Bittersweet

~~ Thankful ~~

Apparently, I wasn't able to handle such a monumental task! Never mind that I had successfully run my own business.

We had never seen eye to eye, his father and me. Possibly because I was never good enough for his son. And I was positive my mixed-race heritage had something to do with it. Over the years, I had learned to overlook his bitchy remarks and sly comments.

His father ran their family business. 'Valentino's Law & Partners.' And his clientele ranged from the hideously rich to the self-absorbed, self-indulgent world of famous actors and actresses, and sadly Tony had followed in his footsteps.

"C'mon, we have a surprise for you," jested Janelle. Swiping my bag from the grass. Ava wriggled against me and I put her down. She grabbed my hand and began leading me to the house.

"This way Mommy, quickly." She yanked me along.

"Okay, okay. I'm coming, Angel. Where's the fire?"

As I closed the front door behind me. Ava continued to pull me along. "Close your eyes Mommy and follow me."

Following instructions, I squeezed them shut. "This is exciting." Hoping not to trip up.

"Don't peep Mommy, or else I will know," she attempted to be stern.

"Aren't we a little missy bossy pants today?" My little girl was adorable.

"Stand right here!" she ordered.

The smell of vanilla was overpowering. It was safe to assume we were in the kitchen. I heard the shuffling of stools and tiny footsteps rushing around with a click of something I couldn't identify and the rustling of paper. My nose tickled—Burning? Was something on fire?

"Surprise... open your eyes, Mommy."

I opened them to find Janelle, Frank and Adam all stood smiling at me. Frank and Ava had a paper party hat on and a banner was pinned above them, wishing me a happy birthday.

"Surprise!" they all sang out in a sing-song voice.

"Happy Birthday Mommy!" squealed Ava excitedly.

I gasped, clasping my hands in front of my chest. "Is that for me... you made that for me?"

Swallowing, I stared down at a beautifully decorated cake in my daughters' small hands, with three candles on top. Her face scrunched as her bottom lip stuck out.

"What's the matter, Angel?" I asked, sinking down to her level.

"I didn't have enough of the burning sticks."

My smile was as wide as the Grand Canyon. "Candles." I corrected.

"Caaandles." mimicking my words.

"Pfft. I think that's a good thing. If you had to light twenty-seven candles, you would have been here till my next birthday. And clearly a fire-hazard!" She giggled. "Now help me blow them out... after three, ready?" She nodded eagerly, and my heart swelled.

"Make a wish Mommy, a birthday wish."

"My oh my, what shall I wish for?" I placed my finger on my chin, tapping lightly. "I know..." I closed my eyes.  "I wish, this cake tastes as good as it looks!" Ava giggled again before helping me blow out the candles. All blown out, I took the cake from her and Janelle passed me a knife to slice up.

"We all hope for that." Franks' laughter filled the room. "I'm scared to eat it as Janelle and this little monster made it!" He growled like a monster, rushing forward scooping Ava from the floor bridal style, blowing a raspberry across her stomach.