CHAPTER 200

At the same instant, Sed and Jessica noticed Eric standing on the steps waiting. “Hey,” Sed said. “Happy birthday.”

When the couple climbed onto the wraparound porch, Jessica lifted a hand and patted Eric’s cheek. She read his shirt and laughed. “Dirty old man? Perfect.”

Jace and Aggie arrived a few minutes later. They had presents and food too. Jace offered Eric a playful punch in the ribs. “Sorry we’re late,” he said. “Aggie was finishing your present.”

Eric felt the blood drain from his face. “Please don’t tell me it’s a whip.”

Jace laughed. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

“You look happy,” Aggie commented, tucking her long, silky black hair behind both ears and kissing his cheek.

“I am happy. Old, but happy.”

A van pulled into the drive. It took Eric a moment to recognize it as belonging to Rebekah’s parents. Great. Eric’s smile faded. No doubt they’d brought Isaac along for kicks and giggles. He’d like to kick him, that’s for sure. And it would make him giggle. Trey climbed out of