The Stranger Behind My Orgasm novel Chapter 292

Chapter 292: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Finnegan

The house was suspiciously quiet when I stepped inside. I closed the door behind me, eyebrows raised.

After Abigail had practically shooed me off last night with Henry and Arthur, I knew they were planning a surprise. She was adorable.

I set my keys down and called out, half-amused. "Hello? If this is some kind of surprise party, you’re doing a terrible job. I can hear you all breathing from here."

There was an annoyed groan before-

"SURPRISE!"

The living room exploded. Angel, River, Annette, and Abigail jumped out from behind the couch and furniture like overgrown kids. Balloons floated up, a few streamers unfurled, and Angel was already running toward me at full speed.

"Happy Birthday, Dad!" She crashed into me, wrapping her arms tight around my waist. "I hope you can always be this happy. You deserve the whole world. I love you so much."

I hugged her back fiercely. "I love you more, princess. Thank you."

River came next, grinning as she handed me a neatly wrapped box. "Happy birthday, cousin. Don’t open it yet, it’s embarrassing how much thought I put into it."

Annette stepped up next, smirking as she handed me a sleek black box.

I chuckled. "Thank you, Annette."

Then Abigail walked toward me. My heart did that ridiculous flip it always did when she looked at me like that, her blue eyes soft, warm, and full of love.

She wore a white sundress that made her look even more gorgeous, and she handed me a beautifully wrapped gift.

I tore into it like an excited kid while everyone laughed and teased me. Inside was a stunning custom wristwatch. It was sleek and elegant, in a blue that reminded me of her eyes. When I turned it over, my chest tightened.

Engraved on the back was the name of the plane we’d been on when we first met.

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her deeply, not caring that everyone was watching.

"I love you," I whispered against her lips.

"Thank you. This is... perfect."

"Woooo! Now we sing," Angel screamed.

They sang "Happy Birthday" while Angel proudly presented the cake. I blew out the candles, wishing for more mornings like this. More happy mornings to show Abigail how much I loved her.

After a family breakfast with Meemaw, Gramps, and our friends, we got ready for the gala that evening.

I stood in front of the mirror, slowly buttoning my shirt, but my eyes kept drifting to her.

She was standing near the bed, still adjusting the hem of her dress. Without a word, I dropped to my knees in front of her to fix the hem, then wrapped my arms around her waist, pressing my forehead against her belly.

Abigail’s hands immediately went to my hair, fingers threading gently through it. "Hey... what’s going on? Did I say something wrong? Are you okay?"

I closed my eyes, breathing her scent in. "I’m fine," I murmured. "I’m just... sorry, Abigail. My family wrecked your life. My brother killed your parents. My mother helped him. For fifteen years you carried that pain, and I was too blind, too trusting, to see what was happening right under my nose. I should have protected you sooner. I should have been better. I don’t know how you can even look at me sometimes."

She stroked my hair softly. "Finnegan... stop. It’s not your fault. Your family’s choices aren’t yours. You are not them."

"But they are my family," I whispered against her stomach.

Abigail tilted my chin up so I’d meet her eyes. Her voice was gentle but firm. "They were your family. We are your family now. Me. Angel. The life we’re building. If you’ll have me... I want to be your family. Always."

Yeah, I didn’t deserve her. I rose to my feet, cupping her face with both hands, and kissed her deeply, pouring every ounce of love, gratitude, and need into it.

When we finally pulled apart, I rested my forehead against hers. "Thank you," I whispered.

"For planning today. For loving me even when I don’t deserve it. For being the best thing that’s ever happened to me and Angel. I will spend every second of my life making it up to you, Abigail."

She smiled radiantly. "You deserve the world, Finnegan. Today is for you. Just relax and enjoy it. I’ve got everything planned."

I nodded, but there was a niggling feeling in my gut that refused to disappear completely.