“Aunt Debbie!" they called.

Seeing how much the kids Liked Debbie, some envied her, while others were jealous. Niles complained, “They weren't that excited when they saw me, and everybody says I'm handsome. Why do they like you better?

Maybe they Like beauties?"

Debbie Laughed. She crouched down to hug the Little ones.

"More than that. I'm a mom. How can you compete with me on that?”

Evelyn let go of Debbie and hugged Ivan.

"Daddy Ivan, I missed you," she said sweetly.

At first, Ivan was surprised to hear her call him “Daddy Ivan." But after a moment's consideration, he got it. She called Carlos "Daddy" now.

"You have your real daddy now. Daddy Ivan is sad."

Shaking her head, Evelyn consoled him, "No, I like Daddy Ivan. Won't forget Daddy Ivan."

Ivan was amused. He kissed her and said, “I'm happy. Go play."

Jus, Evelyn and Sean Left their parents and they scampered off to play their own games. After mingling with the other guests, Debbie, hand in hand with Ivan, walked over to Carlos and handed him the birthday present.

“Happy birthday, Carlos," she said, standing over the couch where he sat.

Carlos glanced at the gift but didn't take it.

“Who is it from?" he asked.

“Both of us," Debbie said purposefully.

"Oh." Carlos motioned Frankie to accept the gift and put it over ona table. Far from him.

Stephanie was sitting next to Carlos, and watched the whole exchange, smug and amused.

Ivan smiled, paying no heed to Carlos' cold attitude. He put his arm around Debbie's waist and pulled her into his arms.

"Happy 32nd,

Carlos!" he said provocatively.

At the sight of the two in each other's arms, Carlos' face grew gloomy.

"You doing this on purpose?"

“Doing what, Carlos?" Ivan played dumb.

Carlos got up from the couch and walked over to Debbie and Ivan.