Danielle straightened her skirt and slipped into her heels. Today was her daughter’s birthday. She was one-year-old today.

And in about one hour, her house would be filled with family.

She and Samuel were waiting a bit to start on baby number two. Right now, their hands were more than full with little Samantha. She was a good baby, but with both of them doting on her, she took most of their time. Neither one of them had been apart from her at night yet. They were working on that. In fact, tonight, after the baby’s party, she and Samuel had reservations at an Italian restaurant down the street. With Danielle’s family there, they had agreed that it was the perfect time for Danielle and Samuel to have their first post-baby date.

She peeked out the back window where Samuel was busy with the grill. Samantha played at her feet. She scooped the baby up and went downstairs to the kitchen. There was nothing left to do. The cake was ready. The gifts were wrapped.

When the doorbell rang, she knew it would be her mother and Grayson before she even looked. She hugged both of them, and Grayson took Samantha. In his other hand, Grayson carried little Beau – named after Claire’s maiden name Beauchamp - in a little baby carrier.

Danielle and Claire had no more than gotten to the kitchen when the doorbell rang. It was her father and his wife Savannah.

Samuel came in through the back door and took it in stride that everyone was an hour early.

“We’re a little early,” Noah said.

“I couldn’t keep him away.” Savannah said reaching for the baby, Samantha.

“Who couldn’t keep who away?” Noah said.

“It’s great,” Samuel grinned. “Let me just wash up, and I’ll get you all something to drink.”

“I’ll help you.” Grayson shrugged when Claire rolled her eyes.

“He gets a little nervous when there are too many babies around.”

“I do not.”

“Since everyone’s here,” Danielle said, “there’s no reason why we can’t go ahead and get the babies ready for the party.”

“Sounds like a great idea.” Savannah agreed.

Claire set down her diaper bag. “I couldn’t agree more. Then the babies can take a nap while we rest and have a glass of wine. I’m exhausted.”

Savannah nodded. “Danielle, you did it right. Don’t wait until you’re our age to have a baby. If you think you’re tired now, just imagine having twenty years on you.”

“At least you know what you’re doing.”

Both Savannah and Claire laughed. “If only.”

“Sounds like our cue to head out to the barbecue pit.” Noah said.

“Men.” Both women said at the same time.

Danielle followed Samuel into the kitchen and put wine glasses on a tray while he washed up.

“It’s kind of amazing that your divorced parents get along so well.”

“It is, isn’t it? My mom and dad had sort of an arranged marriage. And now both of them are back with their high school sweethearts.”

“I hope you don’t get any ideas like that.”

Danielle handed him the bottle of wine and the corkscrew. “Not a chance. You’re stuck with me.”

“I’m just glad we don’t have to deal with Joey.”

“I know. I haven’t heard from him since the letter.”

“I don’t think he’ll bother us.”

Danielle laughed. “Me either. I don’t know what you said to him that night at my apartment in Houston, but he’s staying away.”

Samuel shrugged. “I’ll never tell.”

“We should probably leave the wine in here until the babies go to sleep.”

He chuckled. “That’s probably a good idea.”

Danielle carried the birthday cake, and Samuel carried the plates and forks.

“If we’re doing the cake now, I’ll have to get the guys back inside,” Savannah said.

“I think we should do it while the babies are still awake.” Claire pointed out.

They set up the dining room table while Savannah got Noah and Grayson back inside. Then they rounded up the babies, and, after putting little Samantha in her high chair, both Savannah and Claire sat with their babies in their laps.

They sang Happy Birthday, passed out cake, which soon went everywhere, and Danielle helped Samantha open her presents – practical nonslip socks from Grayson, a fly and learn airplane from Noah, a little red wagon from Claire, a Manhattan treetop adventure activity center from Savannah, and a sit-to-stand walker from Mom and Dad.

An hour later, the house looked like a tornado went through it, but the babies were all three asleep.

Savannah collapsed on the sofa. “We need wine.”

“And we need to get the barbeque going.” Noah suggested.

“We have that taken care of.” Danielle said.

Samuel poured wine for everyone, but poured sparkling water in his own glass.

“What’s up?” Danielle leaned over and asked.

“Someone has to be a designated driver. With three infants in the house, you never know. Besides, I’m driving to the restaurant.”

“Good point. I’ll have water, too.”