Preparation

CHAPTER 44: PREPARATION.

RACHEL'S POV

    "Wait, what?" I blink at Liam, utterly baffled. "Noah’s birthday is next week?"

Liam smirks, leaning back against the counter like he’s just delivered the most important news of the century. "That’s right, Mrs. Sinclair. Your dear husband’s special day is right around the corner, and lucky for you, I’m here to spill the beans."

I gape at him, feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief. "Why am I just hearing about this now?"

Liam stretches lazily, his grin widening. "Because your husband is a cryptic, brooding man who doesn’t exactly throw confetti at the thought of birthdays. Why do you even think he is going to open his mouth and tell you about it?"

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. Well, he is right. "And you’re telling me this now because…?"

    "What do you mean by that? Do you mean that you would have preferred if I kept it away from you?"

I quickly shake my head, "No, not at all. I didn't mean that. I apologize if my words sounded rude."

He then smiles, "I was just joking but anyway, " he says with exaggerated patience, "I realized that you, as his loving wife, should probably know. And also, because I take great pride in being the superior best friend who does the right thing knowing very well that he won't even say a word about it to anyone at all."

I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. "So, could you please tell me something then? What does Noah like? What does he do on his birthday?  I need ideas to make his birthday special."

Liam suddenly looks uncomfortable, scratching the back of his head. "Uh… about that. I have no idea."

I stare at him, stunned. "You have no idea? Is this one of the few jokes you make?"

   "I am being so serious actually, Rachel."

   "Liam. You’ve known him longer than I have, and you’re telling me you don’t know what he likes?"

He raises both hands defensively. "Look, I swear I’m not holding out on you! The truth is, Noah’s never celebrated his birthday since I’ve known him."

That makes me pause. "Never? Not even once?" My voice comes out softer this time.

Liam shakes his head. "Nope. I only found out when I saw him filling out a form—after two years of knowing him. He never talks about it, never plans anything, and doesn’t let anyone make a big deal out of it."

A strange ache settles in my chest. Noah, the cold and distant man I married, has never celebrated his birthday? Ever?

     "But why?" I ask, the question slipping out before I can stop it.

Liam hesitates before answering. "I can't tell the full story, but I doubt it’s a happy one. Maybe his family did something when he was younger, but by the time I met him in university, birthdays weren’t on his list of priorities."

I nod slowly, absorbing this new piece of information. It feels like I’ve been given another puzzle piece to the enigma that is Noah Sinclair. And the more I learn, the more I realize how little I actually know about the man I married.

Liam shifts forward, resting his arms on the table. "Listen, when I found out you were the one he married, I was actually relieved. Because if there’s anyone who can bring that grumpy bastard out of his shell, it’s you."

I snort. "Noah’s not just grumpy. He’s a fortress. A whole locked-up castle with a ‘no trespassing’ sign."

Liam chuckles. "Exactly. But you? You’re the ball of sunshine that can burn through those walls."

   "I am honored that you see me that way, Liam." I smile.

   "You are welcome."

I tap my fingers against the table, a determined glint in my eyes. "Well, if he’s never had a birthday celebration, how do we go about it then?"

   "I seriously don't know. I haven't celebrated his birthday for him other than getting him a few drinks that we will both enjoy while talking about business in general, then he goes back home."

   "Well then it’s about time he gets one."

Liam grins. "That’s the spirit."

  " But are you sure he won’t murder us for this? Because...I mean, if he doesn't celebrate it, there has to be a strong reason that is maybe connected to his past, which would likely make him revisit it. It is likely to heighten his senses and lead to displeasure. " I ask concernedly.

    "I get it. However, If he’s going to be mad, he’ll have to deal with both of us because I am not going to leave only you to this."

   "Thank you."

Liam leans forward and extends his hand. "I like the way you think, Mrs. Sinclair."

I shake his hand firmly. "Glad to have you on board."

A mischievous glint flashes in my eyes as an idea starts to form. "I have the perfect plan for his birthday. And trust me, it’s going to be the best thing for him."

Liam raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."

I lean in with a grin. "Let’s just say… it’s going to be a birthday he’ll never forget."

For the rest of the day, I brainstorm ideas, scribbling notes in my planner. What would Noah actually enjoy? A grand party would likely irritate him. A quiet dinner? Too predictable. I tap my pen against the paper, thinking hard.

Liam interrupts my thoughts from the other side as we are on a video call. "You look like a detective solving a murder."

I chuckle. "It kind of feels that way. Planning a surprise for Noah is harder than I thought."

    "I get that," Liam says, propping his chin on his fist. "The guy’s a mystery. But that’s what makes this fun."

       "Fun for you maybe," I tease. "I have to make sure he doesn’t get annoyed."

Liam smirks. "Then we make sure it’s something meaningful. Something he won’t see coming."

And just like that, the perfect idea clicks in my head. I look up at Liam, eyes shining with excitement. "I know exactly what to do."

   " Once again, you're very intelligent."

.

.

.

A few days later, I am still on the mission of delivering something tangible as Noah's birthday. For some reason, I feel the urge to really want to surprise him. The thought of seeing his face go up in surprise at the event makes my heart tingle.

   "So. are you going to help out?" I ask Beatrice after managing to pull her to a corner. She smiles.

   "Of course, I will. He has been such a nice person and it will cost me nothing to help celebrate this wonderful event in his life. But how did you know and why are you actively involved in this?"

I am taken aback by that question, but I quickly mask it up, "His best friend, Liam, hit me about two days ago to seek my cooperation on it, so I promised to give him an answer soon."

   "How did he reach out to you? Did he have your phone number or something? Because you are not internet famous for someone to easily locate you. You are always hiding yourself."

My goodness! Why is she suddenly becoming a detective?

   "It is confidential, but since you've informed me of your interest in participating, I will get back to him so we can know what our next plan of action is."

   "Alright."

   "Thank you, Beatrice."

I quickly leave before she feels the temptation to start questioning me again.