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How he got jealous by me saying Nana was the best after reminding me we still had to go look for drinks.

“I wasnotjealous,” he counters. “But how is she the best if I’m the one who has come a week earlier to help set everything up? She just reminded us we had to buy sugar-based drinks—AKA fuel for the spawns of the devil.”

I can’t help the loud laughter that bubbles from inside my chest. This full-grown man sometimes—more often than not—can act like a kid but still be adorable.

After we’re done eating and preparing some stuff in advance in Shilah’s back room, he isn’t done with the bad jokes yet, “Com’on Lolo, we’re driving in your Polo.”

“Jake, no! No crazy rhyming game.”

“Oh, come on!” he whines. “You used to love it.”

“Yeah, when I was ten. I am twenty-two now. I grew tired of it and your same old childish rhymes."

“Too bad because Lolo is stuck with this loco.” He smirks, pointing at himself before closing the car door on me and entering the driver's side.

“That doesn’t even rhyme!” I cackle and he shrugs, unbothered. “If you’re going to rhyme, I am going to sing,” I warn him, and his eyes widen.

I suck at singing. A lot.

Jake makes it much easier, the way he can easily take my mind off of things is magical, and I will always be grateful for the blessing that is my big brother. Forever.

It’s finally his birthday and even though I’m exhausted, I am relieved that everything’s nearly done.

Thankfully, Abby’s mother volunteered to take both of them to the park while Jake, Nana, and I finish everything. All his school friends are due to arrive in the next thirty minutes. Once Dylan arrives, everyone that’s coming will be able to celebrate with him.

This irrational fear that something can go wrong doesn’t let go of me, but I push through for my boy. Since I can’t give him what he wants the most in this world yet, I need to make sure I give him the second-best thing.

This is becoming so messy and complicated that I know it’ll end up blowing up right in my face. I can feel it in my bones. Hopefully, it’ll just be later rather than sooner.

“I’m done,” Jake exclaims exactly when Nana and I finish the last details as well. Doing a quick once-over and confirming everything is in place, I head out of the diner. A few people are already waiting outside, and after greeting everyone, I see Abby’s parents’ car driving down the road.

“Everyone needs to get inside,” I yell as Jake quickly guides them towards the door.

Just shy of the door closing, their car pulls up, right in front of the building. The back door opens, and an overexcited Dylan rushes to me, jumping into my arms.

“Mummy! We played football, and we went for ice cream. I—” he stops himself and frowns. “Why are we here? Are you going to work today?” His face contorts into a big pouty expression and I can’t help to chuckle at the sadness that is trying to force its way through at the simple thought of my working.

“No, baby. I thought you could be hungry after all that exercise. What do you think?”

“Just us?” He frowns. “I wanted more time with Abby.”

“Come on, silly. We’re all going inside.” I put him down and grab his hand before greeting little Abby and her mother.

The few steps up to the back door are enough to have Dylan frowning. Of course, he thought we’d enter the main room and sit at one of the booths and eat so when we don’t, he’s confused.

I slowly open the door and push him forward. At the same time that he appears, everyone inside screams, “Surprise!”

He shrieks for a few seconds before laughing loudly.

In a flash, he starts running towards Jake, then Nana, greeting and talking to everyone at the party. He even introduces himself shamelessly to Ethan and Hazel. Unlike Johanna’s weird behaviour, the rest of my friends are all over him, giving him their presents and doting on him. Watching them interact with him so well warms my heart.

And just like that, my kid spends the entire afternoon running around, playing, laughing, and yelling. Happy and crazy just as he usually is, softening my heart even more. I keep the conversation going with some other parents, but the constant company are Ethan, Hazel, Sofia, and Johanna. She still seems detached but keeps up with her nice, easy-going ways. All along, everyone else seems to be delighted with Dylan and his eccentric and bubbly personality.

Jake keeps Nana entertained, and Shilah and her husband even pop in twice to see the birthday boy and chat a little. I bet they would have loved to stay longer if they weren’t working.

“Well, it turns out the party is a success,” my older brother chimes in next to me while the kids run like crazy in front of us.

I am about to answer him when Dylan’s shout interrupts me. “Mummy!” Dylan beams when I reach him, jumping straight into my arms. “I love the party. Thank you so, so much!”

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