The Birthday Surprise

A few weeks after the tense argument with Ken, Bianca felt like things were finally settling down. The awkwardness between them had started to fade, and she even managed to get through a few days without replaying their heated exchange in her head. It was just in time for Ken's birthday, which the twins had been buzzing about for days.

The morning started with a warm glow from the penthouse kitchen as Bianca scrambled eggs while Mason and Jason sat at the counter, talking over each other in excitement.

"Do old people still like video games?" Mason asked, resting his chin in his hands.

"We could get Dad a chemistry set!" Jason suggested, his eyes wide with enthusiasm.

"Both are great ideas," Bianca said, suppressing a laugh. "But if we want to find the perfect gift, we need to think about what he likes. Let's start with what kind of person your dad is..."

"Old!" Mason declared with a grin.

"And... nice?" Jason added hesitantly.

"Yes, old and nice," Bianca teased. "But your dad is also down-to-earth and hardworking. He likes simple things, has a lot of common sense, and appreciates practical solutions. So, what about a home-cooked meal made by his kids? You could be his little chefs for the day!"

Jason lit up, but Mason scrunched his nose. "Do we have to clean up after?"

Before Bianca could answer, a deep voice interrupted.

"I hope you're not making a big deal out of another trip around the sun."

Bianca turned to see Ken entering the kitchen. He was buttoning up a crisp white shirt over dark slacks, his tailored jacket draped over one arm. For a moment, her gaze lingered on the open collar of his shirt, catching a glimpse of his chest. She swallowed hard and forced herself to focus.

"Good morning, everyone," Ken greeted.

'Wish him a happy birthday. A hug wouldn't hurt, right?' Bianca thought to herself.

With a grin, she said, "Happy birthday, birthday boy!"

"Oh no, please, it's just—"

"The anniversary of the birth of Ken Schuyler!" Bianca cut him off, playfully dramatic. "A momentous occasion! Huzzah!"

Before Ken could protest, she wrapped him in a quick hug. The moment his body pressed against hers, her heart skipped a beat.

'Too close!' she thought, pulling back abruptly.

"Thank you," Ken said, his voice lower than usual, his eyes lingering on her.

"Happy birthday, Dad!" Jason chimed in cheerfully.

"You don't look a day over a hundred!" Mason added with a smirk.

Ken chuckled and sat down beside Mason, ruffling his hair. "Well, that's a relief."

"Yeah," Bianca teased, "What's your secret? For someone so ancient, you look pretty incredible."

"Drinking lots of water... and steering clear of beautiful women," Ken replied, his gaze lingering on Bianca for just a moment longer than necessary.

She felt her cheeks flush as Ken stood and grabbed his briefcase.

"I'll see you all this evening," he said. "Mason, don't burn the house down. Jason, watch your brother."

"But I'm older!" Mason protested.

Ken smirked. "Exactly."

As he headed out the door, Bianca couldn't shake the feeling that his goodbye was rushed, like he was trying to keep his distance from her.

---

Later that afternoon, Bianca strolled through a bustling farmers market with Richard and the twins, soaking in the sights and smells of the stalls. The market was alive with color—vibrant fruits and vegetables, bouquets of fresh flowers, and shelves lined with homemade jams and baked goods. The air smelled of fresh bread and herbs, mingled with the earthy scent of the nearby potted plants.

Bianca was dressed casually in a light denim dress with short sleeves and a pair of white sneakers, her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. Richard wore his usual sharp black suit, looking oddly formal among the market-goers, while the boys matched in blue polo shirts and khaki shorts.

"Alright, boys," Bianca said, steering the group toward a produce stand. "What should we make your dad for his birthday dinner?"

"Chicken nuggets with a side of quesadillas!" Mason said immediately.

"And mozzarella sticks!" Jason added.

Bianca laughed. "I'm not sure we'll find those here. Richard, any ideas? You know Ken better than I do."

Richard adjusted his tie, scanning the stalls thoughtfully. "Mr. Schuyler is a man with a refined palate. A gourmet meal made from fresh ingredients would be ideal."

Bianca gestured around them. "Well, we're surrounded by fresh ingredients."

Richard nodded. "But he also appreciates the simple things in life. I've seen him enjoy a good burger at a drive-thru just as much as a steak at a five-star restaurant."

"Simple and delicious it is," Bianca decided. "How about homemade burgers with a nice appetizer? What do you think, boys? Can you help me with that?"

"Burgers?" Mason said, puffing out his chest. "I'm an expert on burgers!"

"Then let's get started."

Bianca filled her basket with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a selection of cheeses while the boys followed closely, occasionally sneaking snacks into the cart. Before long, they were back in Richard's car, heading toward the penthouse.

"Dad's going to be so surprised when he sees what we made!" Jason exclaimed.

"Especially if we don't set the kitchen on fire this time!" Mason added.

"Let's definitely avoid that," Bianca said with a laugh.

Richard glanced in the rearview mirror. "We'll be home in about an hour, Miss Martins. There's some congestion on our usual route."

"An hour? That's forever!" Mason groaned.

"Mason, it's just enough time to learn some car games," Bianca said. "There's I Spy, Alphabet, Guess the Song—"

"Okay, okay, I get it!" Mason interrupted.

"But what about the food?" Jason asked, looking worried. "Won't it spoil?"

"It'll be fine," Bianca reassured him. "We won't be stuck for that long."

As she gazed out the window, a shopping complex caught her eye.

"Although," she said thoughtfully, "maybe we should stop and grab an ice chest, just in case..."

"Ooo, can we go to the mall?" Jason interrupted, practically bouncing in his seat. "We could get a birthday present for Dad too!"

"I was just gonna draw him a picture," Mason admitted, "but a real gift would be way better."

Bianca looked to Richard, who shrugged. "No harm in waiting out the traffic at the mall," he said.

"Yeah!" Jason chimed in. "Dad buys us stuff all the time. He deserves something nice."

"Please, Bianca? Pleeeeease?" Mason begged.

Bianca sighed, knowing she couldn't resist their pleading faces.

"Alright, Richard," she said. "Let's go to the mall."

---

The twins bolted from the car as soon as they arrived, their excitement infectious as they raced toward the entrance. Bianca followed, her mind already spinning with ideas for Ken's gift.

'I just hope we can find something perfect,' she thought, the weight of the day's importance settling over her.