Rosie deserved this. After everything we’d been through since her father left—after all the nights she’d fallen asleep asking why Daddy didn’t live with us anymore—I wanted to give her one perfect day.

My family arrived around noon. My sister, Denise, showed up with her husband, Gary, and their three kids. She’d texted me that morning saying she’d pick up the cake since the bakery was on her way. I’d been grateful for the help, especially since I was juggling last-minute party preparations. My parents came next.