Riley handed Elinor to Kent as Patrick carried the cake outside, setting it carefully on the table she had decorated. She walked over to adjust the candle shaped like a number three, straightening it for the third time.
"Where's the birthday boy?" Patrick asked, smoothing the tablecloth and stepping back to admire the setup.
"Inside with Penny," Riley said, checking everything one last time.
"He'll love it," Kent said, swinging Elinor over his head and earning a delighted squeal from their daughter. "Stop worrying so much."
"He only gets one third birthday party," Riley sighed. "I can’t believe he’s three already."
Patrick nodded. "Tell me about it. Lily’s going to be four next month. Feels like yesterday she was just learning to walk."
Kent came over, settling Elinor on his hip so h
