~Jennie’s~

“Do you think he’ll remember this?” I ask softly as I stare at the tiny crown printed on the invitation card. Gold foil, soft blue ink. Almost too perfect.

No one answers me. Not because they’re ignoring me, but because the room is already a small frenzy. Balloons scattered across the crib, fabric swatches for the party banner tossed over the glider, and one staff member—Mira—arguing with someone about helium timing like it’s a matter of national security.

I tuck the card into the folder and smooth my palm across it like I’m sealing it into place. Blue’s first birthday. One year. One full, aching, crawling, magical, wrecked and...