Chapter 41 - The Tenth Birthday
Three days later.
The morning sun beamed down brightly over our Lake Forest estate. The lake sparkled like liquid diamonds under a crisp, autumn sky, the oak trees dropping vibrant leaves of gold and crimson across the emerald lawn.
A grand white tent was erected near the water, filled with colorful balloons, a two-tiered chocolate birthday cake, and loud, joyful music.
Noah and Sophie stood in front of the birthday cake surrounded by twenty of their school friends, laughing as they blew out ten glowing candles in a single breath. Everyone cheered and applauded, the sound echoing happily across the quiet water.
I stood on the porch carrying a tray of iced drinks, watching my children’s faces lit up with pure, unadulterated happiness.
Ethan walked up behind me, wrapping his long arms around my waist, pulling me close against his chest. He rested his chin on my shoulder, watching Noah hand the first slice of cake to his little sister.
May you like
"Ten years ago today," Ethan murmured softly into my hair, "you were giving birth alone in that small town clinic, praying for a miracle."
"And today," I smiled, leaning my head back against his chest, "I am looking at my miracle."
