“We thought we could plan every part of parenthood.”

I looked toward the garden, where Willa was trying to take three steps between Andrew and Lauren.

“We got a lot wrong,” I said.

He nodded, then quietly carried the plates to the trash.

Later, after the guests left, I sat on the porch with Willa asleep in my arms.

The last of the party lights glowed above the lawn.

My grandmother’s old robe was draped over the back of the chair because the evening had turned cool.