None of them could replace a parent by simply attending a party, but their steady affection had given the twins a world full of trustworthy relationships.

After the guests left, Chloe asked whether the treasure hunt could happen again next year.

Katie wanted to know if Grandma’s moon from the science project could appear as a clue.

I promised we’d save the map and think about it.

Then we sat on the porch eating leftover cake while the sky changed from blue to deep purple.

“Daddy,” Katie said, “were you scared when we were babies?”