The sun dipped behind the tall trees, and the patio filled with the joyful, slightly off-key chorus of Happy Birthday.

I watched my sons close their eyes and draw in a deep breath and blow out all twelve candles in unison, the smoke curling up into the twilight.

My heart was so full in that moment it ached.

“Grandma gets the first slice!” Mason insisted, his voice cracking on the last word the way it had started to do that year.

Beatrice gave a tight, painted smile that did not reach her eyes.