Evelyn texted, “I assume this invitation doesn’t include me.”
I looked at Michael, the weight of his mother’s words pressing down on us both. He sighed, setting his phone aside, and wrapped his arms around Sophie, who was buzzing with excitement as she decorated the garden with balloons and streamers.
“Let’s enjoy today,” he said softly, planting a kiss on her head. “It’s our day.”
As guests began to arrive, our backyard filled with laughter and warmth. Friends and family who embraced Sophie as their own showered her with love and high-fives. Michael’s best friend, Tom, tossed her in the air, making her giggle uncontrollably, while my sister braided her hair with colorful ribbons.
