Chapter 7 — Sophie Changes Robert’s Surprise
On the drive home, Sophie noticed the gold envelope in Robert’s coat pocket.
“Is that Grandma’s surprise?”
Robert nodded.
“Yes.”
“Are you putting it back in the tree?”
Daniel laughed from the driver’s seat.
Robert answered:
“Absolutely not.”
Sophie thought for a moment.
“Can I give it to Grandma?”
Robert looked at her.
The original plan had been elaborate.
Helen would discover the ribbon.
Pull out the envelope.
Open it after dinner.
Everyone would cheer.
Robert had imagined the whole moment.
Then he looked at Sophie.
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
The surprise didn’t need to happen exactly the way he designed it.
That realization felt embarrassingly important.
When they returned home, Sophie walked straight toward Helen.
“Grandma, Grandpa made something but Milo isn’t allowed to help.”
Helen frowned.
“That sounds promising.”
Sophie handed her the envelope.
Helen opened it.
Then read:
10:00 A.M. TOMORROW — EVERYBODY TOGETHER. NO EXCUSES.
Below was the photographer’s booking card.
Helen looked toward Robert.
“You arranged a family portrait?”
He nodded.
Her eyes filled.
“Everyone is coming?”
“Rachel confirmed.”
“Michael?”
“Driving in tonight.”
“Even your brother?”
Robert smiled.
“Unfortunately.”
Helen laughed.
Then Sophie held up the newly painted ornament.
“And we made this.”
Helen stared.
The stars were uneven.
Robert’s gold lines wandered.
One side had Sophie’s fingerprint embedded in the paint.
Helen smiled.
“It’s perfect.”
Robert immediately said:
“Objectively, it isn’t.”
Helen looked at him.
“You’re learning slowly.”