My wife loves surprises. Every year for her birthday or Valentine’s Day, I try to surprise her because I know how much it means to her. Her eyes light up like a child’s, making every special occasion an opportunity for something extraordinary.

“I love how well you know me, Liam,” she would say. “You always get it right!”

“You’re worth it all, Lora,” I said.

So, this year for her birthday, I planned a surprise that I hoped would be unforgettable. Pretending to be away on a business trip, I called her the day before her birthday to say that I’d be home late.

“You’re not coming back tomorrow?” Lora’s voice carried disappointment that broke my heart.

“I’m so sorry, love,” I said, laying on the regret. “Work got hectic, but I’ll make it up to you. How about a spa weekend when I’m back?”

There was a pause, then Lora let out a resigned sigh.

“Fine, but you owe me big time, Liam,” she said in a huff.

“Oh, darling,” I assured her, smiling at the thought of her reaction to the real surprise. “You’re going to love it.”

As soon as I hung up, I swung into action, calling our close friends and relatives to invite them to a surprise party at our apartment.

I had been planning it for a while, but I just needed to remind everyone.

“Yes, of course, Liam!”

“We’ll be there!”

“I’ll bring wine!”

Everyone was in on it, and the place buzzed with excitement as we decorated, set up food, and waited for her arrival.

“Do you think she’ll suspect anything?” asked Karen, her best friend, as she hung streamers.

“No way,” I replied confidently. “She thinks I’m out of town until tomorrow.”

Finally, we heard footsteps in the hallway and the sound of her laughter. I frowned, puzzled.

“Who could she be with?” I asked Karen. “If it’s not you or me, then it’s very strange…”

“Maybe her sisters?” Karen asked.

“No, they’re going to be here. They did say that they’d be a bit late because they’re going to pick up Lora’s present.”

The door opened, and as Lora stepped in, we all jumped out.

“Surprise!” we all shouted together.

But the joy was short-lived.

Gasps filled the room as everyone stared at the man standing beside Lora. It was Michael.

Michael was Lora’s father who had recently been released from prison. The shock on everyone’s faces mirrored the shock and confusion I felt.

Lora had never mentioned anything about her father being back in her life.

“Look, he’s in prison, Liam,” she told me when we spoke about her father one night over dinner. “That’s all I have to say about it.”

“But what did he do?” I asked. “Why did he go into prison? Was it that bad?”

But Lora just shook her head and refused to answer.

Eventually, years later, Lora began speaking about it, and how the turmoil that Michael had caused her family. Michael had been imprisoned for embezzlement, having stolen a significant amount of money from the company where he worked.

“That ruined us, Liam,” Lora said to me in tears.

The scandal had not only disgraced him but also brought shame and financial hardship to their family.

Now, seeing her laugh and at ease in his presence confused me. And for a moment, I felt betrayed. In that moment, I almost wished she had brought home another man.

Anything but this.

“Lora, what’s going on?” I asked her, unable to hide the edge in my voice.

Lora, looking nervous and caught off guard by the crowd’s reaction, spoke first.

“Everyone, this is my dad, Michael. I know that most of you have heard about him, but here he is. Finally out of prison. He… he just wanted to apologize to me.”

Michael, clearly uncomfortable to have an audience, took a deep breath and addressed the room.

“I know I’ve caused a lot of pain to Lora, to her mom, Nancy, and the rest of our family. But I’ve spent my years in prison working on myself. I know that when our financial issues began, I took it out on my family. I’ve been trying to overcome my trauma and stop being so aggressive. I’m truly sorry for everything.”

The room was silent. Michael’s words hung in the air. It was as if time had stopped, and everyone had held their breath to process the unexpected turn of events.

“I understand if you don’t want to forgive me, but I wanted to make amends. I want to be a part of Lora’s life. Of all my children’s lives. I just started my apology tour with Lora because she’s the eldest. I’m here to show that I’ve changed.”

I didn’t know how to react. I didn’t know what my thoughts were. On one hand, I believed him. There was something about his words and body language that made him genuine.

But could he change?

As he turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of Lora’s face. She looked torn and on the verge of tears, but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Despite everything, she wanted to give him a chance.

“Michael, wait,” I called out, surprising myself with the firmness in my voice. “Stay. If Lora wants you here, then you should be here.”

Michael looked at me, stunned, then turned to Lora, who had tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Thank you, darling,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

I nodded.

“If this is what makes you happy, then I’m willing to try and make this work,” I said.

Michael, visibly moved, nodded as well.

“Thank you, Liam. I promise I won’t let you down,” he said.

As the evening wore on, the atmosphere gradually shifted from tense to awkward to cautiously hopeful. But once the platters of food came out, everyone seemed to be calmer.

“Lora, are you sure about this?” Karen asked when we were in the kitchen getting more bottles of wine.

Lora sighed, her gaze drifting to her father.

“Yes, he’s my dad, and he’s trying to make things right. I want to give him a chance,” she said.

I stood back, watching as Lora and Michael hugged, both of them in tears.

“Come on,” I said. “It’s time for the birthday cake!”

We carried out the birthday cake for Lora, and nobody sang louder than Michael, who seemed genuinely proud and happy to be there.

As the party wound down, Michael stood up to address everyone.

“I want to thank you all for giving me this opportunity. I know it will take time to earn your trust. But I promise you, I am committed to making amends and being a better person and father.”

There was a hesitant round of applause, more out of politeness than genuine acceptance, but it was a start.

Later, when everyone was gone, Lora and I stood on the balcony together, taking in the final moments of her birthday.

“I’m so grateful that you welcomed my father, Liam,” she said. “I know what I said, but I think that it’s time to heal from the past. You know?”

“I know,” I agreed. “I think that Michael needs to meet the adult Lora. Not the version of you that he knew before he went to prison.”

She nodded as she held her glass of champagne.

“And anyway, I promised to help him find a new apartment soon. Will you help me? It will be something small and simple.”

“Of course, honey,” I said, embracing her.