CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 3
The first gift-opening started calmly.
Baby blankets. Tiny socks. A silver rattle. A handmade quilt.
Emily smiled, thanked everyone, and tried to enjoy the small sweetness of it.
Then Margaret brought out the large white gift box with the pale pink ribbon.
The room grew quiet.
Emily noticed that no one seemed surprised by it.
Margaret set the box on the cake table and placed both hands on top of it.
“This,” she announced, “is a very special gift for my grandson.”
Emily’s stomach tightened.
Grandson.
They had not told anyone the baby’s gender.
Daniel had wanted it private.
Emily looked around the room. Several women smiled knowingly.
Margaret had told them.
Margaret looked at Emily with a soft, public sweetness.
“Go on, dear. Open it.”
Emily stepped forward slowly. Her fingers brushed the ribbon.
Something about the box felt wrong.
Not dangerous exactly.
Just cruel.
She pulled the ribbon loose and lifted the lid.
Inside was a folded white baby blanket, a tiny blue outfit, and a framed document.
Emily picked it up.
For one second, she did not understand what she was seeing.
Then the words sharpened.
May you like
Temporary Guardianship Agreement.
Margaret’s name was already typed beneath the blank signature line.
