Chapter 21 -
Ok, so now I know what you're thinking by now......... You've been with her for 2 years, get on with the story! Going day by day, I'll be sitting here listening to you for hours, maybe even days! Well, ok...... I'll skip ahead a bit. Here's the highlights........
Everything went on as normal, Kim went home and got back to her life. My brothers' and I got back to work on the new album. We did the interview and I announced that I was officially 'Off the Market' as it were. Our fans handled it pretty well, except a meager few. Isaac broke up with his girlfriend Leslie, and was now living the single life. Honestly, he seemed better off. Taylor met a nice girl named Brianne and has been seeing her for a while now. Life went on, and here we are, 3 months later. Kim was flying in for a big party.... Yup, that's right, I was turning 18! Oh, how time seemed to fly!
I was excited and I couldn't wait to see Kim again. My family was all busy preparing for my 'big day.' I hadn't seen Kim since she left. Sure, we had talked on the phone and wrote e-mails to each other daily, but that just wasn't the same.
October 22nd finally rolled around, and I woke up that morning to the feeling that I was being watched!
"Happy Birthday." Taylor smiled down at me.
"Ugh, Taylor. It's too early to wake up to your face man!" I joked.
"I will take that as 'Taylor, you're way too beautiful, and I envy you.' Now get up, we have a surprise for you." He laughed and smacked the back of my head.
I groaned loudly and rolled out of bed. I was pretty sure I looked like hell, but I really didn't care at that moment. My brother was WAY too cheery this early, and it annoyed me. I got to the edge of the stairs and could hear all the commotion going on down there. I could smell the heavenly aroma of breakfast drifting up the stairwell. My mother had made me my special breakfast that she made me every year since I could remember. It was all my favorites. Chocolate chip pancakes with syrup, eggs, toast and bacon with a HUGE glass of orange juice. I ran down the stairs and into the kitchen and saw my mother standing there by the stove, but she wasn't alone. She was talking to someone, and I turned the corner to see who it was.
"Morning birthday boy."
"Kim! When did you get here? Why didn't you wake me up?" I asked running over to her.
"Well, I got here about an hour ago, and I didn't wake you because you need your rest." She smiled and kissed my lips gently. I hugged her tightly and picked her up off of the stool.
I looked over at my mom and she smiled brightly at me.
"Happy birthday baby. Sit down and eat, you have a big day today."
"Thank you mom." I smiled back at her and kissed her cheek.
"Walker, kids..... breakfast!"
I sat down at the table and scooted Kim's chair closer to me. This was the best birthday ever, and the day had just started. I not only had my girlfriend with me, but my entire family, whom I loved very much, was with me as well. Everyone sat down at the table and dished themselves heaping plates of food.
"Happy Birthday Zac." My dad smiled at me.
"Thanks dad."
"Would you like to say Grace?" He asked.
"Sure." I smiled and bowed my head. "Heavenly Father, Thank You for this wonderful meal we are about to eat. You have blessed us so much Lord, and with You, all things are possible. We owe You so much, and we thank You for everything we have. I would like to thank You Lord, for bringing new people into our lives and showing us how to love. May Your light shine down on us always. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
I lifted my head and smiled at everyone.
"Eat up Zac, before it gets cold."
"Ok mom, and thank you everyone. This is a great birthday."
"We haven't even done anything yet." Taylor smiled.
"I know, but just having you all around is enough."
"You're such a sap." Isaac laughed.
Kim smiled at me and grabbed my hand lightly under the table.
"I have something for you." She whispered.
"You didn't have to get me anything."
"I know I didn't Zac, I wanted to." She stated. That sounded familiar.
She got up and went over to the bar where she had left her bags. When she had whatever it was she was looking for, she walked back over to the table and handed me a small gift.
"Happy Birthday Zac." She smiled and sat back down.
"Thank you." I smiled. I unwrapped it slowly, pulling the small ribbon apart and crumpled the paper.
In my hand was a small black, velvet box. I opened it slowly and my mouth dropped open, I never would have expected anything like this. I was at a loss for words..........
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