Chapter 20: "The Surprise Party"

Autumn in Seattle was definitely nice; the air was crisp and the trees and leaves were red, orange, and gold. Whenever the trees that were planted near their house shed their leaves, Taylor felt such joy. It was weeks before Alex’s birthday, and she was busy planning a surprise party for her friends and working hard to ensure that the party was one that no one would forget. Usually, Taylor was precise in her thinking and actions, but this party was the epitome of the need for organization. She had managed to start a group for their friends, where everything from the list of people to be invited to the type of food to be served was arranged. The place she had chosen was just perfect—a chick rooftop bar in the downtown area with beautiful views of the skyline of Seattle and the distant snow-capped Cascade Mountains. Taylor opened her eyes early this morning on Alex’s birthday, with her brain working on the schedule plan she had in mind for the day. She quietly got off the bed and sneaked to the kitchen to prepare a delicious breakfast for Alex: blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup and crispy bacon. The smell of coffee and bacon surrounded their apartment, and she noticed that Alex had woken up. “Happy birthday, handsome,” Taylor called out to him as he walked into the kitchen, still looking rather sleepy with a bed head. Alex's face lit up. “Great, it smells really good, she said with a smile. "Thank you, love.” While they were having their breakfast, Taylor proposed their first activity for the day in a very nonchalant way. ‘Well, I was thinking of going for brunch to The Bluebird Café; what do you think?’ Alex nodded enthusiastically. That sounds perfect. Their eggs Benedict are to die for. There were a lot of people in the Bluebird, as usual, on the weekends when they arrived. Taylor had made a reservation the day before and requested their preferred booth, which is in a corner and a little secluded. While the couple was enjoying the meal, Taylor was very careful and managed to avoid revealing anything that would give the theme of the evening away. “Seattle Art Museum has a new exhibit now, and that reminds me we can go there after this,” Taylor said, realizing that Alex would not be able to resist the opportunity to see contemporary art. Alex's eyes lit up. “The one with the local performers, you mean? I have been longing to watch that one.” The afternoon at the museum was so enjoyable, and Alex was so passionate about explaining each and every item he came across. Taylor was glad to see this side of him—so animated, interested, and inventive. She was able to slip out a couple of times, using the ruse of going to the washroom, to text their friends who were preparing the rooftop for a party. Late in the afternoon, when they left the museum, the sun was warm, painting the city in gold. Taylor proposed to walk to the nearby Olympic Sculpture Park, as she realized that would allow more time for the preparation of the party. “It has been such a great day.” Alex smiled and held Taylor’s hand tightly while walking around, admiring the sculptures. ‘It was amazing, and I am so lucky to be here. Thank you for making it so special. ’ Taylor felt his love for her rise within him. ‘It’s not over yet,’ she said with a rather wicked look on her face. Back at their apartment, Taylor suggested they dress up for dinner. She slipped into a sleek black dress she'd bought specifically for the occasion, while Alex opted for his favorite navy suit. As they got ready, Taylor felt a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside her. They took a cab to the rooftop bar, with Taylor doing her best to keep her composure as they approached the final phase of her plan. In the elevator, she took a deep breath, squeezing Alex's hand. "I've heard this place has an amazing view," she said, her voice only slightly betraying her excitement. As the elevator doors slid open, they were greeted by an eruption of cheers and applause. "SURPRISE!" The rooftop was filled with their friends and family, all beaming at Alex's shocked expression. For a moment, Alex stood frozen, his eyes wide, as he took in the scene before him. Colorful balloons and twinkling lights adorned the space, and a banner reading "Happy Birthday, Alex!" stretched across the bar. His gaze swept across the familiar faces—colleagues from work, friends from college, and even his parents, who had flown in from out of state. Last but not least, he looked at Taylor with moist eyes, moved by the emotions. He could hardly believe that she had done all this, and in such a gentle manner, he said, “You did all this?” Taylor smiled and nodded her head, and she too had tears in her eyes. It was such a happy moment for her. I wish you a happy birthday, Alex, and I wish it to be an unforgettable one. Alex grabbed her tightly around her waist and rested his head on her head. “You are great; do you know that?” he whispered to her. “Thanks Taylor.” This is more than I ever thought possible. The evening went on with fun-filled laughter, music, and celebration. Alex mingled through the crowd to shake hands with friends and relatives. He was very happy. Taylor observed him from the other side of the hall, and the satisfaction was apparent on her face. To witness Alex this happy, all the sleepless nights, the covert phone conversations, and the lies had been worth it. When the sun started to set and lit the sky in pinkish-orange colors, Alex’s best friend Jake raised his glass to attract everybody’s attention. “Guys, I really think it is time for a toast,” he said, standing up and lifting his glass. > Dear Alex, One of the sincerest and most gifted people I’ve ever met. You’ve been not only my friend but my best friend for more than 10 years now, and it’s been such a pleasure to see you transform into a wonderful person. I wish you all the best things in life and hope that we will remain friends and support each other for many years to come. Happy birthday, my friend! The audience joined in and shouted, “To Alex!” while they tapped their glasses against each other. Alex moved forward, and he looked quite touched. ”I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming. It means more to me than you can possibly comprehend. ” He looked Taylor in the eye. “And a special thanks to Taylor for keeping the biggest secret of my life. You are fantastic, honey, and I am the luckiest man to have you.” There was a transition from the lively dancing to the more casual and laid-back dancing as the night went on. The DJ began to play the best of the season and the latest tunes in town, and the dance area was filled in a blink of an eye. Taylor and Alex were in the middle laughing at each other as they tried to pull some dance steps they did while in college. Some time later, while some of the guests had left, Taylor and Alex overpowered each other to have some alone time by the side of the rooftop. The skyline of Seattle was in front of them. painting of sparkling lights against the dark background. Alex pulled Taylor to him, putting his hands around her and his chin on her shoulder. “Thank you,” he said softly. ”Not just for the party but for everything—for being you, for loving me, and for creating this life together.” Taylor relaxed against his chest, and for the first time she felt a heat that was not from the lamps. ‘Alex, I love you, and happy birthday to you’. As the last guests trickled out and the cleanup began, Taylor felt a mixture of exhaustion and elation. She had pulled it off—the surprise, the party, all of it. But more than that, she had given Alex a night he would never forget. Back in their apartment, as they prepared for bed, Alex pulled Taylor close. "You know," he said, a playful glint in his eye, "I think we should make surprise parties a yearly tradition." Taylor laughed, swatting his arm lightly. "Nice try, mister. Next year, it's your turn to surprise me." As they drifted off to sleep, Taylor's mind was already spinning with possibilities for their future celebrations. But for now, she was content to bask in the afterglow of a perfect day, wrapped in the arms of the man she loved. The surprise party had been a success, but it was just one moment in the beautiful life they were building together. And Taylor couldn't wait to see what surprises the future held for them.