AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Hello?" Her voice came over the line.
"Good morning, Delia, is the cook in?" I asked.
"Yes Becca," she answered.
"Good, I won't be able to make it in this morning. Make sure everything is running as it should, I'll check in later, think you'll be able to handle it?" I asked her.
"Yes Becca," she answered.
"Okay, I'll run by the cafe later, call me if anything happens," I added before hanging up.
***
The rest of the afternoon passed on a whirlwind of activities. Getting the space outside ready had been easy, now I hoped the people Hunter had invited showed up. They were mostly Mark's school friends and their parents. Natalie was inside the house, but Steve had taken Mark away to shop for a birthday gift, or at least that's what we told Mark. We wanted the birthday to be a surprise.
It was time to set up the space outside while Hunter concluded the grilling. He had decided a barbeque would be perfect even though it would take more time, so I was going to deal with the decorations. Natalie was making the party favors.
I started by stringing lights along the beach. I had picked out colorful paper lanterns that would glow in the evening light. I draped them over the tree branches and hung them between the palms. As I worked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. It was amazing how a few decorations could transform the entire space.
Next, I set up a small picnic area. I had brought a colorful beach blanket and a low table at the grocery store. I hadn't been shocked to discover that Hunter didn't have any of the things we needed to make a party a party. I wished I'd had more time, but I just had to make do with what I had. I scattered some cushions around and placed a few candles on the table. I wanted it to be cozy, a place where we could all sit and enjoy the sea breeze.
I also brought a few games for the kids. I had picked up a Frisbee and a few beach balls, and a small kite for Mark. I knew he would love it. I set up a small area for the kids to play, away from the picnic area. I wanted to give them enough space to run around and have fun.
As the sun started to rise, I lit the candles and stepped back to admire my handiwork. The beach looked magical. The lanterns cast a soft, warm glow, and the sound of the waves was soothing. I could hear Hunter stirring in the house, and I smiled to myself. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he saw what I had done.
I went back into the house and straight into the shower, the parents would arrive soon. I showered and dressed, then called Steve and informed him he could start coming with Mark.
"You look beautiful," I heard Hunter say.
I turned towards him and fake gasped.
"You look just as dashing yourself," I replied.
I took his hands, and we made our way downstairs to the beach.
"Damn, it looks good," he said when he saw the space, it truly did. With the sundown, the lanterns really shone.
I had just tweaked the setup some more when I heard the doorbell ring. Natalie was still inside, making sure everything was ready for the birthday party. Hunter and I walked towards the door, my heart racing with excitement.
When I opened the door, I was greeted by the smiling faces of children and their parents. It was a warm and sunny day, perfect for an outdoor celebration. I pointed out the side door and the children eagerly ran towards the beach, their eyes lighting up at the sight of the decorations.
Hunter was right behind me, greeting everyone with a smile. "Welcome, welcome!" he exclaimed. "We're so glad you could make it!"
The parents chatted with Hunter and me for a few minutes, admiring the beach setup and commenting on how beautiful it looked. Meanwhile, the children were already playing games and running around on the sand.
I saw Steve drive up, so I nodded at Hunter and grouped the children around the door, waiting for Mark to step out of the car. Immediately he walked in, I nodded, and the sound of music filled the house along with about twenty kids singing the birthday song.
I laughed when Mark ran over to them and started singing the birthday song too like it wasn't his birthday like he was only visiting himself.
Soon enough, the party was in full swing, with children running around, playing with balloons, and eating. I watched as Mark blew out the candles on his cake, his face lighting up with delight as everyone sang his third "Happy Birthday" of the day.
After the cake, we played games like pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs. It was so much fun watching the kids participate, their laughter filling the air.
As the party began to wind down, Hunter and I started to clean up. I could see the exhaustion in his eyes, but also the joy of seeing his son so happy. I couldn't help smiling at the sight.
"Thanks for all your help today, Becca," Hunter said, giving me a grateful smile.
"Of course, it was my pleasure," I replied, feeling a sense of satisfaction at the success of the party. I moved away from him to the children gathered around the water, someone's needed to keep an eye on them. I gathered them together and pointed toward where the adults sat. Hunter would soon be giving a speech.
