End of an Era (Book 7)

Bitter

|Izzy's POV|

I have spent the last few months planning my granddaughter's 4th birthday. While I come from a family that throws parties like no other, this one is truly special. It's our first birthday with my squish and of course I would go all out.

My son decided that I needed a budget. I balked at the idea. I've never had a budget in planning a party and Lauren's would not be the first. It took a while for me to narrow down a theme, but Lauren said she wanted to play games so that was that. I would be bringing in all sorts of games to keep everyone entertained from the kiddos to the adults.

Of course my parents and Tyler's would be in attendance. My nieces and nephews would be coming into town as well. Hudson, Harper, Blake and Hunter are closer to Lauren's age, so she'll have kids to play with. She and Harper have become the best of friends and my granddaughter is just as sassy as my niece. The two of them remind me a lot of Matteo and Logan when they were younger. Harper being like Teo in being older and thinking she's always right. Lauren is very much like her father in temperament and attitude.

I was up in the living room, wrapping her presents when Tyler came in.

"Hey, beautiful."

"Hey, babe."

"Need some help?"

"Sure. You can put those in gift bags."

He nodded, moving over to the gifts. The front door opened moments later.

"Mom! Dad! I'm home."

I smiled hearing my eldest daughter's voice.

"Living room!" Ty called out.

Her footsteps moved closer.

"Hi," she greeted.

"Hey, princess. Welcome, home," Ty stated, getting up to give her a hug.

"Miss me?"

"Of course. Although, we've been able to keep up with you on your social media. How's your classes?"

"Everything is fine."

"You're going to be on track to come to Greece with me and your Aunt J, right?" I quizzed.

"Yeah. Dad this is mom's first time traveling out of the country without you since her surgery. You gonna be okay?"

Ty nodded.

"She has you and your aunt. Everything will be fine. I'll be spending the weekend with Mikayla. Then again, she may be too busy with Stephen."

In a way Tyler and I were empty nesters. Logan was in California. Olivia was constantly traveling. Yes, Mikayla was still here, but she was pretty busy at school and if she wasn't there, she'd be with Stephen.

"If you plan something for the two of you, she'll make time," Olivia commented.

Ty nodded.

"I'm going to go shower and change then I can help you out with party stuff mom."

"Alright, the more the merrier. Sasha and Erica are coming over to help as well."

"Where's Mickey?"

"At your aunt and uncles helping over there. I couldn't keep everything here."

"Thank God," Tyler mumbled.

I cut him a look as he and Olivia laughed.

"Kay. Be back down in a few."

I watched my eldest daughter take off upstairs. The door opened about a half hour later. I could hear voices making their way closer.

"Hey mom, hey dad."