Maggie giggled as Layla literally ran into her bedroom to get dressed.

As soon as Layla cleared the room I asked, “What’s the surprise?”

Maggie gave me her best mischievous grin and said, “I’m not going to tell you either!”

We decided that we’d all walk over together, so with Layla in between and us each holding her hand, Layla kept pulling us forward. Her determination was showing and she couldn’t wait to get to Mama and her surprise. We made our way as quickly as we could through the morning crowds in the Quarter, and as we rounded the corner to the shop, Layla pulled away from us, making her own way to the shop. In that instant, uncannily and with perfect timing, Mama stepped out of the front door just as Layla ran into her outstretched arms.

“Wow!” I said, as Maggie simultaneously said, “Amazing!”

Mama scooped Layla up into her arms. She waved and said, “Bonjour! Bonjour!”

As we all arrived at the front of the store, with the new light of the day spilling around us, I knew in my heart that this was the perfect place for Layla.

“What’s my surprise, Mama?!” I heard Layla say.