More laughter rippled through the crowd. Kian scanned the faces below, feeling a surge of gratitude for this community they had all built. Two thousand and one years of existence, and these were the moments that made it all worthwhile.
"Before we cut the cake," he continued, "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Amanda for organizing this wonderful celebration. As always, her ingenuity and creativity have made this day perfect."
Amanda waved from her spot near the buffet, her arm linked with Dalhu's.
"And special thanks to Gerard for the incredible cake that has everyone talking," Kian added. "It's not only beautiful but, I'm assured, delicious as well."
Gerard, standing beside the dessert table, gave a not-so-modest bow.
"And now," Kian announced, "I'd like to invite Jasmine to come up and lead us in singing 'Happy Birthday.'"
As Jasmine ascended the steps, Ell-rom watched her from below, his eyes full of pride.
"Thank you, Kian," Jasmine said, taking the microphone. She turned to face the crowd. "Everyone ready? One, two, three..."
As everyone broke into song, their voices rising in harmony, Allegra's face lit up with delight. Syssi leaned against his side, her hand resting on their daughter's back, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the three of them amidst the music.
When the song ended, they moved to the cake table where Gerard stood ready with a knife. He handed it to Kian with a flourish.
"The honor is yours, Regent," Gerard said with a wink at Allegra.
Kian positioned the knife at the base of the towering creation, then paused. "Do you want to help?" he asked his daughter.
She nodded with a solemn expression and put her little hand over his.
"Ready?" he asked. "Push down."
Together, they cut into the bottom tier of the cake, eliciting more applause.
"And now." Kian lifted Allegra higher. "The moment our princess has been waiting for."
He allowed her to reach up and remove the doll that crowned the cake. She clutched it to her chest with a triumphant grin, as if she'd just claimed a hard-won prize, ignoring the frosting that she was smearing over her party dress.
"Mine," she declared again, just in case anyone had missed her earlier announcement.
"Yes, yours," Syssi agreed, smoothing her daughter's curls. "But what do we say when we receive a gift?"
Allegra looked down at the doll, then back up at her mother. "Thank you," she said dutifully, though Kian wasn't sure if she was thanking Gerard for the cake or the universe at large for the doll.
As the Odus took over and began slicing and distributing cake, Kian spotted Kalugal and Jacki standing at the other side of the buffet table with little Darius in his father's arms.
"Look who's here," he said, pointing in their direction. "Your cousin Darius is back from Egypt. Do you want to say hello?"
"Darius," Allegra repeated, then looked at her doll and shook her head.
"He's not going to take your doll away, sweetie."
She shook her head again.
"I'll take her," Syssi said. "Say hello for both of us."
She took their daughter, who was now having an intense one-sided whispered conversation with the doll.
Kian kissed Syssi's cheek, then Allegra's, and then made his way toward Kalugal, Jacki, and their son.
"Happy birthday, cousin." Kalugal pulled Kian into a brief embrace.
"Thank you for cutting your trip short to be here," Kian said, offering his hand to Jacki. "I know how much you've been looking forward to exploring Egypt."
