It meant choosing a quiet afternoon and returning as the same dependable mother.

PART 19

On the girls’ first birthday, I organized a picnic at a park near our new rental.

There were cupcakes with pink and yellow frosting, a bubble machine borrowed from Mrs.

Alvarez, and more relatives than chairs.

Piper wore a paper crown for approximately six seconds.

Quinn tried to eat hers.

I had invited Brandon because he was their father, and I wanted the celebration to be uncomplicated for them.