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Nolan appeared with the plates. “Mom, are you sure everything’s okay?”
I squeezed his shoulder. “Just enjoy your birthday, sweetheart. I’ll handle the rest.”
Shortly before six, Richard’s brother texted.
Michael: Everything was ready.
Nolan needs to grow up.
***
Guests arrived with gifts and balloons. Richard’s mother hugged Nolan, while my sister Vivian made him wear a ridiculous birthday hat.
For a while, he seemed happy.
Then Richard stood and raised his glass. “I’d like to say something about Nolan.”
Everyone quieted.
“Six years ago, we welcomed a young boy into our home. Today, he’s a man.”
I’ll handle the rest.
Nolan smiled nervously.
“We’ve fulfilled our responsibility as parents,” Richard continued. “Now he’s ready to begin an independent life, and Emma and I can finally enjoy some freedom.”
His mother frowned.
