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Crap… this isn't the time to cry.
"It's a beautiful dress," Ben's mother said. "Her uncle's shower her with toys or money, forgetting that she's a lady. It's good to have another woman who understands."
"Oh, no, I…"
I just wanted to do the same thing I would have done if my daughter was alive.
"Daddy, are we going to the mall?" Chloe asked.
"Actually, we'll be going to the park," I replied.
Her eyes widened with joy as she squealed in delight, jumping too. She was a sweet and spirited six-year-old, and her happiness was always contagious. It got all the adults watching her to smile.
I was glad that I had chosen the park as a birthday event.
****
Arriving at Byrd Park, we set up our picnic spot under a big oak tree, the branches providing a cool shade from the summer sun.
"Happy birthday, Chloe!" Ben said, handing her a small wrapped present. She squealed with glee as she tore the wrapping paper, revealing a beautiful book about her favorite fairy tales. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she thanked him with a heartwarming hug.
Daddy Ben looked so proud of himself. I couldn't help grinning at the both of them.
"Miss Olivia, can I read it now?" She asked as she handed the book to me.
"Let's have something to eat first," I replied. "I got some of your favorite cupcakes."
She gasped, "Chocolate!"
"Yes," I put down the picnic basket and spread out the delicious food on the checked tablecloth. "Dig in," I commanded
Ben and Chloe reached for the chocolate cupcakes, but I stopped them. "Let's start with the sandwiches and get back to the chocolate cupcake after okay?"
"Okay," they chorused and switched to sandwiches.
As they ate, their expressions told me just how much they enjoyed the meal I had made for the special occasion, filling me with pride. Chloe chatted animatedly about her adventures at school while we enjoyed our lunch. Her laughter was like music to my ears, and it brought a smile to Ben's face, too.
After the meal, we strolled around the park, taking in the sights and sounds. Our first stop on my itinerary was Swan Lake.
"Daddy look! Real swans!" Chloe pointed excitedly.
"Really beautiful, aren't they?" he asked.
"Mmmm, hmm." She nodded and turned to me. "Miss Olivia, do you know about the ugly duckling story?"
"No I haven't heard about it. What's it about?' I asked.
"You haven't?" She seemed surprised, but there was a smug expression on her face. "It's about this ugly duckling that no one liked because it was ugly. But it turned out to be beautiful when it grew up. It was a swan!"
"Oh wow. What a beautiful story," I said.
"I'll tell you more," she said proudly. "But I'll have to read daddy's gift to me."
"I can't wait to hear your stories," I said to her.
She giggled.
"Daddy can I get one of the swans?" she asked.
