I stood frozen, trying to process. Tommy and Jake giggled.
“We did good, right?” Tommy asked proudly.
“That man you heard was Mike,” Sarah explained. “He helped set up the party. We’ve been planning this for weeks!”
Relief flooded through me as I realized what had really been happening. Sarah and the kids had pulled off a surprise party, and I’d been the unwitting star of the prank.
Later, after the party wound down and the kids were asleep, Sarah and I sat on the couch. The house was filled with the warmth of family, and I couldn’t help but laugh at how easily I’d fallen for it.
“I can’t believe you got me,” I said, pulling her close.
“Best Christmas surprise ever,” she teased.
“Unforgettable,” I agreed, kissing the top of her head.
The snow fell outside, but I didn’t feel the cold. I was home.