I waited, outwardly patient, for them to leave. I needed them to leave. I told myself I should have gotten up hours earlier. I should have showered and been ready.

Instead, I chose a few extra moments of sleep.

As it turns out, it was perfectly fine. I kissed them goodbye and set to work. There were treats to prepare, decorations to hang, floors to vacuum, and myself to shower!

Everything got done and guests began to arrive. The surprise was going to happen!

As they returned, we took our places and the sweet look on his face was the perfect reward!