Aria's POV
I'd just tucked Noah into bed when Damien appeared in the doorway.
"Can we talk?" He looked nervous. "About the party?"
"Sure." I followed him to the living room. "What about it?"
He pulled out a notebook—actual paper, covered in his neat handwriting. "I made a list of everything we need to do. And I wanted to run it by you."
I took the notebook, scanning his notes. Party favors. Games. Safety considerations. Backup plans for rain, dietary restrictions for guests.
"You made a spreadsheet."
"I made several spreadsheets." He pulled out his tablet. "Color-coded with timelines."
"Damien." I looked up at him. "It's a four-year-old's birthday party."
"It's our son's first birthday and I get to attend." His voice cracked. "I want it to be perfect."
My chest tightened. "It will be perfect because we'll be there. Both of us, Thats what matters."
"But what if"
