Anthony bent down a little, carefully moving the pile of gifts out of the way. His hand came to rest on top of Charlotte’s head, warm and gentle. His voice was soft, low, and affectionate as he spoke. “Lottie, what are you staring at?”

Charlotte didn’t answer. She kept her head down, not even a twitch.

“Are you tired? I got you a birthday present. Want to see it?” Anthony smiled, a little helpless, and stepped closer.

When he crouched beside her, he realized she was hugging a fluffy fox plushie. Her cheeks were pink, squished softly against the toy’s head.

Getting closer, he caught a hint of alcohol in the air.

Then he met her unfocused gaze, and his smile faded. He frowned, concern all over his face.

“Did you drink?”

Charlotte seemed to hear him at last. She slowly lifted her head. The second she saw his familiar face, whatever guard she had in her eyes disappeared.

Was she drunk or just tipsy?

“Why did you drink?” Anthony brushed his hand over her cheek, not scolding, just quietly worried. “Are you feeling sick?”

She couldn’t handle alcohol at all. He had no clue how much she’d had this time.

Charlotte just let her head loll, swaying a little. Her eyes were red, and she sounded so wronged when she mumbled, “Stop moving. You’re making me dizzy.”

Who’s moving? he wondered.

Yeah, she was definitely drunk.

“Alright, I’ll stop.” Anthony rubbed his brow, a little exasperated. He let his fingers graze her soft cheek, coaxing her. “Come on, let me show you something, okay?”

It was her first birthday with him. He had to give her his gift.

He helped her up, steadying her in his arms.

“What’s up with Charlotte?” Andrew called out when he saw her stumbling.

A couple heads turned their way, curious.

Had she really gotten drunk?

“Get her some water.”

“On it.” Andrew put down the mic, poured a glass of warm water, and brought it over. “Charlotte, here, drink some water.”

Charlotte lifted her lashes, looking so tired. When she saw it was Andrew, her whole face said, Not you. She shook her head.

Nope.

Andrew looked lost. “What does that mean?”

Anthony just smiled, totally getting it. He poured a fresh glass himself and brought it to Charlotte’s lips. “Come on, just a little.”

Charlotte looked at him, then opened her mouth and took several sips.

Andrew went silent.

So did everyone else.

Just then, the door opened and Hans came in. “Anthony, everything’s ready.”

Hans did a double take at the sight of Charlotte, tipsy and nestled in Anthony’s

arms.

Was the surprise Anthony planned even going to work now?

Anthony nodded, put down the glass, and guided Charlotte out to the balcony.

The second they stepped outside, Charlotte tried to climb the railing.

“I want to go down,” she insisted.

Jumping from the third floor?

Anthon

heart nearly stopped. He pulled her back fast, keeping his vorce calm. Don’t mess around

The others stared. Clearly, they’d never seen Charlotte like this before. Honestly, she was kind of adorable.

Pulled away from the railing, Charlotte still refused to settle. She reached for a flowerpot, lowered her head and started pulling out the little plants, one by one.