Chapter 18 — Sophie's Birthday One Year Later
# The Birthday Surprise
## Chapter 18 — Sophie's Birthday
One year after the night that changed everything, Harrison Manor was filled with balloons once again.
This time, the celebration wasn't for Emily.
It was Sophie's sixth birthday.
Colorful decorations covered the living room.
Friends filled the house with laughter.
Grandpa Harrison proudly carried the birthday cake into the room while Grandma adjusted Sophie's birthday crown.
Agent David Mercer arrived with his wife and young son.
"I figured this party should be much less dramatic," he joked.
Everyone laughed.
Even Ethan.
For the first time in a very long time...
The laughter sounded genuine.
Emily arrived a few minutes later carrying a neatly wrapped present.
She looked nervous.
Ethan greeted her politely.
Neither of them mentioned the past.
Today belonged to Sophie.
Nothing else.
Sophie ran toward her mother.
"Mommy!"
Emily hugged her tightly.
"I missed you."
"I missed you too."
The little girl grabbed both of her parents' hands.
"Come on!"
"We have to blow out the candles together."
Ethan and Emily exchanged an awkward glance.
Then both smiled.
For Sophie's sake.
They stood beside one another as everyone sang Happy Birthday.
When the candles were blown out, Sophie closed her eyes.
"I made a wish."
Grandma smiled.
"What did you wish for?"
Sophie grinned.
"I can't tell you."
"Or it won't come true."
The adults laughed.
Only Ethan quietly wondered if the wish had already come true.
His daughter was smiling again.
That was enough.
