My Hometown Love

Chapter 47 - Birthday Boy

Lexie’s P.O.V

I gave Kevin a slight nudge towards the crowd as I stood back and watch them surround him, with wishes. I looked around at my house decorated with balloons and streamers. There were big golden letters pasted on our dark blue wall.

Happy Birthday & Congratulations!

Frankly, I couldn’t have pulled off any of this alone, especially in such a short time. That is why I recruited the party planner dream team two days ago, aka Jimmy, Amy & Lydia. Those three can plan and execute an amazing party from practically nothing.

“So, what do you think?”, Amy says as she walks up next to me.

“You guys have pulled off the impossible, yet again.”, I say as I give them a little salute.

“Oh please. There was nothing impossible about this one. You had everything ready. Unlike the time we almost forgot Lydia’s birthday and threw her a last-minute party in two hours. That was impossible.”, Jimmy says as he sips his drink.

“You know, the way the party was, I wouldn’t have ever guessed that you guys forgot. That was until hangover Jimmy blurted it out the next day though.”, she says coolly.

We all started giggling as Jimmy’s face reddened with embarrassment. We continued watching the party in front of us unfold, from afar.

“Excuse me, can I steal my girlfriend from you guys for a few minutes?”, Kevin said as he walked up to us.

“Of course. Just don’t bring her back.”, Jimmy said sarcastically before getting a pinch from Amy.

I giggled as Kevin held my hand and led me through the crowd, headed straight for the backyard.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V

I walked out onto the deck in the backyard with Lexie in tow behind me. The backyard was decorated with balloons and string lights, similar to the ones we hung up for the wedding.

I stopped walking once we reached a quiet and secluded corner before turning around to face Lexie as I leaned on the railing.

“Hey you.”, I said as I held both her hands in mine.

“Hey, birthday boy.”, she replied as she gave my hands a little squeeze.

“I can’t believe you planned all this and I didn’t know. You didn’t have to, you know.”, I said as I looked around the well-lit backyard.

“I wanted to! I wanted to share your special day and commemorate your first birthday as my boyfriend. Plus, my friends are amazing party planners.”, she replied as she caressed her thumb over my cheek lovingly.

“Thank you for this. I love it. You’re amazing, you know.”, I say as I rest my forehead on hers.

“I know.”, she says as she backs away suddenly and starts walking back towards the party.

“Hey! Where are you running to? Come back here.”, I say as I start chasing her.

“As much as I want to, I can’t hog the birthday boy all to myself.”, she says as grabs my hand and pulls me back into the party after her.

Just before she opens the door leading to the kitchen, I tug her back and twirl her around, so that she’s facing me.

“I love you.”, I say to her before planting a kiss on her cherry lips.

“I love you too.”, she replies as runs her hands in my hair.

“Okay, now I’m ready to head back into the party.”, I tell her.

“Well now I don’t want you to.”, she says as she stands on the tippy toes to kiss me again.

“Too bad. You can’t hog the birthday boy all to yourself.”, I tell her before hanging my arm around her neck and guiding her back inside.

“I’ll get you back for that, Walker!”, she silently hisses as she glares at me.

“I’ll be waiting.”, I reply before we get pulled away from each other by others.

As Jake pulls me away to introduce me to someone, I look back to see Lexie doing the same as Mrs. Cooper introduces her to her friend.

************

Lexie’s P.O.V.

I politely excuse myself from Mom’s chatty friend and turn to find Kevin hanging out with Jake and some other boys. I smile to myself as I make my way to the backyard to set up a makeshift dancefloor and a drink station.

“You can’t just abandon us like that you know.”, Jimmy said as he walked out of the kitchen door.

“You’re the one who said to not come back, didn’t you?”, I replied playfully as I arranged the red plastic cups on the table.

“You see what happens when you run your mouth like that.”, Amy says as she glares at him.

“I’m just kidding guys. I wanted you all to enjoy the party. Plus, I’m almost done here.”, I say as I lug the big punch dispenser on the table.

“So, is this the after-party?”, Lydia asks as she stands in the middle of the backyard, admiring the lights.

“Not exactly. We had Jake’s wedding reception out here and it was amazing, especially with a dance floor. So, I thought, why not repeat that? Therefore, I give you the extended outdoor party and dance floor.”, I say with a hint of flair towards the end of my sentence as I extend my arms pointing at the yard.

“Not bad Cooper. Your party planning skills have really expanded!”, Jimmy says as he walks around the decorated yard.

“Well, I learned from the best.”, I said as I pulled them in for a group hug.

“Sweetie, I think it’s time to cut the cake.”, Mom said as she peeked out of the kitchen.

“Okay, I’m coming, Mom. But I have to do something first.”, I say as I grab my phone and head into the house.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V.

I was talking to Jake and some other friends when Lexie joined us.

“Hi, guys. Sorry, I’m going to have to borrow Kevin for a while.”, she said as she dragged me away.

“What’s the hurry?’, I ask as she pulls me through the crowd to a quiet corner near the pantry.

“I want you to meet someone.”, she says as she stops and pulls out her phone.

“Here? What’s going on?”, I ask as I watch Lexie busy herself with her phone.

“Shhhh!”, she says as she puts her finger to my lips without looking up from the phone.

I stood there quietly, reading labels in the pantry when I heard a familiar voice.

“Yo! Walker!”, the voice screamed.

I quickly turn to find the source of the voice, only to find it coming from Lexie’s phone.

“Casey!”, I yelled when I saw my sister’s face on Lexie’s phone screen.

“Happy Birthday Bro! I heard you’re having a party! No fair!”, she said as she pouted.

“Hey, it was a surprise. You can’t blame me. How are you, kiddo?”, I asked her as I longed to hug her.

“We’re good Kevy and so proud of you.”, she said she blew flying kisses to the camera.

“Where’s Mom?”, I asked as I felt a little tear fill my eye.

“Kevin? How are you, sweetie?”, Mom said as she appeared on the screen.

“I’m great, mom. How are you? Are you taking your medication regularly?”, I immediately blurted out.

“Gosh! I knew it was a mistake having a doctor as a son. I’m fine! And yes, I’m taking everything daily. Now, can I speak to my son and not my doctor, please?”, she replied jokingly.

“Oh, Mom. I miss you.”, I say as I admire her face through the screen.

“Happy Birthday my baby. I am so proud of you. Enjoy your party.”, Mom said as she blew a kiss to the camera.

“I wish you and Casey were here with me Mom.”, I said longingly.

“I know baby. Your lovely friend, Lexie, explained that it was a last-minute party but was willing to arrange something to get us over there. But I declined. If I see my baby, I’m going to keep him with me for a solid week, so, a day or two won’t be enough.”, she replied.

I was thrown back in shock when Mom introduced Lexie as my friend and not my girlfriend. I looked up to Lexie behind the phone, shaking her head, implying that she didn’t tell them about our relationship. I nodded with acknowledgment before focusing back on the video call.

“Okay, Kevin. Enjoy your party and take care. Do visit us soon. I love you.”, Mom said in conclusion.

“I will Mom. Love you too. Love you, Casey! Good night.”, I said before ending the call.

**************

Lexie’s P.O.V.

I watch Kevin sadly end the video call with his sister and mother. He quickly wiped off a small tear in his eyes before handing me back my phone.

“How did you-”, Kevin said with a loss of words.

“I know your birthday wouldn’t be complete without them. I wanted to get them here but your Mom said that it was okay. So, I did the next best thing.”, I said as I shrugged my shoulders.

“Why didn’t you tell them we were together?”, he asked me.

“Well, I didn’t want to suddenly break the news to them. I believe your Mom needs to be given a chance to meet me first before we tell her. Plus, it’s nice to sit them down and tell them directly and not through a sudden phone call.”, I explained.

Before I could say anything further, Kevin launched himself at me, kissing me hard and emotionally as his hands cup my face. I felt a tear wet his cheek and mine.

“Are you okay?”, I asked as I pulled apart.

“Yeah. I’m fine. Emotion just overcame me especially after seeing how you cared for my relationship with my family and the lengths you go to make sure you include them as well.”, Kevin said as he pulled me into his arms.

“Of course. They’re like my family too. I love how important they are to you and I’m going to do all I can to preserve that. “, I said as I wrapped my arms around his waist.

“Ugh. Lexie, my heart is full of love for you and it keeps growing every day.”, he replies as he rests his chin on my head.

I pull myself back and wipe his tears with my fingers. I rest my forehead on his and gaze into his eyes.

“I love you and I can’t bear to see you cry. So, cheer up and let’s go enjoy your birthday.”, I tell him before planting a soft kiss on his lips and taking his hand in mine.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V

I hold on tight to Lexie’s hand and interlace my fingers with her as we walk out into the living room.

“Okay! The birthday boy is here. Let’s cut the cake.”, Mr. Cooper yells out, calling everyone’s attention.

Mrs. Cooper carries out a cake covered with a stainless steel cover and lays it on the table. She opens the cover to reveal a square cake dressed in a doctor’s coat with a stethoscope around the collar. I silently and gratefully read the words written across the white coat, in blue writing. 

Happy Birthday Dr. Kevin Walker.