I throw my hands into the air.“Be quiet. Please. Stop talking,” I beg her.
“She’s just like you,” Dad says with a small smile.It seems he’s as taken with her as I am.
“Pretty,” Eden replies to him, making everyone chuckle.
I lead Eden to sit down near my mother.
“She sounds like you, too,” my brother adds. “Dad, here you go.” He gets up, giving our father a small box.
Inside is a Breitling watch. I know how much those cost, and they aren’t cheap.
“Thank you, son, but it’s too much," Dad says, although he takes it out to admire it.
“Nonsense, Dad. I can afford it. I wanted to.” He has a smug look on his face as he looks at me.
“Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I forgot your present,” I lie.
“No, you didn’t. It’s in your bag.” Eden yanks my bag offmy shoulder and rummages through it. She runs to my father with the paper in her hands.
“Eden!”
“Here, look.” She takes the folded piece of paper and puts it in his hands. "She made it herself."
“Gemma, you did this?” He looks at the sketch of himself which had taken several attempts to get right.
“It’s not that good. Sorry I didn’t get you anything proper,” I say, feeling ashamed.
“Gemma, it’s perfect. I love it. This is the best present ever.” He stands up, hugging me.
Mum takes it from him, looking at the drawing. “Gemma, this is brilliant.”
My brother’s face turns sour; it’s so worth it. I smile sweetly at him.
“I didn’t know you could draw like this,” Mum says.
“I’m not the best,” I admit.
Dad pulls away as Mum places it on the side next to Brody’s card.
“What about that watch? That was thousands,” Brody says, pissed that his present has been forgotten about.
“I know, and I do love it, but anyone can just buy a present. The real thought is when you make something. You don’t have to spend money,” Dad says.
I look down at Eden to find she's poking her tongue out at Brody before she hides behind me. I swallow the smirk I want to throw his way.
“It’s not about money,” Eden tells him. “We made Daddy a cake. He loved it.” That is a bit far-fetched, but we had all tried it.
“Gemma, I have something for you.” My father pulls out a shiny new credit card from his leather wallet. “I think you’ve proven yourself. You can have it. Are you moving back home?”
I look down at Eden, who looks like she is going to burstinto tears.
“Thank you, Dad, but I don’t need it. I’m staying with Alex and the children,” I say with all the confidence I can muster.
“Are you sure?” Mum asks. "Youhaveproven your point. We didn't think you would, but you did."
“Yes. I did prove a point, but I like my job.” Looking down at Eden, she melts my heart.
“It's because I’m the best,” Eden adds.
