As the party wound down, Lily slipped her hand into Hannah’s.
“Mommy?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Next year, can we make the cake together again?”
Hannah smiled.
“Every year, if you want.”
Lily hugged her tightly.
“Even if it’s messy?”
Hannah kissed her forehead.
“Especially if it’s messy.”
Across the room, Daniel watched them, understanding that the most important thing he could give his daughter wasn’t a perfect birthday or an expensive present.
It was the certainty that she would never have to earn the right to be treated with love.
And that, Hannah knew, was worth protecting at any cost.
