Page 122 of Eleven of a Kind

“Oh, you do. You make me incredibly happy, Gabriel.”

“And you make me incredibly happy, Piper. We should start heading back now.”

“Do we have to?” A pout crossed her lips.

“Yes. I have your present waiting for you at home.”

“What did you get me?” she asked with a beautiful smile.

“You’ll find out when we get home.” I kissed the tip of her nose.

When we arrived home, we went upstairs to change. When Piper walked into the bedroom, she saw the dress I had bought for her hanging on the closet door.

“What’s this?” She grinned as she walked over and looked at it.

“That’s the dress you’ll wear to dinner tonight.”

“You bought this? All by yourself?”

“I sure did. Do you like it?”

“I love it, Gabriel. Isn’t it kind of fancy? Where are you taking me to dinner?”

“That’s a surprise. Hurry up and get changed.”

“What about Riley? Where is she? She’s coming to dinner with us,” she said.

“I’ll text her. She’s probably down at Lily’s. Get dressed.” I kissed her forehead.

After changing into a pair of dress pants and a dressy button-down shirt, I walked back into the bedroom and saw Piper in the dress I’d bought her.

“Damn. You’re gorgeous.” I smiled.

“Thank you. You’re looking way too sexy. Maybe we can skip dinner and hit the sheets.” She grinned.

“We have plenty of time for that after dinner.” I smiled.

“Did you get a hold of Riley?”

“Yeah. She’s getting ready at Lily’s.”

“Why?” Piper’s brows furrowed.

“She’s a teenager. Isn’t that what they do?” I smirked.

Walking over to my nightstand, I opened the drawer and pulled out a blue velvet box.

“What’s that?” Piper smiled.

“Your birthday gift.” I handed her the box. “I hope you like it.”

She lifted the lid and stared at the open-heart pendant encased in diamonds.

“Oh, Gabriel. This is beautiful.” Tears filled her eyes as she looked up at me. “I love it so much. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, babe. Happy birthday.” I kissed her. “Let me put it on you.”

I took the pendant from the box and clasped it around her neck.