Then my eyes moved to the children’s meals.
Noah’s was listed there, directly above Lily’s and Parker’s.
That night, I had taken out my corporate card and paid our portion because I hadn’t wanted to owe my family anything.
I stared at the invoice until I completely understood what the records appeared to show.
Money from Noah’s trust had already been used toward the banquet.
Then my father had let me pay part of the bill again while Noah stood beside me in his winter coat.
For six years, money meant for the boy who received the smallest pile had been used toward purchases and celebrations that benefited the other children.
And on the night Brooke told him he wasn’t special,
Noah’s own money had helped pay for the table where she said it.
I went upstairs.
He and Parker were playing the game he had chosen during that first night at GameStop.
They were laughing and taking turns with the blue controller.
I stayed in the doorway until Noah noticed me.
“Mom?
Are you okay?”
I looked down at the invoice in my hand and thought about everything I wanted to tell him about his grandfather.
None of it needed to rest on Noah’s shoulders at that moment.
“I am,” I said.
“Do you boys need anything?”
“We’re good.”
He raised the controller.
“It’s Parker’s turn.”
I went downstairs to call Lena about the invoice.
Behind me, the game started again, and Noah cheered for his cousin.
