She caught my eye and smiled.
My mother arrived first, balancing a casserole dish and a wrapped gift.
“The place looks beautiful, sweetheart. You really went all out this year.”
“She deserves it, Mom. This past year has been brutal for her at work.”
“Well, you’re a good husband. Not many men would throw a party like this.”
I shrugged off the compliment, but a small part of me held onto it.
“This past year has been brutal for her at work.”
After the rocky months that followed Noah’s birth, we had clawed our way back to solid ground.
Amber’s promotion last spring had felt like a reward for surviving it all.
Amber stepped onto the patio in a soft cream dress, holding a glass of wine.
“Did you remember to chill the champagne for Marcus? He only drinks it cold.”
“It’s in the second fridge. Don’t worry.”
We had clawed our way back to solid ground.
“You’re a lifesaver. He’s a little particular, but he’s been so… good to me.”
“I know. I’m just glad he’s finally meeting everyone.”
She kissed my cheek quickly and floated back inside to greet the next wave of guests.
Coworkers I had only heard about in passing filled the living room, laughing politely and complimenting our home.
Music drifted from the speakers, and Noah weaved between everyone’s legs with a juice box.
“He’s been so… good to me.”
“Your wife talks about you constantly,” one of her coworkers told me.
“Good things, I hope,” I joked.
“She says you’re the most patient man on earth.”
“She might be exaggerating.”
I watched Amber from across the room, her laugh bright, her hands moving as she told a story I could not hear.
“Your wife talks about you constantly,”
I thought about how lucky I was to have weathered every storm with her by my side.
The party hit its peak around eight o’clock.
Music drifted from the speakers and our friends crowded around the dining table.
I refilled glasses and watched Amber check her phone every few minutes, her eyes drifting toward the front door.
Then the doorbell rang, and her whole face changed.
