Ten minutes later, I hear the rumble of her truck and rush to the door. I open it and go down the steps to meet her before she gets out.

“Allow me,” I say, opening her door.

She takes my hand. “Ooh, well thank you. What a gentleman.”

“Only the best for my lady.” I tilt my hat and press a kiss to her soft lips.

She giggles, then I grab her duffel. Taking her hand, I lead her into the house and set down her bag.

“Wow, you weren’t wrong. It smells amazing in here.” She lifts her nose and inhales. “Seafood for sure.”

Reaching the oven, I take out the skillet, and her eyes widen.

“You made this?”

“Don’t sound so surprised.” I scoff. “I can cook. You just never let me.” After setting the pasta on the stovetop, I remove the garlic bread.

“If it tastes as good as it smells, I’ll gladly put you in charge of the kitchen from now on.” She grins, eyeing everything.

“Not sure I’d go that far. This took a lot of planning. I honestly don’t know how you make three meals a day for so many people.”

“Lots of practice and prepping ahead of time,” she responds effortlessly. “Also helps that I have help.”

“Now, I didn’t make dessert because I’m only so capable in the kitchen, but I did get Grandma Bishop to bake a cake for you.”

“You didn’t!” She gasps when I uncover it. “My favorite! German chocolate cake with chocolate mousse.”

I chuckle at how adorably excited she is. “Of course.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me down for a kiss. “That was really thoughtful. I haven’t had that in years. Thank you.”

“Anything for my love.” Lowering my hands to her ass, I squeeze with a smirk. “You look beautiful, birthday girl. I love it when you wear easy-access dresses for me.”

Maize snorts. “Let’s see how good this meal is first before you get any ideas.”

The table is set, and I pull out a chair for her to sit so I can serve her. Once our plates and wineglasses are full, we dive in, and I swear she’s seconds away from an orgasm when she takes her first bite.

“Holy God, this is incredible,” she moans around a forkful. Before she even swallows, she takes another bite, inhaling it. “I’m gonna need this recipe. My parents would lose their minds over this.”

I don’t admit that I’ve already spoken to her parents and told them what I was cooking. They’re anxiously waiting to hear all about how tonight goes.

“Glad it turned out good,” I agree. “Don’t forget the garlic bread. I made that baby from scratch.”

She grins, putting a piece in her mouth. “Mmm…so good.”