The Last First Date

The Birthday Surprise

Chapter Ten — The Birthday Surprise

Daniel's birthday was approaching.

Amara found out by accident.

They were having lunch when Michael called.

"Are we still doing Saturday?"

Daniel frowned.

"Doing what?"

"Your birthday."

Amara looked up.

"Your birthday?"

Daniel sighed.

Michael laughed.

"She didn't know?"

Daniel shook his head.

"I didn't tell her."

Amara looked at him.

"Why?"

"I don't like making a big deal about it."

"How old are you turning?"

"Thirty-two."

She smiled.

"Thirty-two?"

"Yes."

"You look younger."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Michael leaned toward Amara.

"Don't let him fool you. He loves attention."

"I do not."

"You absolutely do."

After lunch, Amara decided she wanted to surprise him.

She called Tolu.

"I need help."

Tolu immediately became interested.

"With what?"

"Daniel's birthday."

There was silence.

"You're planning something?"

"Yes."

Tolu laughed.

"You really like him."

"Don't start."

"I'm not saying anything."

"You are."

"I'm just happy."

Amara smiled.

Together, they planned a small surprise.

Nothing huge.

Daniel didn't like large celebrations.

So they arranged a quiet dinner with Michael and Tolu.

Amara also bought him a gift.

A leather notebook.

Daniel was always carrying papers and sketches, so she thought he'd appreciate it.

On his birthday, she told him she needed to see him.

They met at the restaurant.

Daniel looked confused.

"Why are you acting strange?"

"I'm not."

"You are."

"Just sit."

He did.

Then the lights dimmed.

Tolu and Michael appeared.

"Surprise!"

Daniel stared at them.

Then he laughed.

"You people!"

Amara smiled.

"Happy birthday."

He looked at her.

"You did this?"

"Maybe."

He smiled.

"Thank you."

Dinner was full of laughter.

Michael told embarrassing stories.

Tolu took pictures.

Amara watched Daniel smile.

He looked genuinely happy.

Later, she gave him the notebook.

"I saw it and thought of you."

Daniel opened it.

His expression softened.

"Amara..."

"You don't have to say anything."

He closed the notebook.

"I love it."

She smiled.

"Good."

He looked at her.

"Thank you."

They sat quietly for a moment.

The restaurant was noisy around them, but somehow they felt separate from everything.

Daniel reached across the table.

He took her hand.

Amara looked down.

Then back at him.

Neither moved.

His hand was warm.

Her heart beat faster.

"Amara," he said quietly.

"Yes?"

"I don't know where this is going."

She swallowed.

"Neither do I."

"But I know I don't want to lose you."

She looked at him.

"You won't."

He smiled.

For the first time, neither of them tried to pretend.

Something was happening.

Something real.

And although neither of them said the word love, both of them knew they were getting dangerously close to it.

These chapters move the story into the emotional turning point, where Amara and Daniel are no longer able to completely hide their feelings.