Two Pink Lines

chapter 17: one year

"Okay, I think the banner should go above the table," Taylor directed Joe.

Joe put up the banner, stapling it. "Alright, is that the last of the decorations?"

"Yup," Taylor said, interrupted by a loud cry coming from James room. "Just in time."

"I'll go get him," Joe said, walking over to the nursery. He picked up James, bringing him back out to the living room. "So what time are people supposed to be here?"

"Just before lunch, so in about an hour. I'm going to go get ready if you could give James his breakfast?" Taylor asked, standing up.

"Sure," Joe said, walking toward the kitchen.

Forty-five minutes later Taylor came down the stairs, while Joe and James were sitting on the couch. Joe smiled at Taylor, "You look nice."

Taylor blushed, "Thanks."

Joe set James down in his play seat, walking over to Taylor. He kissed her forehead, "You're so beautiful. Really."

Taylor looked down at her feet, "Thank you."

"How did I get so lucky," Joe said softly, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. "You're the most beautiful, talented, kind woman I've ever seen."

"Joeee," Taylor whined, embarrassed.

Joe chuckled, placing another kiss on her cheek before turning back to James. "Everybody else should be here soon," Taylor said, and as if on cue, the doorbell rang.

Joe picked up James, and they walked to the front door together. Opening the door, Andrea and Scott were there. "Hey!" Taylor said, giving her mom and dad a quick hug.

"Hey you guys," Andrea said, smiling. "And hey there James! You're growing up so fast!"

James giggled, "Hewwo!"

"What do you call them?" Joe asked James.

James opened his mouth, pointing to Andrea, "Gramma!"

"And what's he?" Taylor said, pointing to Scott.

"Gram..." James paused.

"Pa," Joe encouraged gently.

"Grampa!" James smiled.

"Good job!" Taylor grinned.

Scott chuckled, "He's learning quickly."

"He is," Taylor smiled, proud. "Come on in."

Thirty minutes later, everybody was settled, talking among themselves. Taylor and Joe were midst conversation with Abigail and Matt, while James was playing with Ayva. Eventually Joe turned to Taylor, "Think it's time for cake?"

Taylor checked the time, "Probably, why don't you go get everyone to the table."

Joe nodded, going to tell everyone to come in to the dining room. Once everyone was gathered at the table, Taylor set James down into his high chair, setting the cake in front of him. "Okay buddy, you ready?" Joe asked James.

James didn't respond, staring at the small flames in front of him. Taylor smiled softly, before starting to sing, "Happy birthday to you." Everybody else joined in, and James just sat there, not sure what was happening but enjoying the attention.

"Happy birthday to youuuu," The song finished, and everybody clapped.

Joe patted James back gently, "Blow out the candles Jam."

James breathed slightly, doing close to nothing to the candles. Joe and Taylor blew out the rest of the candles, and everyone clapped. "So who wants cake?" Taylor asked, already beginning to cut a few slices.