"Really?"
Rosie's nod was accompanied by a warm smile. "Yes, dear, go on. Ryder's waiting. We wouldn't dream of keeping you apart." Thea's face bloomed with a soft blush, her eyes darting downward momentarily.
As she entered Ryder's room, her eyes fixed on Ryder's tall frame standing by the window. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked, his hair messy, his eyes focused on the phone call. She felt a flutter in her chest, her pulse skipping a beat as she gazed at him.
Without making a sound, she hid behind the door, her eyes never leaving Ryder's face. She wanted to surprise him.
After he ended the call and turned around.
With a playful leap, Thea emerged from her hiding spot, arms outstretched and eyes shining bright. "Boo!" she exclaimed, her squeal of delight echoing through the air as she wrapped herself around him, her surprise attack dissolving into joyful laughter.
Ryder's eyes widened in shock, his face frozen , and Thea couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Brother Ryder, you're looking so cute with this horrified face!" she teased, her laughter echoing through the room.
Tears streamed down her face as she laughed, her sides aching, her heart filled with joy. She had never felt this carefree, this happy, and it was all because of Ryder. She knew in that moment that she was falling for him, hard.
Ryder's surprised face slowly changed to a normal one, "Thea, you sneaky one!"
Thea's merriment slowly died down, her eyes anchoring onto Ryder's, her heartbeat faltering. She felt like she was lost in his eyes,
"Happy birthday, Ryder." she breathed.
"What did you get me?"
"Ryder, I'm absolutely awful at this! I completely forgot to get you a present!"She clamped her hand over her mouth, stifling a snicker at her own forgetfulness.
His face fell, his eyes clouding over with a subtle hint of anger. He didn't say a word, but his expression spoke volumes. He walked to the sofa, plopping down with a sigh.
Thea settled beside him on the sofa, her voice laced with playful teasing. She was carrying a small packet, which she waved enticingly as she spoke. "Ah, see who's acting all grumpy!" With a mischievous grin, she nudged him gently with her elbow. "Here, take this!"
She shoved the gift into his hands,"Now, open it and tell me whether you like it or not!"
Ryder's fingers wrapped around the gift, his eyes fixed on the wrapping paper. Thea could see the curiosity simmering beneath his grumpy exterior.
"Come on,Ryder! Don't be shy! Quickly open your gift!"
With a sigh, Ryder unwrapped the paper. As the wrapping fell away, a silver watch was revealed, its subtle blue hue catching the light. The delicate leather strap, soft and supple, contrasted beautifully with the watch's polished metal. Thea anticipated his response. She had carefully curated the watch, hoping he would like the gift she had prepared for him.
Ryder's expression shifted from wonder to delight. "Thea, this is...!" he exclaimed, his eyes locked on the watch.
"This is what, Ryder?"
"This is good..."
"You think so?" she teased. "But seriously, do you like it?"
Ryder's face lit up. "Hmm, I like your present."
Thea chuckled. "Well, well. Looks like someone's mood just lifted. The grumpy bear's smile is back!"
Ryder's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze filled with warmth.He raised an eyebrow. "Who are you calling a grumpy bear?"
Thea's eyes sparkled. "It's you, Ryder."
Ryder clasped the watch around his wrist, Thea's gaze strayed to the bed, her interest snagged by a flicker of something resplendent.
"What's that?" she asked,her eyes fixed on the object.
Ryder followed her gaze, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "That? It's just an old photo album."
"Can I take a look?" she asked, her eyes locked onto Ryder's.
Ryder's smile grew wider. "Sure, go ahead."
She reached for the album, her fingers tracing the cover. As she opened it, a faint gasp escaped her lips. The pages revealed a treasure trove of memories, each photo telling a story of Ryder's life.
Childhood snapshots showed Ryder's bright smile and adventurous spirit. Family portraits captured laughter and love. But then, her eyes landed on a photo that made her heart skip a beat.
There, nestled between pictures of Ryder's past, was a snapshot of the two of them. Taken years ago, it showed Ryder's arm around her shoulders, their faces radiant with joy. The memory rushed back, and her pulse quickened.