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“Yeah, I’m out too,” Nico said on the way back to the table. He tugged Hayden into his arms. “Have fun with Caden. You’ll have to tell me all about it later.”

She nodded. “I will. Thanks for coming to my birthday dinner.”

“I’m always here for you, little wolf,” he whispered before pulling away. “Okay, I’m out.”

Nico headed out the door. He needed to hurry. Caden would give him a minute to park the Jeep in the fenced-in area of the parking lot then start his run back to the clubhouse. Nico couldn’t wait to see Hayden’s face when she arrived to find everyone waiting on her. It was so hard hiding all of this from her and, more so, when she appeared so let down by the lack of activity during dinner.

He tapped his finger on the steering wheel as the slow ass gate opened for him. Once he was inside, he parked then made his way through the back of the Sheriff’s Department. He knew how it must have looked to everyone around him, but there was a method to his madness. He stepped outside a few minutes later and glanced around before taking off toward the clubhouse. He didn’t know how long he’d have specifically, but if he needed more he could always text Caden.

When he arrived at the clubhouse, he was greeted by music and excited-busy conversations. Everyone was working hard putting on the final touches to the place. Pink, purple, and blue streamers were hung from each corner of the room and gathered into the middle. The “Happy Birthday Hayden," banner had been hand-drawn by each member of Hayden's family, including him. On the side table near the small kitchen were snacks and a cooler full of drinks for all of them. The TV was on, the gaming console logo filled the screen while the purple lights surrounding the area faded in and out.

“How much time do we have?” Bell pushed a lock of her blonde hair behind her ear.

“Not sure,” Nico answered. “Caden was going to leave after me, plus we need Bodhi here too.”

The front door opened, and Bodhi stepped inside. “She’s with Caden now. The plan still on?”

Nico grunted. “Yep. We have about thirty or so minutes, maybe, before Kalkin puts the call in for us.”

“Perfect,” Bell announced. “We have all the decorations ready for her. I only need to arrange the presents on the coffee table then we should be finished.”

“You’re being extra,” Zoe reprimanded Bell. “Just place them wherever. Hayden’s going to be too messed up by all this to even care.”

Zoe had a point.

“She’ll spend at least an hour looking around at everything.” Nico shrugged. “However, we also want her to be surprised by the presents too. She seemed a little down at dinner.”

Bodhi agreed. “Yeah, I saw that too. She didn’t want anyone to see her disappointment, which is stupid.”

Then they were all doing their jobs. “Who’s left to arrive?”

“David is here,” Bell said. “Brax and Evan are on the way too. Tate, Henry, and Utah will be here soon, they’re helping Daddy at one of the sites.”

“Colin, Ella, Nicolas, and Aiden will be here shortly. Danielle was reminding them to be on their best behavior,” Bodhi said.

Nico snickered. No one told the younger kids what was happening for fear of them spilling the beans to Hayden. He glanced at his best friend. He hated today was also Bodhi’s birthday, but they were paying specific attention to Hayden. “Hey man, I’m sorry about all this.”

“Pfft.” Bodhi waved off Nico. “She needs this. Plus, I have had my fair share of birthday parties. This is special for Hayden. Besides, I know you all love me anyway.”

“Speak for yourself,” Zoe said flicking her nails at Bodhi, teasing him. “You always smell like wet dog.”

Bodhi trailed behind her. “No, I don’t. I smell good.” He wrapped his arms around her then proceeded to rub all over her. “Now, you’ll smell like me until you shower and wash your clothes.”

“Damn it, Bodhi!” Zoe shrieked.

Nico shook his head. He hoped one day Hayden could be as carefree as her brother was. Bell bit her lip, squelching a laugh. Even after everything she’d been through too, he enjoyed hearing her chuckle.

“Those two are like cats and dogs,” she murmured, more to herself than him.

“Well, if the shoe fits,” Nico said.

She snorted. “Yeah, I guess so, huh?”

A knock at the door drew his attention. “Looks like the others are showing up now.”

“Good, I’ll start setting up the presents.” Bell headed for the living room area while he went to the door.

Nico rolled his eyes as he opened the door and found the kids. “You made it in one piece.” He stepped aside to allow them entrance along with Danielle and Keeley.”