TESSA.
I tried to calm myself down, but it was hard. I don’t show my emotions, but coming here and seeing this surprise really made me feel happy. As much as I don’t want my birthday to be celebrated anymore since I lost my father, seeing this today made me realize that I really needed it more than I wanted to admit.
I wiped my tears softly so as not to ruin my makeup, and I finally turned to look at them. They were smiling, and they chorused one more time, “Happy Birthday, Tessa!”
I smiled and whispered, “Thank you, guys.”
Nova grinned. “It’s time to cut the cake, birthday girl.”
I smiled and walked to the table. I stood in the middle and held the knife, and Cole said, “You’ll cut the cake on the count of three. Now let’s go, everyone!”
They all chorused, “Three, two, one—happy birt
