Chapter 3

On Monday morning, I came downstairs to find Sophie setting two plates on the table.

"Why are there two?"

"One's for Dad."

She carefully set out the forks and knives.

Mark made rabbit-shaped pancakes for her every birthday. He ate the one that came out wrong, while Sophie saved the prettiest one for last.

There was no sound from upstairs.

"Are you hungry?"

"I'm waiting for Dad."

Upstairs, I found Mark assembling a desk for Lily.

"Sophie's downstairs waiting for her birthday pancakes."

Mark kept tightening the screw. "Then make them. I'm trying to finish this."

"She set a plate for you."

He finally looked up. "Rachel, I know what day it is. I can't do everything at once."

When I returned to the kitchen, Sophie glanced behind me and asked nothing. She put the extra plate back in the cabinet and poured herself a bowl of cereal.

"Cereal is okay too."

The cake arrived that afternoon, right on time.

I opened the box. Written across the top were the words, "Happy Birthday, Sophie and Lily."

Sophie stared at the two names.

"But it isn't Lily's birthday."

Mark picked up the cake and carried it to the table.

"I've missed all her other birthdays. You can share this one."

Footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Lily came down wearing a pale blue princess dress. It was the birthday present I'd bought for Sophie.

"Why is she wearing Sophie's dress?"

"Vanessa didn't bring anything suitable for her. Sophie has other dresses."

I turned to Vanessa. She smoothed the skirt and said softly, "I didn't want to take it. Mark said family shouldn't keep score."

Sophie stood beside me and watched Lily for a moment.

"Lily can wear it. Dad will like the pictures better."

My chest tightened.

Guests began arriving. Mark had replaced the birthday banner on the wall with one that read, "Welcome Home, Lily." Then, in front of our friends and relatives, he announced that Lily was probably his daughter.

Everyone crowded around Vanessa and Lily to congratulate them.

Sophie stood alone beneath the balloons, still wearing her paper birthday hat.

When it was time to cut the cake, Mark pulled Lily into the center.

Sophie spoke quietly. "That's my spot."

"There's room for both of you."

"But it's my birthday."

"Sophie, stop making everyone uncomfortable."

Mark shifted her aside and told both girls to make a wish.

Sophie shook her head. "I only have one wish."

"Then make it in your head and blow out the candles."

She didn't blow.

The room slowly went quiet. Every guest was watching, and Mark's face darkened.

"If you're going to sulk, go sit in the playroom. You can come out when you can behave."

I walked over and turned off the music.

"The party's over."

Mark lowered his voice. "Don't embarrass me in front of everyone."

"You just sent the birthday girl out of her own party. You're the one who embarrassed yourself."

I went to the master bedroom and pulled out the suitcases I'd packed the night before. No one in the living room said a word.

Mark saw the luggage and gave a short, scornful laugh.

"You're leaving over a dress and a cake?"

"I've had enough."

I took off my wedding ring and set it beside the cake.

"Sophie and I are moving out. I want a divorce."

Mark's face changed.

"If you walk out now, don't expect to come back when you calm down."

I picked up the suitcase.

"That's why I packed."

Sophie took my hand and walked out of the house with me.

My phone chimed after we turned off our street.

Mark had sent a message:

"I've already called a lawyer. Sophie is my daughter. You have no right to take her away."

Sophie saw the screen and tightened her grip on my hand.

"Mom, don't let him take me back there."