Chapter 301
Brandon wiped his mouth, lookng wounded. “Wait–manly or ancler Pick a lane, kids!” He pointed at Alex areusingly, “And what’s with the older than Great–grandfather comment? That’s just harsh.
Joseph glanced up, eyebrow arched. “Implying I’m ancient, are we?”
“No! God no!” Brandon backpedaled so fast he nearly fell out of his Wheelchair. “That’s not I didn’t~~
The table erupted in laughter. Even Wesley’s mouth twitched at the corners.
Adam sat quietly, taking it all in. The easy banter, the laughter, the burnt toast eaten with genuine appreciation–none of this existed at Haven Mansion. There, breakfast was a military operation of perfect food and calculated conversation. This chaos felt…
real.
As breakfast wrapped up, Brandon snapped his fingers. “Wait a minute your birthday’s like, what, three days away? We need decorations, stat!”
“Yes!” the triplets chimed in unison, like a tiny chorus.
They exchanged looks that said everything without words: this was their first real family birthday with both Mom and Dad present. It had to be epic.
Operation Birthday begins now!” Brandon declared, already wheeling toward the storage room where he’d stashed the supplies Henry had bought days ago.
Minutes passed as everyone scattered to different tasks. The living room became decoration central, with furniture pushed aside to make space. Alex balanced precariously on a stepstool, holding one end of a glittery banner.
“Higher?” he called to Brandon. “This good?”
Lucas positioned the other end, stretching on tiptoes. “How about now?”
From his wheelchair command center, Brandon directed traffic. “Lucas, up a bit more… perfect!” Despite his enthusiasm, frustration flickered across his face at being stuck giving orders instead of helping. Stupid legs picking the worst time to quit on me.
“Need some input?”
Everyone turned to find Adam in the doorway, holding several sketched designs. He handed one to Brandon. “This arrangement works better.”
Brandon’s jaw dropped slightly. “Since when are you the party planning guru?”
The corner of Adam’s mouth twitched. “Haven hosts events constantly. I know what works.” He passed more sketches to the kids. “Each room can have its own theme.”
“This is awesome!” Lily clutched her paper like it was made of gold.
Alex studied the drawings, impressed despite himself. “You thought of everything. Even the viewing angles.”
With Adam’s designs guiding them, the decorating shifted from chaotic to efficient, revealing just how seriously he was taking this celebration.
From her perch on the stairs, Irene watched the entire production with bemused wonder. She’d never expected such enthusiasm for a day she typically let pass without mention. But seeing everyone so invested made something warm unfurl in her chest.
1/2
Chapter 301
The afternoon slipped away as they worked. Hours later, the house transformed, Streamers hung from ceiling fixtures, balloons clustered in corners, and a gloat Inflatable sign shouted Happy Birtday Irene Sterling in letters that practically vibrated with cheer. Every space featured tasteful touches–even the bathroom minor wore tiny celebratory stickers.
As darkness fell, the exhausted crew dispersed to their rooms, Adam ingered in the living room, surveying their handiwork. He pulled out his phone, firing off a quick text to Thomas: “Status update on the special order?”
His phone buzzed immediately: “On track. Delivery confirmed for the morning of.”
”
Adam slipped his phone away, satisfaction settling over him. Just a few more days. His recovery was going better than expected- each night, he could stand longer without support when no one was watching.
He glanced once more around the decorated room. His gift for Irene was still on track – just a few more days until the delivery. He hoped she’d like it.
Watching her family’s excitement over the decorations, Adam realized how much these small moments of happiness meant to her. That was something worth being part of.
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