(29
Time na now! Dy,
ual way was opeutur
year since we decided to start over.
I wanted to make that evening unforgettable for Amelia.
Since she had told me she would be free tonight, I planned a surprise–something simple yet meaningful, something that reminded us how far we had come.
After picking up Theodore from school, I took him to a florist.
“This is my first time here,” he said, looking around curiously.
*Really?” I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Then let’s make it a tradition. We’ll come here once a year to pick out flowers for Mommy, how about that?”
His eyes lit up. “I love that idea! Can I choose some too?”
“Of course. “I chuckled. “How about this? I’ll pick two, and you pick two. Then we’ll arrange them at home for
Mommy together.”
“Deal!”
I already knew which flowers I wanted. Amelia once told me she liked every flower I bought her, but I had notice the way her eyes sparkled just a little more whenever I gave her red roses. So, I chose roses–because they reminde
me of her.
For my second choice, I picked tulips, my favorite flower. I wanted something that complemented the roses, something that symbolized hope and new beginnings.
As I turned to Theodore, he proudly held up his selections.
“I chose daisies and peonies!”
I smiled: “Great choice, Theo. Your mom will love them.”
With the flowers carefully wrapped, we made our next stop–the bakery.
Amelia loved strawberry shortcake, so it was an obvious choice. Theodore, of course, insisted on adding a chocolate cupcake to the mix.
7:45 AM
Forget Me Once, Farewell Forever
I
“Now it’s perfect,” I said as we left.
But Theodore was not convinced. “Dad, it’s not complete without balloons!”
“Well, if my little party expert says so, then I guess we need balloons.”
We stopped by a small knick knack shop, where we picked out a red balloon and a large gold number one- symbolizing a new beginning for our little family.
Back home, Theodore and I set everything up.
The cake sat in the center of the dining table, flanked by two vases–one arranged by me, the other by Theodore.
We flew the balloons to the ceiling, letting them float above us like tiny pieces of happiness. The golden number one stood proudly on the table, a quiet but powerful reminder of our fresh start.
Taking a step back, Theodore clapped his hands excitedly. “Now it’s really complete!”
I smiled, ruffling his hair. “Great job, buddy. Now, let’s get ready to surprise Mommy.”
Right at seven o’clock, the front door opened.
“Liam? Theo? Why didn’t you turn on the lights?” Amelia’s voice was filled with confusion.
At that moment, the lights flickered on, and Theodore ran into her arms.
“Welcome home, Mommy!” he cheered “Let’s go!”
He tugged her hand excitedly, leading her toward the dining room where I was waiting.
“Where are we going?” she asked, laughing.
“You’ll see,” Theodore said mysteriously.
And then she saw it.
G
The table set with flowers, the cake, the balloons floating gently above us–it all came together in a simple yet
heartfelt celebration of the love we had rebuilt
Her lips curled into a soft smile, and in that moment, I knew it had all been worth it.
7:46 AM c
Forget Me Once, Farewel Forever
I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her, pressing a kiss to her lips.
“Happy anniversary, love.”
Her smile widened. “Thanks, This is so sweet”
“I helped Daddy prepare it!” Theodore added proudly.
Amelia turned to him, eyes warm with affection. “Oh, thank you, my little honey bunny.” She kissed his forehead, making him giggle.
We cut the cake together, enjoying the night as a family. Laughter filled the air, the warmth of our home wrapping
around us like a soft embrace.
But just when I thought the night could not get any better, Amelia leaned in close and whispered, “I actually have
a gift too.”
I looked at her curiously. “A gift?”
Theodore’s eyes widened with excitement. “What is it, Mommy?”
She reached into her bag and pulled out a small box, placing it gently in front of me.
My heart pounded as I slowly lifted the lid.
Inside was a pregnancy test–two bold lines staring back at me.
I froze. My breath caught in my throat.
Theodore, still too young to understand, tilted his head in confusion.
But I knew exactly what this meant.
“Is this…?” I looked up at Amelia, my voice barely above a whisper.
She nodded, her eyes glassy with happy tears, a radiant smile gracing her lips.
Emotion crashed over me in waves. Without a second thought, I pulled her into my arms, holding her close as if never wanted to let go.
“Congratulations,” I murmured against her hair. “I’m so happy. Our family is growing.
7:46 AM
Forget Me Once, Farmerd Foreve
“Congratulations,” I murmured against her hair. “I’m so happy. Our family is growing.”
“What is that stick?” Theodore asked innocently, watching us with wide eyes.
I pulled away just enough to look at him, a smile stretching across my face.
“You’re going to be a big brother, Theo,” I said softly.
His eyes lit up
with excitement. “Really? Is that true, Mommy?”
“Yes, honey,” Amelia said, stroking his hair gently.
He beamed, wrapping his little arms around her. “Congratulations, Mommy.”
Tears welled up in Amelia’s eyes as she looked at the two of us, her heart overflowing with joy. I pulled her into my arms, holding her tightly as if to assure her that this time, I would never let go.
Theodore’s excitement was contagious. He clapped his hands, bouncing on his feet as he looked between us.
“Wait,” Theodore gasped dramatically and turned to me. “Daddy, does that mean I have to share my toys now?”
I laughed, ruffling his hair. “That’s right. But don’t worry, we’ll buy new toys for both of you.
“Hm… okay,” Theodore said thoughtfully, then nodded as if he had made the biggest decision of his life. “I’ll be the best big brother ever!”
I exchanged a loving glance with Amelia, who was wiping her happy tears. I could hardly believe how far we had
come.
Four years ago, I thought I had lost everything. But now, I was standing there with my family, celebrating a love
that had endured every storm.
Silently, I made a promise to myself that I would always cherish it forever
(End)
