"What do you mean you just celebrate Christmas and not your birthday?" I stare at Katie as we sit on top of my rented car.

"Well my dad never feels especially celebratory on my birthday." Katie explains, sheepishly ringing her hands until I take it in mine and soothe it.

"Of course, that makes sense, but you still deserve to celebrate your birthday."

"But Liam," I still can't get over how my name sounds when she says it, "my birthday is only 5 days before Christmas, it doesn't really matter."

"Well I think it does matter, Katie girl. So, tomorrow we're doing something for your birthday."

"Really?"

I can see the excitement in her eyes, I'm sure not celebrating has just become something she's used to, but she's still excited.

"Yep." I bend down and give her a kiss, my hands cradle her face as my thumb strokes her cheek.

"Right then," I smack the hood of the car, "we need to get you home, Katie girl. We can't have your father find out that I'm corrupting his innocent daughter."

Katie giggles at my joke and then hops off the car. She moves into the passenger seat and sits waiting for me to get into the driver seat.

As I start the engine, a part of me wishes we didn't have to hide, that I could come round for dinner and meet her father, but I know that will never happen. He would kill me and then lock Katie up forever.

I just have to take advantage of the little moments I have with my girl, starting with getting her the best first ever birthday present.

As soon as I drop her off in front of her house, and making sure she gets in their safely, I switch to my bike and drive away into town.

I already know exactly what I'm getting her.

After a few hours of searching, I finally find what I've been looking for. Beaming as I pack it in my saddle bag, I fly back to the compound.

A few of the men try to stop me, asking me for drinks or some fun, but I need to wrap this up.

I carefully lock my bedroom door and then lay the present on my bed. It's a motorcycle helmet designed for women so that Katie can ride on my bike with me, just like she's been begging to for the last few weeks.

A thumping at the door makes me jump and I quickly shove the box and the wrapping under the bed.

When I open my door I find a tearful looking Adrian standing there, a flask in one hand a bag of presents in the other.

"What's wrong, Adrian?" I ask, opening my door wider so as to let him in.

"I-I went to see my kid but my wife, well my ex-wife, she was on a date with someone else and the babysitter wouldn't let me in."

He sits heavily down on the bed and drops his head to his hands.

"She didn't even tell her that I was coming and I'm not allowed to see them on Christmas Day."

"Ah man, that fucking sucks."

I feel truly sorry for him, and even more sorry that there's nothing more I can say.

"Do you have her number?" I ask.

"Yeah, it's just for logistics about seeing my girl."

"Well," I swallow hard, feeling like I'm in uncharted territory here, "maybe tomorrow morning you should call and explain that because you couldn't see your daughter tonight, you're coming round sometime before Christmas."

"Yeah, yeah." He nods his head and goes to take another swig of his flask but I stop him and take it off him.

"The worst thing for you to do now is get drunk, so I'm keeping this."

"Probably for the best." He chuckles and then rubs a palm down his face, "you're a good friend, Rogue."

"Thanks man."

"So, what did you hide under the bed?" He questions, looking at me with intrigue.

"Nothing," I reply, far, far too quickly to sound innocent.

"Well, I don't care what it is." He says as he stands to leave, just when I think he's gone and I've gotten away with it, he turns back and smirks at me.

"But if it's to do with Miss Katie, you best be careful of her father."

"I don't know what y-"

"Yes you do," he grins, waving his hand away dismissively.

"But don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

"Oh Liam!" Katie giggles as I help her over the fence, "we really need to find an easier way to do this."

"Well, the easiest thing to do would be to tell your father," I watch the slight panic form in her eyes, "but I understand why we can't so don't worry."

I drive Katie out to our place in the forest, it's special and private. Even though she hardly says two words on the drive, I can tell she's brimming with excitement.

"I can't believe you've never celebrated your birthday on your actual birthday." I say as we walk hand in hand towards a stump we can both sit on together.

"I know, it feels a bit silly saying it now." Katie admits, blushing slightly in that adorable way. I love it when she does that, even if she can't control it.

"It's not silly, Katie girl." I say, feeling a pang of sadness, "and if anything I'm rather honoured I get to give you your first birthday present."

"I do love a surprise." Katie beams up at me as we sit side by side, hand in hand.

She quickly drops my hand when I place the present in her lap, I've been forgotten.

She rips off the paper, full of glee, and squeals when she sees what it is.

"Oh Liam!" She launches herself into my arms as I am smothered with kisses. "Does this mean I can ride on the bike with you?"

"Yes, but only sometimes when I'm going slowly, you're far too precious to risk getting hurt."

I pepper her cheeks and lips with kisses as she giggles and returns the favour.

"Happy birthday, Katie girl."