That was the exact moment I realized he knew absolutely nothing about what had transpired when Brittany picked up the cake.

I walked over and found Grandma watching the crowd quietly near the elaborate dessert table.

“It is honestly the absolute best cake you have ever baked in your entire life,” I said softly, bumping my shoulder against hers.

“I am just so glad he likes it,” she smiled gently, though her tired eyes still held a lingering shadow of hurt.

Around seven thirty in the evening, with the official cake cutting scheduled in just a few minutes, I casually walked up to the main head table carrying the wrapped gift box in my arms.