Chapter 18 - NOAH’S BIRTHDAY

Noah turned six in the backyard of the house that almost got stolen.

There were paper dinosaurs on the fence, cupcakes with green frosting, and a bounce house my sister claimed was “for the children” before climbing into it herself.

For the first time in months, Delilah laughed without looking surprised by the sound.

Noah wore a cardboard crown and carried his stuffed dinosaur under one arm. His counselor had suggested keeping the party small, so we invited only people who made him feel safe.

Officer Hale stopped by in plain clothes with a small wrapped gift.

Rita came with books.

Amber sent a card but did not attend. Delilah read it privately, then placed it in a drawer instead of throwing it away.

Healing, I was learning, did not always look like forgiveness.

Sometimes it looked like not letting bitterness decide everything.

Halfway through the party, Noah tugged my hand.

“Grandma Lydia?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Is this house happy now?”

I looked at Delilah.

She heard him and came closer.

“Houses don’t get happy by themselves,” she said gently. “People make them happy.”

Noah considered that.

“Can we make it loud happy?”

Delilah smiled.

“Yes.”

So we did.

We sang too loudly. We let children stomp frosting into the grass. We allowed balloons in rooms Judith would have called improper. Noah opened presents slowly, savoring every ribbon.

Then the doorbell rang.

The party quieted.

Delilah checked the camera.

A courier stood outside with a legal envelope.

Her smile faded.

Rita took it, opened it, and read.

“What is it?” I asked.

Rita’s expression became unreadable.

“Evan is contesting the divorce terms. He is claiming Delilah alienated Noah, Lydia financially manipulated the marriage, and the property was always intended as a marital gift.”

Delilah closed her eyes.

For one moment, exhaustion returned.

Then Noah called from the yard, “Mommy, cake!”

Delilah opened her eyes.

She looked at the legal papers.

Then at her son.

And she smiled.

“Tell Evan,” she said to Rita, “I’ll see him in court.”

Rita’s mouth curved.

“With pleasure.”

Delilah walked back into the yard and lifted Noah into her arms while everyone sang.

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The papers sat on the patio table, heavy with threats.

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