“Because Mommy always made me a chocolate cake on my birthday,” he says quietly. I feel horrible for not knowing something as important as Jacob’s birthday. I can’t help but feel as if this is going to be the first major hurdle Xavier and I have to overcome in our relationship. Not only that, but it’s the middle of July and I haven’t heard Xavier mention anything about Jacob going to Kindergarten in a couple of months. As I put the pan of ziti in the oven and start cleaning up so there’s no mess when Xavier gets home, I realize the time has come when we’re going to have to have a long talk.
Until now, I’ve been the one insisting that we take things slow, but I’m beginning to feel as if the only piece of our relationship that’s moving at a snail’s pace is communication. He’s nervous about overwhelming me or making me feel like he’s pushing for something more serious than I’m ready for, but that’s put me in the position where I had no clue Jacob’s birthday is coming up. That can’t keep happening.
“I will absolutely make you a birthday cake,” I promise him. I lift him off the bar stool at the breakfast bar so we can take Brody for a walk. “What do you want for your birthday dinner?”
Jacob appears deep in thought as we walk through the courtyard. It’s cute to see how seriously he takes such a decision. “Can I pick anything I want?” he asks, grabbing Brody’s leash out of my hands.
“Anything at all,” I tell him, loving the look of bliss on his face. He’s grown so much since I met him, he’s losing the toddler pudge and his vocabulary has exploded. Thanks to spending every sunny day in the complex swimming pool, his skin is a deep olive color despite the fact that we always use sunblock on him. I sit on the park bench and just watch him as he plays with Brody. It’s funny how I used to do everything in my power to fill every possible minute and now, I can’t imagine not having my days free to spend with Jacob.
Four days later, my kitchen looks like a bag of flour exploded all over. I thought about taking the easy way out and having Betty Crocker help me, but I want today to be special for Jacob. Thank God for the internet because I’ve never baked a cake from scratch. Given how long it has taken me to get to the stage where the cake is going in the oven, I probably will let Betty do what she does best from now on.
No matter how many times I told Jacob he could have anything he wanted for his birthday dinner, he insisted on macaroni and cheese with hot dogs. I found a great recipe online and I’m hoping that it will meet his standards. I have a lot to learn about little kids, because I can’t imagine wanting the same thing you eat at least once a week as something special.
Braydon knocks on my door as I finish frosting the cake. Since I insisted on all of this being a surprise, he was sweet enough to offer to come over and help me take everything, and the dog, over to Xavier’s place. “Smells great in here,” he says cheerfully. He gives me a peck on the cheek as he picks at the crumb topping on the casserole of pasta.
“Thanks, now let’s hope it’s edible,” I laugh. I don’t consider myself a bad cook by any means, but I’m apprehensive because I have big shoes to fill today.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Braydon assures me, picking up the cake as he whistles for Brody. “This is freaking amazing,” he says, looking down at the chocolate cake decorated with monster trucks running over toy cars. I was nervous about the gift I’m giving him, so I figured putting toys on his cake will be my saving grace if the present falls flat.
“Thanks. You think he’s going to like it?” I ask nervously. If my hands weren’t full, I would be chewing on my nails.
“He’s going to love it.” Braydon grabs my keys off the counter, following me into the hallway.
When we walk into Xavier’s apartment, Jacob is already bouncing off the walls. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like trying to get him to go to sleep tonight after we pump him full of sugar. “Melly, did you make me a chocolate cake?” he asks as he runs into my legs, almost causing me to dump dinner all over the floor. Xavier wasn’t thrilled when I told him I wasn’t a huge fan of Jacob calling me Miss Melanie now that we’re a couple. It felt too formal, but Xavier argued that it’s a sign of respect. Eventually, I won, and it didn’t take long until ‘Melanie’ was shortened to ‘Melly’.
After setting dinner on the table, I kneel on the floor, opening my arms for a birthday hug. I pull him tight to my body, holding on a little longer than normal. Xavier called earlier and said Jacob is having a rough day because he misses his mom. I’m not going to bring it up to him because right now he seems okay, but I wish there was some way I could take away that loneliness.
“Was I supposed to make you a cake?” I ask, tickling his belly so he’ll know I’m joking.
“Yep, you said you’d make a cake on Sunday, and that’s today.” I groan as I pick him up. I swear he’s going through yet another growth spurt, which is crazy to me. His eyes grow wide as they land on his cake. “Is that for me?” he asks, in awe of my creative prowess. If only everyone was so easy to please.
“I don’t know, your uncle saw the cake and said he wants it for himself,” I tease.