The older kids are giddy. They’re excited to be in on the surprise for Saylor. Lilah, she’s just happy that everyone else is happy. Jake dropped Molly off, with the guise he was going to hang out for a while. As soon as the limo we rented them to drive them around today pulls out of t
he driveway, we jump into action.
“What are we doing?” Lilah asks.
“We’re going to have a surprise party for Mommy when she gets home.”
“Yay! I won’t tell her,” she promises.
I love my little girl, but a secret keeper she is not. “Okay. Well, I need you to take this and dust all the tables in the living room.”
“On it, boss.” She races toward the living room.
“Dad,” Number Four says. “Mom did that yesterday.”
“I know.” I smile. “But she doesn’t. Now, let’s get started.” I toss out responsibilities to each of the kids, while Jake and I unload everything from his car. I’ve been shopping for this for a while—decorations, and whatnot. Jake and Molly have been hiding them at their place. Molly knows to keep Saylor occupied today until we tell her we’re ready for them to come home. The driver I hired is also in on it. If needed, he can claim car trouble or traffic or getting lost. Hell, I don’t care as long as she does not come home until we’re ready for her.
Three hours later and the house has been decorated. The caterers have the food set up, and the kids have all had showers and are ready to party. “Thank you,” I tell them, holding my arms open for a group hug. They all come willingly. “I couldn’t have done this without your help.”
“Mommy is going to be so surprised.” Lilah cheers.
“I hope so.”
“Knock, knock,” Jake calls.
“In here,” I tell him.
“Hey, I just talked to Molly. They’re about thirty minutes from being ready to go.”
“Perfect. Guests should be here any minute.” As if they heard me, the doorbell rings and I rush to answer it. That’s how the next twenty minutes or so goes. My parents are here, as well as a few of our kids’ friends’ parents that Saylor and I have become close to. That was necessary if my kids ever wanted to spend time at their house. You can never be too careful. Turns out they’re now some of our best friends.
Saylor: On our way home. I missed you, but today was great.
Me: That’s great, Short Stack. We missed you too.
Saylor: Love you.
Me: Love you too.
“They’re on their way,” I tell the room. Everyone nods and gathers into the living room. She’s going to see all the cars when she gets here. I thought about having them park up the hill behind the old barn, but then we would have to worry about transporting them to the house; it’s a pretty far walk. I decided that was too much to ask of our guests. Besides, she’s going to find out regardless. She’ll be surprised all the same.
I hear the limo pull up, and I can’t contain my smile, no matter how hard I try. Once outside, I stand on the front porch, with Jake right beside me.
“Rhett, what’s going on?” Saylor asks as she gets closer. “Why are all of these cars here?”
“This is our anniversary party.” She takes hold of my outstretched hand, allowing me to pull her against my chest. “Happy Anniversary, Short Stack,” I say quietly, just for her.
“I can’t believe you did this. How did you pull it off?” Her eyes shimmer with tears, and her smile is blinding.
“I kept it from Lilah,” I deadpan, and she throws her head back in laughter. “In all seriousness, it’s been hard. I felt like I was lying to you. Sneaking around is hard as fuck.”
Her eyes sparkle. “You keep surprising me. Even after all these years.”
“Gotta keep the spark alive.” I wink.
She leans in close, so close there isn’t an inch of space between us. “You’re so getting lucky tonight.”
I grin down at her. “My work here is done.”