Chapter 6 - The Birthday Mason Chose
One year later, Rachel hosted Mason’s ninth birthday party in their backyard.
There was no rented party room. No expensive decorations. No pressure to impress anyone.
Just family, neighbors, school friends, grilled burgers, music, and a small soccer-field cake from the same bakery.
This time, Mason chose every detail.
Blue balloons.
Chocolate frosting.
Nine candles.
And a rule posted on the fence in giant letters:
KIND PEOPLE ONLY.
Mason laughed when he saw it.
“Is that really a rule?”
Rachel smiled.
“The most important one.”
Greg came with Tyler and his younger daughter. He looked different now—less polished, more humble. He had taken a second job, sold the SUV, and was paying back every dollar he could.
Rachel did not trust him completely.
But she saw him trying.
Tyler handed Mason a gift bag.
Inside was a brand-new soccer jersey with Mason’s name printed on the back.
“I bought it with my own money,” Tyler said. “I saved up.”
Mason held it up.
“It’s awesome.”
Then Tyler added, “And I didn’t step on it.”
The boys laughed.
Rachel watched them run toward the backyard goalpost, and something inside her softened.
Not because the past was forgotten.
But because the future did not have to repeat it.
When the candles were lit, everyone gathered around the table.
Mason closed his eyes.
Rachel watched him carefully.
Last year, he had never gotten to make a wish.
This year, he took his time.
Then he blew out every candle in one breath.
Everyone cheered.
“What did you wish for?” Rachel asked.
Mason grinned.
“I can’t tell you.”
“Why not?”
“Because then it won’t come true.”
Rachel kissed his forehead.
May you like
“I think it already is.”
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