The Birthday Party

“Happy Birthday Danika!” Barely holding in a shout of surprise, Danika jumped. The baby settled on her hip had no such filter and let out an ear-splitting shriek.

“Sorry baby girl!” Josh, her oldest brother, called. “Didn’t mean to scare you.” Forcing a smile to her face Danika replied,

“She’s fine. She’s just never been to a surprise party before.” Indeed, Lily had already gotten over her fright and was looking around with wide eyes. It appeared as though their entire extended family – of which there were many – as well as several of her friends were crammed into her tiny apartment.

Streamers and balloons were everywhere, and food and presents spilled from every available surface. A large box, wrapped with brown paper and twine, was tucked unobtrusively in the corner.

Danika appreciated the thought, she really did, but she has wanted to spend today alone. Her husband, Darren, was still deployed. All she wanted for her birthday was to speak to him, to know that he was okay. It has been weeks since she had last been able to contact him, and he had been worried about a recent series of attacks on convoys in his area. She knew that there was nothing she could do, and that moping around wouldn’t help, but she just didn’t have the energy to care. Still, her family and friends had put in a lot of effort for her, and she wouldn’t be ungrateful.

Setting down her bags she stepped into the room. Immediately she was deprived of Lily, who disappeared into her grandmother’s arms. Darren’s mom, Stefanie, had been a huge help with childcare. She often took Lily to the park or for playdates so Danika could work on her writing in peace. Once or twice a week she brought over home cooked meals. She had even been in the delivery room with Danika, when Darren couldn’t be there.

She remembered the day they had found out she was pregnant. Darren had been so excited! They had decided not to tell anyone until she was out of the first trimester, and he had had to work so hard to keep from spilling the secret. He spent three months nearly bursting out of his skin. Her normally stoic husband had been a bundle of nerves and joy. He had bought an assortment of mugs that said World’s Best Grandma/Grandpa/Aunt/Uncle/etc. and mailed them as soon as the agreed-on date passed. To say they had received a number of excited phone calls would be an understatement.

Unfortunately, he was deployed a few months into her second trimester. Her family and his had come together to support them both. Danika’s sisters, Morgan and Maryann, had documented every step of her pregnancy so Darren wouldn’t miss out. Stefanie had accompanied her to all her appointments and was a font of advice. Her father Mick, and Darren’s father, Paul, had worked together and handmade every piece of furniture in the nursery. He middle brother, Jake, had painted the nursery in Hufflepuff and Gryffindor colors (so she and Darren were huge Harry Potter nerds. Sue them). It brought tears to her eyes, sometimes, to think of the support she had had. And in between that were her infrequent conversations with Darren.

Darren had seen Lily on Facetime but had yet to see her in person. Danika knew her husband would cry. A great behemoth of a man, six foot six and two hundred and eighty pounds of muscle, and their tiny baby girl would bring him to his knees. She had Danika’s blond hair and Darren’s green eyes. She was joy personified, with a bright, infectious smile. Danika couldn’t wait for the two to meet. But she couldn’t help but worry.

As she greeted her friends, made small talk, and nibbled on appetizers her thoughts couldn’t help but drift to the last time she had spoken with her husband. He had sounded tired, worn thin. He couldn’t hide the worry in his voice, though he tried. She desperately wanted to hear his voice, to know that he was still coming home as scheduled. Sure, that date was still months away, but at least she would know he was okay. That, honestly, was all she wanted for her birthday.

The party eventually began to wind down. Gifts and cake, and then it would be time to put Lily to bed. Her brothers and sisters would come back in the morning to help clean up. Settling down on the couch she accepted her first gift.

Danika did have to admit, however, she was most curious about the box in the corner. It was wrapped with plain paper, which stood out among the other brightly wrapped gifts. Also, her family was acting weird. Every time her eyes touched the package someone distracted her. She hadn’t realized it was happening the first couple of times, but she was no dunce. It was very suspicious, and only piqued her curiosity. She almost asked to open it next, but clearly there was a plan. She could wait.

Finally, all the pretty parcels had been opened. There was only one left. Jake and Josh pushed the box to the center of the room. Danika lifted an eyebrow. Clearly whatever it was packed some weight. She moved to stand, but Maryann, nestled next to her on the right, held her hand to keep her in place.

“Alright guys, what’s going on? You’re all acting weird.” No one answered her. With big grins Josh and Jake pulled off the twine and lifted the box straight up. The lid was tossed to the side to reveal Darren, holding a dozen tiger lilies, her favorite flower.

For a moment time stood still.

“Darren!” She all but flew off the cough, nearly tackling her husband to the ground. Laughing, he caught her, handing the bouquet off to one of her brothers. He lifted her up and spun her around before pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

“Hello, Dani.”

“Welcome home, darling. We missed you.” Hugging him for a moment longer, Danika pulled back, and reached for her child. Stefanie gladly handed Lily over. “I have someone who wants to meet you.” With gentle reverence, Darren held his baby girl for the time. Tears blurred bright green eyes as a tiny hand pressed against his cheek.

“Lily, this is Daddy.”

“Dada!” Her first word. Her baby’s first word was to welcome her father home.

So, she had been wrong. This is what she had wanted for her birthday. Her family all together, her husband home with their little girl in his arms. She could think of no better gift than that.