Two months later

“Surprise,” everyone shouts as Tristan and I enter Shae’s apartment.

When I see my dad and Holly my eyes fill with tears. After my dad left the hospital and I knew both him and Holly were better, I decided to move to New York and I’m still adjusting to not having my family close. We talk and video chat every day, but it’s not the same.

“Happy Birthday, Hannah Banana.” My dad hugs me and I’m unable to stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I croak. “Weren’t you home when we spoke last night?”

Pulling away, he answers, “I was actually at a hotel room. Holly and I got here yesterday.”

Turning to look at my sister, I scowl. “You cried last night because this was the first year we would be apart for my birthday, and then I cried.”

“What can I say? I think I can be a pretty good actress,” she laughs and hugs me.

“This is all thanks to Tristan here.” My dad pats him on the shoulder. “Did you know he owns a private plane?”

Arching a brow in his direction I say, “I didn’t know that. It seems he can’t help but keep secrets from me.”

“It’s actually my parent’s plane,” Tristan assures. “I just borrowed it for this special occasion.”

I get on my tiptoes and kiss him. “This is the sweetest thing ever, thank you.”

“Ew, get a room you guys,” Shae interrupts us.

Grabbing my arm, she pulls me away from Tristan’s side. “Come on, there are some people I want you to meet.”

Tristan shakes his head as I throw an apologetic look his way and mouth, “to be continued.”

Shae leads me toward a circle of people. The only person I recognize is Cordelia, who moves forward as soon as she sees me.

“I’m so happy to see you again, Hannah.”

She kisses my cheek and I return the gesture. “It’s so nice to see you, too. How’s everything going?”

After Tristan explain everything to me, I was thankful they were able to stop the person who tried to steal from Cordelia. Even if we met briefly, I know she’s a good person and Shae loves her.

“Everything is improving. It’ll take me awhile to get back to where I want to be,” she pauses and sighs. “Let’s not talk about that right now. We’re here to celebrate your special day,” she adds with a smile.

“Hannah, I want you to meet my friend Tori and my brother, Valter.”

Shock colors my face. Shae never mentions her family and I never imagined she had siblings.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, shaking both of their hands.

“I’ve heard a lot of things about you,” Tori says. “Shae told me you were part of the sugar bowl lifestyle for a brief time.”

“Oh, yeah. Very brief.” I feel the blush on my cheeks as I turn a questioning look to Shae.

“Relax. Tori is also a sugar baby,” Shae clarifies. “And Valter knows all about my lifestyle.”

“And I support her all the way,” he adds.

“I just don’t think it’s fair that you all know about me, but I just found out you have a brother.” I quirk an eyebrow her way.

“Let’s just go eat some cake,” Shae says, avoiding the conversation. “I think you’ll like what we got.”

Deciding to leave it alone for now, I let her get everything ready while I return to find my dad and Tristan laughing at whatever Holly is excitedly telling them.

I pause and take a mental photo. When I confessed to my dad the reason why I really came to New York and how Tristan and I met, I was sure he would disown me or wouldn’t approve of our relationship, but I was wrong. He didn’t judge me and told me as long as I was happy, he would always support me.

“I wish you were here, mom,” I whisper.

Tristan’s gaze finds mine and he excuses himself, making his way toward me.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

I pull him closer, putting my arms around his neck. “Everything’s perfect. Thank you for bringing my family here for my birthday. It’s the best present ever.”

“I know how much you missed them, I’m glad you liked it but this isn’t your birthday present.”

“It’s not?” Now my interest is piqued.

“No. I have another surprise for you, and as soon as we have some cake, I’ll take you to it.”

* * *

An hour after we had cake, champagne and I opened some presents, Tristan announced we would be heading out and everyone seemed excited. Everyone except me since I didn’t know what was happening.

“Where are you taking me?” I ask as we enter an old warehouse and start walking through a corridor.

“It’s a surprise,” he reminds me. “Don’t be impatient.”

Inching closer, I tighten my hold of his arm. “It’s dark, I don’t like the dark.”

Tristan stops and quickly embraces me in his arms. “You don’t have anything to be scared of, Hannah. I’ll always protect you.”

He leans forward and his lips touch mine, softly. The warmth of his breath takes away the uneasiness and I kiss him. We’re so lost in one another we don’t notice the person coming from the end of the corridor.

“Mr. Frost?”

We break the kiss apart. I’m still drunk from the kiss as I turn and notice the person who spoke.

“Oh my God.” My hand flies to my mouth, not believing what my eyes are seeing.

“We’re ready when you are,” the man smiles and gestures toward a room.

“We’ll be there in a minute,” Tristan confirms and we watch the man pass through the mystery doorway.

“Holy shit,” I exclaim. “Was that?”

“Yeah. It is.”

“Holy shit,” I repeat. “What’s happening?”

“I fall in love with you with each day we share together. The sparkle in your eyes every time you look at me makes my knees weak. The way you say my name when I make you come is imprinted in my brain. And there’s nothing I want more than to give you the world, Hannah.”

“I don’t need the world when I have you. You’re my world, Tristan.”

“I still want to give you things I know will make you happy, that’s why we’re here tonight.

I know you and Nat have been talking about expanding her bakery and you wanted to take a few classes.”

“No way,” I whisper. “Tell me you’re joking.”

Tristan laughs and shakes his head. “No. It’s happening, baby.”

“Holy fucking shit,” I shout. “You got me a class with Buddy freaking Valastro?”

He nods. “Our own first private lesson.”

“Our? You’re doing it with me?” I say excitedly.

“You’ll have to go easy on me though. The only thing I know about cakes is how to eat them.”

I squeal and jump on him. He catches me and twirls me around. “Happy Birthday, baby.”

“I love you.” I pepper kisses all over his face.

“I love you too. Now let’s go get messy.”

“And then later on we can get really messy.”