Chapter 28

A Birthday Surprise

After Caleb got the final call confirming everything was set, he walked up to Preston with a soft smile. "It's time to go," he said gently.

Preston, still basking in the warmth of the day, nodded eagerly.

They made their way to Mother Charity to say their goodbyes. She looked at them both with a motherly gaze, her eyes filled with love and wisdom. "Don't forget us, my boys," she said, holding Preston's hands. "This will always be home for you. Always."

Preston felt a lump in his throat as he nodded. "I won't forget. Ever."

She looked into his eyes, as if searching for something. "Are you happy, child? Are you adapting well?"

Preston turned to Caleb with a soft smile, his fingers tightening around his. "Caleb takes good care of me. More than I ever imagined. I'm happy. Really happy."

She turned to Caleb and nodded approvingly. "That doesn't surprise me. You always had a good heart." She reached for Caleb's hands and squeezed them. "Take care of him, and take care of yourself, too. This door is always open for you."

With heartfelt goodbyes and a few more words of gratitude, they finally left. The drive home was filled with a peaceful silence, their hands intertwined between them.

Caleb glanced at Preston, his thumb gently rubbing circles on his knuckles. "Did you have a good day?"

Preston turned his head, his eyes shining. "Every day with you is a good day, Cay. But today… today was special. I got to spend my 18th birthday with you. That's all I ever wanted."

Caleb smiled, squeezing his hand. "I'm happy you're an adult now. It means you can make decisions for yourself. And I know you'll make the right ones."

When they arrived home, Caleb parked the car and reached into the pigeon hole, pulling out a black silk blindfold. He turned to Preston with a smirk. "Tie this around your eyes."

Preston raised a brow. "What for?"

Caleb replied, "It's for your surprise."

"What kind of surprise is that?" Preston asked, pouting.

Caleb chuckled. "If I tell you, then it wouldn't be a surprise anymore, would it?"

Preston sighed dramatically but took the blindfold, securing it over his eyes. Caleb stepped out and walked around to his side, taking his hand and guiding him carefully. "Trust me?" he asked softly.

Preston nodded without hesitation. "Always."

Caleb led him to the garage, his heart pounding with excitement. "Take two steps forward and then take off the blindfold."

Preston did as he was told, and when he pulled the blindfold away, his breath caught in his throat. Right in front of him sat a sleek, black Toyota GR Supra sports car with striking red wheels. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Cay… is this… is this mine?"

Caleb smiled, nodding as he held out the keys. "It's yours."

Preston let out a choked laugh before turning to Caleb and throwing himself into his arms. "You know I can't drive, right? And you still bought me a car? Isn't this a bit much?"

Caleb laughed, wrapping his arms tightly around him. "I've already arranged for someone to teach you. I wanted you to have something special. Something that's yours."

Preston ran to the car, touching it, circling it, before getting inside. He was too overwhelmed, his excitement bubbling over. Moments later, he ran back to Caleb, pressing soft, grateful kisses all over his face, whispering, "Thank you, thank you, thank you…"

Caleb chuckled, pulling him closer. Preston rested his forehead against his, his breath warm against his lips. Then, without thinking, he placed a soft peck on Caleb's lips before burying his face in his shoulder.

Caleb's heart raced, but he smiled, lifting Preston off the ground in a playful motion before pressing his lips to his. The kiss started slow, tender, full of unspoken emotions, before deepening with hunger. They melted into each other, both fighting for dominance, lost in the moment they had both longed for.

When they finally pulled away, breathless, Caleb cupped Preston's face. "You don't know how long I've wanted to kiss you."

Preston, cheeks flushed, looked away shyly. "Me too."

Caleb smirked, carrying him effortlessly toward the house. "Happy birthday, my love," he whispered.

And for Preston, this was the best birthday he could have ever imagined.