Puck gasped when the door opened, and he saw the most elegant older woman he could remember meeting. Ross held up a hand. Quiet fell over the crowd. He said, “I want to introduce to everyone our guest of honor. This is Alan’s Auntie Erin. She is celebrating her 88th birthday today.”

Auntie Erin wore a navy blue dress that fit her still slim figure. Her nails were painted to match the blue, and she wore a blue lapis lazuli necklace. Ellen grumbled. “Why on earth would she want to spend her birthday here among…these people?”

Auntie Erin shook her head. “Please, Ross. I don’t want to cause a fuss. It looks like everyone is having fun. Please go back to that. I must see the little one. Seeing her is the best birthday present of all.”

Puck smiled. “I’ll go get Addie. She’s back in her bedroom, and it’s about time for her to wake from her nap.” He rose onto his toes and looked over the gathered crowd. “Ross, you know what to do while I’m gone.”

As Puck disappeared down the hall, Ross slipped into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. Rhea looked over his shoulder. As he pulled out a decorated sheet cake, she said, “That’s lovely! Thank goodness you didn’t cover it with 88 candles. We would burn the house down.”

Andrew offered his arm to Auntie Erin. She said, “My, what a handsome man,” and together they made their way to the dining table to view the cake.

Brody’s voice rose above the rest of the crowd. He said, “There’s the little lady!” when Puck returned to the living room with Addie cradled in his arm. Her eyes were only half open, but she didn’t squirm or cry. Brody scanned the room looking for Dak and Penny.

Ellen stamped one foot. Her voice was loud and shrill. “What is the meaning of all of this? I demand to know!”

Auntie Erin continued her examination of the cake, and she didn’t indicate that she heard the question. However, it became apparent that she didn’t miss anything.

Making sure that she was loud enough to be heard, Auntie Erin asked Andrew, “Is that one of Addie’s grandparents? I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting them yet.”

“Would you like me to escort you in that direction? I can’t let you go yet. You’re the most elegant woman in the room.”

“Oh, yes, please.”

As they walked into the living room from the dining area near the kitchen, they passed Puck and Addie. Auntie Erin leaned in close and kissed Addie’s cheek. “She is such a sweetheart. She takes after her father. He’s an impressive role model.”

The celebratory crowd stepped to the side while Auntie Erin approached Ellen and Myron. A hush fell over the room. No one wanted to miss the potential for fireworks.

Myron folded his arms over his chest and set his jaw. He asked, “And who are you? This whole day looks like a farce. Say your piece. We need to leave soon. I think we’ve been set up, and we refuse to continue to be a part of your little games.”

Auntie Erin reached one hand upward and tapped her lower lip with a perfectly manicured fingernail. She said, “I think the more appropriate question is to ask about the two of you. As an introduction, I’m Erin Larson. I’ve lived in this town for nearly seventy years now. I’m here to celebrate my birthday with a small gathering of some of the best people I’ve ever known. Who are you?”

Myron’s face turned pale, and he wavered on his feet. He turned to his right. “Tell her, Ellen.”

Ellen said, “We planned a meeting with our granddaughter and her…” She hesitated. It was apparent that she had some difficulty remembering the proper word. She added, “Her father.”

Auntie Erin smiled. “Oh, go right ahead and have your meeting. It’s probably quieter back in Addie’s room, but let me make one comment. I don’t think anyone should assume that the rest of the world will stop turning and the rest of the good people of the world will cancel their treasured life events simply because you happen to be present. That is not only an unfortunate display of unpleasant ego but also a misunderstanding of what’s most meaningful in life.”

Ellen’s eyes widened in shock. “Well, I…” She stared back at Auntie Erin for a moment and then turned her head.

Auntie Erin did not look away, but she said, “Alan, please bring your aunt a glass of wine. Top it off as well. I think I’ll need a little extra.” While Ellen’s shoulders heaved, and she gasped for air, Auntie Erin said, “Unless you do have more to say to Puck and his attorney, I suggest that you leave now. This is my party, and you aren’t on the guest list.”

Ellen clutched her purse close to her chest and turned toward Myron. Her voice cracked as it reached an even higher register. “Myron, I will not stand for this. We are leaving. Puck will hear from us soon.” She opened the clasp on the purse and stuffed the papers inside that she held clenched in her right hand.

The gathered guests cleared a path, and Brody held the front door open. As the uninvited couple stepped outside to the sidewalk, Brody pushed the door shut before doubling over and slapping his knees. Then he raced to the opposite side of the room and said, “Erin, I’ve never met you before, but it has been my loss. I’m Brody Sexton. My family has been here for many decades, too, and I wish for you the happiest of birthdays. That was one of the best performances I’ve seen in a long, long time.”

Auntie Erin gently pushed her hand forward. “Please, call me Auntie Erin. All of my best friends do. Oh, and that was no performance. It was all the honest truth.”

The gathered group of friends and family broke into spontaneous applause. When the sound died down, Andrew said, “I think it’s time for a toast. Everyone grab something to drink.” After Rhea poured more glasses of wine, and Puck retrieved a beer from the fridge, Andrew held his wine glass aloft and said, “To the wonders of family, a gathering of new friends, and this stunning woman at my side. This is a day to remember!”