Abbie gives her a homemade card. It has hand drawn designs of pillow forts and baked goods and a duck boat, many of their adventures together of the past months, while the inside is inscribed with a note.

Happy birthday, Caroline!!!

Thanks for hanging out with me and taking me places and always answering my questions and never rolling your eyes or anything. You’re my favorite person and I love you.

Caroline loves kids. She’s always wanted kids. But she’s never had her heart so completely melted by one in her life.

By the time seven o’clock rolls around, Hannah has managed to corral Abbie into taking a shower and start winding down for the night.

Abbie uses one last ditch effort to look between them hopefully. “But we could all watch a movie instead? I don’t have school tomorrow, it’s a holiday!”

“But we have your bake sale.” Hannah reminds her. “And we have to be there bright and early to set up the table.”

When Abbie looks like she’s about to argue again, Caroline shakes her head. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to head back to the office. I still have a ton of work to do tonight. We can do a movie next week.”

They both watch in amusement as Abbie makes a dramatic production of grabbing her towels before she heads into the bathroom. Only then does she to look at Hannah, still seated across from her at the kitchen table.

Hannah’s already watching her with a frown. “Do you really have to go back to work? You’ve been working late for over a week. You didn’t even take any time off with the… accident.”

Caroline sighs. “Yeah… I mean, I should. I have a few deadlines I need to meet.” But she doesn’t stand up. Just wanting another minute here, with Hannah, in the quiet kitchen.

Even though she shouldn’t but, whatever. It’s her birthday.

Hannah sips at her water, eyes narrowing slightly as she looks at Caroline over the rim of her cup. “Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday?”

“How did you find out?” She counters.

Which Hannah rolls her eyes at. “Dodger. But because it’s your birthday, I’ll tell you. Your mom called and was asking if we wanted to have Thanksgiving with your family in a few weeks. She slipped it into conversation. And that you planned on working all day long.”

Caroline rolls her eyes even as she smiles through her exasperation. “That rat.”

Hannah gently kicks Caroline’s calf with her socked foot, staring at Caroline intently. Waiting for an answer.

Caroline takes a second to indulge – it’s her birthday – in looking at Hannah. Blonde hair is tousled and loose, falling down past her shoulders. It stands out in bright contrast against her black sweater and looks so incredibly soft. As it always does.