The police officer turned into a parking lot. A community center I recognized. The same place where I used to sit on hard bleachers to support my kids. We always had the best time there. The sight brought back so many happy memories, but they couldn’t quiet my anxiety.
Cars filled the lot outside. Cars I recognized. Mark’s SUV. Sarah’s sedan. Jason’s truck.
My mouth went dry. “What is this?”
The officer parked and came around to open my door. He offered his hand. I ignored it and climbed out myself, my legs trembling. He led me toward the entrance. Through the glass, I saw movement.
Caleb went pale.
I stopped. “If this is some kind of joke.”
“It’s not.”
My chest tightened. Hope and anger became tangled together. He opened the door. The lights suddenly came on.
“HAPPY,” Jason started, then stopped when he saw my expression.
Mark’s face instantly turned guilty, making my stomach twist. Sarah’s expression hardened into pure alarm. Eliza covered her mouth. Caleb went pale.
“I waited four hours.”
The banner read, “HAPPY 60TH, MOM.” Balloons. Streamers. A cake that looked expensive. And five of my children stood there as though they’d been waiting for the punchline.
I remained completely still. Then my voice came out small and sharp. “So you were all here.”
Mark quickly stepped forward. “Mom, wait.”
“I waited four hours,” I said. “Four.”
Jason blurted, “We weren’t ignoring you. We wanted to surprise you. Grant was supposed to pick you up. He was busy tonight, so we prepped this place without him.” “Where is Grant?”
Eliza’s eyes welled up. “We thought…”
Sarah snapped, “Why is there a cop with you? What happened?”
I looked around at all of them.
“I sat alone at that table,” I said. “Like an idiot.”
Mark’s face fell. “Mom, we were trying to keep it a surprise. Grant said he was taking care of the pickup.”
I felt my heartbeat quicken again.
I turned back to the officer, voice rising again.
