Eleanor slid into the driver''s seat and pulled out her phone to send a message to Mansfield Ellington.


    "Mr. Ellington, today''s your birthday, isn''t it?"


    His reply came almost instantly.


    "Miss Sutton, you actually remembered?"


    She could practically hear the surprise-and unmistakable delight-in his words.


    He''d only mentioned it once, in passing, during a call at the base not long ago. He''d still managed to have flowers and a gift sent to her that day, even with his busy schedule. Eleanor felt it was only right to return the kindness.


    "I remember. Any special ns for today?"


    "Miss Sutton, are you free for lunch or dinner?"


    "I have to take care of my daughter this evening," Eleanor answered honestly.


    "Alright, then let''s keep it simple-lunch it is!"


    She nced at the clock-eleven o''clock. Quickly, Eleanor dialed Joy''s number.


    "Hello?"


    "If I need to buy a gift for a man, what would be appropriate?" Eleanor asked without preamble.


    "Let me guess: Xavier? Or is this for Mansfield Ellington or maybe Joel?" Joy rattled off the names of the three men in Eleanor''s life.


    "It''s for Mansfield Ellington. It''s his birthday today. He gave me a giftst time, so I want to return the favor," Eleanor exined.


    "Well, you can''t go wrong with a wallet, a leather belt, or a tie," Joy suggested.


    Eleanor sighed. "Is there anything else? I want something a little different."


    "How about a pen? It''s practical, and you can get a nice one without it feeling too personal," Joy offered.


    Eleanor immediately agreed-it was thoughtful yet suitably formal.


    "Great. Which brand?"


    "Montnc, obviously!"


    Eleanor quickly searched for the nearest boutique, set the GPS, and headed downtown. Once she arrived at the store, she barely paused to let the clerk introduce anything, just picked out an elegant fountain pen worth nearly five thousand dors. She exchanged WhatsApp info with the staff for after-sales service, then had it wrapped with extra care before hurrying out.


    "I''ve reserved a table at Marigold Bistro," Mansfield messaged her, sending the address.


    It was already noon-she didn''t want to keep him waiting.


    Eleanor replied as she got back in her car, "Perfect. I''ll be there around twelve twenty."


    "Drive safe. I''ll be here," came his gentle reply. Just a few words, but somehow, they made her smile.


    She tucked away her phone, started the engine, and headed to Marigold Bistro. When she arrived, Mansfield was already waiting by the window. He wore a light grey suit that set off his crisp, military bearing; he looked asposed and self- assured as ever.


    As soon as he saw her, he stood and smiled. "You made it."


    "I''m sorry to keep you waiting." Eleanor smiled back, drawing a beautifully wrapped box from her bag. "Happy birthday, Mr. Ellington."


    He blinked in surprise as he took the gift. "You went out of your way to get me something?"


    "Yes, it''s just a small gesture," she said, sitting down. "I was in a bit of a rush buying it, so I''ll send you the shop assistant''s WhatsApp in case you need anything."


    Mansfieldughed, a warm, genuine sound. "Mind if I open it now?"


    "Not at all," Eleanor replied, secretly hoping he''d like it.


    He unwrapped the box, and when he saw the pen, his smile grew. "I love it. Thank you."


    He looked up at her, his tone sincere. "Honestly, you being here is the best gift I could ask for."