“Don’t be surprised if she’s more interested in the paper than the present.” She held the bowl while Phoebe poured in the remaining liquid. “Thank you for all your help. There’s no way I would have been able to give Alice a party like this on my own.”
“It’s not every day my first niece turns one.” Phoebe stuck the pot in the sink and ran water into it. “Mom took care of most the arrangements, and a few of the ladies from church helped.”
Trixie fought against the emotions overwhelming her. They’d never know how much this meant to her. She’d struggled to return to church, even with Elijah’s apology, but she’d faced little opposition—only several snide comments, but the kindness of others far outweighed those. “Where is Mom?”
“Last I saw, on her way outside to bring the presents in.”
“How many did she buy?”
Phoebe laughed as she moved the bowl of meatballs to the serving counter. “You know Mom. I don’t know how exactly, but I’m sure it’s more than any one-year-old needs.”
“Yes, I know.” Trixie joined her sister in laughter, but inside her heart broke.
She didn’t begrudge the gifts, was even thankful her family had readily accepted Alice and wanted to spoil her. Despite that, she couldn’t ignore the guilt that pulled her heart in all directions.Shewas the mom.Sheshould be the one to shower her daughter with gifts, but all she’d been able to afford was a wooden puzzle set with barnyard animals and a matching book.
Pride nipped at her, taunted her until she wanted to grab her wrapped gift and hide it away. She didn’t want Alice to see pictures of the party years from now and think her mom didn’t care.
Why couldn’t she be happy? Kind gestures shouldn’t become fodder for her shame. She knew if she mentioned the problem to Mom, she’d be respectful and hold back the gifts, but that wasn’t a viable solution.
She’d have to suck it up and accept that she couldn’t give her daughter all she wished she could. Maybe in the future, if she noticed the lack of presents from her Mom, Alice would know that the single gift came with love and sacrifice. Or maybe she’d never notice or care. No sense borrowing trouble.
Logically, Trixie knew that, but her emotions ran rampant.Stay busy,that’s the way to keep them at bay.
The scene that greeted her in the fellowship hall brought a broad grin to her face. Her dad held Alice’s hand as they walked around. A tad unsteady still, Alice couldn’t walk more than a few steps, and only those with support. Dad pointed out the different decorations, and Alice gleefully repeatedcatat everything.
Dad caught her gaze and walked her way. “Her vocabulary grows every day. She said cute cat earlier.”
“Are you sure it wasn’tkit cat?”
He shook his head. “Definitely cute cat.”
She held out her arms. “Come see Mama.”
Alice smiled wide with her two front teeth showing and toddled toward her. “Come Mama.”
“Good girl.” She picked her up and rewarded her with a kiss. “Ready for your big day?”
“Coot cat.” Alice giggled and pointed to a centerpiece.
Dad raised a brow and issued a told-you-so look. “That’s my girl.”
“Can I slow down the time?”
“If possible, I would have, many times by now.” A sad smile flitted across his mouth. “Enjoy these times. One day you’ll open your eyes and she’ll be a young lady.”
An hour later, the party was in full swing, and barely an empty seat remained in the fellowship hall. Many church members came, along with family friends, and extended family, some of whom Trixie hadn’t seen in years.
She made the rounds, greeting all the guests and giving them all a turn to love on Alice who beamed with the attention. Once Uncle Landon came around that was the end of it. Alice had taken a special liking to Jessa’s husband, who didn’t mind a bit. Jessa had confided that Alice’s presence helped him not to miss his own niece and nephew as much. He carried her around with pride, showing her off to everyone he could.
Leaving Alice in good hands, Trixie returned to the kitchen to check on the food. She wiped down the counter where someone had spilled salsa and threw away a crumbled napkin left behind.
“You shouldn’t be wiping down counters and tables on your day off.”
Lifting her head, she saw Elijah holding a wrapped gift. “A mother is never off duty.”
“So I hear.”
She set the rag aside and joined him on the other side of the counter. “Thanks for coming. When Mom and Dad issued the blanket invitation to the church, I never dreamed so many people would show up.”
