Chapter 128

Isabella’s POV.

I added a small cherry on top of the vanilla icing, gazing at Slade's chocolate cupcake. Chocolate cupcakes were always his favorite, and this marked the fourth year in a row that I had baked them for his birthday. My intention was to turn it into a cherished tradition—a simple chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing, adorned with a cherry on top and a small candle.

After lighting the candle, I carefully made my way to Slade's bedroom. Upon opening the door, there he was, immersed in a deep slumber, his arms wrapped around his beloved stuffed teddy bear– of the month. Ares had come over earlier in the morning, wanting to spend the beginning of Slade's birthday with him, at least until breakfast. So, he sat there, a silent guardian, watching over our son as he slept.

"Good morning, bambino," I greeted, placing the cupcake on the table before proceeding to open all the curtains.

"No," he whined, turning away from the light.

"But it's your birthday, buddy," Ares chuckled, giving Slade's back a comforting pat. Joining Ares by Slade's side, I knelt down next to our son and picked up the cupcake.

"Birthday?" Slade asked, his confusion evident before the realization settled in. In an instant, he turned around, sporting the biggest grin on his face. "It's my birthday!"

"Yeah baby, it is. Happy birthday, Slade," Ares laughed, lifting Slade into his arms and enveloping him in a warm embrace. "Your present is at your party, okay?"

"Party?" Slade's excitement radiated, his eyes fixated on the cupcake I held in my hands.

"Mhm, your mama and I planned a special, fun party for you," Ares planted a tender kiss on Slade's cheek. I tried to suppress my grin, though I was still smiling like an idiot because Ares gave me credit even for the simple act of inviting people.

"Happy birthday, my love," I greeted, planting a careful kiss on Slade's cheek. I then presented the cupcake in front of him, as he still rested in his father's arms. "Make a wish, baby," I encouraged, smiling.

Slade closed his eyes for a brief moment, then blew out the candle. Ares and I cheered for him, and I couldn't resist dipping my finger into the icing, playfully smearing a bit on his nose. Slade giggled and started munching on his cupcake.

"What did you wish for?" Ares inquired.

"Can't tell you, duh," Slade replied, his face adorned with icing. Finally, he fed me a bite.

"Why not?" Ares asked, taking the bite he was offered.

"It won't come true if I tell you," Slade shared the common knowledge, looking up at his father with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Smart boy," Ares chuckled, admiring Slade for keeping his wish a secret. After a brief moment, Ares stood up, earning a puzzled look from Slade. "Sorry, baby, but I've got to go now."

"Why?" Slade frowned.

"I have to oversee everything for your party. I'll see you real soon, though," Ares reassured him.

Despite the lingering drama with Rishma and Adelaide, Ares hadn't let it overshadow Slade's birthday preparations. He took the party planning into his own hands, dedicated to making it perfect for Slade. Witnessing his commitment warmed my heart; it was evident that Slade was Ares' top priority.

"Okay," Slade replied, eagerly heading off to play.

"I'll be right back," I informed Slade before trailing behind Ares.

Walking Ares to the front door, just as he was about to leave, he stopped by the door and turned to me.

"I know that face… What did you do?" I narrowed my eyes at Ares, sensing a mix of nervousness, excitement, and perhaps a hint of fear.

"Well… One of Slade’s presents is here," Ares admitted. Taking a deep breath, he turned to open the front door. My eyes widened as I spotted the sleek black SUV parked outside—pristine, shimmering, and undeniably brand new.

"Ares. What. The. Hell?" I whisper-yelled, narrowing my eyes at him as I followed him to the car.

"I know you said I shouldn’t buy you things, however," Ares stated, opening the back door to reveal a kid’s car seat in the sleek black SUV. "The car you drive around is like one nudge away from falling apart, and since you drive around our son, I got him a more comfortable car for you to drive him in," Ares admitted. I wished he was joking, but unfortunately, he wasn't.

"So you found yet another loophole?" I raised a brow at him.

"I love you, and I love our Slade. I want you two to be as safe as possible, at all times," he confessed, placing the key fob in my hand, sincerity reflected in his gaze.

"Fine, but you're doing the maintenance and everything," I accepted.

"Done and done." He grinned. "Now, seal the deal." Ares wrapped his arms around me and leaned down, his lips inches away from mine.

"Unbelievable," I laughed, giving in to the warmth of the moment and kissing him briefly while caressing the sides of his face.

"What’s unbelievable is the fact that I got the woman of my dreams, and she gave me the most perfect boy," Ares confessed, his amber eyes getting lost in a momentary trance.

***

Slade's party was in full swing. Ares had gone all out with a bouncy castle and a trampoline, and the pool transformed into a water wonderland with bubbles, slides, and tons of floaties. Everything was meticulously themed around animals, featuring safari creatures and pandas, catering to Slade's latest obsession.

Slade's jaw dropped the moment he laid eyes on the spectacle. Excitement radiated from him as he darted around, ecstatic to see Andrew and Alexa. Without wasting a moment, he dragged them off to play, and I couldn't help but marvel at the joy on his face. Ares had truly created a magical day for our son, and my anticipation grew as I waited to be served my ice cone.

Ares had thought of everything, hiring people for ice cream, ice cones, popcorn, cotton candy, and more. The enjoyment wasn't confined to the kids; even the adults were enjoying the celebrations and activities. My mom was already on her third bag of popcorn, and Dad indulged in so much shaved ice that his lips had a faint blue tint from the blue raspberry flavor.

Accepting my cone, I strolled along the deck of the backyard, observing everyone immersed in the festivities.

"Did I do good?" Ares appeared beside me, holding green apple cotton candy in his hand.

"You outdid yourself, Ares," I smiled, pecking his lips and savoring the sugary taste for a moment.

"I'm glad to hear that. I'm just happy to have put that big smile on his lips," Ares beamed, and our gazes shifted to Slade, who was currently on the slide, happily plunging into the pool. Micah assisted the kids on the slide, and Lionel stood at the bottom, ensuring their safe entry and exit.

"Thank you, Ares."