The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 60

Cordelia had been staying in the Evans' house for quite a few days. Until one day, Ronan dropped the news that his grandpa's birthday was a few days to come.

"Does your grandpa's birthday call for a big bash? What do I need to do?" Cordelia asked, all serious-like.

"Grandpa isn't one for showy stuff so it'll just be us three celebrating."

Cordelia checked the calendar and saw that the day fell on a Sunday.

On Friday night, she hit the mall and ordered a massage bed for Barney, planning to give him a surprise on Sunday.

She also planned to cook up a feast on Barney's birthday.

However, Ronan kept her up late on Saturday night, and being young and fond of sleeping in, she didn't roll out of bed until 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Still half-asleep, she stood at the top of the stairs and saw Barney sitting in the living room with some leftover pizza on the table.

Cordelia figured it was the work of the house help.

When she descended the stairs, she saw Deanna, apron-clad and in slippers, bringing out a dish of fish from the kitchen.

"Woke up this late?Did you forget Barney's birthday?" Deanna teased Cordelia.

Cordelia wanted to explain that she hadn't forgotten, but she just woke up and hadn't done anything yet.

"Grandpa," Cordelia started, feeling guilty for sleeping in, apologizing to Barney.

Barney chuckled gently, "It's okay if Della forgot my birthday, it's only the first year."

Cordelia thought about how Barney was getting up there in years, there might not be a second year, let alone a third.

But she had missed most of this all-important birthday this year.

Thinking about this, Cordelia felt her heart sink.

"It's okay, I know you meant well. Don't beat yourself up about it. Finish up the pizza, you haven't had breakfast, you must be starving. I understand," Barney said kindly.

Cordelia knew what Barney meant. The tears welling up in her eyes didn't fall, she just said shyly, "Grandpa, thank you."

Just then, Deanna came out of the kitchen with another dish, seeing the closeness between Cordelia and Barney, and hearing their conversation, a hint of displeasure crossed her face.