“She’s so much like you,” I tell Natalie.
“Stubborn and impatient?”
“Determined and strong-willed.”
“Nice save.”
The cake comes out eventually, a chocolate masterpiece with “Over the Hill” written in frosting because Stella thought it was funny. The kids gather around to sing, their voices loud and off-key and perfect. Isla helps me blow out the candles while Sloane tries to stick her finger in the frosting.
As the sun starts to set, the younger kids begin to fade. Theo is asleep on Lucas’s shoulder. Ivy’s curled up in Blair’s lap. Beckett is lying on a towel, staring at the sky.
“I think that’s our cue,” Jess says, gathering their things.
The departures are gradual. Hugs and promises to do this again soon. Kids being carried to cars, still in their bathing suits. Wyatt and Blair live close by now, so they walk home,Ruby holding her dad’s hand while Blair manages the younger two.
Finally, it’s just us.
“Best birthday party ever,” Isla declares, yawning.
“Agreed,” I say.
We get the girls bathed and into bed. Isla wants a story, so I read her favorite while Sloane falls asleep to the sound of my voice. When I’m done, I tuck them in and kiss their foreheads.
“Love you, Daddy,” Isla says.
“Love you too, pip.”
Downstairs, Natalie’s cleaning up the kitchen. I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder.
“Leave it,” I say. “We can deal with it tomorrow.”
“It’ll take five minutes.”
“I don’t care. Come sit with me.”
She turns in my arms, looking up at me. “You sure you’re okay with forty?”
“Are you kidding? I’ve got you, two amazing daughters, a job I love, amazing friends.” I kiss her softly. “This is everything I ever wanted.”
“Even when the kids are throwing tantrums?”
“Especially then.”
She laughs and pulls me toward the couch. We sink into it together, her head on my shoulder, my arm around her waist.
“Remember when we found out we were pregnant?” she asks.
“How could I forget? You looked like you were going to pass out.”
“I was terrified.”
“So was I.”
“And look at us now.”
“Yeah. Look at us now.”
“Ready for your gift?” Natalie asks, sitting up.
