I look down when Aiden speaks, “Mama, can we have cake now?” His face which so closely resembles his father’s looks up to me.

“Sure can, Little Man,” I say and pat his legs so he knows to get up. He scampers out of my lap and makes a beeline to the table where both of the cakes I made last night are.

“Cake, cake, cake,” Stella says animatedly while bouncing in Masen’s grip. “Who wants cake?” she sing-songs. Most of the occupants answer affirmatively as we all convene around the table.

Aiden’s cake is a simple strawberry Bundt cake with thick white glaze drizzled over the top. One candle in the shape of the number five sits atop.

Stella’s cake on the other hand is anything but simple. The three-layer chocolate cake topped with shiny ganache, circled with homemade chocolate covered cherries screams decadence. She chose five candles to adorn her cake, stating, “I need ‘em for the wishes.” I shake my head and smile when I remember both her and Aiden’s faces as they discussed the different possibilities. I think he chose the single candle so hers would shine brighter. He’s perfectly happy to let Stella be in the limelight.

Mickey lights the candles, and Caleb starts the singing in his deep baritone. Both of the children’s faces volley back and forth from the cakes to the happily singing faces, in case the candles extinguish themselves before their wish taking blows are delivered. When silence falls, Aiden closes his eyes briefly before he purses his lips and blows slowly. The flame flickers and dies, and he smiles triumphantly. Stella’s eyes are still squeezed shut, and her lips move silently as she concentrates on the task of wishing. When she finally opens up her caramel eyes, she blows like her life depends on it and giggles quickly when the smoke rises from the candles.

After the presents are opened and the crowd slowly leaves, Mickey and I clean up the remnants of the party. I open a few windows, letting the cool spring breeze filter through. “I was thinking about leaving for the lake tomorrow morning instead of Friday,” Mickey says while wiping down the counter.

I shrug my shoulders. “That sounds fine by me, the sooner the better.”

She nods her head slowly. “You mind if I take the kids home and have them ride with us?”

I tilt my head. It’s not unusual for the kids to stay the night with her and Caleb with them being so close, but something seems off about the way she’s not looking at me and the way she sounds. “Uhh sure, I guess,” I answer, already thinking of the extra alone time I’ll have with my Masen. My skin flushes so I open another window. “It’s so warm in here,” I say more to myself than her.

“Ah-huh.” She smirks then calls loudly, “Caleb, collect my grandbabies. It’s time we head out.”

I’m taken back by her abrupt declaration. “I haven’t packed a bag for tonight,” I say while plucking the shirt from my frame and blowing down the neckline.