The birthday celebration was in full swing.
The hall echoed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional burst of songs.
Brandon had just finished feeding a bite of cake to Dhayun, who kissed the frosting off his thumb with a soft hum, when a firm knock sounded at the front door.
*knock*
The room quieted for a moment.
"Who could that be?" Florence asked, frowning slightly. "Everyone's already here."
Brandon stood, wiping his hands on a napkin "Let me go and check."
He walked barefoot through the hall and when he pulled open the heavy front door, cool morning air rushed in.
Charlotte was standing outside with her blonde hair loose and a little wind-tossed, wearing a soft cream coat over a simple dress.
The moment she saw him, her face lit up "Happy birthday, Kael," she said softly, then stepped forward without hesitation and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.
Brandon blinked in surprise, then smiled and hugged her back, burying his face in her shoulder.
