Margaret smiled triumphantly.
“Finally, some honesty.”
“But she does have to treat our daughter with kindness.”
The smile disappeared.
“If she can’t do that, she cannot stay here.”
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Margaret grabbed her handbag.
“You would throw me out over a cake?”
Hannah looked at her steadily.
“No. I’m asking you to leave because you hurt my daughter and refuse to take responsibility.”
Margaret turned toward Daniel.
“Tell her she’s being ridiculous.”
Daniel looked at Lily.
His daughter stood beside Hannah, holding her pink plate with both hands.
There was frosting on her cheek.
Her eyes were red.
And she was watching him as though his next words might decide whether she could trust him.
Daniel swallowed.
“Mom, I think you should go.”
Margaret’s mouth fell open.
Vanessa immediately stepped forward.
“Daniel! She’s your mother!”
“And Lily is my daughter.”
His voice was louder now.
“My daughter should never have to wonder whether her birthday is important enough for her grandmother to treat her kindly.”
Margaret shook her head in disbelief.
“You’ll regret this.”
“Maybe,” Daniel replied. “But I’m not going to ask Lily to regret it for me.”
For the first time that afternoon, Margaret had nothing to say.
She turned and walked toward the front door.
