Chapter 10 - The True Table
As the afternoon sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the lawn, David walked out onto the back porch carrying a massive, three-tier chocolate birthday cake decorated with bright yellow icing and unicorn toppers.
The children gathered around the big wooden table, clapping their hands and singing Happy Birthday at the top of their lungs.
Ava stood at the center of the table, her face glowing with pure, unbridled happiness. Beside her stood Emma, holding a stack of paper plates, handing them out to every child with a huge, radiant smile.
When it came time to cut the cake, David handed the cake knife to me and Ava together.
"Go ahead, birthday girl," David smiled, resting his hands proudly on Emma's shoulders. "First slice goes to whoever you want."
Ava cut a giant, thick slice of chocolate cake, placed it carefully onto a paper plate, and handed it directly to her cousin Emma.
"Family first," Ava giggled.
Emma hugged Ava tight around the neck, her small voice ringing out across the sunny yard. "Best cousins forever!"
I stood back on the porch, holding a warm cup of tea, watching the two little girls sit together at the head of the table, sharing frosting and laughing until their sides hurt.
David walked up beside me, handing me a fresh plate with a huge piece of cake.
"Thank you, Rachel," David said softly, his voice thick with deep emotion as he looked out at our children. "For standing up for Ava. For saving Emma. For reminding me what a real family looks like."
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I took a bite of the sweet chocolate cake, looking out at the bright, peaceful yard where true love, unconditional loyalty, and honest happiness reigned supreme.
"We don't need permission to sit at this table, David," I smiled, wrapping my arm around my brother’s waist. "We built it together."
