I had some help

Fifty-seven

Indigo was turning one, and everyone was heading to Sneedville for the party. Lesli was in full planning mode, excitedly hosting the entire event. She wanted everything to be just right for her grandson's big day.

"Ma, you should sit down." Alex said gently, watching as Lesli continued to fuss over the decorations after hours of work.

"Alex, it needs to be perfect." Lesli replied, her voice tinged with a mix of determination and exhaustion. She reached for the ladder, nearly tripping in the process.

"Ma, let me handle the ladder work." Alex offered, quickly grabbing the ladder to steady it.

"Alex, it needs to be perfect." Lesli repeated, pulling the ladder toward her again, her stubbornness showing through.

"Ma, let Alex do it." Morgan chimed in as he adjusted the tent, his tone firm yet caring. He could see how much this party meant to her, but he also knew she needed to take a break before she wore herself out completely.

Lesli hesitated for a moment, looking between Alex and Morgan. She sighed, realizing they were right. "Fine." She relented, letting go of the ladder. "But make sure those balloons are even." She added, her eyes still sharp with attention to detail.

Alex smiled, taking the ladder from her. "I've got it, Ma. You've done enough already." She assured her.

Lesli finally took a seat, watching as Alex climbed up to adjust the decorations. Morgan finished setting up the tent, glancing over at his mom with a reassuring smile. "See? Everything's going to be perfect."

Lesli nodded, though her hands still fidgeted in her lap. "I just want everything to be special for Indigo. His first birthday... it's a big deal."

"And it will be." Alex said from the top of the ladder, tying off the last balloon. "He's going to love it. And honestly, he's not going to remember it or notice if every single balloon isn't perfectly aligned."

Lesli chuckled, finally allowing herself to relax a little. "You're right. I just... I want it to be memorable, you know?"

Morgan walked over and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It already is. You've done an amazing job, Ma."

Lesli looked up at him, her eyes softening. "Thank you, sweetheart. I just want everything to be perfect for him... and for you."

Morgan glanced at Alex, who was carefully climbing down the ladder, before turning back to Lesli. "It will be. We're all here, and that's what matters."

As the final touches were made, the yard began to take on the festive atmosphere Lesli had envisioned. Brightly colored balloons danced in the breeze, the tent was set up for shade, and a table laden with snacks and a cake waited for the guests to arrive.

Alex stepped back, admiring the scene. "Looks good." She said, turning to Morgan. "I think we pulled it off."

Morgan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, we did."

Lesli stood up, brushing off her hands. "Alright, let's get ready for the guests. The birthday boy should be here any minute."

As if on cue, the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway signaled the arrival of the first guests. Lesli's face lit up with excitement as she headed to greet them, her earlier exhaustion forgotten.

Morgan watched her go, then turned to Alex. "Thanks for stepping in with the ladder."

Alex shrugged with a smile. "Anything to keep her from driving herself crazy. You know how she gets."

"Yeah." Morgan agreed, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. "I appreciate it."

"No problem." Alex replied, meeting his eyes.