Chapter 7 - Lily's Birthday
A year after Daniel's release, Lily turned six.
Arthur wanted to give her the biggest birthday party in the city.
Lily wanted cake.
And balloons.
And her father.
That was all.
So they held the party in the backyard.
Ethan helped hang decorations.
Daniel grilled hamburgers.
Arthur burned three of them.
Everyone laughed.
For the first time, the Bennett family looked normal.
But happiness rarely arrives without fear for people who have suffered.
During the party, Ethan disappeared.
Daniel searched the house.
Arthur searched the garden.
They found him behind the garage.
He was crying.
Daniel sat beside him.
"What happened?"
Ethan handed him a letter.
It was from the foster agency.
His old foster mother wanted custody again.
Daniel's face tightened.
"She can't take you."
"But what if she tries?"
Daniel pulled him close.
"You are my son."
Ethan cried harder.
"I don't want to go back."
"You won't."
Arthur joined them.
"We'll fight."
Ethan looked at him.
"Promise?"
Arthur remembered another promise he had once failed to keep.
This time he answered carefully.
"I promise I will do everything I legally can to keep you safe."
The custody hearing came two months later.
The foster mother claimed Daniel was unstable.
She used his prison record against him.
The courtroom became tense.
Then Lily walked into the witness room.
She was too young to testify formally, but the judge allowed a conversation.
"Who do you want to live with?"
Lily looked at Daniel.
"With Daddy."
"Why?"
"Because he always comes back."
The judge's expression softened.
Lily continued:
"Before, he couldn't come home. But now he can."
There was silence.
The custody petition was denied.
Daniel kept his children.
Outside the courthouse, Ethan hugged him.
Arthur stood nearby.
Daniel walked toward him.
"You helped us."
Arthur smiled.
"I'm learning."
"You're a good grandfather."
Arthur's eyes watered.
"Thank you."
Then Lily grabbed Arthur's hand.
"Grandpa."
"Yes?"
"Can we get ice cream?"
Arthur laughed.
"Of course."
Ethan smiled.
"Everything?"
May you like
Arthur remembered the bakery.
"Everything."
