“Thank you,” she answered, struggling to find more words. “I-” She turned it in her hands again and flipped through the pages. Her eyes widened, and my own smile grew.

“You annotated it?” she asked, looking quickly to me.” When did you have time?”

“I did,” I said. “I’ve been adding the notes the past few days when I could. I wanted you to have my own thoughts and comments as you read through as well. ”

I didn’t add the part I’d been avoiding.

In case I was back in Virginia by then. 

Her face started to fall reading between the lines. My clever girl, too smart for even my distractions.

“I know you spend time reading every single food label you pick up. Some probably assume you’re just checking the calories or sugar, but I’ve seen the way your eyes read over every ingredient.”

I continued trying to avoid the topic of when I leave all together.

I saw her eyes water a little. She grasped her bouquet of flowers, and I could see her taking in every word I said. Her attention was entirely mine, and I wanted to savor every second of it.

“I also know you don’t keeps eggs in your fridge and avoid the ones in mine because you’re allergic. It’s why you check every single label. Eggs, a staple and key ingredient in most birthday cakes. It took me a little longer to find you today, because after quickly realizing not a single grocery store or bake shop in this little town makes eggless cakes, I decided to give it a try myself. Admittedly, even though baking is a science I am familiar with, I seem to lack that magic touch bakers have.” I laughed and opened the lid of the basket fully.

I pulled out the small plate with the makeshift cover, revealing the small cake I had made. It was crumbly and the frosting was lumpy, but it was chocolate cake and frosting with strawberries on top. Again, her favorite.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I do know you, Lenny,” I stated. “And I wasn’t going to let you spend another birthday alone. I’m sorry I wasn’t there sooner. I should have found you this morning instead of this.” I nodded to the cake.

“No.” She stopped me, placing a hand on my chest. “It’s perfect.”

“You deserve nothing less,” I said, watching her flip through the book still.

She set it down and reached out for one of the strawberries on top of the cake, taking a bite and giggling in delight. “You didn’t have to do all of this, really. I’m sorry I let my emotions get to me today.”