Page 132 of Sven

“Such a big girl you are,” Alice cooed at Winnie as she kneeled before her, taking pictures of her first birthday.

“Thank you so much for taking picture,” Natalie said as Alice stood next to her, and they watched Winnie.

Natalie looked around at Sven’s backyard. While Sven and Cash were manning the Grill, the yard was filled with people that they had come to see as family in the past year. The pool was full of a handful of players and Gunnar’s kids. All while a banner hung over them that read,Happy Birthday, Winnie and Sven.

“This is such a great party,” Tillie said, making her way over to Winnie and Natalie.

“Thank you. I’m so glad you could make it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Tillie said, taking her own picture of Winnie. “What kind of aunt misses her niece’s first birthday?”

“And what kind of sister misses her brother’s birthday?” Sven said as she joined them and slipped his arms around Natalie.

“Let’s be real. We both know I’m here for Winnie.”

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” Natalie said as she was about to take Winnie out of her high chair.

“I got her,” said Sven.

“Actually, would you mind if I took her and got her cleaned up?” asked Stacie.

“Of course,” Sven said with a warm smile, stepping back.

Stacie had been clean ever since she left the rehab in early summer. She had been coming around and spending time with Winnie. Sven had even helped her to get set up in an apartment not too far from his house and gotten her a job being a flight attendant for the Magic. Natalie knew part of the reason he got her that job in particular was because of the drug testing that the flight staff did regularly, but she was doing well.

“Enjoy the party,” she said before taking a cake covered Winnie into the house.

Sven slid his arm around Natalie’s shoulder and gave her a little squeeze.

“Doesn’t it look great?” he asked, gazing over at the table next to the door where the Stanly Cup sat.

“It does... but I’m still not sure why we needed it at Winnie’s birthday party.”

“Winnie’s AND my birthday. I had to have the cup here.”

Natalie just shook her head. “It’s a good thing I love you.”

“It’s a very good thing,” he said before dropping a quick kiss on her lips before heading over to the players who all seemed to be protecting the cup.

“Well, darlin’, I have to say this is one of the best birthday parties I’ve been to.”

Natalie turned and saw her granddad making his way over.

“I’m so glad you could come.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. I wish I didn’t have to leave so soon, but I have that meeting tomorrow.”

“Well, I’ll be in Alabama for the school board hearing next week.”

“I’m just glad they agreed so easily to change the reason for dismissal, but that just the beginning,” he said with a wag of his eyebrows.

Over the summer, she and her granddad had been able to start work on the new anti-book-banning wing of the organization. It was exciting, but there was a part of her that was excited to get back in the classroom when this all settled down a little bit.

“Okay, darlin’, I gotta get to the airport, but I’ll see you soon.” He said before pulling her in for a hug.

As he left, Sasha walked up.

“Has he left the cup at all today?” Sasha asked, looking over at Conner, who seemed to be standing guard over the Stanly Cup.

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