Abel picked up the crown and set it gently on Emmeline’s head, then arranged the tendrils of hair that framed her face so they fell nicely. She watched him with sparkling eyes, her expression warm and tender.
“Happy birthday, Sweetheart!” Abel put his arms around her and kissed her deeply and lovingly. His voice held unmistakable tenderness and affection.
“Thank you, my darling Hubby!” Emmeline slipped her arms around Abel’s waist, feeling incredibly contented and happy, burying her face into his shoulder.
“Happy birthday!” Waylon, Kenny, and Bowie chimed in from behind him.
“Happy birthday, Emma,” Benjamin offered as well with a smile. “Yes, happy birthday, Emma!” Janie exclaimed happily as she stood beside him.
Adam, Adrien, Lizbeth, Paul, and Erin also came over to give Emmeline their wishes, forcing Sonia and Ysabel to squeeze into a corner.
The quadruplets were even more excited. “Happy birthday, Mommy! Please live a long and very prosperous life!” They chorused.
“Happy birthday!” Even the other customers found the enthusiasm contagious and clapped their hands, joining in the well-wishes.
“Ooh, look, the cake’s here!” Sam exclaimed excitedly.
Everyone turned and saw the cake on a trolley being carried down the stairs by nine strong, burly men. It was a wondrous confection, six tiers high and exquisitely decorated with fruits and buttercream.
Once the massive cake had been safely carried down and set on the floor, Doris came forward. She was dressed smartly in a chef’s uniform, complete with white toque and white mask. Beaming, she pushed the trolley slowly toward Emmeline. The guests stood aside and made way for her.
Sonia and Ysabel huddled together in the corner, watching.
Abel was celebrating his wife’s birthday with his four children! Sonia’s yearning and hopes over the past five years were dashed on the spot. As the rousing birthday greetings continued, tears began streaming down her cheeks.
“Don’t cry, Sonia…” Ysabel put her arm around Sonia’s shoulders. “You haven’t lost yet. Those two and their children are just an accident that happened.”
“What do you mean?” Sonia looked uncomprehendingly at her.
“It’s like this…” Ysabel leaned closer and told Sonia what she had heard about Abel’s mistake five years ago.
“That’s what happened? Sonia looked very thoughtful.
“Yes, that’s why you can’t give up hope,” Ysabel said firmly. “I’m certain that there’s nothing between them, and they’re just putting on a show. It’s despicable, this woman using those children to lure your boyfriend away! You must take him back from her!”
Sonia considered this. Yes, Ysabel was right. She should fight for Abel and make him hers once more. If there hadn’t been children involved, would he have even chosen to be with Emmeline in the first place? After all, Sonia regarded herself as the only one fit to be part of the influential Ryker family! Emmeline was nothing but a wretched cafe owner with a pretty face!
However, she would not be able to do anything about it today, not with the guests still clustering around Abel and Emmeline.
The cake was wheeled into the center of the room, and Emmeline lit the candles. Everyone clapped and began singing “Happy Birthday”; naturally, Sonia and Ysabel did not join in.
Emmeline clasped her hands together and pursed her lips slightly as she made a silent wish, then blew out all the candles in one breath. All the guests cheered and shouted, “Happy birthday!”
Abel pulled Emmeline into his arms and spun around three times with her.
“Be careful!” Emmeline clutched at the crown on her head. “This will fall off, if not!”
“You’re still the queen of my heart, with or without a crown!” Abel kissed her passionately in front of everyone. “Live long and prosper, my darling babe and queen of my life!”
Emmeline turned scarlet with embarrassment and pummeled Abel’s shoulder with her small fists, amusing him so much that he grinned broadly. As she turned her head, she was just in time to catch sight of a crestfallen Sonia and Ysabel leaving. She began cutting the cake to serve to the guests, and Waylon came over to help her.
Doris, who was standing behind the cake trolley, felt her heart skip a beat. What a tall, dashing gentleman…
Waylon sensed that the baker was staring at him and turned to look at her, puzzled. Their eyes met, then widened suddenly.
“Doris?” Waylon could not tell if the person behind the mask was Doris or not.
“Mr. Adelmar?” Doris gasped in astonishment. “Oh my goodness, is that you?”
“It really is you!” Waylon was astounded. “Why are you here?”
“I’m Ms. Louise’s pastry chef!” Doris removed her mask. “How do you know her, Mr. Adelmar?”
