“All you have to do is mention free food and people come out of the woodwork.” His twinkling eyes tossed her a wink. “Plus, we all adore Alice and want to celebrate her special day with her.”
“I appreciate it.”
He held up the gift. “Where does this go?”
“On the overflowing table by the wall.” She choked up, not for the first time that day. “I’m in awe at the love shown toward her.”
“She makes it easy.” His lips twitched until he broke out in laughter. “I passed by the nursery last week and she reached up for me. I felt special until I realized I had a bright green pen in my shirt pocket. The light must have bounced off of it and caught her attention because she wouldn’t stop until I let her hold it for a minute.”
“That’s my Alice. She loves anything shiny.”
“Where is she so I can tell her happy birthday?”
“A few minutes ago, Landon had her over by the game corner, but I don’t know if they’re still there.” She scanned the hall. Several kids played ring the bottle, but no sign of Landon and Alice.
“I’ll look around. Thanks.” He walked off toward the gift table.
She watched him, marveling at the change in him since they first met. Dare she call them friends? Yes, he’d become a friend despite their rough beginning.
Realizing she’d spent most of the party fulfilling obligations, she decided she needed to spend the rest of the time with her daughter. Any more cleaning could wait until the party ended, and most people had already eaten, thus no need to continually check on the food.
When she found Alice, it was clear naptime was soon approaching. She let Alice sip from a cup of apple juice to keep her happy while she found her mom and set up the cakes. The large cake consisted of cupcakes arranged in the shape of a large cat with none other than purple icing.
Mom stuck a candle in the separate smash cake. “Do you think she’ll grow out of the purple cat phase?”
“Probably not any time soon. It’s her favorite stuffed animal she’s had since birth.” The only visitor she’d had in the hospital, a friend from the apartment complex, had given it to Alice.
“I like it. It’s cute and different.” Mom opened a drawer and grabbed a long reach lighter. “Should we wheel them out on a cart and light the candle out there?”
“Why don’t we clear the food real quick and do it right there.” She pointed to the counter that separated the kitchen and fellowship hall.
“Good idea.” Mom stepped over and began pulling the dishes pack.
Trixie moved them to the center counter and set out the colorful dessert plates. Once the cakes were situated, she called the guests over. Holding Alice in her arms near the cake with the lit candle, she led everyone in a chorus of “Happy Birthday”.
At the end of “Happy Birthday Dear Alice, Happy Birthday to you,” she leaned over and helped Alice blow out the candle. Everyone cheered and clapped, and Phoebe snapped pictures to capture each moment.
“Now for the fun part.” Trixie secured Alice in a high chair and set the smash cake in front of her.
One pudgy finger tested the icing. She giggled, then stuck in another. Finding it entertaining, she stuck both hands in and played with it before realizing she could eat it too. Within minutes cake and icing covered her face, and she smiled happily, bringing laughter to all who watched.
Trixie leaned over to Jessa. “Now that we’ve done this, I think we should have opened presents first.”
Jessa lifted a shoulder. “Eh, what’s a little mess.”
“You’re not the one taking the presents home in your car, but if you want icing all over, you can.” Looking at Alice, her smile grew. “She’s devouring that cake.”
“Can you blame her? Those cupcakes are calling my name.”
“They do look good.” She started to place them on individual plates for the guests to grab. If everyone took one they’d run out, but at least they had other desserts to offer.
When Alice finally lost interest in the cake, Trixie took her to the nursery and changed her into clean clothes. “Are you having a good birthday, princess?”
“Yum.”
“Yes, cake is very yummy. I’m glad you liked it.”
“More.”
