Burfday Surprise

"Now Hal, you sure this is the one?" Gil asked his daughter. She was only three years old, but she was already diligent when it came to picking out gifts. That's the reason why they had spent at least an hour attempting to pick out Sara's present.

"Yes Daddy, Mommy will love it!"

"Okie dokie, time for us to pay. Then we gotta get home and go to bed for tomorrow, right?"

"Yessssss!" squealed Halley.


Gil was careful not to wake Sara as he climbed out of bed. He tiptoed into Halley's room. Usually it'd be the other way around, but the excitement must've kept her up.

"Honey, time to get up." Halley only stirred and scrunched her nose. She was just like her mother. "Remember whose birthday's today?"

At that instant she shot up. "Mommy's!" she screeched while pouncing up and down.

"Shhh! It's still early! Mommy's still sleeping!" Gil said in a hushed whisper. His daughter's look of puzzlement eased and she nodded her head. "Let's go make her some breakfast."


The duo of daddy and daughter managed to make plain, chocolate chip, and blueberry pancakes as well as toast, bacon, and eggs. Gil did most of the work, but Halley was more than capable to handle stirring the batter. Gil was about finished brewing the coffee when he glanced at the clock.

"It's almost time for Mom to get up! We have to hurry and clean up!" While Gil was scrambling to pour the coffee and practically throwing the dirty dishes/utensils in the dishwasher, Halley was just standing there laughing at Hank. She spilled some of the batter and he was licking it up.

"Hal, hand me that bowl will you?" She nodded her head and gave the bowl to her dad. "Ok, I'm almost done cleaning. Can you quickly but quietly get Mommy's bag from the closet and put it on the breakfast tray?"

"Sure daddy." Halley was gone and back in less than a minute. She also added a card that she made special. She kissed it than stuck it in the bag. Gil set the last plate on the tray than patted Halley's head. "Good girl, now let's take this upstairs."

Gil cracked the bedroom door and Halley stuck her head inside. They could see a mop of brunette curls sprawled out on the pillow, but no face or body to match. Sara was hidden by the mass of covers. Halley couldn't muffle her "tee-hee" laughs. The high pitched laughs must've been loud enough because just then Sara stirred and the mound of covers shifted. Gil and Halley could hear a yawn so they maneuvered their way to the bed. That's when Halley shouted, "HAPPY BURFDAY MOMMY!" Sara let out a gasp and popped up. She was instantly welcomed with a hug and kiss from her daughter and a wide grin from her husband.

"Happy Birthday, dear."

"Thank you! That's a way to wake up on a Saturday morning!" Sara smiled and gave Halley a brush on the cheek. She received a kiss from Gil and she couldn't help but raise her eyebrows at the platter he was carrying. "What's all this?" She eyed the dishes of food and bag, which she shook her head to. "I don't need any gifts, Gil."

"Nonsense! It's your special day, so you deserve a little something." He turned to his daughter. "Gift or food first Hal?"

"Gift!" Halley chanted.

"Well, before Halley makes your day, let me give you your present." Halley frowned. "Don't worry, sweetheart, we'll save the best gifts for last." Halley's frown turned into a big smile. Gil removed a rose from behind his back. "The rest will come later…" Gil's eyes turned mischievous and Sara just started laughing hysterically.

In between breaths she managed to get out, "I – love – it! Thank you - honey." She planted a kiss on his lips and ruffled his hair.

"Ok now I know a certain somebody who's losing their cool. Who's next, again?" Sara asked. Halley grabbed the pink bag and jumped on the bed.

"ME! Open mine!" Sara acted surprised as she slowly took out a card. After she admired the drawing of her, Halley, Gil, and Hank, she embraced Halley in a bear hug.

"This is beautiful, Halley! Thank you."

"There's more!"

Sara crumbled the tissue paper and reached in to extract a felt bag. Her eyes widened as she pulled the string on either side. A cupcake charm fell out. It was silver with a gold speckle on top. Her eyes became moist. She would never get used to receiving charms for her Pandora bracelet. She was so absorbed in the moment she never noticed Gil retrieve her bracelet from her dresser. He took her hand in his and after a second, started adding the newest charm to the bracelet. He made sure it was secure than snapped the clasp shut once it was on Sara's wrist.

"Thank you, sweetie. I love this. It's perfect." As she reached to kiss her daughter's head, her bracelet jingled. "Whenever I hear that noise, I will think of my best birthday gift ever! Did you pick this out all by yourself?"

"No, daddy helped me."

Sara looked at Gil. He shook his head. "Well, technically, she's right. I helped her, but she had the final word on the charm."

"How long?"

"An hour."

Wow was all Sara was able to mouth. "She gets that from you."

"Ha ha, very funny. Diligence is a quality we both share. It just so happens she likes to take extra time when making a decision. There's nothing wrong with that."

"No, there's not," Sara chuckled.

Gil and Sara continued to stare at their daughter in awe, the food apparently forgotten for the time being…

Fin

How was it?