Chapter 14 - The Birthday Wish
May brought Lily’s seventh birthday. The backyard was filled with neighborhood kids, paper lanterns, the smell of barbecue, and an unruly pack of puppies from the local rescue shelter that Julian had arranged for the afternoon.
Julian watched from the patio, leaning against the wooden railing. His hair was slightly longer, his face tanned from hours spent outdoors, his eyes free of the deep fatigue that had haunted him for years.
When it came time for the cake, Lily stood before seven glowing candles stuck into a wildly imperfect homemade chocolate cake.
"Make a wish, Lily-bug," Julian called out over the singing.
Lily closed her eyes tightly, her face scrunching in fierce concentration, before puffing her cheeks and blowing out every flame in a single breath. The backyard erupted in cheers.
Later that evening, after the guests had departed and the yard was returned to quiet twilight, Julian carried Lily piggyback up the stairs. Tucking her into bed, he brushed a stray chocolate smudge from her temple.
"Can I know what you wished for?" he asked gently.
May you like
Lily smiled sleepily, her eyelids heavy. "I wished that Daddy could see our treehouse. And I wished that you would be my dad forever."
Julian swallowed the sudden knot in his throat. He leaned down, kissing her forehead. "Your dad saw the treehouse, sweetheart. He helped build it. And as for me... that wish was already granted a long time ago."
