When Liam organizes a surprise birthday event for his wife, Lora, he’s taken aback when she arrives with an unexpected guest—a man who has been missing from Lora’s life for many years. Who is this man, and what are his intentions?
My wife adores surprises. Each year, for her birthday or our anniversary, I plan something special because I know how much she treasures these moments. Her face lights up like a kid’s, making every celebration a chance for something magical.
“You know me so well, Liam,” she often says. “You never miss!”
“And you deserve it all, Lora,” I reply.
This year, I wanted her birthday to be particularly memorable. Pretending I was caught up at work, I called her on the eve of her big day to break the news of my delay.
“You won’t be back tomorrow?” Lora sounded so disheartened, it tugged at my heartstrings.
“Regrettably, my love,” I said, laying it on thick with the remorse. “Work’s swamped, but let’s plan a spa getaway once I return?”
After a brief pause, Lora sighed heavily.
“Alright, but you’re in my debt, Liam,” she responded, slightly irritated.
“Oh, my dear,” I reassured her, already anticipating her reaction to the actual surprise. “You’re going to adore it.”
After hanging up, I immediately got to work, phoning our friends and family to gather them for the surprise bash at our place.
I had everything arranged for some time, just confirming last-minute details.
“Absolutely, Liam!”
“We’ll be there!”
“I’ll bring the wine!”
Everyone was buzzing with excitement, decorating, arranging the food, and eagerly awaiting her arrival.
“Do you think she suspects anything?” Karen, her best friend, asked as she put up decorations.
“No chance,” I confidently replied. “She believes I’m still out of town.”
Soon, we heard footsteps and laughter in the hall. Puzzled, I turned to Karen.
“Who might she be with?” I wondered aloud. “If it isn’t you or me, then who?”
“Perhaps her sisters?” Karen suggested.
“No, they mentioned they’d be late; they’re picking up Lora’s gift.”
As Lora entered, we all burst out:
“Surprise!”
But the excitement quickly faded.
Everyone gasped as they noticed the man beside Lora. It was Michael, her father, who had recently been released from prison. The shock on everyone’s faces mirrored my own.
Lora had always been tight-lipped about her father’s situation.
“He’s incarcerated, Liam,” she’d say during our discussions. “That’s all there is to it.”
“But what did he do? Was it serious?” I once probed.
Lora would simply shake her head, refusing to delve deeper.
Over time, she disclosed that Michael had been imprisoned for embezzling a large sum from his employer, wreaking financial havoc on their family.
“It destroyed us, Liam,” Lora had confessed through tears.
The disgrace not only tarnished his reputation but also brought hardship and shame upon his family.
Now, witnessing her comfortable and laughing with him left me bewildered and momentarily betrayed. In that instant, I almost wished she had come home with another man.
Anything but this.
“Lora, what is this about?” I asked, unable to mask the sternness in my tone.
Looking uneasy and surprised by the collective stunned silence, Lora spoke up.
“Everyone, this is my dad, Michael. I know his reputation precedes him, but he’s here, out of prison, and he’s here to apologize.”
Michael, clearly uneasy before the crowd, took a deep breath.
“I realize the pain I’ve inflicted on Lora, her mother Nancy, and our family,” he began. “I’ve spent my prison years reflecting and trying to mend my ways. The financial strain made me a worse version of myself, and for that, I am deeply sorry.”
Silence hung in the air, thick with tension as his words sank in.
“I don’t expect forgiveness, but I’m here to make amends. I want to reconnect with my children, starting with Lora. I’m here to show I’ve changed.”
I was torn. Part of me wanted to believe him, seeing sincerity in his demeanor.
But could people truly change?
As he turned to leave, I saw Lora’s conflicted expression, her eyes shimmering with a mix of tears and hopeful anticipation.
Despite everything, she was willing to give him a chance.
“Michael, wait,” I called out, surprising even myself. “If Lora wants you here, you should stay.”
Michael looked at me, then at Lora, who was now openly crying.
“Thank you, Liam,” she whispered, emotional.
“If this is what makes you happy, I’m open to trying,” I said.
Michael nodded gratefully.
“Thank you, Liam. I won’t let you down,” he promised.
As the evening progressed, the initial tension eased, replaced by a cautious optimism. When the food was served, the mood lightened further.
“Lora, are you sure about this?” Karen asked quietly as we fetched more wine.
“Yes, he’s my father, and he’s trying. I want to give him that chance,” Lora affirmed.
I watched as Lora and Michael embraced, both tearful.
“Let’s bring out the cake,” I suggested.
We presented Lora with her birthday cake, Michael singing the loudest, a proud smile on his face.
After the party, Michael stood to thank everyone.
“I appreciate this opportunity. It may take time to regain your trust, but I’m committed to being better,” he said.
Applause followed, polite yet reserved.
Later, Lora and I reflected on the balcony.
“I’m glad you accepted my father, Liam,” she said. “It’s time we moved past old wounds, don’t you think?”
“I agree,” I replied. “He needs to meet the adult you, not the child he left behind.”
She nodded, holding her champagne.
“He asked for help finding a place. Will you help me with that?”
“Of course, my love,” I assured her, embracing her warmly.
What would you have done?