The Rake

"Do you know what the kids got you?"

I shook my head, "Chad said he left it on the kitchen table so I'll find out when I get home."

Rachel grinned, "When you see it, call me. I'll let you know what Benny said when Joseph told us about it."

I got in the car, Joseph in the back seat, and drove to pick up Elizabeth.

"I think you're going to like your birthday present, Mama!"

"I'm sure I will."

"It's a rake."

"What?"

"I'm not supposed to tell you, but we got you a rake."

"A rake?"

"Yeah. I told Daddy you already have a little one, but he said you need a big one. It's a really pretty rake and your favorite color too!"

"A red rake?"

"Yeah. I wasn't sure. I wanted to get you an angel magnet, but Daddy said a rake might be a better idea and it's really pretty."

"I can't wait to see it!"

"Do you like your rake?"

"I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure I'll love it." I tried to keep from laughing. My face twitched and my eyes watered.

"It's a really nice one."

"I'm sure it is."

Joseph continued filling me in on all the details of the red rake until we pulled into the daycare's driveway.

"Don't worry, though. I want to buy you another present. I think you should have two."
"Baby, you don't need to do that."

"Well, you always get me two presents and Elizabeth two presents and Daddy two presents. You should get two presents too."

I walked into the daycare and returned with Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, Mama tricked me. She got me to tell her what her birthday present was."

I tricked him?

"Oh no, Joseph!"

Joseph nodded his head in apology.

"Do you like your rake, Mommy?"

"I haven't seen it yet, baby, but I'm sure I'll love it."

"It's a red rake."

"So I've heard." At this point, I couldn't stop laughing. I called Chad. "A red rake?"

"Do you like it?"

"A red rake."

"Well, it was that or an angel magnet."

"I'm dying."

"What? I think it's a great rake!"

We pulled into the driveway as I disconnected the call. The kids rushed ahead of me, Joseph unlocking the door. "See, Mama??"

There, leaning against the kitchen table, was a rake. A beautiful red rake with a bow on it.

"I love it!" I laughed.

"Why are you laughing?" Elizabeth asked.

"Because I love my red rake!"