The sun was warm and bright when Damon's car followed by Sharon's car pulled into the small gravel lot of the orphanage home.
While Sharon had carried her friends, Jessica, Lilian, and the kids had been with Damon. And the ride had been filled with chatter as both girls chatted excitedly and endlessly.
Balloons danced in the gentle breeze, tied to the gate and porch railings. There were colorful banners too— "Happy Birthday Emily!"— hung above the entrance.
"Look, Daddy! That's my name!" Emily said, clapping happily.
"Yes. That's your name. What a surprise," Damon said, glancing at Jessica.
"I had nothing to do with it. I guess Mrs Jenkins wanted to surprise her," Jessica said as they stepped out of the car.
As they unpacked the gifts and snacks from the car, Jessica's eyes scanned the yard where a few children were already playing.
