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Back inside, I’m stunned how many people came for my birthday. Lexi runs to me as soon as she sees me.
“You look so pretty, Addie,” she tells me, giving me a big hug.
I look at her new dress and twirl her around. “You do, too, sweet girl. Looks like you and Syd went shopping.” She smiles super wide and nods her head.
She pulls me around to different people she knows, and I introduce her to the people she doesn’t.
I look around at how many people are here and there has to be at least a hundred. Tony waves at me from the stage while he and Harper sing. I can’t help but laugh as they dance around on stage and sing with their pitchy voices.
Syd takes Lexi, so Aiden and I walk around talking to everyone. Ted comes up behind me and whispers in my ear, “Why is the quarterback from the Giants here?”
I find Ryker with a group of people around him. Mainly women. I wrap my arm through Ted’s. He’s a huge fan of Ryker’s, not so much the Giants. I know the feeling.
“Come on. He’s one of Aiden’s best friends,” I say, leading him over.
“There’s the gorgeous birthday girl,” Ryker says and pulls me into a tight embrace. “Let’s see how long it takes for—”
I’m being pulled back and arms are wrapping around my waist as a growl comes out of Aiden’s mouth. Ryker barks out a laugh. “I guess not long,” he says, grabbing Aiden’s shoulder and patting him on the back.
“Ryker, I want you to meet my uncle Ted. But he’s more like my dad,” I say, looking warmly at Ted. They shake hands.
I don’t even notice the man to Ryker’s side until he says, “Aiden, it’s great to see you. I’m assuming by the possessive embrace, this is Addison.”
It’s Aiden’s turn to laugh. He doesn’t release his hold but does take one hand off my waist to shake the guy’s hand. I tilt my head looking at him closer. He looks familiar. It’s Ted who gives it away. “No shit! You’re Shane Jacobs, the owner of the Giants.” I look at Aiden, and he shrugs. I wonder what other famous people he knows.
We all start talking about the upcoming season. And I’m actually surprised that Ryker is even here because it’s preseason. “I wasn’t going to miss this. Plus, I’m the quarterback, they’re not even playing me,” he says, throwing his hands in the air.
I’m surprised by his comment. It’s just my birthday. It’s not that big of a deal. He acts like it’s the party of the century. I’m about to say something when a certain voice singing stops me. I look to the stage and Sydney and Lexi are on stage. Lexi is singing Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus. She’s swinging her hips with so much sass that I think she’s going to fall off the stage. Hoots and hollers only spur her excitement. All eyes are on them right now. My hand is on my heart as I watch her. This is her thing. She’s come so far from three months ago. I’m sure her mom is looking down on her right now, so proud of her.
She sees me and waves. Aiden and I both wave back. “She’s a natural on stage,” Aiden says, leaning on my shoulder.
“She is,” Shane says. “It’d be awesome if she came and sang the National Anthem one game.”
I jerk my head in his direction. I open my mouth and then snap it shut. “I’m not sure if she needs to be in the spotlight right now. She’s been through so much this year.”
“Well, if you change your mind, you know how to get a hold of me,” he says, smiling and looking at Aiden.
“Any other famous people going to be coming to my birthday party?” I joke, leaning my head against Aiden’s resting on my shoulder. He chuckles.
Everyone important to me is here. I can’t even imagine how much work went into making this happen. People from all over are here. Aiden’s sister, Katie, is talking with Jaxon across the room, trying to be discreet. Aiden’s grandparents are talking to Amy and Ted. Friends from both our worlds are enjoying themselves. This is our world, combined.
I squeeze Aiden’s arm that is wrapped around my waist. “Thank you,” I say, turning my head toward him and kissing him on the cheek. “This is the best birthday present ever.”
“You’re definitely worth it,” he says.
My cheeks are hurting as the night goes on. I’m trying to pace my drinks so I don’t miss a second of tonight.
“I am borrowing that dress,” Harper says while we dance around. “Although I’m pretty sure I won’t look half as stunning as you in it.”
“Shut up. You are drop dead gorgeous. You’d rock this dress.”
Aiden comes up behind me. “That dress never leaves your closet, unless you’re wearing it or it’s on the floor,” he whispers. “Got it.”
I giggle and push him away. “Go away, Tarzan, I’m dancing with my girls.” He beats his chest and yells as he walks away. We all bust out laughing.
Not long, Syd and I are walking to a couple chairs to sit down. My feet are starting to hurt. A table right in the middle is reserved for me. They didn’t miss anything.
I look around for Lexi and she’s on Max’s shoulders, entertaining a group of people. She’s definitely a shining light. My shining light.
