Chapter 152

Elena's POV

My fingers lingered over the envelope for a second before I carefully loosened the ribbon.

The wrapping paper slid away, revealing a beautifully crafted wooden rocking horse.

The polished oak caught the afternoon sunlight, its carved mane and smooth curves showing the kind of workmanship that couldn't be rushed.

"It is beautiful," Cathy breathed.

Mrs. Peters nodded in agreement. "Someone spent a long time making this."

Adam reached for the small card tucked beneath the ribbon, then paused.

"I think you should read it."

I took it from him. The handwriting was instantly familiar.

Happy Birthday, Isabella.

I hope one day I'll get the chance to watch you ride this yourself.

With love, Grandpa.

For a moment, the sounds of the party faded into the background.

I could almost picture my father sitting alone, choosing every word before putting pen to paper.

He didn’t make excuses or give explanations. It was just a birthday wish for a little girl he barely knew.

"Elena?" Cathy's gentle voice pulled me back. "You okay?"

I folded the card carefully and slipped it back into its envelope.

"I am." I smiled, though my eyes felt suspiciously warm. "It's from my dad."

Understanding settled over their faces. No one asked any questions, no one pushed.

Adam simply helped carry the rocking horse into the living room while Cathy distracted Bella with another game before she noticed the new gift.

I silently thanked them for that. Some moments didn't need an audience.

By early evening, the last of the guests began saying their goodbyes.

The children left with party bags clutched tightly in their hands. The balloons had started to droop and half of the birthday cake had disappeared.

Wrapping paper covered almost every corner of the living room.

Bella sat in the middle of it all, surrounded by her new treasures. She had somehow decided that every gift deserved equal attention.

The teddy bear sat on one side, the toy kitchen on the other while the rocking horse proudly occupied the corner near the window.

She kept running from one to another, completely unable to decide which she loved most.

"I think someone is going to sleep very well tonight," Mrs. Peters said with a chuckle.

"I think someone is going to fight sleep," Adam replied.

"She's having too much fun."

As if determined to prove him right, Bella climbed onto the rocking horse.

"Look, Mama!"

"I riding!"

"You are." I smiled. "Do you like it?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "It go clip-clop!"

Everyone laughed. For just a second, I found myself staring at her. She looked so happy.

I wished...

No. I caught the thought before it could settle. There had been enough wishing for one lifetime.

Hope was different now, it had become something quieter.

Something steadier.

The house grew noticeably quieter after everyone left.

Mrs. Peters had gone home. Cathy hugged me tightly before promising to visit again soon.

I still haven’t gotten used to being friends again, but I was willing to keep trying to welcome her as a friend.

Adam stayed behind to help gather empty plates and fold away the decorations.

"You don't have to do all this," I told him.

He carried another box toward the kitchen. "I know."

"But I'm doing it anyway."

I laughed. "You've become impossible."

"I learned from Dante."

The mention of his name made us both smile.

When we finally finished cleaning, Adam leaned against the kitchen counter and poured himself a glass of water.

He watched me for a moment before speaking. "You've been thinking about that card."

I looked down at the envelope resting on the table. "I have."

"He loves you, Elena."

"I know." The words surprised even me. A few months ago, I wouldn't have answered so quickly.

"I think..." I drew in a slow breath. "...I'm ready to call him."

Adam didn't look surprised. "I was wondering when you'd say that."

"I can't pretend the past never happened."

"You shouldn't."

"But..." I looked toward the living room where Bella was happily rocking back and forth. "...I don't want the future to carry it forever either."

He smiled softly. "I think he'd be very happy to hear from you."

"I'll call him. Not tonight, but definitely soon."

He nodded. "I think that's enough."

By the time Bella had her bath and changed into her pink pajamas, exhaustion had finally caught up with her.

She yawned halfway through brushing her teeth, another yawn escaped her while I tucked her into bed.

Her teddy bear rested beneath one arm. The birthday crown she'd refused to take off all day sat crooked on the bedside table.

I pulled the blanket gently over her. "Did you have a good birthday?"

She smiled sleepily. "The best."

"I'm glad."

She reached for my hand. "Mama?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I like everybody coming."

"I know you did."

"And cake."

I laughed. "I noticed."

A thoughtful little crease appeared between her brows. Then she looked at me again.

"Can Daddy come next birthday?"

The question hit me so suddenly that my heart ached. I brushed my fingers through her soft curls.

"I hope so."

Bella seemed to think about that answer. Then, in the quiet, innocent way only a child could, she whispered,

"I wish Daddy was here today."

A tear threatened to fall. I blinked it back before leaning down to kiss her forehead.

"So do I, baby."

"So do I."

Within minutes, her breathing became slow and steady. She had fallen asleep with one hand still resting on her teddy bear.

I remained beside the bed for a long while.

The room was peaceful. Outside, the house had finally gone quiet after a day filled with laughter.

I reached into my pocket and unlocked my phone. There were dozens of photographs from the party.

There were photos of Bella laughing, Bella dancing, Bella hugging everyone she loved.

I stopped on one picture of her sitting proudly on the rocking horse.

Without really thinking, I opened Dante's contact. My thumb hovered over the screen then a small smile found its way onto my face.

"I know you would've loved today," I whispered into the quiet room.

"And she missed you more than you'll ever know.