Resting my head against the headrest, I breathe in deeply, trying to find the energy to walk into the house. Maybe after spending some time with Dom, I will be able to take a nap before this evening's festivities because there is no way I will make it if my brain doesn't get some downtime.

With a huff, I reach for my bags and force my legs to carry me inside. Lazily making my way up the walkway, I finally reach the front door only to find it is slightly ajar, and a pit begins to form in my stomach.

Dom knows better than to leave anything open while I'm not home.

Flinging my belongings on the couch, I yell, "Dom!"

When I don't hear a response, my heart rate skyrockets as I frantically rush towards the kitchen.

"Surprise!"

Trying to catch my breath, my hand holds onto my chest tightly.

Dom runs over and wraps his small arms around me. Falling to my knees, I bury my face in his neck and squeeze tightly. "I thought something happened to you."

"I'm fine, Gemma," He says as he kisses my cheek. "Happy Birthday!"

Standing up, I notice the kitchen fully decorated with balloons and streamers, while a two-tier cake sits in the middle of our kitchen table. My friend Alexis, who has her hands thrown up in the air as she runs over to me, screaming, "Happy Birthday, Love!"

When her squealing dies down, I make my way over to greet Monica and her son Kenny. The two live across the street, and I don't think Dom and Kenny have left each other's side since we moved in.

Monica's ebony skin radiates as her glowing smile takes over her face. "Happy Birthday, Gemma."

Standing with my mouth open, I take in the group before me and feel blessed they have become a part of my life.

"Hey, don't forget about us!"

Listening to where the voices came from, I find Mr. and Mrs. Newman huddled together on a video call on Dom's phone.

Turning the device, so my face is in view, my heart bursts with joy when I see them. "Hey, guys."

Adele's emerald eyes beam as her cheeks rise in a breathtaking smile. "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. Sorry, we couldn't be there to celebrate, but it sounds like Alexis has planned a night filled with fun."

Remembering the things my dear friend has previously listed off causes me to roll my eyes. "We will be lucky to accomplish half the things on her list. I'm exhausted."

"Long day at school?" Bruce asks.

Thinking back to the four classes I just sat through, I nod my head. It's only my third day of school, and I am already counting down the weeks until my first break. "Very."

Bruce has been my biggest cheerleader since I announced that I was going to further my education. His optimism in my abilities fuels my fire to accomplishing my goals. "You'll get back into the swing of it soon."

Not even knowing he left the room, Dom walks into the kitchen carrying two beautifully decorated bags and a large wrapped box. "These are from me and The Newman's."

My lips squeeze together as I look back at the phone. "What did you do?"

"Just open them," Adele says as she bounces up and down in her seat.

Turning to Dom, I ask which is from him, and he pushes a little black glitter bag in my direction. Carefully removing the silver tissue paper, I discover a small blue satchel wrapped inside.

"The last time Bruce and Adele came to visit, we went shopping while you were at work, I hope you like it."

Knowing that whatever is in the small bag is the most expensive piece of jewelry I have ever had the privilege of owning, my hands tremble as I open the little pouch. "Oh, Dom."

Two intertwining silver hearts on a simple chain fall out onto my waiting hand. "One heart for you, and another for me. You know, because we're a team."

Trying my hardest to swallow the lump in my throat, I turn towards my brother, who is waiting patiently for my response. Holding back the tears, I hold on the necklace for him to take. "This is, by far, the best gift I have ever received. Will you do me the honor and help me put it on?"

Dom lights up at my request and hurries around the table. Pushing my hair to the side, he brings the necklace around my neck and clasps it in place. "I love it, Dom. Thank you."

Bruce eagerly yells, "Ours next!".

"Do the small bag first," Adelle adds.

Reaching for the floral bag, I open it and find a small baby blue box. Once opened, my hand flies to my mouth. "Guys!" Taking the gorgeous pearl earrings out, I place them in my ears. "This is too much."

Adele excitedly claps her hands together and asks, "Do you love them?"

"I do, but—"

Just as she did the day I first met her in Bruce's office, Adele squints and aims her finger towards me. "No buts, Gemma."

Knowing there is no point in arguing, I nod my head, and with a sigh, I say, "Thank you."

"Anything for you, Sweetheart." I feel the warmth of her smile through the phone, and I wish they were here so I could hug them and thank them properly. "Now, for the big one!"

Dom pushes the perfectly wrapped box in front of me, and all I can do is shake my head because if I know The Newman's, it is something crazy.

Pulling off the big red bow, I take my time peeling the paper. Once it's off, all I can do is stare at it. Sitting in front of me is a black box with the word "Prada" in big silver letters. "Oh, my God."

My heart stops, and I just stare at the two, loving people who have treated me like their own since the day I met them.

As if she can read my mind, Adele's green eyes glisten as the corner of her mouth begins to turn upwards. With a dismissive wave of her hand, she says, "Just open it."

I carefully open the perfect black box, and whatever is waiting inside is wrapped in a dust cover. With a deep breath, I remove it and reveal a stunning taupe leather shoulder bag. As I take in the beautiful purse, my fingers gently trace the smooth metal Prada logo and soft leather. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome," Bruce says in a soft, caring tone.

Opening one of the zippers, I realize that there is something inside. Reaching in, my hand wraps around and pulls out a matching wallet. "Guys!"

"Oh, would you look at the time," Adele says as she looks down to her watchless wrist. "Make sure you open that wallet. We love you!"

Before I could get in another word, they ended the call.

"Is that what I think it is?" I hear Alexis ask as she runs to my side. Taking the bag from my hand, she turns to me with a huge smile. "Do you think they can adopt me too?"

Alexis and I met at the restaurant I worked out over the summer. As usual, I went in to work with one thing on my mind, and that was to make enough money to live, but Alexis weaseled her way into my heart with her vivacious, caring personality. She is the first real friend I have had in years, she is the light to my dark, and we meld together perfectly.

Alexis pulls out the chair next to me to sit down and continues to look over each inch of my new bag. "I lied about dinner, I figured you would want to eat with Dom, so I ordered pizza."

"That sounds perfect. Thank you."

"And cake!" Kenny shouts as he settles next to my brother.

"Kenneth!" Monica scolds.

Monica owns a bakery downtown, and she went all out on the masterpiece laid out before me. The two-tiered cake starts with a dark gray buttercream and has an ombre effect up to an oversized glitter twenty one with gray macarons surrounding it. My mouth waters when thinking about the goodness inside. Her creations are divine, and since becoming her neighbor, I have become spoiled with sugary treats. "The cake is beautiful, Monica. Thank you for taking the time out of work to make it for me."

Waving me off, she smiles broadly. "Please, it was nothing compared to how much you have helped me with Kenny while Raymond is away."

Copying her, I wave my hand in her direction. "It was nothing."

The doorbell rings, and Alexis excuses herself to answer it. Monica grabs paper dinnerware from the counter, and when I get up to help, she quickly points in my direction. "You sit your birthday butt down. Boys, please come and grab these to set the table while I go help Alexis."

I soon realize that Alexis and Monica spared no expense this evening, and I almost cry when I see the thought that went into planning everything.

Smiles and laughter fill the room, and my heart swells when I think how fabulous the day turned out to be. I don't know what more I could ask for to make this evening better.

When dinner comes to an end, I fall back in my chair to help relieve some of the tension from my expanding stomach. "That was so good."

"I hope you left room for dessert!" Dom shouts as he runs to the counter. It isn't until he comes back with a lighter and candles, that without even digesting, he wants cake. Making sure not to ruin Monica's masterpiece, he leans over me and gently places a single candle on top. "Happy birthday to the best big sister ever."

He wraps an arm around my shoulder and holds on tightly. "Are you ready to sing?"

Looking at the excitement in his caramel eyes, I say, "Of course."

The moment the singing starts, I burst out in a fit of laughter. Everyone is singing off-key, and by the time one person gets to the end of the song, someone still has a final line to go. Tears are falling down my cheeks, and my stomach muscles ache, but I give them a round of applause for their effort.

Despite how full I am, moisture pools in my mouth when I cut the first piece. Inside the buttercream frosting is a funfetti cake layered with cookies and cream frosting. "Monica, this is perfect."

She holds up her hands and shakes her head. "Don't thank me. Dom designed the cake. I just made it into a reality."

Leaning over, I place a kiss on Dom's cheek. "I'm so lucky to have you as a brother, thank you for everything you did today." Reaching for the hearts dangling from my neck, I grab on to them tightly. "You put so much thought into everything, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate it."

When his gaze meets mine, I notice his eyes glossing over. "You deserve it all, Gemma. You are the best big sister anyone could ask for."

Unlike him, my tears start to roll down my face as I wrap him in a heartfelt hug.

Alexis dramatically hits her hand on the table, causing me and Dom to pull away. "Well, shit. Aren't you two the cutest. I am lucky if my brother texts me on my birthday."

This statement causes Monica to laugh. "Right? I don't even get a card anymore from mine." Her loving gaze looks between Dom and me and she lets out a heavy sigh, "However, these two have come so far together. I'm just happy our lives finally crossed paths."

Raising her hand to God, Alexia closes her eyes and shouts, "Amen."

After swallowing the last bite of my decadent cake, Dom excuses himself to get his things ready for his sleepover with Kenny. I place my hands on the table to get up but stop and look over at Monica. "Is it okay if I help you?"

"Don't be fresh." Her dark chocolate eyes sparkle as a full smile makes its way across her face. "But yes, you may get up now."

"Thank you, Miss. Monica."

Before I know what's happening, a crumpled up napkin hits me straight in the face. "Girl, I will fight you. I'm only thirty-six, don't sass me."

Alexis's hand shoots to her mouth as she tries to keep her drink from spilling out. That is until white liquid starts to fall from her nose. This only causes us to laugh harder as we frantically try to get her napkins to clean herself up.

The three of us straighten up the kitchen while the boys play outside. Our conversation flows freely, and my heart overflows with love. I can't remember the last time I had two wonderful, strong women by my side.

"Alright," Monica starts as she throws away the last plate. "I'm going to grab the boys and head home."

"Thank you for watching Dom tonight," I say as I wrap my arms around her. "I really appreciate it."

She gently cups my cheeks and guides my gaze to hers. "You deserve this, Gemma. Go have fun." Just as she is about to walk out of the kitchen, she turns around. "There are some chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge and some chocolate chip cookies in the oven. I had to hide them from the boys. I also made you some muffins for tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Monica!" I shout towards her retreating form.

"Yeah, thanks for your help!" Alexis adds before clapping her hands together. A broad smile starts to take over her face, and. I know from her goofy grin I'm not going to like what she has in mind. "Time to get ready."

I groan and jokingly smash my head against the pantry door.

"Oh come on," She whines as she stomps her foot. "We rarely go out together because you're always in super amazing big sister, pseudo mom mode." Giving her an unamused glare, she quickly adds, "Which is awesome, by the way. Let's just have you act like a carefree twenty-one year old for one night, okay?"

Crossing my arms stubbornly in front of me, I huff out an annoyed breath. "Fine, but I won't like it."