I Love Her More Than Anyone

Summary: Sofia just wants Miranda's first birthday at the castle to be simple. Amber and James don't seem to get it.

A lone cupcake with a lone candle sat on the dinner table as its creator twiddled her fingers while her siblings gathered around her, gently patting her shoulders.

Any minute now Miranda would—

"Sofia! What do you think?"

Sofia shook herself out of her daydream as she glanced at the drawing of a layered birthday cake.

"That you're overdoing it," She sighed. "Amber, when I said simple for Mom's birthday, that wasn't what I meant."

"Oh you're just being a spoiled sport!" Amber laughed. "Mother will love it!"

"The baker won't," Sofia wanted to say but held her tongue.

A team effort Roland told the three of them as they had begun to plan that morning. But Sofia didn't want to put on a team effort.

She knew Miranda the longest. She knew her mother's likes and dislikes. Why didn't she get to plan Miranda's birthday on her own like she used too?

Just simple gifts, a simple cake, and a smile or a hug.

Why didn't her siblings get that? First Amber with the cake and now James with the presents. Only one made with his own hands, which Sofia appreciated at least, while the others were store brought.

She was starting to get overwhelmed but forced a smile. Her siblings were now part of her mother's family too.

The least she could do was be nice about their planning skills.

But once the planning had concluded and the drawing of the cake sent to the baker and the gifts were hidden away, Sofia stared miserably at the gift she had made for Miranda as she got ready for bed that evening.

A drawing of just the two of them.

It was simple and homemade just as she was used too.

"Sofia?"

It was Roland's voice as Sofia allowed him in.

"Hi Dad," She said glumly.

"What's the matter Sofia?" Roland asked, sitting beside her. "Your mother's birthday is in a few days. You should be excited."

"I am but I wanted everything simple. Amber and James went overboard like they didn't understand what I meant."

Roland took Sofia in his lap and began to gently stroke her hair.

"They're just excited. They didn't mean any harm. I know you want things simple Sofia, but your mother will love anything you children give her."

"Even Amber's overlaying cake?" Sofia asked.

"We'll have to see about that," Roland smirked, causing Sofia to giggle. "But I assure you that she'll love anything you three give her."

Sofia smiled at the thought as Roland took her off his lap.

"Thank you Dad."

With a kiss goodnight, he had left the room as Sofia looked back at her gift for Miranda.

It was simple enough but she knew her mother.

Miranda would love it anyway.