We ate cake on paper plates because Owen had discovered that porcelain made a marvelous noise when dropped.

He sat in a high chair wearing a blue bib, uncertain what to do with a candle until Dana blew it out for him.

Then he pressed his entire hand into the frosting and looked offended when it stuck.

Everyone laughed.

I took a photograph of that instant, and the blurred image became my favorite of the day.

After the guests left, Vincent stayed to help gather wrapping paper.

He did not make a move to kiss me or speak about what he had done for my family.