Avery could not quite imagine it herself and felt as though she was dreaming every time she tried.

It was fortunate that both Layla and Hayden had grown up and did not require much of her attention; otherwise, she would not be able to handle it if all four of her children were in trouble.

"Avery, we celebrated Layla's birthday today. When are we celebrating Hayden's?" Tammy asked. "It's been so long since he came back to Aryadelle. Why don't you ask him to come back so that we can hold a celebration for him?"

Avery had not discussed this with Hayden as he had spent all his birthdays at home in recent years. They would simply buy a cake and lay out a feast for celebration.

"He might not be willing to come back."

"Why not?" Tammy asked in confusion. "Just because of Elliot? We can just exclude him from the party, right? I really miss Hayden. I didn't get to see him the last time I went to Bridgedale. What exactly has him so caught up lately? Is school really that hectic?"

Avery too