The little girl chirped each word in her sweet, melodic voice.


    Tarquin couldn''t resist kissing his daughter''s forehead. "Thank you, Baby."


    Evan chimed in, "Us too! I want to wish Daddy a happy birthday too!"


    Tarquin smiled and patted Evan''s head. "Thank you, Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah. And thank you, Mom and Dad."


    yton was in high spirits. "Don''t just stand there at the door. Come on in. Wash your hands, it''s time for dinner."


    The family walked into the house and headed for the dining room. The table was alreadyden with delicious dishes, all personally cooked by yton. He had started nning the menu days ago for Tarquin''s birthday, carefully bncing the vors. He loved his daughter, and because Tarquin treated his daughter well, he was happy to treat Tarquin well. The love of a father for his son-inw is often a reflection of his love for his daughter. When a son-inw gives his heart and soul to his wife, the father-inw naturally reciprocates. It would be awkward for them to speak of love, so they showed it through their actions.


    In the center of the table was a multiyered birthday cake, a beautiful avocado green. At first nce, it looked like a tall tree. On closer inspection, you could even see the veins on the ''leaves.'' The cake''s design was unique and clearly took a lot of time, effort, and incredible skill.


    Tarquin knew it must be Emmett''s handiwork and praised it. "Where did you buy this cake? I''ve never seen one like it. It''s so beautiful."


    Emmett eagerly piped up, "Do you like it, Daddy?"


    Tarquin nodded. "I love it. It looks like a big tree. It''s so realistic, the baker must be amazing!"


    Emmett beamed. "I made it, Daddy."


    Tarquin feigned surprise. "Really? Emmett, you''re that talented? Why did you make a big tree for Daddy?"


    Emmett said excitedly, "In my heart, Daddy is like a big, tall tree that shelters us from the wind and rain and protects us."


    The simple words were a heartfelt endorsement. Tarquin was deeply moved and ruffled Emmett''s hair. "Thank you for the gift, Emmett. Daddy loves it very much."


    Baby rushed over, holding her gift out to Tarquin. "Daddy, Daddy, this is my present for you."


    Baby''s gift was a drawing she had


    made herself. The artistic skill... was nonexistent. It was clearly the work of a kindergartener. She had drawn a meadow, bunay, and severel


    people.


    Baby pointed at the drawing and exined, "This is Grandpa and


    Grandma, this is Daddy and


    Mommy, these are my brothers and


    this is me. This is my Godfather


    Keith, and this is Lan."


    The sudden mention of Keith Garcia brought a wave of sadness over everyone. Only Baby was unaware that her beloved Godfather Keith was gone. She still believed Keith was just away for work, just like when he had left her in Spirit Vige. She thought they would see each other again after being apart. She didn''t know that Keith would nevere back never appear before her again, never open his arms and call her ''Baby'' in that adoring voice. He would never again lift her high in the air and spin her around...


    yton lightened the mood. "Baby, tell Daddy what everyone is looking at."


    In Baby''s drawing, everyone was looking up at the sky, as if searching for something.


    Baby immediately told Tarquin, “We''re looking for Grandpa and Grandma. Look, Daddy, this is Grandpa, and this is Grandma."


    “Grandpa is the little blue star, and Grandma is the little red star. They live in heaven, and at night they light up to say hello to us.”


    That simple drawing contained all of Baby''s love. Tarquin felt a lump in his throat. "Daddy needs a hug."


    Baby ran over and sat on hisp, giving him a kiss. Her voice was as sweet as could be. "Baby loves Daddy."


    Tarquin held his daughter tightly, too moved to speak.