I put my plan into action the next morning. "Up and at 'em, birthday boy."

Ro reached for me. "Do I get to pick my present?" he purred.

"Nope. I have things to do." I gave him a peck on the cheek.

"This birthday sucks," he grumbled.

"Well, you're old now. Twenty-four." I clucked my tongue. "It's all downhill from here. Get used to it. 'Kay. Bye."

I didn't return until almost dinnertime, loaded down with packages. "I brought Thai!"

Ro ...