Page 1 of Kayla's List

Birthday Surprise

KAYLA

Tomorrow is my twenty-ninth birthday, and to say I’m excited would be an understatement. I feel like I’m finally in a stable place in my life. I have had my nose to the grind since I was a little girl, and things are definitely looking up for me.

I grew up in a foster home when my parents died in a car accident when I was eight. I miss them every day, but I try my best to keep their memory alive by being the best person I can be. I’ve heard horror stories about the system and even witnessed some atrocities committed against some foster children, but I didn’t have a bad experience. I’m very thankful for that.

I learned early to keep my head down and mouth shut. When you’re quiet and don’t cause any problems, people tend to forget about you. I was well-read on how to be invisible. It worked for me in the long run. Mr. and Mrs. Singleton had operated a group home full of kids, so it wasn’t hard for me to go unnoticed. When I was younger, I thought my talent to go unseen was a gift. However, now that I’ve lived most of my twenties, I have come to regret my “gift.”

I became a bookworm to escape the day-to-day goings on in the group home and I spent most of my free time in the public or school library. Reading helped me live in an alternate reality that allowed me to cope with my parents’ deaths.

Judy and Paul Jones were the most loving, caring, and responsible parents anyone could ever ask for. They doted on me constantly. I miss them. Still, I often dream that the accident never happened and I wake up crying. It was a devastating loss that I still haven’t completely gotten over. I don’t think I ever will.

However, I do my best not to dwell on the hardships in life, which is why I am so excited now. Every birthday that I can celebrate is a blessing. And this year will be extra special because I’m sure my boyfriend is ready to pop the question.

Although I am still as quiet as I was when I was a kid, I have managed to come out of my shell—at least a little. I made a few good friends who have become my chosen family, especially since I don’t have any living relatives to speak of. It makes my relationships with my girls much more special.My chosen family…

And although Warren isn’t my first boyfriend, he is my most serious relationship to date. I was pleasantly surprised when he approached me at work. At first, I thought he just needed help with the technology in his department, but he asked me out on a date.

I had worked in the IT department of Technology Resolutions Incorporated or TRI for five years, and I was one of the best in the department when Warren approached me. Everyone always came to me with their computer and technical issues, and I have a horrible habit of trying to please everyone, so telling people no is not really something I’m good at. So, I assumed he was coming to me for help because everyone else was busy. Instead, he complimented me on a dress that I had worn several times and asked me to lunch.

I assumed Warren was just buttering me up for something, but he turned out to be a really good guy. At first, I thought he was another arrogant playboy trying to see if the computer geek was a freak in the bedroom. I had seen him around the office and at some of the holiday parties in the past. He always had some model-thinBarbietype hanging from his arm.

I, however, am nothing likeanyof those women. Nobody has ever mistaken me for a model, and although I love my skin, my deep, dark brown complexion is not for everyone. I didn’t think Warren had anything against dark skinned women, but I never saw him with one. The women were always the same color as his light, toasted walnut complexion with light eyes that displayed his mixed race heritage. Even with my apprehensions, I have to admit that Warren is one of the most attractive men I’d ever laid eyes on.

His low-cut hair was always lined to precision and his clean-shaven face displayed his cheekbones’ sharpness and chiseled jawline. His long eyelashes surrounded hazel-brown eyes that I could drown in. His six-foot frame and deep voice had my resolve not to get involved with him, melting away in an instant. Warren’s intelligence and confidence had me falling in love with him on that first lunch date, and I’ve been head over heels for him ever since.

Now, it is the night before my twenty-ninth birthday, and I am preparing myself to become his fiancée. I’m doing my best to prepare myself for dinner at the fancy restaurant and look like a woman Warren can be proud to have on his arm.

I have never been a fashionista, so I had my friends, Shelby and Emani help me pick out a dress for the occasion. They both tried to get me to change my hairstyle from the low bun that I always wear to something flirtier, but I wanted to still feel like myself. The fitted boat neck dress that was tighter than anything I had in my closet, was already way out of my comfort zone.And even though it was considered conservative, I thought it was still sexy. I don’t wear makeup, and since Warren and I have been going strong for a year, I don’t think he minds. My skin is blemish free and soft, so I decided to wear tinted lip gloss to spruce up my look. I have never walked in heels, but I chose to wear a pair of low wedges because I’m only five-four to Warren’s six-foot stature.

I check myself out in the mirror and I smile. My dark brown eyes hold an excitement that I can barely contain. I am such a lucky girl to have a man like Warren Barnett love me.

* * *

When my doorbell rang,I had to keep myself from running to open the door. It was a good thing that I had on these wedges because I was still a little wobbly. So, instead of breaking my neck, I decided to walk as gracefully as I could to the door.

Warren’s signature, bright white smile greeted me when I opened the door. His tall frame was draped in a black, designer suit that hugged his body magnificently. I stood for a moment, taking in my boyfriend,hopefully soon to be fiancé,inawe. He was so gorgeous. I couldn’t help the sigh that escaped my mouth. Warren kept me breathless.

“Hey, Kayla. You look… nice,” Warren greeted me as he took in my appearance. The grin never left his face, but the tone of his voice let me know that he wasn’t pleased.

Nice?That’s it?Maybe I should’ve made more effort.I frowned at the thought. I’ve never been completely insecure in the past, but I can’t say I’ve been the most confident woman either. Dating Warren has made me more self-conscious. I can’t help but notice the stares and frowns of other women. I’ve even heard the whispers of, “What is he doing with her?” before.

Although Warren says he loves me and he’s never said anything about my looks, he hasn’t reassured me that those other women are wrong or that he doesn’t agree with them. However, tonight is not about my insecurities. Warren has shown me with his actions how much he cares for me, and he assured me that tonight will be aboutus.

“Are you ready?” he asks, plastering a bright smile on his face.

I am once again lost in his twinkling eyes as I nodded. “Yes, I’m ready.” I smile. I grab my purse and keys and close and lock the door behind me.

Being the gentleman he is, Warren hooks my arm into his and leads me to his cherry-red Porsche Cayenne.Once he opens the door and I am settled inside, I can feel the butterflies in my stomach. The feeling only increases when Warren slides behind the wheel and gives me his most dazzling smile. The car ride to the restaurant is quiet, but I don’t mind. I am prone to awkwardness when I’m nervous, so I am happy for the reprieve. The silence gives me a chance to get myself together and practice saying yes in my head before Warren’s grand proposal.

In no time at all, we pull up toThree Forks, one of Dallas’ most expensive restaurants. It takes everything in me not to swoon at my thoughtful boyfriend. He had gone all out for my birthday, and I couldn’t be more thankful to have him in my life.

I couldn’t wait to tell the girls where he’d taken me. They’ll be super excited when I give them all the details of my fantasy night. I’ll finally, once again, be a part of a family. I almost wanted to skip the meal entirely and go straight to the dessert. I know that’s when he’ll ask me because he’s traditional in that way.

We’ve been seeing one another for a year, and Warren never pushed me into having sex. He was always the perfect gentleman and said he was in no rush. He wanted to make sure I was comfortable. I think he assumed I was a virgin because I’m so shy. Even a year ago, as a single woman, I was NOT a virgin. I assured him that I wasn’t completely inexperienced. I haven’t had a plethora of lovers, but I have had a few.Well, only one, but that’s neither here nor there.

“I can’t believe you brought me here.” I smile wide at Warren’s handsome face, and he shrugs as if it is no big deal. I love that about him. He makes the grandest gestures and will act as if it is just a normal everyday occurrence.Warren has such a giving soul. He’s definitely a keeper.