Read Ascending Darkness (Shattering the Darkness) for Free Online Page B

booth is set up; soft music plays quietly from the speakers. The tables are covered in white cloth with the chairs being an assortment of the gold, blue, and green. At the back of the room is a bar with stools around it.
    Several people are already seated and the lights are dimmed to an ambient setting. Waiters wander around refilling drinks.
    “Wow. You guys are amazing. So what is the theme?” I ask in complete awe.
    “You’ll find out later,” Avery smiles. “C’mon. Let’s go sit.”
    They lead me to a large table in the center of the room where Nikko and Kara are already seated.
    “Hey guys,” I say as I sit down.
    “Hey, baby girl. Happy Birthday.” Nikko leans over and kisses me on the cheek.
    “Happy Birthday, Harper,” Kara says. “We’re doing presents at your place tomorrow morning, but I think you will be very pleased with what I did.”
    “I’m sure I will be too.” I smile at her.
    We all start to chit chat. The staff from the bar are here and come to say hello and join in our conversation. About an hour later dinner is served and it is the most amazing olive-crusted lamb I believe I have ever had.
    After dinner we are all sitting and talking, letting our food digest until dessert is served when I feel someone tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see Landon, Breccan’s younger brother, standing there.
    “Hey gorgeous ,” he says and pulls me out of my chair to give me a hug. “Happy Birthday!” I allow myself to be pulled into his arms, completely stunned as I notice Breccan’s entire family.
    I can’t believe they actually came. We have only met the two times, but they treat me as I’ve known them for years. It’s so surreal to me…
    I turn my head to the side and see Brynn giving me a wide knowing smile.
    “Happy Birthday, Harper!” Peyton, Breccan’s sister, chimes in. Then she pulls me into a hug as soon as Landon releases me.
    Breccan’s parents, Harvey and Caroline, come up next. “Happy Birthday, dear,” Caroline says with a sincere look. “We’ve missed you.”
    There is a touch of sadness in her eyes and I know that she knows. My throat chokes up preventing me from responding before Breccan’s father takes my attention.
    “Hello, beautiful!” Harvey wraps me in his arms. “Happy Birthday!”
    I finally find my voice, cracking through the lump in my throat, “Wow. Thank you all so much. How is everyone?”
    I hope they don’t think I’m asking about Breccan. As much as I want to know, I don’t.
    “Family is doing well. Caldwell household is running smoothly. Though we could use some more of you around,” Harvey answers, making me smile.
    “Well, please sit ,” I offer gesturing to our table with my hand.
    Caroline waves me off with a flick of her hand. “No, dear, we have our own table,” she smiles.
    “Are you sure?” I press.
    “Yes, absolutely. We’ll be here all night. Plenty of time to catch up.”
    Before long dessert is served with a massive four tier cake that is decorated to match the theme; all white with strips of gold, blue and green running down each tier. There are thirty candles covering the thing , placed strategically on each tier.
    I laugh, knowing Brynn’s OCD tendencies had to of played a role in the sheer perfection of it. Avery starts to sing Happy Birthday to me and everyone begins to join in, making me feel a bit like a child, but bringing a true smile to my face.
    After the cake is demolished we’re all sitting around visiting with each other, when the D.J. steps up to the microphone.
    “All right ladies and gentleman! Let’s get this party rolling!” he says, making the speakers thunder.
    There are a few whoops and hollers and whistling from my friends and I can’t help but laugh and feel like I may just make it out of this pit I have fallen in to.
    “Before we get everything going for you lovely ladies to shake what the good Lord gave you, we’ve got a special request in dedication to the Birthday Girl ,” the D.J.