Preston’s 18th birthday

The morning of Preston's birthday was filled with warmth and quiet joy. The soft rays of the early sun streamed through the window, illuminating the room with a golden glow. Preston stirred slightly, his body curled under the covers, unaware of the surprise waiting for him.

Caleb stood by the bed, a small birthday cake in his hands, the flickering candle casting a soft light over Preston's peaceful face. He leaned down, brushing a gentle kiss against Preston's forehead before whispering, "Wake up, birthday boy."

Preston's eyes fluttered open, and the moment he saw Caleb, a sleepy smile stretched across his lips. His gaze fell to the cake, the single candle dancing in the soft morning breeze.

"Make a wish," Caleb said softly, his voice filled with something deep, something unspoken.

Preston closed his eyes, his heart swelling with warmth. He knew exactly what he wanted—to stay by Caleb's side forever, to never be separated again. As he made his wish, a single tear escaped the corner of his eye. He opened his eyes and blew out the candle, sealing the silent prayer in his heart.

Caleb grinned. "Happy 18th birthday, Preston."

Preston sat up, rubbing his eyes as he looked at Caleb with pure adoration. "Thank you."

Caleb set the cake down on the nightstand and sat beside him. "I'm sorry for all the birthdays I missed," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But I promise, from now on, I'll be there for every single one. Every milestone, every moment—you'll never have to celebrate alone again."

Preston's throat tightened with emotion. He threw his arms around Caleb, burying his face in his shoulder. "You came back for me," he whispered. "You kept your promise."

Caleb held him tighter. "Everything I have, everything I've done, it's all been for you," he murmured. "To give you the life you deserve. And now, we're here. Together."

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in warmth and unspoken love. Preston pulled away first, wiping his tears and laughing softly. "I must look like a mess."

Caleb chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Preston's face. "You look perfect."

After their quiet celebration, they got ready for the day. Preston had made it clear that he wanted to celebrate his birthday at the orphanage, the place that had once been their home.

They stopped by the mall first, picking out gifts for the children, stuffing bags full of toys, books, and clothes.

When they arrived at the orphanage, Mother Charity greeted them warmly, her eyes twinkling with affection as she embraced Preston. The children swarmed around him, showering him with hugs and excited laughter. Caleb stood back, watching with a soft smile. Seeing Preston so happy, so full of life, made his heart ache in the best way possible.

While Preston played with the kids, Caleb stepped aside to make a few final calls. Everything was set—the house was being decorated, the food and cake were on the way, and Preston's birthday gift was parked in the driveway, waiting for him. He had also sent Jason and Annabel a collection of photos—memories of him and Preston from childhood, pictures he had secretly collected and kept over the years.

Annabel was using them to decorate the house, turning it into a timeline of their journey together.

Caleb glanced at Preston from across the yard, watching the way his face lit up as he played with the kids. His heart pounded in his chest. This was it. Preston was an adult now. The last bit of hesitation, the last shred of guilt holding him back, melted away. He could love Preston openly, without restraint, without fear.

And he knew, without a doubt, that Preston felt the same way.

Tonight, he would finally show him just how much.