Raura's Daughter

thirty six.

Laura's POV

I stood with a glass of champagne in my hand beside Trisha with a smile on my face, the both of us admiring the incredible decorations that we'd put together for Isabella's first birthday. "I love it Trish, it all looks so beautiful."

Trisha placed a gentle kiss on my cheek and sighed with relief. "I'm so glad you like it."

A huge pirate ship bouncy castle was placed in the middle of our back garden, toddlers and children of our family and friends bounced excitedly on it, pretending that they were in charge of the ship. Family and friends were sat around small pink tables, shielded by fluorescent umbrellas and coconut scented candles.

"I can't believe she's a year old." I whispered to myself, shaking my head in disbelief. I turned to face Trisha and she beamed excitedly at me. "I think this is the happiest I've ever been."

Trisha took a seat on one of the steps by the small pond and patted the space beside her for me to sit down. "Laur... I just want you to know that I'm really proud of you." She murmured, keeping her eyes glued to the ground beneath us. "You're such a good mom to Bella and such an amazing cousin to me. I love you always."

I giggled happily and wrapped my arms gently around Trisha's neck. "I love you always too, Trish."

As much as I was missing Ross I couldn't help but feel so blessed and overwhelmed by all of my family and friends who had showed up to support Isabella and I for her first birthday. I didn't think anyone would really care, but I was pleasantly surprised when guests proceeded to flood through the door just an hour earlier with gifts and cards for Isabella.

Troy, Cece and Connor began to walk slowly towards us with gifts and drinks in their hands. I smiled at the three of them and stood up from my spot on the steps to greet them. "Hey you guys!" I exclaimed happily as I thanked each of them for their gifts and wrapped my arms around them to welcome them into Isabella's party. "I'm so glad you could all make it."

"I wouldn't miss Bella's first birthday for the world." Troy confidently stated before placing a kiss on my cheek and taking a seat beside me on the long winding steps. As the rest of the group began to talk to each other, Troy leant in to my ear and nudged me gently on the arm. "Everything okay?"

I turned to face him and nodded with a grin. "One thousand percent."

We clinked our glasses together excitedly and chuckled. "To Bella!" I announced to the group.

"To Bella!" They repeated in unison before taking a sip from their glass of champagne.

Connor had his arm wrapped protectively around Cece's waist as he engaged in a conversation with Troy about the upcoming soccer game that they had on Saturday. Cece turned to face Trisha and I with a playful grin on her face before shoving a handful of salted chips into her mouth. "I need something to soak up the alcohol otherwise my body guard over here will be carrying me home apparently."

Trisha and I sniggered and watched as Cece continued to down her glass of champagne. "This is a children's party C." I teased, watching as Connor raised his eyebrows at how quickly her drink had gone down. "Don't worry Connor, I've got my eye on her."

"She's such a handful." He groaned before winking at Cece and placing a soft kiss on her ruby coloured lips.

"But I'm your handful." Cece reminded with a smirk. She flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder and grinned. "He loves me really."

"I love you more than anything baby girl." Connor whispered into her ear as he let out a chuckle and pulled her close to his chest.

Cece giggled like a little school girl and hid her face with her hands. "Aww! Connor! I love you more than this glass of champagne that I just demolished."