she shakes her head at us.

***

To be able to pull off the rest of the birthday surprise, I get the boys to take Lex out of the house for most of the day. I had Jocelyn to help me when it came to convincing Oliver and Marco.

I recall her saying something along the lines of , "I don't care if you go commit a murder, all we just need Xander away from here for a few hours"

It may sound chilled now but when she said it, it sounded very threatening. The woman meant business, and that was not up for any type of discussion.

So they have been gone for about four hours now. Val said that she would text Oliver about when they could come back. Pierre stayed back to help me pull off this epic dinner. Thank the heavens that Pierre has a fully stocked kitchen that has everything that I need.

Since Lex has an undying love for Asian food, we head in the direction of making several Asian dishes. Pierre and I have good chemistry in the kitchen. We move in harmony as he is the head chef and I, his trusted assistant.

I love it when there is no chaos while I'm cooking.

Val, Charlotte and Jocelyn get the kids to help us out. The twins and Henry clean around the house and Elizabeth sets up the main dining table.

Anya and Juliette have been in the kitchen, watching myself and Pierre cook. I had Anya help out with cleaning up the table, since she was insistent on lending a helping hand.

She's too precious.

"Okay, that's it for you. I'll finish up the rest myself" Pierre says shooing me out of the kitchen.

"Are you sure? I can stay and do th-"

He cuts me off with a stern look, "I'm sure Rosa, now go get yourself ready. The only thing left to do is finish the cake. I'll do that".

Reluctant to leave, I stare at him, "Go". this time he walks towards me and pushes me out.

I shake my head at him, amused at his actions.

Walking past the living room I see an annoyed Elizabeth. Her eyes focused on her phone as her thumbs type at a speed that I am not even sure I am capable of.

Really...my thumbs could never do that. She looks like some type of hacker.

"Hey Liz", I call out. Her head snaps up, looking at me. "Wanna help me out with my hair?".

The annoyance quickly disappears, replaced by a small smile "Sure". She gets up from the couch and walks with me to Lex and I's assigned bedroom.

I never get used to the sheer beauty of it, every time I open the door it feels like I am seeing it for the first time. That is how awesome Jocelyn's design skills are.

I want to take the braids off, I miss my curls so with Elizabeth's help. We quickly get them off and untangle my hair.

While I pick out a dress for tonight, I ask her about what annoyed her earlier.

She groans into one of the pillows as she sits crossed legged on the bed, "Boys are stupid"

That is not entirely not true.

Turning around from the closet, I go sit next to her. "Boys or just a specific boy?"

"Does it matter?".

I nod at her, a smile playing at my lips, "Yes it does" .

She takes her time to ponder over what I said. Her head downcast, I watch her index finger trail on the pillow. Drawing invisible circles.

"His name is Benito.", she looks up and stares at the door .

Not saying anything, I let her go at her own pace. "I like him and everyone knows that I do"

"But to him, it's as if I don't exist. He asked Bonnie out on a date.", she groans again "Bonnie! Who has gone out with most of the soccer and rugby teams."

I place my hand on hers, offering some comfort. "Sounds like she's pretty popular with the guys", I say.

Elizabeth scoffs, "it's her long brunette hair and big boobs that all the guys like.".

Is that so? "I'm sure her boobs aren't that big". I mean the child is fifteen for crying out loud. At that age I was flat as an ironing board.

She stares at me like I've grown a second head. Her thumbs once again rapidly move on her phone screen and within seconds she shows me Bonnie's Instagram profile.

Sheesh, those are big melons. I guess if I were Liz, I would also be insecure. This child's breasts are literally falling out of her bikini top.

"I guess if I Had her looks, Benito would finally notice me." she mumbles.

Her hopeful eyes look at my concerned ones, "Do you think mom would allow me to get breast surgery?"

I shake my head, "Probably not".

She looks shattered, "Papa would ground me for life if I ever asked them".

I don't like this. I was once someone who also wanted to change my looks because I wanted to impress a guy. I have been in this girl's shoes and it hurts to always think that you'll never be liked by someone because you lack in certain areas.

So I steer her in the right direction, "Liz, you don't need to change your looks to get some dumb boy to notice you." she giggles at the word dumb.

"You're a beautiful person, both inside and out. Just be yourself and forget about shallow boys like Benito. You'll meet someone who likes you for who you truly are.".

Her smile widens and she pulls me in for a hug.

The action warms my heart.

"Thank you. I feel better now".

I shrug and watch her stand, "You're welcome".

She walks towards the door, about to leave. "I'm happy that Uncle Xander found you. Now you're practically my cool young aunt".

I'm going to cry. That is so sweet of her to view me as a member of her family. I've only been here for a week and she already sees me as her aunt.

After she leaves, I start getting ready. I take a shower, thoroughly washing my hair. It feels good to have the braids off.

Once I am done, I wrap a towel around my torso and dry my hair with another one. Lex's tshirt covered back startles me when I step out of the bathroom.

"When did you get back?", I ask.

His eyes drink me in , "A-A few minutes ago?".

Did he just stutter?

Correction.

Did the sight of me in nothing but a towel make him stutter?

I feel so empowered.

"Did you have a good time?", I move towards the dresser.

Looking at him through the mirror, I see him run his hand through his hair, "Uh...yes. It was okay".

He seems distracted. I turn around the chair and look at him, "Are you okay?".

A small smile appears on his face, "I'm great. Just going to take a shower". He says before going into the bathroom.

I hope he is alright. I would hate for him to feel any negative way on his birthday.

By the time he gets done with his shower, I am dressed up in a short black dress. The bottom of it flares out and ends at the middle of my thighs. I try not to drool at the sight of him moving towards the closet half naked.

I finish up with my make-up and let my curls flow freely.

"You look like a dream", he comments from behind me.

Standing up, I move closer to him. "You too". He is in a pair of tight fitting jeans and a black shirt. The look is completed by his black leather, Grenson Declan style Chelsea boot.

He is so hot.

"Thank you", he says

I guess I said that out loud.

***

Everyone looks so dapper. The men look handsome in their semi-formal clothing and the ladies are drop dead gorgeous in their dresses. Elizabeth is the only female in pants. She has on black skinny jeans and a red blouse. The red block heel she has on accentuates her long legs.

She would make a beautiful runway model.

Henry, Reign and River hand us grown ups champagne flutes. Elizabeth, Anya and Juliette have a sparkling apple juice.

The legal drinking age in France is age eighteen, so I don't get too shocked to see that all three boys are also having champagne. And since it is a Saturday night, I guess they are allowed to indulge a little.

The first sip always does it for me. I get that familiar feeling of fairies dancing on my tongue.

I've come to the conclusion that I love champagne. This has become my favourite drink.

"I would like to say something", Pierre says. We all turn our focus on him, where he stands next to the fireplace. The bright embers of the flame dancing to its own beat.

He clears his throat, "Xander...I don't have a lot to say except that, your parents would be very proud of the man that you have grown into. In fact, I know that their spirits are at peace because of how you turned out".

Looking up at Lex I see a smile on his lips at Pierre's words.

"It makes me happy to see you happy. To see you with someone who brings out the best in you", his gaze shifts over to me for a second, "To reiterate Valerie's words earlier. You are as old as you feel, so don't let being a decade away from fifty brig you down".

Everyone in the room laughs at Pierre's joke. "Happy birthday Xander" he raises his glass and we follow suit, all of us wishing Lex a happy birthday.

Food brings people together. At this point I firmly believe that good food could literally be the key to world peace. It could be the one thing that ends wars.

If world leaders sat down and actually discussed politics over a delicious feast, tangible solutions to the problems that we face as a society could be conjured.

The dinner that Pierre and I prepared, just like the day's breakfast is fully and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The smile on my face not once wavers as I watch everyone eat heartily. Conversation and jokes flowing like the river Nile.

Though I am part of the conversation as we talk about trivial things, my focus is on the man next to me. His gorgeous smile and the warmth of his hand on my thigh. His thumb lazily moving to and fro at the hem of the dress I have on.

I'm within and also I am outside. I am engaging in being present in the moment but I am also trying my best not to combust at the overwhelming feelings Lex's hand is making me feel.

Placing my hand on top of his thigh, I start my own little game of teasing him, as I casually sip my wine. My nails graze his jean covered thigh. I feel the muscle flex and tense underneath my palm. I don't miss the lazy grin on his face as his hand leaves my thigh and holds mine.

Thinking that he is going to remove it, he instead moves it higher up to his crotch.

I almost choke on the wine. I hide the fact that I could possibly be dying with a cough. As if to worsen my condition, he keeps his firm hold on my hand when I try to pry it away.

We stay like this until we are all done eating. My paranoia rises a few levels as I feel like everyone...well the adults know exactly what is happening between the two of us since we go through the rest of our meal, eating with single hands.

I just hope that it's the paranoia and that they only think that we're only holding hands. Or that no one is thinking and assuming anything at all.

Once the table is cleared of our plates, I am finally set from his hold when Jocelyn calls me to the kitchen.

"Get the cake out", she instructs.

I open the fridge and see the masterpiece that Pierre had created. When I said to him I did not want a conventional cake for Lex, he really took it to heart.

This cake looks ethereal, lik it flew in from some other dimension.

"Wow", I say more to myself.

"I'll take that as a compliment", he says from behind me. I've been standing in front of the open fridge, staring at this beautiful cake. I didn't even hear him come in the kitchen.

Taking it out, I carefully place it on the counter.

"What is this?", I can't help but to ask him.

He helps Jocelyn take out some side plates from the high shelves of the cupboards. I rummage around the drawers for utensils and a cake cutter.

"That my dear, is a poppy seed cake with raspberry sauce, whipped vanilla ganache and poppy curd cream".

It's a mouthful...

The poppy seeds are like tiny black stars scattered on a white a white background. It almost resembles the inside of dragonfruit. Raspberries are the centerpiece on top of the cake.

"Here", he says handing me a saucer with one vanilla cupcake that has the vanilla ganache and poppy seed cream as a topping. Raspberry cream is drizzled on the sides.

He softly shoves one candle into the cupcake before igniting a small flame with a matchstick

"I am not ruining that cake with candles", he says with a sour face. I giggle as him, Jocelyn and I walk out and head into the living room.

Holding the saucer outwards, I start singing happy birthday as I walk to where Lex sits with Juliette on his lap.

I swear this man and kids...

Everyone else joins in and sings along with me. Lex is an embarrassed mess. A pink tinge colors his cheeks.

I Stand in front of him, he stands with Juliette in his arms. His eyes filled with so much emotion.

He blows out the candle, " Did you make a wish?", Anya loudly asks.

Lex turns to where she sits with Reign, "Yes princess I did" he endearingly answers her.

"Who wants to eat some cake?", Pieere asks, just like Buddy Valastro from Cake Boss.

"Me!" Anya shouts as she moves off Reign and runs towards her grandfather.

***

To say that I am a nervous wreck is an understatement.

"You're not messing anything up. He is going to love it.", Isadora says to me.

I am currently in the kitchen on a video call with her. It's time for my gift to Alexander and I can feel my heart trying to claw its way out of my chest.

"Are you sure?", I ask for the third time since our call started two minutes ago.

She smiles at me, "Trust me. I only wish that I was there to see it."

"I'll ask Val to record it for you", I say to her .

We end the call. Taking a deep breath I walk back to the living room and tap Henry on the shoulder. He gets my signal and moves to the baby grand piano in the corner of the large living area.